This course prepares students to design a rigorous, methodologically sound proposal for their two-part doctoral capstone project, consisting of a research synthesis and an applied project. Students identify a significant issue in social work practice or education and conduct a structured, critical synthesis of the literature to establish a strong scholarly foundation. Emphasis is placed on developing clear, researchable questions; selecting and justifying appropriate research synthesis approaches; and ensuring alignment between the synthesis findings and the design of the applied project. Students engage in applied training in research design, feasibility assessment, ethical considerations, and dissemination planning. By the end of the course, students produce a comprehensive capstone proposal that demonstrates theoretical integration, methodological rigor, and the potential to inform practice, education, and innovation in social work. Prerequisite: SOCW 6310: Education I.