Doctoral Capstone Experience
The Doctoral Capstone Experience (DCE) provides students with an in-depth experience that culminates in a high quality scholarly project. Students decide on an area of focus during the introduction to the DCE course. This area may include: clinical practice, administration, advocacy, leadership, theory, research, program development, community practice or education/teaching. Once students have decided on their area of focus they move into the design portion of the project. In this class, students finalize their literature reviews, needs assessments and individual objectives for their projects. Students are then able to participate in the 14-week (560 hour) capstone experience being mentored by an expert consistent with the student’s area of focus. Upon completion of the capstone experience, students disseminate their projects and are ready for graduation and the NBCOT exam. No more than 20% of the 560 hours can be completed off site from the mentored practice setting(s), to ensure a concentrated experience in the designated area of interest. Time spent off site may include independent study activities such as research and writing. Prior fieldwork or work experience may not be substituted for this doctoral capstone experience.