Capstone

Starting with the graduating class of 2025, Stanford will require all students to complete a capstone experience, regardless of their major. 

MCS majors will have the opportunity to integrate the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies and think independently and creatively using the tools of the discipline during a capstone experience, which is an essential part of the undergraduate program. There are a variety of ways to complete the Capstone requirement, both within and outside MCS/Data Science. 

Side-by-Side Comparison Table of Capstone Options

Choosing Your Capstone Flowchart

Capstone Information Video (Zoom Recording)

To satisfy the capstone requirement, choose one of the following options: 

Option 1: The Data Science Experience (DataSci 190)

Description: Attend and actively engage with events in which you hear from professionals in the field of MCS / data science. Revisit what you’ve learned throughout the major and mature your personal understanding of data science. 

Steps & Timeline:

  • Take DATASCI 120 any time before or during spring quarter of senior* year. (Ideally, spring of junior year.)
  • By the final study list deadline of autumn quarter during your senior* year, join the Data Science Experience Canvas page. If you choose to join later, that’s okay too, but be aware that you will not be able to complete all of your requirements in one quarter. 
  • Throughout senior* year, engage in the following:
    • 3 Listen-Engage-Connect events
    • 2 technical seminars
    • 4 hours of data science consultations
    • 2 hours of work with peer advisors 
    • Submit reflections/artifacts through the Canvas page. 
    • Take DATASCI 190 during spring quarter of your senior* year. 
    • Assemble and Submit Final Portfolio & Present at the MCS / Data Science Capstone Showcase in May/June (required for ALL capstone options)

     *If a student wants to complete the Data Science Experience during their junior year, that’s okay too.

Units: 4 units (but 3 of those units are from DATASCI 120 and will double-count as WIM)

Option 2: Data Science Practicum (DataSci 192A & 192B)

Description:  Work in teams to provide actionable recommendations and practical tools to partners, which may include government agencies, community organizations, companies, or research labs. Integrate material from coursework, gain experience applying data science techniques to complex, real-world problems, and develop your ability to work in teams.

Steps & Timeline:

  •  Take DATASCI 192A during winter quarter of junior or senior year.
  • Take DATASCI 192B during spring quarter of junior or senior year. These courses must be taken consecutively, within the same academic year.
  • Assemble and Submit Final Portfolio & Present at the MCS / Data Science Capstone Showcase in May/June (required for ALL capstone options)

Units:  4 units

Option 3: Independent Research Project

Note: As of Autumn 2023, the specifics of this option are still being discussed. Stay tuned for finalized details. 

Description: Conduct independent MCS / data science research under the supervision of a professor and create a final portfolio. The research project must be pre-approved by the program and meet eligibility requirements. It could be either an existing project (e.g., from the Summer Undergraduate Research Program) or a new project.

Steps & Timeline:

  •  By autumn quarter of senior year, find a professor who agrees to supervise your research project. This may be a professor who has supervised you in the past or a new professor. We will provide a list of potential projects, if you are looking to start a new research project.
  • Enroll in an independent study course (e.g. DATASCI 199) with the supervising professor in every quarter until you finish conducting the research and creating your portfolio.
  • Assemble and Submit Final Portfolio & Present at the MCS / Data Science Capstone Showcase in May/June (required for ALL capstone options)

Units: TBD

Option 4: MCS Honors Program

Description: Choose a concentration in which you want to deepen your knowledge of MCS / data science and its applications. Engage in advanced coursework, independent studies, and research related to your concentration.

Steps & Timeline:

  •  Choose a concentration, draft your Honors Proposal, and have it approved by your faculty advisor. Submit your Honors Proposal by the final study list deadline of autumn quarter during your senior year.
  • Complete 15 units of upper-level coursework, as outlined in your proposal. 
  • Assemble and Submit Final Portfolio & Present at the MCS / Data Science Capstone Showcase in May/June (required for ALL capstone options)

Units: 15

Learn more about the MCS Honors Program 

Option 5: Notation in Science Communication (outside of program)

Learn more about the Notation in Science Communication 

 

  • After completing the notation in science communication, assemble and submit final portfolio & present at the MCS / Data Science Capstone Showcase in May/June (required for ALL capstone options)
Option 6: Complete a pre-approved project based class in another department that involves significant MCS / data science work (outside of program)
  • The class would need to be pre-approved by the program. Examples from the past include BIODS 217 and HISTORY 238C.
  • Assemble and Submit Final Portfolio & Present at the MCS / Data Science Capstone Showcase in May/June (required for ALL capstone options)