The Shipyard Culminating Experience
Real Problems, Real Impact
Every student's path looks different. The culminating experience in The Shipyard is designed to support a variety of career goals, whether students want to launch a career in industry, pursue research, or develop their own business or startup.
Three Roads to Graduation
Industry / Nonprofit Path
- Students build on the skills they've developed throughout The Shipyard by completing a capstone project with an industry or nonprofit partner.
- Students will graduate with hands-on experience, professional connections, and a project that demonstrates what they can do.
Research Path
- For students who are curious about discovery and innovation, the research path offers opportunities to work with faculty and industry partners on real research projects.
- Students ask new questions, test ideas, and help shape the future of computing while gaining hands-on research experience.
Entrepreneur Path
- The entrepreneurship path gives students the opportunity to take an idea beyond the classroom.
- They explore how new technologies and innovations can become products, businesses, or startups while gaining experience in product development, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Explore Shipyard
Discover how The Shipyard supports students at every stage of their computing education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Industry and community partners play an important role in The Shipyard by helping students apply their skills to real-world challenges. Organizations can get involved by mentoring students, sponsoring projects, or providing financial support. To learn more or express interest in partnering with The Shipyard, complete the partner interest form.
Classroom learning provides students with the knowledge, technical skills, and critical thinking needed for success. The Shipyard builds on that foundation by giving students opportunities to apply what they learn through hands-on projects and real-world experiences. Beginning in the first year and continuing through graduation, students develop practical skills, build a portfolio of work, and graduate prepared for careers in computing.
Students can get involved in The Shipyard in a variety of ways, including enrolling in studio courses, completing the Applied Computing Practitioner Certificate, participating in research, collaborating with industry partners, or exploring entrepreneurial ideas. To learn more or express interest, complete the student interest form.