Questions
Please reference the forms, handbooks, and policies related to capstone options.
Q: How are students matched with capstones?
A: Students enroll in one of two options for masters projects: theme courses (with at least 8 pre-defined clients and topics) and the primary route where students see a set of submitted proposals in fall and then by winter semester enroll in EAS 701.888, where ranking of projects takes place and a professor finishes the matching. Teams are formed weighing needs of project proposals and student interest. Historically, students land in their top one-two preferred projects.
Q: How and when do students typically determine whether they will pursue a master's project or a thesis?
A: This decision must be final by the start of winter semester (January), but for the coming year (2021) an earlier deadline is likely by or before the holiday/winter break in December.
Q: What are the benefits to pursuing a master's project versus a thesis?
A: Both have benefits! Some students taking a more academic route after graduating or are looking to publish/move to a PhD opt for a thesis. It is of course more solo work with an advisor, so suited for students looking for intensive research on an issue they are passionate about on their own. Masters projects simulate real-world work scenarios where each student may have more defined roles to contribute to a greater whole, within a five member interdisciplinary team. Networking with client organizations, the potential for paid interning, and career interests with NGOs, government, or corporations after graduation are reasons for the project path.
Q: Are there any cases in which the thesis is recommended over the master's project?
A: Historically, theses have been seen as a way to prepare students for PhD programs because of their focus on leading and conducting research on your own. Traditional PhD programs will want to be certain that you have these abilities and that you have published your work. In our opinion, the key is that you can demonstrate these skills and outcomes - which you may also be able to achieve while working on a master's project. The latter has the advantage that is also teaches you about interdisciplinary research, team work, and partnering with clients. A conversation with your academic advisor can help guide you about what may be best for you depending on a variety of factors. Funded research grants and as stated elsewhere, an academic career focus tends to lead students in a thesis direction. However plenty of students who complete masters projects then complete a PhD, and projects often have publication potential just as a thesis does.
Q: Why are master's projects more popular?
A: At SEAS, we are all about real-world impact and preparing you to succeed in achieving this goal once you graduate. Working on sustainability challenges with an interdisciplinary team and a client is "the" way to prepare you for a career in sustainability. It is not just us, but our alumni who refer to their master's project experience as instrumental to their employment and success as sustainability leaders.
Q: What have master's projects looked like given COVID?
A: There have not been major impacts as for the most part projects and group work has to take place remotely for the 12-14 months anyway. Many projects that had a travel component were able to submit requests that were consistent with U-M policy granted travel authorization. Some international projects might be more impacted from a field visit standpoint due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
Q: Can master's projects be started in the second semester?
A: Most incoming MS students will start their project work in the second (winter) semester of their first year; 3-year MLA and dual degree students may have additional flexibility and begin in their second of three overall winter semesters.
Q: How and when do we choose our master's project topic?
A: This past year, proposals were submitted to SEAS in the summer and fall, reviewed, then presented to students later in fall semester. Virtual and/or in-person activities to engage with clients go alongside student's ability to review proposals and rank those they wish most to work on. A project planning course (EAS 701.888) supports the matching process later fall or early winter.
Q: What are some of the current capstone projects SEAS students are completing this year?
A: A full list of 2022 projects can be viewed here.
Q: Do we get any funding for our master's projects?
A: Yes. Each student (in each group) can apply for a $1,500 stipend and will receive guidance on budgeting these funds for eligible expenses.
Q: Is any traveling required/optional for master's projects?
A: While COVID-19 has impacted global and some domestic travel, it is often a feature of masters projects. Some students factor this into projects they most wish to work on. Not every project will have travel, but most do. This can range from nearby field site visits, to in-state/regional travel, and a handful each cycle that are international. Again, travel restrictions due to COVID-19 are an unknown at this stage of the pandemic, as to 2021-22 impacts. With domestic travel:
- Register travel in the U-M Travel Registry.
- Ensure that the activity follows relevant local laws and regulations, including those related to human gatherings/in-person interactions.
- Plan to follow CDC and U-M guidelines for returning to campus from another U.S. state. See CDC and U-M Campus Blueprint website for details.
Q: Which capstone option is more suitable for prospective PhD students?
A: There is no hard and fast rule, but advisors more often would advocate a thesis to get experience leading and conducting research without the support of peers. However, as stated elsewhere, students who complete masters projects go onto PhD degrees as well. Most PhD programs seek students who not only have the necessary research skills but also have published. If a project more closely aligns with your subject interest or helps to move you in your desired research direction, it may be a highly relevant option, particularly if one of the goals is also to publish associated research.
Q: Is the thesis option recommended over the master's project if I'm interested in a career in academia?
A: There is no hard and fast rule, but advisors more often would advocate a thesis to get experience leading and conducting research without the support of peers. However, as stated elsewhere, students who complete masters projects go onto PhD degrees as well. Most PhD programs seek students who not only have the necessary research skills but also have published. If a project more closely aligns with your subject interest or helps to move you in your desired research direction, it may be a highly relevant option, particularly if one of the goals is also to publish associated research.
Q: Are there additional steps that I should take ahead of my matriculation if I want to pursue a thesis during my time at SEAS? Who should I reach out to for information?
A: Once assigned an academic faculty advisor, connect with them about your desire to complete a thesis, or with faculty with whom you would hope to work. SEAS students can only complete a thesis if a SEAS faculty member agrees to serve in such a capacity, along with a "reader." Beginning conversations about the topic with your advisor or other faculty members early is advised, to ensure you will learn if completing a thesis is a possibility. Doing so early is also important because it can take extra time to assemble committee members and meet the administrative touch points needed for completing a thesis.
Q: Is there flexibility regarding the capstone date?
A: Completing a capstone option is a graduate requirement that must be completed by the time of graduation. However, 3-year MLA and dual-degree students may start their capstone in their second of three years. In the case of dual degree students, they may have the option to use their other program's capstone requirement as a substitute. Your target graduation data should drive when you begin your capstone. The Registrar will be able to help ensure you are registering appropriately and sequentially to fulfill requirements.
Q: When in the duration of the program do you start the capstone project?
A: Students pursuing the 2-year MS or MLA programs will start their capstone in their first Winter term. Students pursuing the 3-year MLA program will start their capstone in their second Winter term. Three year dual degree students have the option of starting it in year one or year two.