SBUS 690 SMBA Capstone: This course involves applying knowledge from other courses and integrates finance, communications, marketing, sustainability, and strategic management skills to develop an applied project that will be implemented in the following section of the class. Students work with an organization and possibly other Unity MBA candidates to design a plan that is guided and approved by a faculty member and an expert in the field. A project proposal must include the needs of an organization, the goal of the project, and relevant research findings.
PROF 590 Capstone I: This course guides students through the creation of a Capstone Project Proposal. Students identify and collaborate with organizations or individuals to design proposals that address real-world challenges by applying the diverse skills and knowledge gained during their master’s program. Together, students and collaborators establish a clear timeline to ensure the successful planning and execution of the project. Students receive support in networking and building relationships with professional organizations, and develop project proposals that demonstrate transdisciplinary thinking.
PROF 690 Capstone II: This course serves as the culminating experience of the graduate program, guiding students through the completion and communication of their Capstone Project. Building on the foundation established in Capstone 1, students work with their external collaborators to complete their projects, and produce both a professional paper and a video presentation to effectively communicate their project and outcomes. Emphasis is placed on tailoring communication for field-specific professional audiences. By the end of the course, students will have demonstrated expertise in their chosen field and the ability to convey complex ideas across multiple platforms and audiences.
Capstone Courses at Unity Environmental University
Sustainable MBA Capstone: Planning Green Business Initiatives
(SBUS 590)
Executive Summary
The Sustainable Master of Business Administration (SMBA) Capstone sequence at Unity Environmental University represents a transformative, project-based culmination to the graduate business experience. Rather than following a traditional thesis or examination model, the capstone invites students to synthesize, apply, and expand upon knowledge gained throughout their program in a real-world setting shaped by sustainability, professional standards, and networking. With a focus on the triple bottom line and inclusion of critical business domains through an integrative proposal, the SMBA Capstone empowers graduates to demonstrate leadership, research skill, strategic thinking, and polished communication – all while strengthening connections to their chosen industry or sector. unity+1
Sequence Overview
The SMBA Capstone course sequence guides students from project ideation to execution, ensuring a robust, scaffolded process. Students begin by identifying a relevant professional issue or opportunity, conducting rigorous research, and developing a project proposal that centers sustainability strategy, finance, and additional business dimensions (economics, marketing, accounting, operations, organizational behavior). Integral to the sequence is the requirement that students network with, and become involved in, a professional organization or external company directly related to their capstone focus. The process culminates in the creation and delivery of a professional proposal, which must be communicated effectively to instructors, peers, and external stakeholders. This sequence not only builds confidence and portfolio-ready deliverables but also models stakeholder engagement – a key competency for sustainable business leaders. unity
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
| Capstone Model | Project-based; proposal and execution, not thesis-based |
| Focus | Real-world, sector-specific sustainable business challenges |
| Integration | Triple bottom line: strategy, finance, and two other domains |
| Research Outcome | In-depth, practice-oriented research and proposal development |
| Networking | Active involvement in a professional organization or company |
| Communication Outcome | High-level professional, academic, and industry presentations |
| Innovation | Workforce-facing, portfolio-ready assignments |
Distinctive Features
Applied, Triple Bottom Line Project Design
The SMBA Capstone foregrounds complex, contemporary business challenges that require graduates to integrate sustainability not just as a value, but as a core operational and strategic framework. Projects are shaped by the proven “triple bottom line” approach – balancing economic, environmental, and social returns – and must incorporate substantial research and innovation in strategy, finance, and at least two other key business functions, ensuring rigorous, cross-disciplinary competency (Dias & Brantley-Dias, 2017; Raworth, 2017). This integration develops stakeholder awareness and business acumen tailored for sustainable value creation in diverse sectors.
Workforce-Connected Research and Professional Networking
A unique requirement of the SMBA Capstone is that students identify, engage with, and contribute to a professional organization or business relevant to their area of interest. This process fosters industry networking, real-world insights, and bridges the gap between academic knowledge and sector-specific practice (Guo et al., 2020). Research is focused and actionable, with the goal of authentic workforce impact and enhancing student resumes. unity
Strategic Communication for High-Impact Audiences
Students must communicate their capstone proposal with clarity, depth, and professionalism, adapting presentation style and content for academic, professional, and external audiences. This dual focus on rigorous research design and versatile communication ensures graduates can advocate for sustainable business practices among diverse stakeholders, including senior management, community partners, and sector peers (Arthur & Newton-Calvert, 2015; Unity Environmental University, 2025).
Innovative Online Learning Model
The SMBA Capstone further distinguishes itself by translating advanced project-based, experiential learning into an asynchronous, online environment. Scaffolded support, clear milestones, and opportunities for peer and faculty feedback foster retention, skill development, and confidence. This approach demonstrates that flexible, distance education can deliver high-impact, transformative outcomes aligned with the dynamic needs of sustainability professionals. unity
Example Capstone Project Scenarios
- Creating a financial and marketing strategy for launching a sustainable product line in partnership with a regional business.
