In Year two year of the program, MUI students are required to complete a full-year Capstone Course where they will be assigned to work in groups of 2-3 students, under the supervision of the MUI Capstone Course Instructor. Student teams will be assigned to projects in September and will work on their project until the end of March.
MUI faculty and staff will work with potential sponsor organizations to identify and scope appropriate capstone project opportunities that fit with the needs and interests of the sponsor organization, the time frames of the program (September to March/April), and the interests and capabilities of the students.
Benefits to organizations:
- Access to in-depth research and analysis for a discrete issue/assignment, especially on issues that the organization might not have resources (e.g. budget, staff) to complete;
- Insights and ideas from a graduate student team, which can provide an external perspective based on the latest knowledge of urban innovation and economic development issues and best practices;
- Research and analytic skills commensurate with second year professional-track masters students in a top tier university; and
exposure to students who may be potential employees or collaborators in the future.
Industry Partners Feedback
“We are very pleased with the work that was completed by the students, as it is comparable to other works we have had completed by consultants in the industry. This project is one of the many action items noted in our Economic Development Action Plan 2021-2025, and its completion is instrumental in achieving our departmental goals. I would highly recommend this program to other economic development organizations or anyone in municipal government who is tasked with seeking innovative solutions to community challenges.”
City of Hamilton
“Throughout the process they were extremely professional and treated me and the broader team like a real client. I would highly recommend this to other sponsors/clients and would be happy to serve as a reference.”
University of Toronto
Capstone Information Brochure Coming Soon
2022-2023 Capstone Projects
City of Hamilton - Downtown Retail Revitalization
City of Mississauga - Building an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lens Tool
City of Toronto - Toronto Transportation Innovation Zone
Waterfront Toronto - Waterfront Revitalization
2021-2022 Capstone Projects
KPMB Architects - Sustainable Adaptive Reuse of Buildings: Background, Feasibility, and Recommendations on Market Approach
City of Hamilton - Food incubators and entrepreneurship: a feasibility study for the City of Hamilton
BIAs - The Next Fifty Years
A Housing Advocate for Toronto
University of Toronto Real Estate - Innovative Commercial Spaces at 5201 Dufferin
