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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