Your Passion. Your Project. Your Future.
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
Planning for a St. Mary’s Project begins early. Students should review their major requirements, work with faculty advisers and mentors, and follow department-specific guidelines and deadlines. The St. Mary’s Project requires eight credits completed at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and is typically completed over the fall and spring semesters of a student’s senior year. Find project approval, registration steps, important forms, and deadlines to help you stay on track.
Project Submission & Evaluation
Learn what you need to submit your completed St. Mary’s Project and how it will be evaluated. Find final submission deadlines, required files and materials, release form information, and details about grading and faculty feedback.