- Developing a triple bottom line operations improvement plan for an environmental nonprofit, grounded in contextual sustainability metrics and stakeholder interviews.
- Building an accounting/finance framework for climate risk assessment and reporting for a municipal utility, leveraging standards such as GRI or SASB.
How the SMBA Capstone Transforms Professional Readiness
Unity’s SMBA Capstone model is purpose-built to launch graduates into meaningful leadership roles by embedding:
- Real-world professional engagement and sector-specific deliverables
- Dual emphases on independent research and collaborative networking
- Rigorous, interdisciplinary approaches to business problem-solving
- Portfolio-ready communications and presentations to advance career goals
Outcomes and Career Readiness
Upon completion, Unity SMBA graduates demonstrate:
- Mastery in the application of sustainable business, research, and strategic planning
- Industry connections and sectoral expertise
- High-impact, portfolio-quality project proposals and presentations
- Reputation as communicators and collaborators ready for advancing sustainability in their fields unity+1
Alumni and Industry Impact
Graduates consistently credit the capstone for advancing job placement, career progression, and deepening ties with professional communities. Many capstone projects have spurred business innovations, nonprofit program design, and new sustainability benchmarks adopted by partner organizations. Alumni testimonials cite the capstone’s role in fostering leadership capacity, real-world confidence, and expanded professional reputation (Unity Environmental University, 2025).
References
Arthur, D. S., & Newton-Calvert, Z. (2015). Online community-based learning as the practice of freedom: The online capstone experience at Portland State University. Metropolitan Universities, 26.
Dias, M. & Brantley-Dias, L. (2017). Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning: A Proven Approach to Rigorous Classroom Instruction. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 11(2). http://doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1721
Guo, P., Saab, N., Post, L. S., Admiraal, W. (2020). A review of project-based learning in higher education: Student outcomes and measures. International Journal of Educational Research, 102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101586
Raworth, K. (2017). Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist. Chelsea Green Publishing.
Unity Environmental University. (2025). Program and Capstone Descriptions. https://unity.edu/distance-education/unity+1
Master’s of Professional Science Capstone Sequence
(PROF 590 & 690)
Executive Summary
The Capstone sequence – PROF 590 Capstone I and PROF 690 Capstone II – at Unity Environmental University offers graduate students a groundbreaking, project-based culminating experience that sets a new standard for applied learning in asynchronous online education. Unlike traditional thesis models, these courses enable students to work reciprocally with external partners (collaborators) in their chosen fields to tackle real-world problems. Through hands-on engagement, these capstones encourage transdisciplinary thinking, professional relationship-building, and the application of classroom knowledge in a professional context. The unique structure not only prepares graduates for complex professional challenges but also ensures that the impact of their academic work extends directly into their industries and communities.
Sequence Overview
PROF 590 Capstone I guides students through creation of a rigorous Capstone Project Proposal. Students identify professional collaborators, co-design projects addressing workplace or community issues, and establish actionable timelines. Emphasis is placed on networking and developing transdisciplinary thinking skills.
PROF 690 Capstone II serves as the culminating experience where students implement projects with their external collaborators, producing both a professional paper and a video presentation tailored for specialized audiences. Graduates leave with practical expertise and polished communication skills vital for leadership and advocacy (Unity Environmental University, 2025).
Key Highlights at a Glance
Feature Detail
Capstone Model Project-based; collaborative, not thesis-based
Collaboration Reciprocal work with external organizations
Focus Real-world problem-solving in professional fields
Structure Two-course sequence: Proposal (I), Implementation & Communication (II)
Communication Outcomes Professional paper and video, customized for audiences
Innovation Groundbreaking in asynchronous online education
Transdisciplinary Learning Integration across the graduate curriculum
Distinctive Features
Hands-On, Project-Based Learning
Unity’s capstone sequence emphasizes active, experiential learning where students apply theoretical knowledge to complex, real-world problems in professional environments. This project-based learning (PBL) approach is foundational for developing critical skills including higher-order critical thinking, motivation, teamwork, and practical problem-solving (Guo et al., 2020; Unity Environmental University, 2025). Research shows that PBL:
- Improves student engagement and academic outcomes by situating learning within authentic, meaningful tasks (Arthur & Newton-Calvert, 2015; Dias & Brantley-Dias, 2017).
- Promotes interdisciplinary understanding by encouraging students to draw on diverse academic content and synthesize information across fields (Thomas, 2000; Dias & Brantley-Dias, 2017; Post & Lesher, 2022).
- Enhances communication, planning, and leadership skills that align closely with workforce expectations in sustainability and environmental sectors (Unity Environmental University, 2025).
