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 1219.1E
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
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Deliverables |
Date Due |
Completed |
Sources |
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Overview of Capstone Program for 2/c Essential Cybersecurity Science Author Presentation |
February (usually presented in class for SY314) |
Completed on 03 FEB 2025 for the Class of 2026. Project Ideas are due by 04 APR 2025 and is 5% of SY314 grade |
See your instructor for access |
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Faculty Capstone Project Briefing |
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Updated to SCY Faculty each month at department meeting |
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MIDN Capstone Project Selection |
Due 01 APR of 2/c Year |
Complete
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CMIDN Capstone Project Approval |
01 MAY of 2/c (Before departing for Summer Training) |
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Complete |
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MIDN Summer Reading |
1/c Summer - groups can begin to research their project - those on internships can begin work while on site |
Complete | |
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MIDN Capstone Project Lit Review |
AY26: See SY401 Course Schedule |
Fall 2025 | Due @ 6 Weeks - see SY401 Course page for due dates
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MIDN Capstone Project Poster (Draft) |
AY26: See SY401 Course Schedule |
Fall 2025 |
Due @ 12 weeks- see SY401 Course page for due dates |
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MIDN Capstone Project DRAFT Paper |
AY26: See SY401/402 Course Schedule |
Fall 2025 |
Due @ 16 Weeks- see SY401 Course page for due dates |
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MIDN Capstone Project Final Presentation/Due Date |
SY402 – Spring Semester |
All Materials for the SCY'26 will be due by 03 APR 2026 |
SY402 (Spring Semester). Several Projects will be selected for morning presentation on Capstone Day All posters/papers/projects will be graded by the Capstone Committee in April 2026 MSC will schedule times in April for poster review/printing Files and related materials will be archived for the Class of 2026 as in the past via shared folders. |
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M&S Division Poster Session / Capstone Day |
29 APR 2026 (Last Day of Classes) |
Details Presented in SY402 - to be scheduled by department |
Getting Started with your Literature Review - Summer Reading and Excellent Resources:
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, CAPT Doherty, LCDR Hogan, Profesor Dias, Dr Maasberg, LT Trezza
