Information Architecture and Knowledge Management

How do I know which capstone to choose?
Two options are available to IAKM students as a capstone to their program: a Master's Thesis and a Master's Project. In general, the Master's Thesis option is recommended for students interested in pursuing research or doctoral work, while the Master's Project option is recommended for students seeking employment upon the completion of their degree. For more detailed descriptions and requirements of each option, please see the Master's Thesis Handbook and the Master's Project Handbook. If you cannot decide which capstone is right for you, contact your faculty advisor.

What topic or project should I choose for my capstone?
General ideas for capstones are included in the Master's Project Handbook to help you develop your thesis or project. If you need further assistance in choosing a topic for your capstone, contact your faculty advisor.

Dr. Thomas J. Froehlich: User Experience Design, Multiple Degree Students

Dr. David B. Robins: User Experience Design

Professor Karl V. Fast: User Experience Design

What approval do I need to begin my capstone?
You must have completed 36 credit hours toward the Master of Science degree, including IAKM 60001, IAKM 60002 and one of the research methods courses (COMM 65020, ECON 64004, JMC 60007, LIS 60604, IAKM 60103, IAKM 60201, or IAKM 60304) before being eligible to enroll in a capstone.

If you are completing a Master's Project, you must also receive approval from the Director of IAKM by submitting a Master's Project Approval Form before the IAKM Office will enroll you in your Master's Project (IAKM 60198).

If you are completing a Master's Thesis, you must select a faculty thesis advisor, who will assist you in selecting a three-member thesis committee and filing a Notification of Approved Thesis Topic Form with the College of Communication and Information. Once this process is complete, you will be enrolled in Thesis I (IAKM 61199) through the IAKM Program Office.

What are the deadlines associated with the capstone?
The dates below represent final deadlines for the Master's Research Project. The Thesis deadlines follow the Master's Project deadlines. Completion of the various stages in advance of the stated deadlines is to the advantage of the student. Preparation for the Master's Research Project should occur prior to the semester in which students intend to enroll.

1. Selection of a Research Project Advisor
Spring graduation (Sept. 15)
Summer graduation (Feb. 15)
Fall graduation (Apr. 15)

2. Proposal to Research Project Advisor
Spring graduation (Nov. 15)
Summer graduation (Apr. 15)
Fall graduation (July 15)

3. First Draft of Research to Research Project Advisor
Spring graduation (Feb. 15)
Summer graduation (June. 15)
Fall graduation (Sept. 15)

4. Final Draft to Research Project Advisor
Spring graduation (Apr. 15)
Summer graduation (July 15)
Fall graduation (Nov. 15)

5. Approved Final Copies and Disk to IAKM Office
Spring graduation (May 1)
Summer graduation (Aug 1)
Fall graduation (Dec 1)

The Thesis deadlines are similar to those listed above with a few additions. A description of the university Thesis deadlines can be found in the Master's Thesis Defense Guidelines.