Capstone Project
In the final year of the MS in Applied Data Science program, students complete a Capstone Project to demonstrate mastery of data science principles in a real-world context.
Choose the option that best matches your goals and timeline:
Course Code: EGN 6933 | Credits: 3
When: Typically taken in your last semester
Ideal For:
- Students with a personal passion project.
- Those extending work from an internship, RA/OPS position, or part-time job.
- Students seeking a one-semester commitment.
Project Types:
- Passion-Driven: Tackle a meaningful question with real data.
- Work-Based: Turn your job or research duties into a structured project.
- New Collaborations: Apply to join projects sponsored by UF faculty, UF units or external partners.
Requirements:
- A well-defined, realistic problem statement.
- Access to appropriate data.
- Demonstration of technical execution and thoughtful analysis.
Courses: EGN 6951 (Fall) & EGN 6952 (Spring) | Credits: 6
When: Typically taken in your last year
Ideal For:
- Students eager for team-based, industry-sponsored experiences.
- Those interested in solving real business problems in collaboration with professionals.
- Students who want extended time to design, iterate, and deliver polished solutions.
Structure:
- Fall (EGN 6951): Kick off with an industry project pitch, work alongside a team and faculty coach in designing potential solutions, define measurable success metrics, plan your implementation, and get a head start on development.
- EGN 6951 substitutes 1 elective (3 credits).
- EEE 6778 Applied Machine Learning II becomes a co-requisite with EGN 6951 and a pre-requisite for EGN 6952.
- Spring (EGN 6952): Continue development, complete implementation, and deliver a prototype solution to sponsor. EGN 6952 substitutes the EGN 6933 capstone.
- Multidisciplinary Teams: Collaborate with students across graduate engineering programs.
Note:
- EGN 6951 is required before enrolling in EGN 6952.
- Seats are limited and based on application/selection.
Roles and Responsibilities
Successful Capstone Projects rely on collaboration between students, faculty coaches, and industry partners. Each plays a critical role in ensuring the project meets its objectives and delivers meaningful results.
- Project Execution: Students are expected to lead the research, analysis, and development efforts outlined in the project scope. This includes following the project timeline, meeting milestones, and delivering high-quality results.
- Communication: Ongoing, professional communication is essential. Students should provide regular updates to both their faculty advisor and industry sponsor to ensure alignment and project progress.
- Problem Solving: Students are encouraged to take initiative in addressing challenges, consult their advisors as needed, and refine their approach based on feedback and evolving project needs.
- Guidance and Support: Faculty advisors mentor students throughout the project, helping shape research questions, refine methodologies, and guide overall direction.
- Feedback: Advisors provide input at critical stages, offering constructive feedback to keep the project aligned with expectations and academic standards.
- Assessment: At project completion, faculty advisors/coaches assess the student’s work and overall contribution, playing a key role in determining the final grade.
- Project Proposal: Industry sponsors submit meaningful, business-relevant projects that offer real-world learning opportunities for students.
- Data and Resources: Partners supply the data (or means for obtaining data), tools, and resources required for successful project execution.
- Ongoing Engagement: Regular check-ins allow sponsors to provide feedback, guidance, and ensure the project stays aligned with organizational goals.
- Intellectual Property: At the conclusion of the project, sponsors retain all intellectual property (for IPPD projects only).