Every graduate student enrolled at Minnesota State University, Mankato completes a capstone experience. The capstone experience can be completed in a variety of ways, depending upon the specific requirements of each department. Almost all graduate programs permit the satisfactory completion of a thesis or alternate plan paper (APP). A number of programs also provide other options by permitting students to complete a capstone project.
The College of Graduate Studies and Research has established guidelines for the thesis and alternate plan paper options.
Most other University approved program capstone experiences, excluding thesis and alternate plan papers, do not require approval or oversight from the College of Graduate Studies and Research.
Questions concerning these policies can be addressed to the College of Graduate Studies and Research at 507-389-2321 or
