Task 1#
Warning
Submission process update. Task 1 is no longer signed and returned by your course instructor. Fill out the approval form and submit it directly to Assessments as your Task 1. Your course instructor (or, in the future, an evaluator) will either pass your submission or return it with comments for revision. This mirrors how you submit Tasks 2 and 3. The video below was recorded under the previous process — the topic guidance still applies, but ignore the instructions about emailing or signing the form.
Choosing a Topic#
The approval form confirms a viable topic before you invest time and effort in Task 2. Course instructors approve a topic when it has the following:
A specific client with a problem solvable by technology (you can fabricate a client whose problem needs your chosen solution.)
A plan to implement at least one hard IT deliverable that helps solve that problem.
Propose a project that clearly includes implementing an IT solution (e.g., hardware, software, networks, etc.) rather than a project that only involves the development of a plan or abstract framework. You must describe the specific hard IT deliverable(s) to be implemented. If the topic requires an initial assessment, as with many security projects, assume the evaluation has already concluded so that the approval form (Task 1) and proposal (Task 2) can focus on implementing the solution.
Do:
Name a client and describe an IT need or problem.
Propose specific IT improvements (the hard IT deliverable) that address the client’s need or problem.
Submit the completed approval form directly to Assessments.
Do NOT:
Choose a topic that is a framework, general approach, training, or evaluation alone.
Skip the Student Certification questions at the end of the form (all three must be answered).
Some examples of acceptable topics:
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) implementation
Security information and event management (SIEM) implementation
Network hardware or software installation/upgrades
Installation of a functional software system (scheduling, networking, point-of-sale, financial, etc.)
Cloud migration or data backups
Phishing Training software (as a permanent improvement)
Building or improving a website
Some examples of problematic topics:
Assessments and reports, such as Pen Testing.
Frameworks or research
Training, policies, or documentation
Your project must focus on implementing technology to solve a client’s problem. For example, it’s difficult to write about a Pen Test that hasn’t been conducted. Setting up automated Pen Tests is acceptable, but the IT solution is the automated tests, not the Pen Test itself.
Examples#
The Capstone Excellence Archive includes a wide range of completed projects to review. However, remember that they all are, by definition, above and beyond the requirements. Therefore, do not use these as examples of what’s needed to meet the requirements.
For a more down-to-earth example of what’s required, see these examples:
Topic: Modern Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Systems
Task 1: Topic approval form example
Task 2: Project proposal example
Task 3: Project report example
Topic: Security Evaluation and Upgrade
Task 1: Topic approval form example
Task 2: Project proposal example
Task 3: Project report example
Note
The security upgrades, not the evaluation, are what’s necessary to meet the requirements.
Tip
If you see Unable to render code block when attempting to view the examples, open the link using Firefox or download and view it with your favorite viewer.
Watch: Choosing a Project Idea
Note
This video was recorded before the current submission process. Topic-selection guidance still applies; disregard the email/signature workflow.
Listen: IT Audio Series podcast Choosing Your Topic; view the transcript.
Though still relevant, we created this video for ROM2 -not ROM3.
Submitting the Approval Form#
Once you’ve decided on a topic, complete the approval form and submit it directly to Assessments. The form has four short sections:
The Client and the Problem. Name a specific client (real or fabricated) and describe their problem in 2–4 sentences.
The IT Solution. Identify the hardware or software to be installed, built, or upgraded as a permanent part of the client’s environment. 2–4 sentences.
Supporting Soft Deliverables (optional). Training, policies, or documentation that accompany the IT solution. Optional — leave blank if none.
Student Certification. Three Yes/No questions that must all be answered:
Whether you understand the project requirements (the project implements a hard IT deliverable for a specific client; real or fabricated is OK).
Whether your project involves human-subject research. If Yes, contact your course instructor before submitting.
Whether your project uses restricted or proprietary information from an employer or third party. If Yes, also submit the Restricted Information Authorization Form.
Note
You submit the completed form directly to Assessments as your Task 1. There is no email-to-instructor or signature step. Your course instructor (or, in the future, an evaluator) will pass your submission or return it with comments for revision. This mirrors how Tasks 2 and 3 are submitted.
Tip
If you have questions about your topic before submitting, you can still email your course instructor or the team inbox ugcapstoneit@wgu.edu. When you do, use your WGU email, give a clear subject line including your capstone course and your program mentor’s name, and state your question directly.
FAQ#
Do I need to set up an appointment before submitting?#
No. Most students fill out the approval form and submit it directly to Assessments — there’s no instructor review step in advance. If you have questions about the requirements or difficulty choosing a topic, you’re still encouraged to schedule an appointment with your course instructor. A 15–30 minute phone call can address most questions or concerns before you submit.
What if I start writing task 2 and want to change things? Do I need to resubmit task 1?#
No. Minor changes from task 1 to task 2 are expected and allowed without updating the approval form. Evaluators will not rigorously compare tasks 1 and 2. Task 2 is where the work is, and even with complete topic changes at most, you might need to revise the approval form (if at all). So, never let task 1 dictate what you do in task 2. However, deviating significantly from what was approved could put you at risk of completing a project that does not meet the requirements. So, while small changes do not need review, discuss substantial changes with your assigned course instructor.
Can I use projects from other WGU courses?#
Yes! You can use any of your work or academic projects (at WGU or elsewhere), provided you do not use proprietary information without permission. Don’t worry about self-plagiarism; the similarity check will identify and ignore it. As in reusing work projects, expect to modify and remold past academic assignments to meet the rubric requirements.
What are the common reasons for task 1 being returned?#
No specific client. The Client and the Problem box must name a specific client (real or fabricated — “Company X, a 40-person regional accounting firm” is fine). “A small business” or “an organization” is too generic.
No hard IT deliverable. The IT Solution box must name specific hardware or software to be installed, built, or upgraded as a permanent part of the client’s environment. Training, policies, assessments, audits, or recommendations alone aren’t enough.
Student Certification questions left blank. All three Yes/No questions must be answered before submission.
Restricted information without the waiver. If you answered Yes to Student Certification question 3, you must also submit the Restricted Information Authorization Form.
How many attempts are allowed for each assessment?#
You have unlimited attempts. However, incomplete submissions or submissions significantly falling short of the minimum requirements may be locked from further submissions without instructor approval. Furthermore, such submissions do not receive meaningful evaluator comments.
What is a hard IT deliverable?#
It is a physical or digital technological addition or improvement to the client’s environment. Examples include any hardware or software installation or updates. Soft deliverables, e.g., training, policies, evaluation, etc., can (and often should) be included but cannot meet the requirements alone.
Can I get the “welcome email?”#
Yes, contact your assigned course instructor.
Are there any cohorts? I don’t see where to sign-up on my COS page.#
Yes, cohorts run regularly. Enrollment typically opens on Mondays and closes on Wednesdays. You can find the link to sign up under the Explore Cohort section on your C769 COS page. If the section is not visible, either enrollment has closed, or the cohort will not be available that week. See Webinars and Cohorts.
How should I answer the human-subjects research question?#
Answer No unless you plan to collect data directly from human participants (interviews, surveys, etc.) — which is rarely needed for an IT capstone. Reading academic papers or citing studies is not human-subjects research. If you do answer Yes, contact your course instructor before submitting so we can coordinate IRB review. For more details, see WGU IRB and Human Subject Protections FAQ.