Our goal is to seamlessly facilitate the student’s transition from Oregon State University to the engineering profession. All undergraduates in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science complete a three-term course sequence (October-May) to expose students to the challenges of engineering design and project management. This career preparation experience includes open-ended design, project management, quality project artifacts (schematics, code, etc.) and documentation, and production of a final prototype in small team environments.
These projects culminate in the high-energy Engineering Expo in May where students present their Capstone Senior Project posters and demonstrate their prototypes. The annual event routinely attracts thousands of people, including industry representatives.
What about online students?
In addition to the bachelor's degree programs mentioned above, Oregon State University also offers a postbaccalaureate degree in computer science. This program's capstone project lasts for one-term instead of three.
Online students are also now able to enroll for the first time in the bachelor's degree program, including a three-term capstone sequence.
We need you!
Each capstone project has at least one mentor. These mentors come from a wide array of backgrounds — including non-technical fields. Our program has had mentors from industry, national labs, non-profit and community organizations — anyone can be a mentor. The only requirement is that you care about your project, and your student team, and are willing to meet with the students for at least one hour per week.
Share your project ideas with our class.
Questions?
Contact us. We would love to hear your project ideas!
Common Questions
Project scope is typically what you would assign one summer intern. Projects must be non-critical path. Ideally, projects represent a complete system or product that integrates analysis, simulation, and design as appropriate. Keep in mind, this is the first exposure many of the students will have had to this type of project environment. If you are unsure if your project idea is a good fit, we encourage you to contact us and schedule a call. If you prefer, just upload the project.
This can be done, but requires extra planning. Multidisciplinary projects provide great experiences for students. Upload your project idea as soon as possible.
When uploading project ideas, keep in mind the students "bid" on the projects (with the faculty keeping teams appropriately balanced). So do not underestimate the "coolness" of your project proposal. Your enthusiasm can be infectious!
Students can see your projects ahead of time and "apply" to your project. You can review these applications (at your discretion) and indicate your preferences to the course instructors.
For those organizations who are able, consider a sponsored Capstone Senior Project. Companies with more than 500 employees are asked to consider a $2K sponsorship contribution. For businesses with less than 500 employees, consider a $500 contribution.
Organizations who sponsor two Capstone Senior Projects will want to consider INSPiRE Industrial Affiliates membership. INSPiRE membership includes two or more sponsored Capstone Senior Projects.
Capstone Sponsors
