Doctoral Capstone Project

The doctoral capstone is an integral part of the program’s curriculum design. The doctoral capstone consists of two primary parts: 

1. Doctoral Capstone Project
2. Doctoral Capstone Experience

The curriculum includes three courses: Capstone Project Design I, II, III (OTP 690, OTP 790, OTP 795). These courses guide students through the introduction, planning, and development of the capstone project, which they implement during their capstone doctoral residency. 

In these three courses, the student collaborates with a faculty mentor and designs a project aligned with the program’s curriculum. The project design includes:

• Specific objectives
• Literature review
• A needs assessment
• An evaluation plan
• A timeline of activities
• A mentoring plan outlining the type and degree of supervision required to achieve project goals

Each student selects a project in one of the following areas: 

• Advanced clinical practice
• Advocacy projects
• Leadership and Administration
• Education 
• Program and policy development
• Research  

Before beginning their doctoral capstone residency, students must complete the Doctoral Certification & Introduction to Residency course (OTP 870). In this course, students finalize all capstone project objectives, timelines, and supervision details in collaboration with their capstone advisors, including faculty and capstone mentors.

Doctoral Capstone Projects

Class of 2024