Format and Structure of the Capstone Paper
The Capstone paper will take the form of a peer-reviewed journal article, such as articles that appear in the Research and Practice section of the American
Journal of Public Health (AJPH). The main text of the capstone paper will be 3000 to 5000 words in length of the main text, excluding abstract, table of
contents, references, tables, and figures. There will be a title page, structured abstract and table of contents, followed by the main text, references and then
tables and figures (one to a page). If there is an appendix, it is placed at the end. Grammar, quality of writing, illustrations and overall presentation are
considered when the paper is being evaluated. The paper follows the outline below.
1. Title page
2. Structured abstract (250 words)
3. Introduction & literature review/problem statement/background (750 – 1250)
4. Agency background, purpose and project rationale (450-750)
5. Methods/project descriiption/process (750-1250)
6. Results/project outcomes (450)
7. Discussion, limitations, recommendations (450-750)
8. Conclusions (150)
9. References
10. Tables, graphs, figures, etc.
11. Appendices
Title page: Include title of the document, student’s name, school number, email address, name of capstone advisor, date of submission, abstract word count,
and text word count. Do not use a large format font or other decorations on the title page as they may interfere with entering comments in track changes.
Structured abstract: Summary of key points. The abstract should briefly describe: 1) the background and focus of the paper; 2) the methods utilized; 3) a
summary of the results; 4) conclusions. Instructions for developing a structured abstract are available from the National Library of Medicine via this link.
Introduction: Background including significance of public health issue. This section relates to the background of the paper, including a statement of the
problem, and the specific aims of the study. The literature review section should contain scientific evidence from a variety of text and electronic sources
including limitations of the research findings; relevant and appropriate information sources; and interpreted scientific information. Even if it is innovative, the
paper should be presented so that it is related to an existing body of knowledge or work on the subject with review of the literature, and identification of the
gap to be addressed by this paper. Statement of question you will address, which should integrate an understanding of the health status of the population;
determinants of health and illness; factors contributing to health promotion; influencers of the use of health services; and/or policy and apply that
understanding to the issue of interest. Variables relevant to public health are selected and defined. The research question should be clearly, concisely, and
coherently stated at the end of the introduction.
Methods & materials: For research papers, a clear descriiption of the methods or methodological model and theory (where applicable) that another public
health professional might be able to use to replicate the findings. Any previously published procedures should be referenced in the reference section.
For practice papers, present the design of the project: Describe the project procedure in the sequence in which the project segments will be performed.
Describe each method or approach to be utilized, the population participating in the project, and the project site. Provide information about the relevant
institutional resources available to help complete your project. Provide a logic model.
Results: Present the collected data and analysis. Alternatively, utilize the relevant methodological model (and theory where applicable) to present and
describe the finding of the assessment, or the plan for the service program, education campaign, or program evaluation.
Discussion/Future directions/Policy recommendation: Provide conclusions drawn from the data and analysis. The discussion should reflect the project
findings, including unexpected results, and relate these to existing knowledge on the topic. Any difficulties encountered or recommendations for further study
should also be included. If the student has completed an assessment, education or program plan, or evaluation project, he/she should highlight and
summarize the significant issues. Limitations of the research or project should be addressed in this section. A brief presentation of next steps/future
directions is appropriate and encouraged. The core competencies of public health practice should be addressed.
Conclusions and recommendations: Conclusions should be based on evidence and relevance to the core competencies of public health practice and
discipline competencies. The relevance of findings to public health practice and any limitations of the study/project should be discussed. Recommendations
for program improvement, policy changes, and future study should be made as appropriate.
References: Statements of fact in the text should be referenced and cited in the bibliography. Pertinent journal articles and reference texts should be cited.
The Capstone paper should include references to at least 12 peer-reviewed articles. Unless otherwise instructed, use the AJPH style for all capstone papers,
which is the same style used by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Refer to the AMA Manual of Style, 10th edition.