Postgraduation Capstone Publication
In the Writing Center, we are often asked about what
students' options are for publishing their capstone after graduation and how to
go about doing so. There is no correct
answer to how to proceed, as many aspects of the approach will vary on the type
of degree, type of publication sought, and ultimate goal of the
publication.
Since early 2017, the Writing Center editors have created
several Kits to help students while writing the different parts of the capstone
document. We have recently added the Postgraduation
Kit, which is intended to guide students through the process of publishing
one portion of their capstone or a revised, shortened version of the complete
study.
Here are a few things students should consider when thinking
about a postdegree, capstone-related publication:
A Chapter or Section as a Stand-Alone Document
Consider the publication type. Many professional programs design their
capstones so that one chapter or section is already intended as a stand-alone
document. Students should consider
whether there is already a portion of the capstone that could be minimally
revised and reformatted as a document.
Examples of this are the DBA Consulting Capstone Section 3, EDD Project
Study Project, and DNP Section 5.
This approach involves removing the unnecessary chapters or
sections and the Postgrad Kit has instructions on how to do this. The end result here is often a white paper or
a project that can be shared directly with individuals or organizations related
to the topic. The goal may be a white
paper or project to disseminate among professionals in the field, and whether part
of the capstone was designed as such, does not matter. Any chapter or section can be made to exist
as a paper on its own, with the appropriate introduction and conclusion added.
Peer-Reviewed Journals
If a white paper or project to be disseminated is not a
desired outcome, students should consider revising the capstone for
peer-reviewed publication format. To
begin trimming down the lengthy capstone into a shorter paper, in its entirety,
we suggest first settling on a journal.
Then, students should review their References list and explore the most
frequently referenced journals. These
should be a good place to begin.
After a journal is selected, students should conduct some
research on the journals, their style, and the submission process. Publication will involve including all
components of the capstone, but in a briefer version and without a lot of the exposition. There is no need for development of and
explanation of the different research methods and all designs that the student
could have used. There is a certain
amount of knowledge assumed of the reader.
Generally, the headings included are: introduction, literature review,
method, results, discussion and conclusion.
The Postgrad Kit also includes steps and instructions in more detail.
Other Options for the Capstone
If the student's goal is to raise awareness about their
results, not necessarily aim for an academic publication, there are other
options as well. Trade journals may also
be an appropriate venue. Though they are
not part of the peer-reviewed process and often do not follow the standard
format of intro., literature review, etc.
These types of journals often accept articles that are written in a
language that is more geared to professionals in the field than an academic
audience.
A conference presentation may be another effective option. Sometimes, the topic needs to be further
developed, even after the dissertation, before it may be ready for a
journal. Presenting at an academic or
trade conference may help test the ideas and allow the student/researcher to
gain feedback on the interpretation of the results. Seeking out a conference to present the
material may be a goal, in itself, or a first step toward exploring
publication.
For more information and tips what to do with the capstone
after graduation and on how to develop the document into a working publication
visit our Postgraduation Kit on the Form and Style website.
Direct questions about writing the capstone or potential revisions for
publication to editor@waldenu.edu.
Kelly Chermack is the Manager of Editing Services in the Walden University Writing Center. She first joined the staff as a dissertation editor in 2012. She earned her PhD from the University of Minnesota in Sociology, and specializes in organization theory, workplace policy, and research methods. She is also a contributing faculty member in Walden's Human and Social Services PhD and Doctorate of Business Administration.
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