The successful completion of the Final Capstone Project is required to graduate from the MHI program. This is a group project that represents a synthesis of MHI course content into the prototype design and development of an implementation/evaluation plan of an applied innovation project that demonstrates leadership of innovation. The Capstone process begins with a Design Thinking course. The completion of the Design Thinking course then leads into the Capstone course. These courses build sequentially upon each other, culminating in the Final Capstone Project. The sequence is as follows:
- Fundamentals of Design Thinking in Healthcare (3 credits)
- Capstone (3 credits)
In the Design Thinking course, the elements of human-centered design are explored. The outcome of the course is intended to be a prototype for the Capstone course.
In the Capstone course, activities focus on further development of the prototype from the Design Thinking course and the development of an implementation and evaluation plan of the innovation. Experiential learning supports the implementation process, such as evaluating how innovation, leadership, and culture impact organizational performance in a local, work, or community setting. The Capstone Project allows student groups to integrate the concepts applied in the previous MHI courses, and throughout the MHI curriculum. Although the actual implementation and evaluation of the innovation is not required, student groups are strongly encouraged to consider their work after the program is completed. There will be various methods of documenting the completion of the group project.
The MHI program strongly emphasizes the application of the program concepts via tailored, hands-on experiential learning activities. The Capstone Course is a practicum course that will be guided by the course faculty. The student and faculty of record will develop an individualized set of learning objectives for each group and activities within the overall objectives for each capstone course, within a goal of a substantiated immersion and application of the course concepts. Capstone practicum hours will be consistent with the numbers of credits for each course:
- Capstone: 37.5 hours