OTD Capstone

As a doctoral program, the FDU OTD program is committed to facilitating students’ understanding of research and the importance of scholarship as occupational therapists. This commitment is supported by the doctoral capstone, which serves as both the culmination of the program and the realization and implementation of a capstone project throughout a 14-week capstone experience. The doctoral capstone provides students with a valuable opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, under the mentorship of faculty and field experts.

Starting from the first semester of the FDU OTD program, students are introduced to the research process and explore topics of individual interest. Through coursework and faculty mentorship, students will identify an area of need and relevance to the profession to focus their doctoral capstone.

Throughout the curriculum, students collaborate with faculty mentors to identify a capstone experience site and work together to refine and develop goals, objectives, and a plan for the successful implementation of a scholarly capstone project in their area of interest. Based on the project students may have site mentors, who may or may not be occupational therapists, in addition to the faculty mentors.

Projects will fall within one or more of the following areas of concentrated interest:

  • Theory development
  • Research
  • Education
  • Policy and program development
  • Advanced clinical practice
  • Advocacy
  • Administration
  • Leadership

After completing the capstone experience, students will disseminate the results of their capstone project through various methods, including presentations, publication submissions, or the creation of a public online resource.

Potential Capstone Experience Site Locations

As practice within the real world varies so do capstone experience sites based on student interest and the purpose of their capstone project. Sites may include but are not limited to:

  • Clinical Practice
  • Community Centers
  • Hospital Settings
  • Public and Private Pre-K through 12 Schools
  • Summer and Recreational Camps
  • Colleges and Universities

The FDU OTD program aims to be a community partner with our capstone site while guiding valuable student experiences, promoting professional development, and strengthening the field of occupational therapy.

For more information related to the Doctoral Capstone, please feel free to contact Christine Mueller, OTD OTR/L at 973-443-8247 or via e-mail at crmueller@fdu.edu