For MC students who registered for their academic program beginning in the fall of 2018,
the MC program culminates in the completion of the Capstone Research Project. Below is the
format for writing a Capstone Project. You are encouraged to compose a Capstone Project that
reflects your therapeutic interests and passions in a project that will serve to encapsulate your
academic learning within your graduate program.
This paper must be APA formatted. The paper’s length will be determined in consultation
between students and advisors.
Chapter 1: Research Problem
This initial paper will introduce students’ research question or problem to be addressed,
and will form Chapter 1. You are encouraged to be creative, and to write about a theme, concept,
idea, or practice for which you have a passion. What is the question of inquiry at the heart of
your research? What is the definition of this problem? How extensive is this problem or issue?
Describe the significance and context of the problem with reference to academic literature.
Provide the chapter with a section of definitions of terms. Clearly articulate the aims of you
Capstone. Predict what you might find from your literature review. Provide a roadmap or outline
for the remainder of the capstone.
You must clearly articulate in Chapter 1 why the research problem(s) you are exploring has
utility and applicability within the field of counselling, psychotherapy, or areas relating to
therapeutic community work. Regardless of the methodology employed, the practical therapeutic
usefulness of students’ studies must be outlined. The expectation is that critical thinking will be
employed in reviewing the literature, and, where appropriate, offering alternative solutions and
program designs.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
A review of literature relevant to your question or problem is an integral component of
your project. In this second chapter, you will present your literature review of the topic under
investigation. This paper will form Chapter 2.
Specifically, you will present the previous
research that has been undertaken to resolve the problem(s) you highlighted in the first chapter.
Include critiques of the literature you explore and describe alternative perspectives regarding the
dilemma or problem. The literature review must be contemporary in nature; your advisor will
assist you in being thorough and “up to date” on the literature pertaining to your topic. The
chapter will conclude with a summary of your review.
Chapter 3: Analysis and Conclusion
This final chapter is a critical analysis, discussion, and conclusion regarding your
research topic. You will include the purpose or aims of your project, what you imagined and
thought you would discover in the literature review, and a comment on what you appreciated
and what you would highlight within the existing literature. You will also comment on
limitations or constraints you have noted, and from this, will propose alternative action. This
may include a proposal for future research, or a revisioned program design, social policy, or
therapeutic practice. For example, you may propose:
1) A new or different theoretical model, 2)
an outline of a framework for a therapeutic/support group, or 3) a framework that may be of use
to practitioners working with a specific demographic or within a specific therapeutic setting. As
with the previous two chapters, Chapter 3 will have a final summary and conclusion.
Note: Any reflections of a personal nature are always put in a separate chapter (i.e.,
creating a Chapter
4). Collaborate and consult with your advisor in regards to what may be
appropriate or relevant to include in this regard.
