Capstone Projects

Are you an organization with a great Capstone idea? Submit a Capstone Project Proposal

Which programs complete a capstone?
All Columbia Climate School Master's Programs complete a capstone including; Master of Science (MS) in Climate, Master of Science (MS) in Climate Finance, and Master of Arts (MA) in Climate and Society.

Overview
Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, a small group of Columbia graduate students will work with a client organization to deliver a specific product (e.g. data analysis, program design, curricular and training materials). Projects should be designed to be completed in 12 weeks, with varying skillsets. Clients will be expected to meet with students at the project start and then periodically throughout the summer. 

Project timeline: 12 weeks (Summer: June - August | Spring: Jan - May)
Approximate hours: Up to 126 hours per student (program dependent)
Group size: 4 - 6 students. 
Proposals due: Currently Rolling for Spring 2027 (Deadline in Aug 2026)

The project should be designed to be completed within 12 weeks, according to the rough schedule below:

• Week 1 - 2: Review and Finalization of scope with client
• Week 3 - 4: Project planning and organization / Data acquisition / Initial analysis
• Week 5 - 6: Data Analysis / Mid-Summer Presentation
• Week 7 - 8: Refinement of deliverables or goals / Data analysis or Core Work
• Week 9 - 10: Creation of final deliverables
• Week 11 - 12: Team capstone presentation to class / Final report to client