The Academic Forum Capstone is a two-semester course required of all DSPT MA students, which will usually be taken in the final two semesters of the MA program. Each semester is worth 1.5 credits. Building on the Academic Forum Intro, the Capstone is designed to develop skills for master's level theological and philosophical research, writing, and professional dissemination.

Students in the Academic Forum Capstone will have the opportunity to develop a paper, thesis, or project (in consultation with the instructor) appropriate for their academic program and learning goals. Students will each present their preliminary research proposal or project plan during the first semester, and they will make a final presentation of their project in the second semester. Following their presentation in each semester, students will lead a discussion of their research topic.