Capstone Program
The current USNA SCY Department Capstone Instruction can be found here
Note that the instruction is revised each summer and ensure you are using the latest version: CYBERSCIDEPTINST 1219.1D
All Midshipmen in the SCY major are required to complete a Capstone Project as part of SY401/402 in their First Class Year. Details are below:
Faculty and organization suggestions may be submitted using our handy Google form.
Trying to formulate a Capstone Idea? Read about DARPA's Heilmeier Catechism
Capstone Timeline & Expectations
Deliverables |
Date Due |
Completed |
Sources |
Overview of Capstone Program for 2/c Essential Cybersecurity Science Author Presentation |
February (usually presented in class for SY310/312) |
Complete on 03 FEB 2023 for the Class of 2024. Project Ideas are due by 01 APR 2023 and is 5% of SY310/312 grade |
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Faculty Capstone Project Briefing |
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Updated to SCY Faculty each month |
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MIDN Capstone Project Selection |
Due 01 APR of 2/c Year |
SCY '24 - due 01 APR 2023 |
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MIDN Capstone Project Approval |
01 MAY of 2/c (Before departing for Summer Training) |
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Complete for SCY '24 |
MIDN Summer Reading |
1/c Summer |
Complete | |
MIDN Capstone Project Lit Review |
AY24: See SY401 Course Schedule |
Fall 2023 | Due @ 6 Weeks
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MIDN Capstone Project Poster (Draft) |
AY24: See SY401 Course Schedule |
Fall 2023 |
Due @ 12 weeks |
MIDN Capstone Project DRAFT Paper |
AY24: See SY401/402 Course Schedule |
Fall 2023 |
Due @ 16 Weeks |
MIDN Capstone Project Final Presentation/Due Date |
SY402 – Spring Semester |
All Materials for the SCY'24 Class are due TBD |
SY402 (Spring Semester). 3-5 Projects will be selected for morning presentation on Capstone Day All posters/papers/projects will be graded by the Capstone Committee in April 2024 Files and related materials will be archived for the Class of 2024 as in the past (see links for examples). |
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M&S Division Poster Session / Capstone Day |
May 2024 (Last Day of Classes) |
Details Presented in SY402 - to be scehduled by department |
Getting Started with your Literature Review:
Essential Cybersecurity Science: Build, Test, and Evaluate Secure Systems - available via Nimitz Library's digital subscription.
- Framework of Problem-Based Research: A Guide for Novice Researchers on the Development of a Research-Worthy Problem
- A Systems Approach to Conduct an Effective Literature Review
- Towards a Guide for Novice Researchers on Research Methodology: Review and Proposed Methods
- A Guide for Novice Researchers: Design and Development Research Methods
Do not wait until the last minute to begin reading. This material is important and will set you up for success when you begin the Capstone Project.
**Cyber Department Capstone Coordinator: Dennis Dias, ONR Chair, (443) 418-8220, dias@usna.edu
CAPSTONE Committee: Dr Casey, CDR Croteau, CAPT Doherty, CDR Stutts, Profesor Dias, Dr Maasberg

