Senior Capstone Project

The Senior Capstone Project – commonly referred to as the thesis – is your opportunity to show what you’ve learned and how you’ve put that knowledge to work.  During your first three years, you spend time getting to know your faculty and yourself, discovering passions and abilities you might not have realized you had. By the time you begin your third year at New College, you’ll be thinking about who you’d like to ask to be your thesis sponsor and about class or tutorial projects that you wish you could take further. You’ll know your own abilities, and you’ll be ready for the chance to really show what you can do now that you’re nearing graduation.

The final baccalaureate examination varies a bit in different disciplines, from a spirited defense of your work to a friendly conversation about where it could go next. The exam is your final chance to explain your work, what you’ve discovered and why it matters. A committee of at least three faculty members will focus just on you and your work for more than an hour. And when you graduate, you’ll have a project that you can use to springboard into your future, whether that includes graduate study, art-making, or moving into a profession right away.

In May, students can present their original research at New Scholars New College. These may include colorful poster presentations, musical performances, a student film or oral presentations that showcase your original, independent research. There is also an annual Senior Thesis Art Exhibit featuring a selection of artwork from the art students’ final year of studies, held either on campus or at a public gallery space in downtown Sarasota. Both New Scholars and the exhibit are wonderful opportunities to share your work with the general public.