Projects and simulations are integrated within the course to enhance critical thinking, communication, ethical decision making, and to foster interdisciplinary approaches to addressing issues. Ethics and issues as related to research in the health professions are emphasized. Students demonstrate synthesis of course content and research skills through a research project. This capstone course emphasizes the student's culmination of courses through demonstration of synthesis and evaluation of knowledge and experiences across disciplines via interdisciplinary development and presentation of a health policy project. This capstone project is an applied experience that integrates the principles, theories, and concepts of the student's career concentration with problems or issues existing in the health field.
Emphasis is on practical application of the student's career concentration area.
The course may be taken in increments of a minimum of two credits in a given semester, with a minimum of six credits necessary for completion of project requirements. Students must be registered for credits in the course in the semester in which the capstone project is presented. This thesis experience is based on student consultations with a faculty advisor to focus on a health professions research endeavor related to the students career concentration. The student evaluates and synthesizes materials learned throughout the program to conduct a sophisticated research project including a review of the literature, research design, data analysis, formulation of conclusions, and a written thesis. This course is recommended for students who desire to pursue a doctoral degree or a research-oriented career.