Math, Natural & Health Sciences Capstone Information
UH West Oʻahu students are required to complete a capstone course in their specific degree and concentration area.
Capstone courses are a culminating scholastic effort and experience that asks students to incorporate the terms and concepts learned in their various classes to demonstrate their understanding of Math, Life Science, Health Science or (pre-) Health Profession concepts and theories through work (clinical or administrative) experience or research.
Capstone courses may be a single course or may be a two-course Capstone sequence, depending upon the student’s degree and concentration area. For degree programs and concentration areas that require a two-course Capstone sequence, students should take the two-courses in proper sequential order in the last two semesters of the student’s last academic year (course sequencing is available via the degree page on the academic map and/program sheet). For degrees with a single capstone course requirement, the capstone course can be taken in a student’s last semester of study before graduation.
Registration for the capstone courses must be completed during the student’s scheduled registration time.
Students should visit and/or contact their assigned UHWO MNHS College Success Advisor and Faculty Advisor (see advisor information below) to go over graduation requirements and project their graduation date.
Capstone Course Prerequisites
Students must complete all prerequisites before registering for Senior Capstone courses unless exceptions are given by the discipline.
- Completion of ENG 200, ENG 209, ENG 220, or equivalent
- Prior completion of 1 (one) upper-division (300 or 400 level) Writing Intensive (WI) course
- Completion or concurrent enrollment of concentration requirements
BSNS concentration students
- Completion or concurrent enrollment of BSNS Core requirements
- Senior Standing: Students will be allowed to enroll in a capstone course in the last semester before graduation
- BA-Humanities Mathematics concentration students
- Completion or concurrent enrollment of BAHM Core requirements
- Senior Standing: Students will be allowed to enroll in a capstone course in the last academic year before graduation
BAS-Health Professions concentration students
- Completion or concurrent enrollment of BAS Core requirements
- CPR/AED and First Aid Certification recommended
- Senior Standing: Students will be allowed to enroll in a capstone course in the last academic year before graduation
BAS-HIHH concentration students
- Completion or concurrent enrollment of BAS Core requirements
- Senior Standing: Students will be allowed to enroll in a capstone course in the last semester before graduation
BAS-HIM concentration students
- Completion of HIM course concentration requirements except for HIM 405 which can be taken concurrently with HIM 490 and APSC 486H in last semester before graduation
- Senior Standing: Students will be allowed to enroll in capstone courses in the last semester before graduation
- Completion of both capstone courses, HIM 490 and APSC 486H will require the completion of a project facilitated by a healthcare facility and healthcare professional
BAS-Respiratory Care concentration students
- Completion or concurrent enrollment of BAS-Respiratory Care requirements
- Senior Standing: Students will be allowed to enroll in a capstone course in the last semester before graduation
Capstone Information Sessions
A series of virtual Capstone Information Sessions will be held for students to learn more about the capstone requirement and request process.
Pre-registration for the information sessions is not required. Meeting information will be shared with students via email.
Capstone Orientation Sessions
All students registered for a capstone course will be required to attend a Capstone Orientation session at the start of the semester. The orientation normally occurs during the first week of classes. Individual capstone locations (especially Practicum sites) may also require students to attend a site orientation in addition to the UHWO Capstone Orientation.
Capstone Course Options
Depending upon their major, MNHS students may take the Senior Project or the Senior Practicum, or must take BOTH the Senior Project and the Senior Practicum. All students attending UHWO must adhere to the Senior Project Guidelines (PDF) and the Senior Practicum Guidelines (PDF).
- Capstone Courses are Writing Intensive.
- Students are expected to take initiative and manage their own tasks, deadlines, and assignments throughout the semester.
- Each professor will conduct their capstone course differently and will share the specific details and expectations in their course syllabus.
Concentrations | Capstone Courses* | Contact |
---|---|---|
Applied Mathematics (BSNS) |
NSCI 486M Senior Project NSCI 490M Senior Practicum |
Dr. Veny Liu venyliu@hawaii.edu |
Mathematics (BA) | MATH 491 Senior Project | Dr. Veny Liu venyliu@hawaii.edu |
Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing (BAS) |
APSC 486J Senior Project | Dr. N. Kau’i Merritt nicolekb@hawaii.edu |
Health Information Management (BAS) |
APSC 486H Senior Project HIM 490 HIM Practicum and RHIA Exam Prep |
Dr. Lynette Williamson lwill3@hawaii.edu |
Health Professions (BAS) |
APSC 486P Senior Project HLTH 488 Practicum in Health Professions |
Dr. Rebecca Romine rromine@hawaii.edu |
Health Sciences (BSNS) |
NSCI 486H Senior Project NSCI 490H Senior Practicum |
Dr. Rebecca Romine rromine@hawaii.edu |
Life Science (BSNS) |
NSCI 486L Senior Project NSCI 490L Senior Practicum |
Dr. Olivia George ogeorge@hawaii.eduDr. Megan Ross mcolvin@hawaii.edu |
Respiratory Care (BAS) |
APSC 486R Senior Capstone APSC 490R Senior Practicum |
TBA |
*Contact the Capstone course instructor for specific information regarding the capstone options, expectations, and experience.
