Senior Project: Capstone or Internship

Herzing University’s Bachelor degree programs contain a valuable senior project requirement. The requirement includes the option of either a capstone project course or an internship which is specific to your area of study. The senior project is completed in students’ senior years and allows them to utilize the knowledge that they have acquired in their field of study.

Many students elect to do the capstone project. In fact the Registration department will automatically schedule students for the capstone project when creating schedules unless a student informs us of his or her desire to complete an internship. The capstone project usually requires the student to work in a team with other students to identify a project within their field, do all of the research, prepare a plan and present this to their classmates and their instructor.

For example, Business majors teams would “perform all facets of product and process design from inception to marketing the product…including problem identification, formulation of design specifications; and integration of criteria based on customer needs, production costs, and marketing issues” (Herzing University Catalog 2009-2010). Graphic Design majors would work on an “industry sponsored or instructor approved project from inception to marketing.” These can all be very interesting and allow students to showcase their talents and their newly acquired skills. However don’t discount the possibility of doing an internship entirely.

Internships are a great way to utilize your skills at a workplace in your field. If you are already working full time you may be able to work with your employer to use some of your work time to fulfill the requirements of an internship. You should check with Herzing University’s Career Services department to see what the requirements are for an Internship in your major. You may be surprised, and the chance to work in a different area of your company could lead to new opportunities for you after you graduate. An internship would give you a chance to showcase your new knowledge and skills and give your employer a chance to see you in a new light. If you already volunteer somewhere see if you can use your time there to fulfill your Internship requirements. An internship can be the perfect lead in to new and exciting challenges.

Whatever your choice, the capstone project or an internship, feel free to contact Herzing University to get more information about your options. There are course descriptions for each option at the back of our catalog, which is available online at www.herzingonline.com/catalog. Let us know how we can make your schedule most valuable to you and we will be happy work with you.