Capstone course

A capstone course, also known as capstone unit, capstone module, capstone project, capstone subject, or capstone experience, serves as the culminating and usually integrative experience of an educational program.[1] It may also be referred to as senior seminar (in the U.S.) or final year project (more common in the U.K.)[2].

Universities and colleges often award a Capstone Award[3][4] or Capstone Prize[5] based on merit in the capstone course.

The term derives from the final decorative coping or "cap-stone" used to complete a building or monument. In higher education, the term has been in common use in the USA since the mid-twentieth century, although there is evidence that it was in use as early as the late 1800s.[6] It has gradually been gaining currency in other countries, particularly where attention has focused on student outcomes and employability in undergraduate studies.[7] National grant projects in Australia[8][9][10] and the U.K. have further raised the profile of the capstone experience.[11]