Introduction

This chapter provides an overview of capstones describes the long-standing historical purpose of providing integration, breadth, application, and transition at the culmination of the undergraduate program. It discusses a framework for examining the current pressures in the higher education landscape with the greatest implications for capstones. Bronfenbrenner's human ecology theory offers a framework for examining capstones in relation to reform efforts and the interacting forces of ideology and culture, social and organizational structure, time, and individuals. The chapter discusses four issues in undergraduate education relevant to capstones: assurance of learning, career outcomes and transition to the workplace, interpersonal relationships as a key student faculty interaction, and holistic, equitable curricula. Considering capstones in this socioecological framework provides institutions strategies to address the issues facing higher education and to manage change.