TN Certified Economic Developer (TCED) Capstone

Participants apply the knowledge gained through the TCED course work to address a substantial challenge or opportunity related to economic and community development impacting their community or organization. The Capstone Project gives participants the opportunity to contribute to the knowledge-base of the profession while also contributing to their community or organization.

Capstone Projects consist of two major components:

  1. Report (10- 15 pages double spaced)
  2. Presentation  (5 minutes)

Eligibility – Candidate may begin process after successful completion of TBEDC and four of the six TCED core courses.

Time to Completion – Most Capstone Projects are completed in two to six months.

Project Eligibility – Participants may select a new project or a project conducted within the final year of TCED course work. The topic a participant selects should be a project they are passionate about implementing in their organization or community.

Forms and Guidelines

Questions or more information about the Capstone Projects:
Contact Kathy Barber, Capstone Coordinator at (865) 974-5719) or kathy.barber@tennessee.edu​ 

As of February 2017, the TCED Advisory Board voted to enforce a two-year maximum for TCED candidates to complete the Capstone Project after finishing core course work. In other words, the last TCED core course is completed, TCED candidates will have two years to finish the Capstone project process.

TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Fall 2023):

TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Spring 2023): 

TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Fall 2022):

TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Spring 2022):

TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Fall 2021):


TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Spring 2021):


TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Spring & Fall 2020):


TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Fall 2019):

TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Spring 2019):

TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Fall 2018):

TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Spring 2018):

TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Fall 2017):

TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Spring 2017):

TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Fall 2016):

TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Spring 2016):

TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Fall 2015):

TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Spring 2015):

TCED Alumni Capstone Projects (Fall 2014):