Master of Counseling Capstone Research Project
• This paper must be APA formatted.
• The minimum page requirement is approximately 50 pages of text; exclusive of references, table of contents, acknowledgements etc.
• The number of references you cite will be negotiated in consultation with your Capstone Research Project Adviser; there is no minimum number of references requirement.
• Regarding any references that you do cite, the reference list, and the Capstone Research Project itself must be in APA format.
• Only references actually cited in your paper are included in the reference list (it is not a bibliography of all reading).
Chapter 1: Research Problem (about 15 pages)
This initial paper will introduce students’ research question or problem to be addressed, and will form Chapter 1. You are encouraged to be creative, and to write about a theme, concept, idea, or practice for which you have a passion. What is the question of inquiry at the heart of your research? What is the definition of this problem? How extensive is this problem or issue? Describe the significance and context of the problem with reference to academic literature. Provide the chapter with a section of definitions of terms. Clearly articulate the aims of you Capstone. Predict what you might find from your literature review. Provide a roadmap or outline for the remainder of the capstone.
You must clearly articulate in Chapter 1 why the research problem(s) you are exploring has utility and applicability within the field of counseling, psychotherapy, or areas relating to therapeutic community work. Regardless of the methodology employed, the practical therapeutic usefulness of students’ studies must be outlined. The expectation is that critical thinking will be employed in reviewing the literature, and, where appropriate, offering alternative solutions and program designs.
