Master of Science in Urban Studies and Planning Program
Department of Political Science and Public Affairs
Savannah State University
Capstone Project Guidelines
The Master of Science in Urban Studies and Planning Program (MSUSP) requires students to complete
either a Capstone Project or Master’s Thesis. The Capstone Project is a primary research and writing
exercise. It is an independent study engaging research design, fieldwork implementation, data analysis
and the production of a final paper. MSUS 8820 Methods for Urban Research is a prerequisite course, to
be taken the immediate semester prior to engaging in the Capstone Project. Unlike the Master’s Thesis,
this work is conducted as part of an internship and/or student employment. Students must have prior work
experience in the chosen topic and seek permission from a MSUSP faculty member to choose this track.
In order for a candidate to receive approval to work with a community partner organization on a Capstone
Project, the supervising representative of the organization must submit an official Capstone Partnership
Confirmation Letter. The letter should be addressed to the candidate’s Capstone Advisor and specify:
1) Interest in the Capstone Partnership;
2) Perimeters and confirmation of the student’s independent research; and
3) How the study will contribute to the organization’s larger objectives.
The Capstone Project requires the identification of a contemporary urban studies and/or area of study. The
applied research project can engage in a myriad of research methods, including ethnography, statistical
analysis, GIS spatial mapping, social or political network analysis, program and/or policy evaluation,
needs assessment, social impact assessment and policy analysis. The topic of research must be placed
within the academic literature and research findings connected to contemporary urban theory. Student
learning will be assessed by measuring the capacity for independent research; organizing and analyzing
data logically; and proficiency in the use of scholarly writing. The final paper should demonstrate
originality, creativity, critical and independent thinking, clear organization, appropriate format and
thorough documentation.
Students must choose one primary and two secondary faculty advisors in their field of study as their
Capstone Committee. The primary advisor and one secondary advisor must be a MSUSP faculty member.
Committee members should possess the terminal degree in their field of study or have other expertise in
the areas of urban studies and planning. MSUSP reserves the right to select the committee if the student is
unable to make a decision within a reasonable time period and/or approve all members. In terms of
committee responsibilities, prior to fieldwork, the primary advisor is required to review and pass each
student’s proposed topic and primary research question, and Capstone Project Proposal. All members of
the Capstone Committee are expected to act as academic support during the stages of fieldwork
implementation, data analysis and writing; and participate in the student’s oral defense of the final thesis.
The required course, Master Thesis, helps students to develop a Thesis or Capstone Project Proposal. It is
the first document necessary in the production of a Master’s Thesis or Capstone Project in the Urban
Studies and Planning Program. The instructor functions as a preliminary thesis advisor, guiding the
student in the development of a thesis topic and question, rationale, literature review and research design.
The proposal development and approval process is also explained.
The final Capstone Paper is subject to a formal oral defense. Students are required to provide copies of
their paper to members of the Capstone Committee four weeks prior to the defense date scheduled at the
end of the respective semester. The defense entails the construction of a PowerPoint presentation of the
study, including the research question, fieldwork design, findings, policy recommendations and
conclusions.
Capstone Requirements:
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Selection of a Capstone Committee
Research Topic Proposal
Research Question Proposal
Capstone Project Proposal
Fieldwork
Data Analysis
Capstone Paper
Capstone Project Defense
Required Forms:
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Committee Form
Topic and Research Question Form
Proposal Approval Form
Approval and Permission to Defend Form
Defense Approval Form
Defense Meeting Candidacy Advisement Form
Defense Form