Capstone Experiences at SMCM

All St. Mary’s students complete a capstone experience, and all capstones give students the opportunity to synthesize, but also extend, their past learning. All capstones culminate in a public presentation.

Capstone experiences are at least 4 credits, and depending on the major, fulfilled through seminar-style course, a group project, or a St. Mary’s Project.

St. Mary’s Projects
St. Mary’s Projects– or SMPs– are independent, 8-credit projects, mentored by a faculty member and like any capstone, presented in a public forum. Many St. Mary’s students find the SMP to be one of the most rewarding experiences of their college career. Students who take on an SMP define the focus and scope of their projects, often conducting research on topics and questions that have emerged from their past coursework. SMPs may be a traditional research project or the culmination of creative work at the College: students have used their SMPs to draft novels, create art installations, and prepare for recitals.

While SMPs often occur within the student’s major, regardless of where they are housed, many projects are interdisciplinary in nature. In fact, a number of students complete SMPs in an established cross-disciplinary minor program or in Educational Studies.

For more information on capstones and the SMP, please see general information in our more recent course catalog. You can also reach out to faculty in the areas of study you are interested to get more information on the SMP experience in their program.

SMP Information for Current Students

• Requirements and Planning & Registration
• Design, Supervision, & Funding
• Project Submission & Evaluation
• SMP Schedule