Capstone(s)... What are they and how do they work???

[Supermind]

I will try to answer your question to the best of my knowledge, based on my experience at TESU.
A Capstone essentially reflects the ‘pinnacle’ of all your learning. You are expected to synthesize your learning, conduct some research in your chosen field, and contribute to newer understanding in that field. In doing so, you deepen your own understanding of that subject/field, and you also display your knowledge/competence. A Capstone is also an immersion into academic writing - something one has to increasingly do in graduate school.
Considering all this, it is ideal to complete the Capstone as your final course, after you have gained considerable knowledge and understanding through all the other courses. At TESU, one is required to have 100 credits applied to one’s degree before enrolling for the Capstone, and this requires all or most of the core subjects or AOS- Area of Study. Some of us here attempted the Capstone, while simultaneously also completing other courses and earning credits. From my experience, this proved a little challenging, even though I needed to complete only 3 courses (9 credits) alongside the Capstone. My personal recommendation would be to transfer 117 credits, and then enrol for the Capstone, so you can dedicate all of your focus and available time to research, and producing the Capstone project.
Based on when you choose to graduate, there are certain windows for when you should be completing the Capstone. These details are available on the TESU website.
The Capstone program in TESU stretches over 12 weeks, and comes in two variants: Online study, and Guided study. I opted for the Online study, which was split into 5 major assignments + one final Capstone project (which is essentially a compilation of the previous five assignments, but incorporating the suggestions/corrections offered by your mentor). Additionally, there were online discussions one had to participate in. The assignments had to be submitted every second Sunday. Each Capstone batch of students will be guided by a mentor, a Professor. You get to select your mentor, and join his/her batch at the time of enrolling for the Capstone.
All of what I have described are the general elements of a TESU Capstone course. There might be slight variations based on whether you are doing a Lib. Studies or a BSBA Capstone. I believe since I completed it in June, the Lib. Studies Capstone also has some newer elements now. Capstone structures might also slightly vary in other universities. So, you might need to review their websites and carefully understand what it entails.