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 business concepts and theories through work experience or research.
Capstone courses should be taken in a student’s last semester of study before graduation.
Students should visit and/or contact UH West Oʻahu Academic Advising to go over graduation requirements and project their graduation date.
Capstone Course Prerequisites
- Completion of ENG 200, ENG 209, or equivalent
- Completion or concurrent enrollment in BUSA 435 Strategic Management
- Prior completion of 1 (one) upper-division (300 or 400 level) Writing Intensive (WI) course
- Completion or concurrent enrollment of concentration requirements
- Completion or concurrent enrollment of Business Administration core requirements
- Senior Standing: Students will be allowed to enroll in a capstone course in the last semester before graduation
Capstone Course Options
Capstone Courses are Writing Intensive.
Students are expected to take initiative and manage their own tasks 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.
BUSA 486 Senior Project
Students complete a research paper or business plan based on original or library research related to a particular problem or issue in their concentration area. The objectives of the senior project are to develop research and information retrieval skills, refine communication skills, and other research related competencies. Students will then share their research or business plan demonstrating their understanding of business theories and practices. Although the senior project is usually in a student’s concentration, students may select topics that require multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary study.
Student Expectations
- Submit outlines and drafts of a research paper or business plan as advised by the professor.
- Complete all required number of meetings with the professor and/or Capstone Coordinator.
- Present the senior project to classmates and professor.
BUSA 488 Senior Case Studies
Students will work in teams to review and identify issues surrounding companies presented in the case studies. Students will then discuss, analyze, and conclude with recommended solution(s), providing evidence based on data. Both individual and team participation will be very important. The case study method will enhance students’ ability to logically sequence data, financial information, and other facts of the case to see correlations and to identify problem areas.
Student Expectations
- Review case studies thoroughly.
- Submit written assignments by posted deadlines.
- Present recommendations and supporting argument to classmates and professor(s).
BUSA 488 Senior Case Studies is only offered during the Fall & Spring semesters. It can only be completed once and cannot be duplicated to fulfill multiple capstone requirements.
BUSA 490 Administrative Practicum
Students complete an internship related to their concentration area. The goal of a practicum is to allow students the opportunity to gain experience within the workforce and apply the business theories and concepts learned in the classroom. Students will then report on their experience using their understanding of business theories and practices.
Student Expectations
- Complete at least 120 hours of work at the practicum site during the semester.
- Submit written assignments by the posted deadlines.
- Meet with the professor and/or Capstone Coordinator throughout the semester.
- Present practicum experience to classmates and professor.
Deciding on a Capstone Option
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.
Registration
A registration override is required for students to register for a capstone course. Department approval is granted by the Business Administration Division Capstone Coordinator.
Visit the Capstone Registration Information page for more information on how to request a Capstone registration override.
Students planning to graduate and enroll in a Senior Capstone course need to contact their College Success Advisor for a Degree Audit to go over graduation requirements.
A degree audit is required to receive a capstone course registration override.