Capstone Experiences: Lessons Learned in Mastering CS Competencies

It is the goal of every undergraduate Computer Science/Information Systems program to educate and train highly skilled graduates who are well prepared to enter the specialized workforce. Much time and debate is spent on developing the appropriate curriculum to aid in this necessary preparation. As we have learned, however, curriculum alone is not enough to provide the complete answer. Indeed, it clearly appears that real world capstone experiences that combine theory and practice are required to hone an undergraduate's skill set prior to graduation. This paper will examine the various facets of our system that we employ with a view to allowing our students to acquire a set of competencies that are highly in demand in the current markets as they evolve.