Applied Science Degree Capstone Courses
APSC 486J – Senior Project-HIHH
The capstone in Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing (HIHH) provides the student with a culminating experience at the conclusion of core and elective courses in the Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing program. Students work closely with a faculty member on a focused topic of research, participate in weekly discussions with peers, complete a research project, paper, and presentation in preparation for graduate school or a career in health science following graduation.
Student Expectations
- Submit outlines and drafts of a research paper as advised by the professor.
- Complete all required number of meetings with the professor.
- Present the senior project to classmates and professor.
APSC 486H – Senior Project-HIM
With assistance from a faculty advisor, students complete a capstone project based on primary and secondary research related to the health information management profession. Students share the results of this learning process with peers and assist each other in refining communications skills, developing research and information retrieval techniques, and other research-related competencies.
Student Expectations
- Submit outlines and drafts of a research paper as advised by the professor.
- Complete all required number of meetings with the professor.
- Present the senior project to classmates and professor.
APSC 486P – Senior Project-Health Professions
With assistance from an applied science Faculty Advisor, students will complete a project based on original or library research related to a particular problem or issue in their chosen field of study. Students will share the results of this learning process with peers and will assist each other in refining communications skills, developing research and information retrieval techniques, and other research-related competencies.
Student Expectations
- Submit outlines and drafts of a research paper as advised by the professor.
- Complete all required number of meetings with the professor.
- Orally present the senior project to classmates and professor in a public forum such that students present the senior project in a public forum such as the UHWO Research and Creative Works Symposium.
HIM 490 HIM Practicum and RHIA Exam Prep
This course provides students with the opportunity to perform managerial HIM duties under the supervision of a preceptor in an inpatient, outpatient, or alternative care setting. Topics include career portfolio development and registered health information administrator (RHIA) exam preparation.
Student Expectations
- Submit outlines and drafts of a research paper as advised by the professor.
- Complete all required number of meetings with the professor.
- Present the senior project to classmates and professor.
HLTH 488 Practicum in the Health Professions
This course is a supervised practicum experience for (pre-) health profession and health sciences. Students will obtain experience to further develop the necessary skills for career options within the health profession and health sciences fields.
Student Expectations
- Complete at least 120 hours of work at the practicum site during the semester.
- Professionalism and a good work ethic is expected at the internship site.
- Submit written assignments by the posted deadlines.
- Meet with the professor throughout the semester.
- CPR/AED/First Aid Certification (as applicable)
- Orally present practicum experience to classmates and professor in a public forum such as the UHWO Research and
- Creative Works Symposium, MNHS Math+Science+X Seminar, or at an intern presentation at the project or practicum site.
- Students have the opportunity to complete 20+ hours of community service.
Natural Science Capstone Courses
NSCI 486(alpha) – Senior Project
With assistance from a faculty advisor, students complete a capstone project based on primary and secondary research related to a natural science discipline or profession. Students share the results of this learning process with peers and assist each other in refining communications skills, developing research and information retrieval techniques, and other research-related competencies. H: Health Sciences; L: Life Science; M: Applied Mathematics
Student Expectations
- Submit outlines and drafts of a research paper as advised by the professor.
- Complete all required number of meetings with the professor.
- Present the senior project to classmates and professor. It is also recommended that students present the senior project in a public forum such as the UHWO Research and Creative Works Symposium.
NSCI 490H – Senior Practicum – Health Sciences
This course provides students with the opportunity to perform duties relevant to a health science discipline or profession under the supervision of a preceptor in an in-patient, out-patient, residential care, government, public health, or other setting.
Student Expectations
- Complete at least 120 hours of work at the practicum site during the semester.
- Professionalism and a good work ethic is expected at the internship site.
- Submit written assignments by the posted deadlines.
- Meet with the professor throughout the semester.
- CPR/AED/First Aid Certification (as applicable)
- Orally present practicum experience to classmates and professor in a public forum such in a public forum such as the UHWO Research and Creative Works Symposium, MNHS Math+Science+X Seminar, or at an intern presentation at the project or practicum site.
NSCI 490L – Senior Practicum – Life Science
Work experience and training in the natural sciences under the supervision of appropriate personnel in a governmental agency, nonprofit organization, or business.
