CAPSTONE OPTION 1
HON 401
The Research-Based Capstone
HON 401 is the traditional, academic research-oriented Honors capstone experience. HON 401 is the best choice in the following cases:
The student has graduate school plans
The student has a defined topic they would like to research
The student has experience with faculty mentored research, or would like to work with a faculty mentor
The student is interested in conducting research
HON 401 sections are organized by disciplinary clusters:
Natural and Behavioral / Experimental Sciences
Social Sciences
Humanities / Interdisciplinary
Students choosing the HON 401 route select a faculty mentor in the Spring of their Junior year, (ideally) complete a capstone course in their major during the Fall of their Senior year along with a few check-in meetings with their HON 401 instructor. During the Spring of their senior year, they take HON 401
CAPSTONE OPTION 2
HON 484/485
The Project-Based Capstone
HON 484/485 is the project-based, experiential research-oriented capstone experience. HON 484 is the best option in the following cases:
The student prefers an applied/professional research project to an academic research project
The student does not have a faculty mentor they would like to work with
The student does not have a defined topic they would like to explore
The student plans on going into a career rather than into graduate school
HON 484-485 sections each have a theme. Students should select them based on their interest and proficiency related to that theme.
Some themes offered in the past include:
Criminal Justice Reform
Financial Crime and Security
Journalism
Service Project​
Students choosing the HON 484-5 route do not select a faculty mentor; instead, their HON 484-5 instructor serves as their mentor. Students sign up for HON 484 during the Fall semester of their senior year, followed by HON 485 in the Spring semester.
What if I am graduating in the Fall or Winter?
HON 484 is only offered in the Fall, and HON 485 is only offered in the Spring. Students graduating in the Fall/Winter semester will either need to complete HON 484-5 during the year before their final semester, or complete HON 401 during their final semester. If HON 401 is not offered in the semester after which you plan to graduate, you may need to consult with your advisor.
5 CAPSTONE STEPS
Step 1. Enroll in HON 301 All students will enroll in HON 301, the Research Methods Seminar in spring of the Junior year. Class sections are determined by discipline.
Step 2. Select your Senior capstone (HON 401 or HON 484) Students may choose from HON 401, the research-based capstone, or HON 484/485, the project-based capstone.
Step 3. Fall of the Senior Year HON 484 students. Enroll in the senior seminar in fall of the senior year and HON 485 in spring of the senior year. HON 401 students attend tutorial sessions in fall of the seniors year, and enroll in HON 401 in spring of the senior year.
Step 4. Spring of the Senior Year. Students write the capstone and select a method for presenting their research.
Step 5. Spring of the Senior YearAll students participate in the Research Week Expo.Students have the option of publishing their research in CUNY AcademicWorks.