Reviewed by ACHS professor, Dr. Jacqui McGrath 

At ACHS, graduate students culminate their academic journey with a Capstone Project, an inquiry-based research experience designed to deepen their expertise and contribute to the field of integrative health.

But what exactly is a Capstone Project?

A Capstone Project is a comprehensive, final research paper that gives students the opportunity to integrate the knowledge they’ve gained throughout their program into a meaningful, literature-based thesis. Rather than conducting original experiments, students conduct an in-depth review of the existing scientific literature to explore a topic aligned with their program’s learning outcomes. The goal is to identify a gap in current knowledge and synthesize evidence-based insights that can inform real-world practice and further academic inquiry. Here is a guide to the course at ACHS!

1. What to Expect in the ACHS Capstone Course

The Capstone course is carefully structured to guide students through each step of their thesis, with the support of ACHS faculty mentors and Program Deans. Students complete the following sections in their thesis:

• Introduction
• Methods
• Results
• Discussion
• Conclusion
• References
• Abstract and personal reflection

Throughout the course, students engage in collaboration with peers and faculty via discussion boards, resource sharing, and individualized guidance. The Capstone is designed to be both academically rigorous and personally meaningful, allowing students to explore a topic of interest that aligns with their future goals.

2. Learning Outcomes

The Capstone course is aligned with program-level learning outcomes. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Integrate advanced knowledge from their coursework into a practical research framework.
• Evaluate best practices and current research in integrative health.
• Assess how integrative methodologies can be applied within conventional healthcare systems.
• Conduct a substantive literature review to address an existing issue or theory in integrative health.
• Apply findings to support practitioners and consumers in evidence-based wellness approaches.

3. Choosing a Capstone Topic

Selecting a Capstone topic can serve as a powerful launching point. Students typically choose subjects that are both academically relevant and personally compelling, ranging from conditions they expect to encounter in clinical practice to research they may want to publish or develop into educational programs. Some build upon previous classwork, while others explore new areas that reflect their future goals, such as launching a business or pursuing doctoral studies.

4. Common Challenges and Support

One of the biggest challenges students face is navigating the research landscape. Some topics (particularly those involving lesser-known herbs or therapies) have limited peer-reviewed literature. Others have such an abundance of research that students must narrow their focus to make their project manageable and meaningful. But there’s no need to feel overwhelmed! ACHS faculty and peer tutors are available and eager to support students every step of the way.

5. Real-World Application

Many ACHS graduates have used their Capstone Projects as springboards into professional opportunities. Examples include adapting their research for journal publication, formulating wellness products, or presenting at conferences. The Capstone not only helps students master literature review skills but also fosters the confidence and credibility needed to make an impact in the field.

6. Reflections from Faculty

ACHS professor, Dr. Jacqui McGrath, has taught the ACHS Capstone Course in the past and shares her insights for students:

“The Capstone provides an exciting opportunity for students to research and write about something that will serve them in their real-world pursuits. I love accompanying ACHS students as they gain knowledge, develop expertise, and contribute to the growing body of integrative health research. I’ve been impressed with the various ways students have leveraged their research, including publishing their writing, presenting it at conferences, and creating curricula. The finished Capstone invariably lends itself to a sigh of relief and immense personal satisfaction and accomplishment. I’m honored to offer guidance and support along the way!”

7. Essential Resources for Capstone Success

• ACHS Library Launchpad – Access a wide range of academic databases and journals. Access the library in your Canvas classroom and click on the Library Launchpad link in the left-hand toolbar.
• ProQuest RefWorks – Organize citations and streamline the research process.
• Faculty Mentors & Program Deans – Personalized support every step of the way. You can also reach out to the Peer Support Center for assistance.

Explore Previous ACHS Capstone Projects

Want to see the Capstone in action? Check out these inspiring examples from ACHS students:

• Capstone Example 1: Evidence for the Benefits of Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) – by Christy Billings
• Capstone Example 2: Herbal Medicine and the Diabetic Foot Ulcer – by Bonnie Pearce
• Capstone Example 3: Psilocybin as a Therapeutic Treatment for Race-based Trauma and PTSD – by Sian Selligman (You can also view the published version with additional insights in the Voices Journal).

The ACHS Capstone Project is an exciting opportunity to consolidate your learning, deepen your expertise, and create something with real-world impact. With the support of dedicated faculty and a structured course framework, the Capstone is designed to be both manageable and meaningful. Instead of feeling daunting, it can be a rewarding and empowering experience that marks a proud culmination of your academic work in integrative health.

Get more information about the ACHS CAP 501 Master’s Capstone Project.