What is an SMP?
The St. Mary’s Project (SMP) is a year-long, 8-credit, capstone of study at St. Mary’s.
SMPs are an independently designed and executed course of study. Working in close conjunction with one or more professors, in or outside of the department, students have the opportunity to explore, in depth, a question or idea that entrances and intrigues them.
An SMP may take the form of a research paper or a creative expression of the arts. It may include collaborative work and build upon components of internships, study-abroad programs, and other experimental formats, as well as traditional research skills.
The College has established certain guidelines for the SMP:
- It must be student-initiated
- It must demonstrate methodological competence (by identifying an area to be explored and proposing a method of inquiry appropriate for the topic)
- It must draw on and extend knowledge, skills of analysis, and creative achievement developed through previous academic work. It must include a reflection on the social context, the body of literature, or the conceptual framework to which the project is a contribution
- It must be shared with the larger community through some form of public presentation.
SMP Process
First year students and sophomores:
- Consider your interests and keep track of favorite and interesting topics
- Don’t be too specific, keep it broad
- Talk to friends and seniors doing projects.
- Attend SMPs and look over the archives
First semester of junior year:
- Consider whether you want to collaborate with others. Note that collaborating with students will not necessarily make your work load easier
- Think about whether you want to do the project in two 4-credit blocks or employ some other sequence
Second semester of junior year:
- Narrow your choice to one or two topics
- Discuss and develop your topic ideas with faculty members who might be good mentors.
- Talk to the St. Mary’s Career Center if you want to include an off-campus component to your project.
- Decide if you will be collaborating with a fellow student.
- Have a good idea of what you want to do by advising day.
- Select a faculty mentor in the spring semester.
- Submit a formal proposal
How to choose a topic
- What areas of math and/or computer science interest you?
- What are your career interests?
- Do you want a project to include specific experiences such as doing an off-campus internship or conducting on-site research?
- What was your favorite class and why?
- Would a topic from a class be something you would like to pursue further?
SMP Forms
Alternative Capstone Experience
Mathematics
As alternatives to a St. Mary’s Project in Mathematics, students may choose one of the following:
- One 400-level mathematics course and a Senior Project in Mathematics: MATH 495 (four credits)
- Two 400-level mathematics courses
The requirement may also be satisfied by completing a St. Mary’s Project in another area. If a student wishes to do a project in another area, the approval of the department must be secured in advance.
Computer Science
- One 400-level computer science course, not including COSC 499, and a Senior Project in Computer Science COSC 495 (4 credit hours)
- Two 400-level computer science courses
The requirement may also be satisfied by completing a St. Mary’s Project in another area. If a student wishes to do a project in another area, the approval of the department must be secured in advance.