Capstone Project

Each student completes their graduate training with completion of a capstone project. The purpose of the capstone project is to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to contribute to the field of genetic counseling through research. Students will identify a unique research question, obtain IRB approval, collect original data and summarize the findings in a summative manuscript. Students are encouraged to select a project that will pique their interests and passions, as well as contribute to the knowledge and/or practice of genetic counseling. Coordinated by on site faculty, research focused coursework is provided throughout the program to shepherd students through the capstone project timeline. During spring semester of their first year, each student selects a topic for study that is approved by the program faculty. Students submit their proposals for IRB approval during the intervening summer and then the projects are executed during the second year of study. Each capstone project is completed under the guidance of an assigned committee, which consists of a project advisor and a project reader, both of whom may be chosen from the primary or external faculty, or from other institutions based on expertise in the topic of interest. Each project culminates in a formal paper in manuscript format and an oral presentation to the department and invited guests. The paper should be of publishable quality, and each student is encouraged to present and publish their findings. Students also participate in a poster session for the faculty and students of the Boston University medical campus. 

Previously Completed Capstone Projects