Interested in applying to WCM’s graduate programs? Learn how past PHS graduate students have applied their knowledge to real-world challenges.
Students in the PHS Master’s Programs (Health Informatics, Health Policy and Economics, and Biostatistics and Data Science) complete a Master’s project as a culminating experience to apply their classroom learning into a hands-on experience.
There are two primary options to fulfill the Master’s Project requirement: Capstone Projects and Portfolio Projects.
Capstone Projects
What are capstone projects?
Capstone projects are a core component of the curriculum in our MS programs. They are an opportunity for graduate students to apply their experience and advanced education in a professional setting, while continuing to build industry knowledge. In return, our students gain hands-on experience while working with capstone partners on tasks such as data analysis, literature reviews, statistical modeling, policy analysis, data visualization, survey design and administration, and more.
Projects may come from clients in academia, hospitals, startups, consulting firms, research foundations, health departments, insurance companies, technology, community organizations, pharmaceuticals, and beyond.
Capstone Placements
See a sample of some of the organizations and institutions where students have completed their capstone projects.
Capstone Descriptions
See a sample of project abstracts from past capstones.
Capstone Testimonials
See what past students have to say about their capstone experience.
Portfolio Projects
What are portfolio projects?
The portfolio project follows a similar format to the capstone and is an opportunity for students to craft and execute an independent study on a project that interests them under supervision and guidance of a faculty advisor. It is a popular option for students considering a PhD after their master’s.
Portfolio Testimonials
See what past students have to say about their portfolio experience.
Internships
Students in the MS in Biostatistics and Data Science program have the option to pursue internship opportunities during the course of their degree program to fulfill their Master’s Project requirement. Students in all three PHS MS programs have the opportunity to pursue an internship through the PHS Internship Course.
To see the types of internships that students have participated in previously, visit our internship page.
* Please note that execution of the master's project is subject to administrative adjustments from year to year.