This deeply integrative learning is further supported through Unity’s structured support during the two-course capstone sequence, ensuring students progress from project conceptualization to completion with clear milestones and faculty guidance.
Reciprocal Collaboration with External Partners
A standout feature is the commitment to reciprocal partnerships where students co-create projects with external organizations such as nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses. This collaborative model exemplifies best practices highlighted in scholarship on college-community partnerships, such as the work by Post and Lesher (2022), who emphasize the significance of reciprocity, mutual benefit, and longitudinal engagement for sustainable impact. These principles enrich the relevance and depth of capstone projects, foster lasting professional relationships, and enhance community outcomes beyond the life of the project (Guo et al., 2020; Post & Lesher, 2022; Unity Environmental University, 2025).
Portfolio-Ready Communication for Diverse Audiences
Capstone students develop a dual-mode communication strategy, producing both formal written reports and engaging video presentations designed for academic, professional, policymaker, and public audiences. This approach equips graduates with the versatility to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively across multiple platforms – a skill critical in leadership and advocacy roles in sustainability (Unity Environmental University, 2025; Thomas, 2000).
Innovative Online Learning Model
Many asynchronous online programs limit experiential learning to simulations or independent research. Unity’s capstone breaks this mold by requiring authentic, field-based experiences that replicate professional workflows and promote real-world impact. This immersive, project-based structure not only builds deep expertise but also networks and professional portfolios, which research links to increased student retention, satisfaction, and career readiness in online education contexts (Arthur & Newton-Calvert, 2015; Unity Environmental University, 2025). This approach clearly demonstrates how applied learning can flourish in flexible, asynchronous environments without sacrificing quality or outcomes.
Capstone Project Examples
Strategic Plan Implementation: New Hampshire Water Works Association
Developed strategic mapping and scoring tools to help NHWWA monitor organizational goals and improve effectiveness.
Coastal Ecosystem Litter Indexing: Virginia Aquarium
Led coastal clean-up data collection and analysis, contributing to local policy development and global environmental databases.
Waterfowl Hunting Regulation Analysis: Illinois
Conducted surveys and focus groups assessing regulatory complexities’ impact on hunter recruitment, informing wildlife conservation initiatives.
Environmental Education for Raptors: Lake County, Illinois
Developed community educational materials on bald eagle and osprey conservation, fostering public support and guiding future conservation education efforts.
These projects demonstrate student-driven solutions with direct organizational and community impact, embodying Unity’s commitment to applied, socially relevant education.
How Capstone Courses Transform Online Graduate Education
Unity’s Capstone model sets a benchmark by embedding:
- Real-world engagement with community and industry
- Mutual benefits for students and partners
- Interdisciplinary knowledge applied to practice
- Career-ready deliverables aligning with workforce needs (Unity Environmental University, 2025)
Graduates emerge ready to lead in systems thinking, organizational innovation, policy advocacy, and sustainability.
Outcomes and Career Readiness
Unity graduates completing Capstone I & II demonstrate:
- Mastery of applied professional skills
- Strong industry networks and sector knowledge
- Portfolio-ready projects enhancing employability
- Proven real-world impact and leadership capabilities (Unity Environmental University, 2025)
Alumni and Industry Impact
The reciprocal, project-based capstone experience profoundly benefits Unity alumni. Many report accelerated job placement and career advancement driven by capstone projects that showcase applied problem-solving and professional communication. Capstone partnerships frequently develop into ongoing professional relationships, promoting leadership development and long-term sector influence. Alumni projects have catalyzed policy shifts, program innovations, and community conservation actions, strengthening their professional identity and support for environmental stewardship (Unity Environmental University, 2025). Such outcomes are consistent with research emphasizing the importance of reciprocal community partnerships that build trust, shared vision, and collaborative networks essential for sustainability (Arthur & Newton-Calvert, 2015; Post & Lesher, 2022).
References
Arthur, D. S., & Newton-Calvert, Z. (2015). Online community-based learning as the practice of freedom: The online capstone experience at Portland State University. Metropolitan Universities, 26.
Dias, M. & Brantley-Dias, L. (2017). Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning: A Proven Approach to Rigorous Classroom Instruction. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 11(2). http://doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1721
Guo, P., Saab, N., Post, L. S., Admiraal, W. (2020). A review of project-based learning in higher education: Student outcomes and measures. International Journal of Educational Research, 102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101586.
Post, K. M., & Lesher, E. (2022). Protecting Little Sebago: A model college-lake association sustainable partnership. Sustainability and Climate Change, 15(2). https://doi.org/10.1089/sus.2022.0023
Thomas, J. W. (2000). A review of research on project-based learning. Autodesk Foundation.
Unity Environmental University. (2025). Program and Capstone Descriptions. https://unity.edu/distance-education/
