Capstone

Catalog description

The Capstone Thesis Course seeks to give students a 360-degree view of the business of publishing, incorporating and utilizing all previous coursework in the program. It is a professional workshop that requires students to complete a business plan for a media company; this could be a multi-platform magazine brand; a book publishing imprint or company (including digital extensions); or a digital-only property with rich publishing content. Students may also create new media-related businesses. Students learn to create a full business plan and enhance their knowledge through class discussion and presentations by the faculty and guest speakers. Case studies of successful businesses help students refine their own plans through the progression of the course. Students also study research methods, funding sources, financial modeling, and competitive analysis. Classroom discussion will be supplemented by one-on-one sessions with the professor and guest speakers. By the end of the course, students are equipped to present a summary of their plans to a panel of industry leaders, reflecting their greater understanding of how the pieces of a business work together and inform decision-making and success. All Capstone ideas must be approved by the program and faculty member before a student will be registered for this course.