Capstone

The MPH Capstone project is a requirement for graduation for students in the Master of Public Health Program. The MPH Capstone is an opportunity for students to work on public health practice projects that are of particular interest to them. The goal is for students to synthsize, integrate and apply the skills and competencies they have acquired to a public health problem that approximates a professional practice experience.

Generally, completion of the MPH capstone project requires both written and oral components. The project is done under the direction of a faculty member, your MPH capstone supervisor. All students must complete the MPH Capstone Information Form and include a 1-page outline or description to tell us how you will complete the written and oral requirement. This form is due by February 13, 2009.

In order to satisfy the written component, a student must write a paper. While there are no formal guidelines on the length of the paper, it is expected that the paper would be about 20 pages (ranging between 15-25 double-spaced pages) not including references, tables and figures. The paper must include an executive summary (limited to 300 words) and references. A draft of the MPH Capstone project should be submitted to your faculty capstone supervisor by April 17, 2009 to begin the approval process. The final written project, along with a letter from your faculty capstone supervisor approving your project, is due by April 29, 2009.

Only students who submit the final approved project by April 29th are eligible to graduate on May 20th.

The oral component is satisfied by presenting your project either at the MPH symposium that is held in May, at a professional meeting, a seminar or alternative venue approved by your faculty capstone supervisor, or optional concentration area (if you elected one).

The capstone is typically done during the 3rd and 4th terms prior to graduation, as special studies courses under the direction of a faculty member, your MPH capstone supervisor. The capstone supervisor will typically be the student's advisor, but it need not be. Students can identify another faculty member to supervise the capstone, if it is more appropriate. Students who elect an optional MPH concentration should follow any additional specific concentration area requirements for the MPH capstone for that concentration. The concentration faculty will provide detailed instructions.

What are the possible forms that the capstone project can take?

The capstone project can take many forms including one of the four designs below, an expansion of a course, or an internship or practicum opportunity. The overarching principle to determine if a capstone project is suitable is whether it provides students the opportunity to apply the skills and competencies acquired in the MPH program to a problem likely to be encountered in public health practice. The topic and format of the capstone project is flexible and is developed through discussions between the student and capstone supervisor. Some examples of formats or designs for the capstone project include:

Grant Proposal or Research Plan- The capstone project would simulate a grant or research proposal. The project would include a clear statement of the research question, the specific aims of the proposal, review of literature, study design, methods of analysis, implications and significance of the work. The research question would be one that is encountered in professional work such as the evaluation of a public health intervention.

Research Report- The capstone project would involve the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to address a public health problem. The project would include sections on the research question, study design, data collection procedures, data analysis, interpretation, and significance of findings. Please note that the appropriate IRB approval may need to be obtained for such a project.

Public Health Program Plan- The capstone project would involve the development of a plan to implement a public health program. It would address critical issues such as management, fiscal, ethical and logistical issues.

Analysis of a Public Health Problem- The capstone project would be an in-depth analysis of an important public health problem. The project would include sections that clearly describe the problem, assess the problem and its magnitude, evaluate its causes and determinants, discuss prevention and intervention strategies, and implementation and evaluation.

Students may wish to collaborate with a local public health community organization for their capstone project. The Student OUtreach Resource CEnter (SOURCE), a Johns Hopkins Medical Institution office, can be helpful in putting students in touch with local community organizations. Contact the SOURCE Director, Ms. Mindi Levin, at 410-955-3880.

Logistics and Process for Students Who Elect a Concentration

Students who elect an optional area of concentration should follow the specific directions for that concentration. The specific requirements vary among concentrations with respect to the number of special studies units that are required and the content of the capstone. However, all students must complete both the written and oral components. Contact your concentration faculty directors for specific questions. Students can complete the oral requirement either at the May 9th Capstone Project Symposium or an alternative venue approved by the concentration.

Logistics and Process for Students Who Customize

Full-time students who elect to customize their MPH program should follow the specific instructions described below in this section. During 3rd and 4th terms, students MUST sign up for at least 1 unit of special studies EACH term with their capstone supervisor. The capstone supervisor will typically be the advisor, but it could also be another faculty member in the School of Public Health, the School of Medicine, or someone from the student's workplace with the advisor's approval, and oversight in the case of the latter 2 options.

By February 13, 2009, students should notify the MPH Program office of the title of their project and name of their capstone supervisor by completing the MPH Capstone Information Form.

Students may also sign up for additional special studies units (above the minimum of 1 required unit in each of the 3rd and 4th terms) with their capstone supervisor. MSN/MPH students meet the 2 required units of special studies by signing up for the course (NR 500.606) Public Health Nursing Leadership and Management Practicum (community health MSN/MPH track) and (NR 500.607) Public Health Nursing/Nursing Practitioner Practicum (NP track).

Students are required to give a 10-minute oral presentation summarizing their capstone project that could include visuals such as a PowerPoint presentation. There will be a special capstone symposium held on Saturday, May 9, 2009 for these presentations. Students may waive out of the Capstone symposium, if they have previously given an oral presentation on their capstone work at a professional meeting or at a departmental seminar approved by their MPH capstone supervisor. In order to have the Capstone symposium participation requirement waived, the student must inform the MPH Office of their intent by February 13, 2009. Students must submit a signed letter from their capstone supervisor attesting to the fact that an oral requirement has been met in an alternative venue, including the name of the meeting, within 7 days after giving the presentation. Click here for the prototype form to waive the oral requirement. All students who are on campus are required to attend the Saturday capstone symposium, even if they have presented at an alternative venue, to give support to the students who are presenting.

