Capstone Experience

Capstone projects provide an unparalleled integrative, real-world, and team-driven learning experience.

Capstone is an MEng degree requirement. The goal of each project is to develop a technical solution that addresses an industry, market, or social need. Over the course of two semesters, full-time and continuing part-time (in their last year of the program) MEng students will work in teams of three to five students, where they develop effective leadership, communication, project management, and teaming skills. Teams will have support from a faculty or industry advisor as they progress through their Capstone project. This experience allows students to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges involving multiple stakeholders, while building skills that prepare them for their next career opportunity.

Selection Process

Students in BIOE, CEE, EECS, IEOR (general track), ME, MSE, NE will have an opportunity at the end of July to review a full list of projects for the 2026-27 academic year. This is an exciting time and a crucial step for students to explore project proposals by reviewing 1-2 pages of project descriptions and supplemental materials (i.e., video recording of project description) in preparation for the project matching process happening in mid-August.

Additionally, students will have a special opportunity to ask project advisors specific questions and learn more about projects during Virtual Capstone Project Advising Office Hours held August 6 – 8. This allows students to meet and network with faculty, industry, and partnering organizations that have proposed a project.

After office hours have ended, students will rank projects that they find most interesting. From there, advisors will review students interested in their projects and evaluate them for their teams based on project needs. Matching results will be released in early September with the publication of a final teams/projects roster.

Note: Students pursuing the IEOR FinTech and IPES concentrations are placed on a project by their respective advisors and do not participate in the project matching process. More information will be shared at the IEOR department specific FinTech and IPES virtual orientation.

While students are not restricted to Capstone projects within their home department, they must check that a project is open to their specific department before considering it. Most projects are multidisciplinary; however, it is crucial that students review the required skills and the advisor’s preferred departments to ensure a good potential match.