Capstone Project

The capstone research project (COMM 900) is designed to draw together all of your course-based studies in the MACT. It is the last course that you will take in the program. The project's practical and professional focus should integrate the core areas of study in the program. You will conduct original research into the application of a chosen aspect of communications technology in a substantial area of personal or professional interest under the guidance of a project supervisor.

The project is designed to assess your ability to:

  • Identify, clarify and investigate a problem/topic
  • Apply theory to practice
  • Locate, analyze and integrate relevant literature
  • Gather analyze and interpret data
  • Consider the application of the findings of the study

Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive project that represents a contribution to professional practice in the field of communications and technology

The full text of MACT student projects is available on the Communications and Technology community of the University of Alberta Libraries' Education and Research Archive (ERA).

Consult the MACT Student Handbook for the capstone project guidelines.

Selecting a Supervisor

Choosing the most appropriate supervisor for you and your topic is very important. There will be opportunities at the Spring Institute for you to meet potential supervisors from the tenured and tenure-track academic staff in Media and Technology Studies (MTS) and affiliated departments at the University of Alberta. While searching for a supervisor, you are encouraged to meet with faculty personally to establish an overlap of interests, a compatible work ethic, and a personal affinity.

Your supervisor will guide you as you develop your final research project proposal and through the completion of the project. By the end of your second Spring Institute you are encouraged to have a supervisor in place.

It is very important that you and your supervisor establish and maintain a good working relationship. In general, students who make use of supervision are more successful in their studies than those who do not, although you will also benefit from the support and suggestions of your peers. Supervisors can encourage and guide their students, but the outcome of graduate study ultimately depends on the student's capacity to benefit from the supervisor's guidance. When you embark upon your research, you will, in consultation with your supervisor, negotiate agreements concerning the research to be undertaken, the frequency of supervisory meetings, and a timetable outlining your research program. It is your supervisor who determines when your project is satisfactorily completed.

Approval of your supervisor by the MACT director is required. As soon as you have made an agreement with a faculty member to supervisor your project advise the Graduate Advisor at  mact@ualberta.ca