Logistics for signing up for the MPH Capstone Special Studies

The MPH capstone special studies course numbers are xxx.800. The 3-digit prefix number is determined by the primary department of your faculty capstone supervisor (check with the course catalog and your advisor). You can determine the department affiliation of any faculty in the School by going to the Faculty Directory website.

If your capstone supervisor does not have a primary appointment in the School of Public Health, but has a joint appointment in a SPH department, then use that department affiliation. If no joint appointment or outside JHU, then use your advisor's department. If you are still uncertain, check with the MPH Program office.

Using a course project as a MPH capstone project

Some courses in the School of Public Health require projects that could also serve as a basis for an MPH capstone project. Students may use their work from any project-oriented course as a starting basis for their capstone, but must build and expand on it for the final capstone project. Building on a project from a course may be helpful to some students because it provides additional structure and support. If a project from a course is used as a starting point for the capstone, that previous work must be placed in the list of references and the advisor will need a copy of the student's original paper. There are numerous courses in School that are project oriented which could serve as a starting point for the capstone. Some examples include: (180.611) The Global Environment and Public Health and (380.671) Adolescent Pregnancy -- Causes, Consequences, Interventions. Students are still required to register for the special studies units as described previously (2 units, or check for concentration specific requirements).

IRB Information Guide - Getting approval from the Committee on Human Research for a MPH capstone

Sometimes you do need approval of the Committee on Human Research (CHR). It depends on the capstone project. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) Office has prepared an IRB Information Guide to help you determine if your project involves research and can be viewed by clicking here. Some additional information on human subjects research and the IRB process is provided in a PowerPoint presentation and can be viewed by clicking here.

Approval Process

The final paper must be approved by the capstone supervisor for all students. The student must submit a copy of the paper along with a signed approval letter by the capstone supervisor to the MPH Program office. Click here for a prototype of the approval letter.

Submit a hard copy of your paper and approval letter signed by your capstone supervisor to the MPH Program office (Room W1015, Wolfe Street building, fax: 410-955-4749, or email: mphprog@jhsph.edu). The final paper and approval letter must arrive at the MPH Program office before 5pm, April 29, 2009 in order to graduate in May.

MPH Field Experience Fund Award

The MPH Field Experience Fund awards can be used to develop an MPH capstone project. The award is intended primarily to provide support for full-time students during the January Intersession period to develop their capstone project. For example, the award could be used for travel to collect data or to obtain a direct hands-on practical public health experience. The awards can be used for individual field experiences ($1,000 or $2,000) or group field experiences involving multiple students ($5,000 maximum per group project). An application for the award consists of a three-page statement outlining the capstone project and how the funds will be used. The application should also have the approval signature of either your capstone supervisor or your advisor. If the project involves international travel, the application materials should include a Travel Checklist and Graduate Student Release Form which can be found at the International Travel Resources website. The applications are due by November 5, 2008. The winners will be chosen by a faculty awards committee by early December.

For further information about the practicum experience in population-based health requirement, click here.

See links below for previous recipients of the MPH Field Experience Fund Award:
     2007-2008 MPH Field Experience Fund Award Recipients
     2006-2007 MPH Field Experience Fund Award Recipients
     2005-2006 MPH Field Experience Fund Award Recipients

Honors and Awards

The MPH Program office will be awarding special honors to the best overall capstone projects. Nominations are accepted from capstone faculty supervisors. The winners will be selected by an awards committee based on the written project. The capstone award includes a plaque for excellence in public health professional practice. The student with the single overall best capstone project will receive a $500 award as well.

Internships or practicum opportunities on which to base you capstone

Students may wish to collaborate with a local public health community organization for their capstone project. The Student OUtreach Resource CEnter (SOURCE) office can be helpful in putting students in touch with local community organizations. Contact: Mindi Levin, SOURCE Director, 410-955-3880.

Examples of Capstone Experience Projects from Previous Years

Click here to see examples of capstone projects submitted from previous years. The list is provided to show you the breadth of possible topics and formats. In addition, binders with copies of capstone project papers completed by students from previous years are on reserve at the main Lilienfeld Library (Hampton House 9th floor) and the MPH Program office (Room W1015, Wolfe Street Building).

If you are thinking of focusing your capstone project on a policy-related topic click here for further information.

Where can I get extra help?

If you need help, you should first consult with your advisor and\or your capstone supervisor. During 4th term we will also have teaching assistants with whom you can consult on such issues as data analysis, content, and whom will generally help you think through your project. The teaching assistant hours will be posted. The Welch Medical Library offers various writing forums and classes.

Summary of Steps to Complete the Capstone Requirement

If you are satisfying your capstone requirement by a project through special studies under the direction of your capstone supervisor/advisor:

Begin to think about your capstone project NOW.

Sign up for at least 1 unit of special studies in both 3rd and 4th terms with your capstone supervisor (for students who customize) or follow the specific requirements of a concentration for students enrolled in a concentration.

1) By February 13, 2009, complete the MPH Capstone Information Form (including a 1-page outline or description). We will schedule you to participate in the May symposium unless you choose to satisfy the oral requirement in another venue, and submit an approved waive form. The approval for alternative venue presentations from capstone supervisors are due to the MPH Office within 7 days after completion of the presentation.

2) Submit your final draft project paper to your capstone supervisor by April 17, 2009 for review.

3) Submit your final project, along with the approval letter from your capstone supervisor to the MPH Program office by April 29, 2009.

4) Participate in the Saturday, May 9, 2009 symposium to satisfy your oral presentation requirement. ONLY STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED ALL OF THE CAPSTONE REQUIREMENTS BY THE DATES GIVEN ABOVE ARE ELIGIBLE TO GRADUATE AND PARTICIPATE IN CONVOCATION ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2009.