The Capstone Project

Tackle real-world policy and social problems. Develop a professional portfolio.

The SDA Capstone Project (SDA 490) is the final course in the SDA minor program. It provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in their studies to real-world social and policy problems. 

Students create a data dashboard and a long-form data journalism article, together making a portfolio that they can showcase to prospective employers or graduate programs.

Students have examined how the Covid-19 pandemic affected marginalized communities in Vancouver, and looked at the future of transportation and street network usage as it relates to the City of Vancouver’s 20-year transportation infrastructure, sustainability, and livability plan. Students have collaborated with the City of Vancouver and CityStudio

Through these projects, students take what they have learned in the classroom and apply a data-driven approach to addressing real world problems.

2024 Capstone Projects

This year the SDA 490 students partnered with the Canadian Housing Statistics Program (CHSP) at Statistics Canada and explored issues related to housing, population and quality of life.  

2023 Capstone Projects

This year the SDA 490 students partnered with the City of Vancouver via CityStudio. Projects addressed Vancouver's traffic concerns and the future of transportation in the city. 

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Have questions about social data analytics?

Please email sda_advisor@sfu.ca

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