A capstone course, also known as a synthesis and capstone project, senior synthesis, among other terms, is a project that serves as the culminating and usually integrative praxis experience of an educational program mostly found in American-style

pedagogy Pedagogy (), most commonly understood as the approach to teaching, is the theory and practice of learning, and how this process influences, and is influenced by, the social, political, and psychological development of learners. Pedagogy, taken ...

. Although somewhat different from an industry-oriented capstone project,

case study A case study is an in-depth, detailed examination of a particular case (or cases) within a real-world context. For example, case studies in medicine may focus on an individual patient or ailment; case studies in business might cover a particular f ...

, case method, or praxis commonly used in American-style

higher education Tertiary education (higher education, or post-secondary education) is the educational level following the completion of secondary education. The World Bank defines tertiary education as including universities, colleges, and vocational schools ...

; in the

Commonwealth of Nations The Commonwealth of Nations, often referred to as the British Commonwealth or simply the Commonwealth, is an International organization, international association of member states of the Commonwealth of Nations, 56 member states, the vast majo ...

, Bologna Process, and in other parts of the world influenced by their education systems, a senior thesis (

thesis A thesis (: theses), or dissertation (abbreviated diss.), is a document submitted in support of candidature for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting the author's research and findings.International Standard ISO 7144: D ...

) usually takes its place as a culmination of an educational program but is much more theoretical and academia-oriented rather than the praxis and industry-oriented synthesis and capstone project.

Nature and structure

A capstone course is usually designed as a hands-on project, an extended essay, a research paper, or another form of applied work. This work is often submitted as a requirement for a degree or professional qualification and is typically written in a

professional writing Professional writing is writing for reward or as a profession; as a product or object, professional writing is any form of written communication produced in a workplace environment or context that enables employees to, for example, communicate effe ...

format rather than the more traditional academic writing style. The goal is to present findings from the perspective of a professional in the field, rather than that of a student or academic researcher. Capstone courses are often multidisciplinary in nature and may involve teamwork, independent research, or collaboration with industry partners. They are commonly found in undergraduate bachelor's degree programs but are also prevalent in master’s degree curricula and some professional training programs. The course structure may vary by institution and discipline, but the essential purpose remains the same: to synthesize and apply learning from the entire educational program.

Capstone awards and recognition

Some universities and colleges award a Capstone Award or Capstone Prize based on merit in the capstone course.

Etymology and historical development

The term derives from the final decorative

coping Coping refers to conscious or unconscious strategies used to reduce and manage unpleasant emotions. Coping strategies can be cognitions or behaviors and can be individual or social. To cope is to deal with struggles and difficulties in life. It ...

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

References

Educational programs {{edu-stub

Nature and structure

Capstone awards and recognition

Etymology and historical development

See also

References