Student Expectations
- Complete at least 120 hours of work at the practicum site during the semester.
- Professionalism and a good work ethic is expected at the internship site.
- Submit written assignments by the posted deadlines.
- Meet with the professor throughout the semester.
- Present practicum experience to classmates and professor.
NSCI 490M – Senior Practicum – Applied Mathematics
This course provides students with the opportunity to complete a practicum or internship with an appropriate agency or institution with assistance from a Mathematics, Natural and Health Sciences Faculty Advisor. Students will share the results of their experiences in a comprehensive journal, including accomplishments, tasks/projects, problems encountered, and solutions. Students will link their experiences to classroom knowledge learned and explain how the internship experiences are relevant to the Applied Mathematics concentration.
Student Expectations
- Complete at least 120 hours of work at the practicum site during the semester.
- Professionalism and a good work ethic is expected at the internship site.
- Submit written assignments by the posted deadlines.
- Meet with the professor throughout the semester.
- Present practicum experience to classmates and professor.
BAS-Humanities Capstone Course
The three-unit Senior Project course, designed as a major means of outcomes assessment, requires the student to demonstrate summative competence in multiple ways. The objectives of the senior project are to refine communication skills, as well as to develop research and information retrieval skills, and other academic competencies. In mathematics concentration, this course intends to help students to gain experience in researching the mathematical literature, investigating a mathematical problem, and learning how to write a mathematical paper. The course is guided by a Mathematics faculty member whose interests and expertise will facilitate the projects in question.
Student Expectations
- Submit outlines and drafts of a research paper as advised by the professor.
- A minimum of 16 pages in length is required, excluding bibliography and/or notes.
- Complete all required number of meetings with the professor.
- Present the senior project to classmates and professor. It is also recommended that students present the senior project in a public forum such as the UHWO Research and Creative Works Symposium or Math+Science+X Seminar.
- Contact the faculty directly to inquire about the capstone project. Here is a shortened list of faculty interests:
- Dr. Veny Liu: Recreational Mathematics (puzzles, game theory, etc.), Algebra.
- Dr. Michael Furuto: Teaching and learning mathematics via various pedagogical strategies to foster student achievement; enhance students’ mathematics self-efficacy; and perform quantitative and statistical analysis on sports.
- Dr. Esther Widiasih: Dynamical systems, application of math in physical and ecological systems eg. fishponds, climate, etc.
- Dr. Kamuela Yong: Mathematical models towards epidemiology and ecology.
Deciding on a Capstone Option
The BAS-Health Professions and BAS-Health Information Management concentrations require students complete BOTH the Practicum and Senior Project as part of the Capstone. All other MNSH Degrees and Concentrations allow students to complete either Practicum experience or a Senior Project course. If you are still unsure of which capstone option to pursue, you can contact your Faculty Advisor for assistance.
Faculty Advisors are assigned to students based on their program of study and are an excellent source of information on:
- Academic programs
- Course content, selection, and sequencing
- Suggested courses for program electives
- Program and course prerequisites
- Graduate programs
- Career and professional development
- The name and contact information of the assigned faculty advisor can be viewed in the STAR Degree Check under the
- Academic Standing tab through MyUH. For more information, visit the Capstone FAQs page.
Capstone Registration Process
Senior standing students (90 credits) that are planning to register for their MNHS Capstone need to follow the steps listed below the semester prior to the Capstone course. Students who do not complete these steps will experience delays in their registration.
Students should begin the capstone registration process one semester prior to the semester they intend to enroll in the capstone course(s).
Advising – Final Degree Audit
During the semester prior to your Senior Capstone beginning, email your College Success Advisor or schedule a Final Degree Audit appointment by going to star.hawaii.edu/appointments to go over all requirements and determine your projected graduation date.
Students registering for Capstone courses in the fall, must complete the degree audit no later than March 1 of the preceding spring semester.
Students registering for Capstone courses in the spring must complete the degree audit no later than October 1 of the preceding fall semester.
The Capstone Registration Request eform must be completed and submitted no less than two weeks prior to registration.

Email: kperry34@hawaii.edu
Schedule an appointment
Virtual Express Advising (Thursdays 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm).
eForm – Capstone Registration Request
Following the Final Degree Audit appointment with your College Success Advisor and confirmation of your expected final semester, you will be emailed a link to complete your PUBA Capstone Registration Request eForm. There are two distinct Capstone Registration forms – one for the students registering for the Senior Project course and one for students registering for the Practicum Course.
- The Senior Project Registration Request eForm is where students will provide their information and identify the desired senior project course.
- The Senior Practicum Registration Request eForm is where students will provide their information and identify the desired senior project course.
