What is Capstone (senior design)?
The Capstone program is the apex of the VCU College of Engineering undergraduate experience. This required, two-semester course immerses senior students in the hands-on process of solving actual, "real-world" engineering challenges.
Working in multidisciplinary teams, students apply the core engineering design process—defining requirements, conceptualizing, analyzing, prototyping, and testing—to bridge the gap between academic theory and everyday professional practice.
The Capstone Design Expo
The course culminates in April at the Capstone Design Expo, held at the Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia. Student teams present their working models and prototypes to project partners, faculty, invited guests, and the general public while competing for awards and prizes.
Core Fields & Collaboration
Projects tackle complex problems across diverse disciplines, often collaborating with the industrial community and other VCU schools, particularly in the health sciences. Participating fields include:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
Key Career Preparation & Skills
Beyond technical engineering, the rigorous curriculum prepares students to launch their careers by exposing them to industry experts and essential professional disciplines:
- Team Dynamics: Hands-on experience navigating group dynamics, resolving conflicts, and meeting time-driven deliverables.
- Professional Communication: Developing effective communication strategies tailored for team members, faculty advisors, and external project partners.
- Business & Industry Insights: Exposure to critical commercial topics, including intellectual property, industrial design, manufacturing, sales, marketing, finance, and ethics.