Capstone Project: Where Knowledge Becomes Action
The capstone is the defining culmination of the Fletcher experience—a chance for students to bring together everything they’ve learned and make a meaningful impact. More than a typical term paper, it is a substantial, rigorous project that showcases the depth and breadth of a student’s Fletcher education, integrating methodological training, analytical tools and subject-matter expertise into a comprehensive study.
Students have the freedom to shape their capstone to align with their academic or professional goals. Whether it takes the form of a research thesis, policy paper, business plan or another creative project, each capstone is guided by a faculty supervisor who helps define its scope and expectations, formalized in an agreement during the semester before enrollment.
At Fletcher, the capstone is where knowledge transforms into action and ideas grow into influence. For more information on the capstone requirement, students can visit MyFletcher.
When do students complete the capstone?
Capstone projects are completed during a student’s final year in two-year programs, or final semester in one-year programs. Each project must demonstrate rigorous scholarly or professional analysis, grounded in sustained and appropriate use of analytical methods.
Is there a capstone course?
To support students in successfully completing their capstone, Fletcher provides a non-credit course designed to guide them through the process. Students take this course in their third semester of a two-year program or in their final semester of a one-year program. Completion with a letter grade is required for graduation, and the course cannot be taken pass/fail or audited.