Honors Program

Related Links

Fall Conference of Honors

The Capstone Handbook

Important Changes to Capstone

Capstone Proposal Samples

Requirements

Advising

Scholarships

Time to get started

The two semester Honors Capstone experience allows students to explore an independent project under the close supervision of a full time NKU faculty member.  The project may take many forms, from a substantial research paper to a significant creative project.  The Capstone, regardless of form, should reflect intellectual rigor and a serious pursuit of excellence.
 
In order to begin the Capstone students will decide on a project and secure a faculty project director. With the guidance of the faculty director, the student prepares a Capstone Project Proposal which is approved by both the faculty director and the Honors Program Director prior to registration for the first semester of Capstone credit.
 
As part of the two semester Capstone project requirements, students will present the highlights of their Capstone work to the University community and invited guests at the Fall or Spring Conference of Honors.

All Capstone projects, whether research oriented or creative in nature will have several characteristics in common. The work will be:

  • Original
  • Focus on a significant issue or subject that contributes to the student’s field of study or interest
  • Reflect outstanding scholarship
  • Be shaped through interaction with a full time NKU faculty director who is an expert on your topic
  • Include a written component appropriate to the project (research paper, lab reports, artist’s statement)
  • Include a presentation component 13-15 minutes in length followed by five minutes of interactive discussion at the Conference of Honors
  • Will become a public document archived by the Honors Program
Capstone Timeline
1st Semester
  • No later than 4 weeks prior to start of semester: Proposal is written, signed by both student and Capstone director, and submitted to the Honors Program
  • After proposal submission: After proposal is approved by the Honors Program Director student is registered for the first semester of the Capstone sequence
  • 1st week of classes: Mandatory meeting
  • Midterm: Midterm Progress Report due, signed by both student and director
  • After Super-priority registration: Student registers for the second semester of the Capstone sequence
  • Exam week: Final grades due
2nd Semester
  • 1st week of classes: Mandatory meeting and submission of progress report
  • Midterm: Midterm Progress Report due, signed by both student and director
  • 2-4 weeks prior to exam week: Presentation at the Conference of Honors
  • Exam week: Final written documentation due
  • Exam week: Final grades due

We're here to help!

For questions specific to the Capstone process, contact Jodi Ferner, Honors Capstone Project Coordinator.

For general Honors advising, contact David Kime.

For questions specific to presentation requirements and times, contact Honors Program Assistant Aaron Zlatkin.