Texas' community colleges offer more than just basic classes for students hoping to enter the technical workforce or transfer to a four-year university. The colleges also offer capstone courses that prove a graduate's expertise in a particular field.
A mandate issued by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board requires students studying workforce-related industries - such as business studies, health sciences, advanced technologies and applied technology - at Austin Community College and other Texas community colleges to enroll in a capstone class.
The class consolidates two years' worth of education in a particular field at a community college into a class, group, portofolio or individual project, or a final exam that is completed during the student's graduating semester, said Mike Midgley, ACC's vice president of workforce education and business development.
"The capstone courses help students in their careers whether they choose to continue their education at a four-year institution or are entering the work force," said Spencer Zuzolo, director of ACC's Game Development Institute.
ACC video game development students are required to complete a capstone project in the form of an art portfolio or design project pertaining to the student's field, Zuzolo said.
He said the gaming program's capstone courses allow students to show their proficiency and capability in developing video games. The projects produced in the course make up a portfolio and help secure positions in the industry, Zuzolo said.
For his capstone project in Webmaster design, ACC alumnus Bob Million showcased his skill in Web page design by launching two Web sites.
Million received a bachelor's degree in computer science and management from ACC before entering the school's Web site design program. Million owns Million Design Group, an Austin-based Web site design company.
"I wanted to learn specific skills from the program," Million said. "From the courses I took and the projects I completed with ACC, I had the skills to start my own business."
Capstone courses are also a common requirement for undergraduates and graduates at four-year universities and institutions, which officials and professors say help culminate students' academic experience.
UT School of Information graduate students must complete a capstone class in their final semester, which integrates the students' professional education and specific area of study.
Information studies graduate student Adam Knowles said the program is similar to an internship. Graduate students find positions at an institution where they can assimilate into their vocational environment.
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