Students should refer to the Class Availability and/or STAR GPS to review the capstone course options, sections, and meeting dates and times.
After completion of the appropriate eForm, a Graduation Eligibility Confirmation will be emailed to the student and the capstone professor indicated. The email notifies both student and professor that the degree requirements are being met and that the student is eligible for the capstone and graduation. Students who do not complete these steps will experience delays in their registration.
Request – Faculty Approval
A registration override is required for students to register for a capstone course. After receiving the Graduation Eligibility Confirmation email, students are then directed to email a request for faculty override approval to the professor teaching your desired capstone. When the professor has received both Graduation Eligibility Confirmation & the emailed student Request for Faculty Approval form, the faculty member will follow up and confirm with the student that the override was approved and next steps that the students must take to complete the registration process. Students enrolled in the BAS-Health Professions concentration must decide by the time of registration which off-site practicum sites that they would like to enroll and are highly encouraged to discuss all available options with the Practicum Instructor, Dr. Rebecca Romine (rromine@hawaii.edu).
Register – via STAR GPS
After a student has been granted the faculty registration override for the course, students should go to STAR GPS and “SUBMIT” their registration for the capstone. Students are advised to register for all other semester courses at their designated time ticket and not to wait for the capstone registration override.
Grad App
Students in their final semester must notify the campus of their intent to graduate by filling out a Graduation Application form. Submission of this form ensures the student will be added to the mailing list for Commencement information.
Prepare – Senior Project / Practicum
- Students must be prepared and take initiative for their project and/or practicum internship, as well as being mindful of important deadlines related to their Capstone.
- Students registering for Capstone courses in the fall semester, must complete and submit a Senior Project Proposal or Practicum Project Proposal no later than April 15 of the preceding spring semester.
- Students registering for Capstone courses in the spring semester, must complete and submit a Senior Project Proposal or Practicum Project Proposal no later than November 15 of the preceding fall semester.
Senior Project
Students preparing for Senior Project should start considering project topics and conduct preliminary research on potential topics prior to the start of the semester in which they are enrolled in the Senior Project course.
Guidelines for Senior Project:
- Students and Professors will determine and agree on: (a) a well-defined set of goals and objectives, (b) scheduled meeting times, and (c) section and/or draft due dates before beginning work on the projects
- The Capstone Professor will approve, supervise, and guide the senior project development.
Senior Practicum
The goal of the practicum course is to allow students the opportunity to gain experience within the workforce and apply the skills, theories, and concepts learned in the classroom. Students will then reflect on their experiences through written assignments and projects that blend ideas and practices from practicum internship sites with academic classwork. Expected learning outcomes include demonstrating written communication skills; demonstrating quantitative, technological, and analytical skills necessary for problem solving; and identifying best practices for communicating with members of their practicum site team.
Students are not “placed” in practicum internships by UHWO Faculty; students interested in completing Practicums are required to initiate the preliminary search for practicum sites, as well as updating their resume and cover letter for application/interview purposes. Students who are unsure where to start may contact the Capstone Coordinator or individual Faculty associated with the Practicum course. Based upon stated preferences, interests, and objectives, the Coordinator and/or Faculty may make suggestions as to possible opportunities. Several organizations within the community have accepted Practicum students in the past. A list of the organizations will be provided to students after they have registered for the Practicum course.
If a student decides to arrange a practicum at his/her current job, the practicum tasks and responsibilities must be distinct from and cannot overlap with the current work position held.
Practicum sites may require certain certifications, clearances, etc. of employees, which students will also need to meet to be considered. These are often industry standards; internships and practicums must adhere to the same policies and expectations. Some opportunities may also require students to pass a background check or investigation.
Students should arrange for at least 120 hours of work at the practicum site or with the practicum organization over the course of the semester. The required minimum 120 hours may not begin until the first day of scheduled classes and must be completed by the last day of instruction for the semester. Some practicum sites require students to attend pre-semester orientation and training – the hours dedicated to such activities may count towards the student’s required 120 hours. If these hours occur prior to the start of the semester, a student may log these hours in the first week with an accompanying letter of explanation from the site supervisor. Students are welcome to work additional hours, schedules permitting. Regular attendance is required, and work hours and days are subject to being worked out between the Site Supervisor(s) and the student.
Guidelines for Administrative Practicum:
- Students, Site Supervisors, and Faculty will determine and agree on: (a) a well-defined set of goals and objectives, (b) scheduled meeting times, and (c) section and/or draft due dates before beginning work on the practicum.
- Faculty, student, and site supervisor, must complete the UH West O‘ahu Memorandum of Agreement that includes the functions, objectives, and tasks for the practicum experience. The UHWO Faculty member will provide the appropriate forms.