Sponsor a Capstone Team

Each year, we solicit project proposals for the Capstone program in our graduate programs in healthcare management and administration. As a requirement for completion of the degree, students work with healthcare organizations to develop plans and recommendations to address problems and needs in healthcare administration and business development. Our students have an average of 11 years of professional work experience, often in managerial roles, when starting our programs. In addition, most students work full-time in the healthcare industry while in the program.  

Calls for projects open in September, with a proposal deadline of 15 November. If you are interested in becoming a capstone sponsor, please provide your information in this form. We will contact you when the application packets are available.  

The following elements are desired in Capstone projects: 

  • Needs assessment, gap analysis and stakeholder assessment 

  • Primary research (e.g. interviews, observations, surveys, focus groups) 

  • Secondary research (e.g. literature review and database analysis) 

  • Qualitative and quantitative analysis 

  • Analysis of business strategy and financial forecasts 

  • Creation of business models and business plans 

As part of a graduate education curriculum, Capstone projects require specific timelines, learning objectives, assessment, feedback and deliverables. Thus, Capstone projects differ somewhat from traditional projects in the workplace. Considerations include project timelines and access to information: 

  • January – February, sponsors work with faculty to scope the project.

  • Early March, the sponsor meets the team. 

  • Early April, students begin work on their projects. 

  • Late May, students present their findings and recommendations. 

  • Flexibility in times when students are available for interviews and observations.  

  • Prompt response to requests for data and other information from project sponsor. 

  • One to two hours per week of direct communication between the project sponsor and students for status reports, questions, and guidance. These meetings are conducted via phone or video conferencing.