Entry-Level OTD Doctoral Capstone
The doctoral capstone is the core of the OTD program, distinguishing the doctorate from master’s degrees in occupational therapy. The capstone gives students the opportunity to explore one or more of the following topics within occupational therapy in depth:
- clinical skills
- research skills
- administration
- program development and evaluation
- policy development
- advocacy
- education
- leadership
The capstone is divided into two key components: the Capstone Experience, where students apply and refine their knowledge in a mentored setting, and the Capstone Project, where they complete a scholarly endeavor that translates theory into practice and advances the profession.
This is a 14-week, immersive learning opportunity where students apply and synthesize advanced skills in a focused area of interest. Students engage in this experience for a minimum of 35 hours per week. Opportunities within the capstone experience are diverse and tailored to individual interests. Examples include enhancing practice-ready skills, engaging in specialty clinical areas, collaborating with researchers, exploring practice management and operational leadership, participating in advocacy and policy initiatives with state or national associations, and expanding understanding of interprofessional care and the lived experiences of patients.
This portion of the capstone is an individual, evidence-based project developed after an in depth needs assessment and comprehensive literature review takes place. This is where ideas turn into impact. Built alongside the Capstone Experience, the project gives students the chance to design and carry out a meaningful, evidence-based initiative. Most students implement new or enhanced programs, while others focus on quality improvement or feasibility studies, all grounded in the needs of their site and guided by best practices. Each project wraps up with a professional dissemination that highlights the student’s contributions to the field and their readiness to lead in occupational therapy.
What Makes Baylor’s Doctoral Capstone Different?
At Baylor University—an R1 institution grounded in academic excellence, Christian values, and service—students learn to think deeply, lead boldly, and serve with purpose, using their knowledge to meet the world’s challenges with compassion and conviction.
Baylor Occupational Therapy’s capstone framework reflects this mission. The experience is intentionally student-driven and faculty-guided, shaped by each student’s individual interests and professional goals. With support from a faculty capstone chair and mentorship from an on-site content expert, students design a project or program that addresses a real need at their selected site. Our student support team will connect students with their site early in the process to foster strong collaboration and meaningful alignment before the project begins. Capstone sites range from traditional clinical settings to nontraditional environments such as schools, community organizations, and even Waco’s own Cameron Park Zoo.
Career Outcomes and Professional Growth
Baylor’s capstone experience prepares students for the next step in their occupational therapy careers. Graduates often use their capstone project to:
- Pursue specialization certifications or fellowships, such as hand therapy, feeding and swallowing, or neuro
- Enhance their résumé with impactful, real-world experience
- Present at state, regional, or national conferences
- Build lasting relationships with practice sites and mentors
- Leverage capstone to secure employment opportunities
- Create innovative practices that can continue beyond graduation
56% of our employed graduates in the Class of 2024 were hired by their fieldwork or doctoral capstone site. Learn about OTD alumni Ariel Mansholt, Lindsey Sutton, and Polly Sweitzer, who did the same.
Capstone Timeline
Year 1: Students begin by identifying their area of interest, brainstorming capstone ideas with their faculty advisor, and collaborating with the Director of Doctoral Capstone to explore potential site options that align with their goals. Once students identify preferred sites, the Student Support Team steps in to manage logistics—confirming site availability, securing contracts, and ensuring all placement requirements are met.
Year 2, Trimesters 4 and 5: Students complete doctoral mentorship courses that guide them through the needs assessment, literature review, and methodology development in collaboration with their site. Students present their capstone proposal on Baylor’s campus at the end of the fifth trimester, demonstrating readiness for implementation.
Year 2, Trimester 6: In the final trimester, students complete a 14-week immersive capstone experience where they launch, manage, and evaluate their evidence-based project in a mentored, real-world setting.
Note: Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience within 12 months following the completion of the didactic portion of the program. The doctoral capstone experience must be started after completion of all coursework and Level II fieldwork as well as completion of preparatory activities defined in 2023 ACOTE OTD Standard.