What Is a Capstone Course?

Updated on March 23rd, 2021

As your student gets ready to wrap up their college experience, there’s often one requirement they’ll have to handle during their final semester: the capstone course. While the idea of tackling it may be intimidating, it can be an exceptional experience for soon-to-be graduates.

However, many students aren’t entirely sure what a capstone course is, leaving them anxious about taking one on. If you want to learn more about what’s involved, here’s an overview.

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So, what is a capstone course in college? Well, in a general sense, a capstone course is a degree requirement that allows students to demonstrate their cumulative knowledge in their major. The concept can go by different names, including senior thesis, final exhibition, culmination project, capstone experience, and more. However, what it involves is generally similar.

The definition of a capstone course can vary depending on the school your student attends and their major. Some focus on students completing a final paper that showcases their understanding. Others may require the creation of a portfolio or a presentation that your student will have to give in order to graduate. In some instances, capstone courses involve internships, volunteer hours, or other kinds of work experience.

However, every method concentrates on a central idea: giving students a chance to demonstrate their expertise and skills in a subject. Since knowledge in different majors may have to be expressed in different ways, that leads to the variation in the definition.

For example, photography majors might have to curate a personal exhibit, while history majors might need to write a report. For scientific or healthcare-related disciplines, volunteering or internships may be more common, as the approach allows them to showcase their skills in a practical way.

What Is a Capstone Project? Is It Different from a Capstone Course?

Generally, the terms capstone project and capstone course are interchangeable. They both involve students completing an in-depth assignment of some kind to demonstrate their knowledge in their major. However, some may view a capstone project as the assignment itself, and the capstone course as the requirement, in general, or as the classroom time involved.

Are Capstone Assignments Individual or Group Projects?

Some schools require students to complete their capstone assignments on their own. They focus on students highlighting their personal knowledge without a significant amount of input from others.

Others go the group route, requiring a specific number of students to work together on a single paper, exhibit, or project. This option may be more common in disciplines where teamwork is critical or when the assignment type makes working with others necessary.

The road your student has to take is usually outlined in the capstone course description or any instructions given by the overseeing professor.

Is a Capstone Course an Actual Class?

Some colleges use a formal class-based approach for their capstone requirements. Students may need to report to a classroom at a particular time, just as they would with other courses. Additionally, it may be worth a certain number of credit hours toward their degree.

It’s important to note that, even when heading to a classroom at a set time is required, the purpose isn’t necessarily direct instruction. Instead, it may simply serve as an opportunity for students to get feedback from the overseeing professor or get together with group members on a regular basis.

However, other schools use the independent learning model for the capstone requirement. Students simply have to complete the project before a cutoff date. They end up working on the assignment on their own time and have to coordinate with others – if it’s a group project – to ensure everyone stays on target.

Typically, when this is the case, if students need guidance from the overseeing professor, they have to schedule an appointment or stop by during the professor’s office hours. Precisely how this is handled may be outlined in a syllabus or course description.

Where Does the Term Capstone Come From?

A capstone is an architectural feature. It’s the final stone that’s usually placed atop a wall or building, usually at the highest point. In a way, it’s the culmination of a building project, like a crowning jewel.

Since the project is usually the last step a student needs to take to graduate, it became known as a capstone experience. It marks the end of the student’s educational journey, at least as it pertains to that particular degree.

What Are the Benefits of Capstone Courses?

Many students wonder if they have much to gain from the capstone experience. This is especially true as it can take a lot of time and effort to handle the project, and is often a source of stress for students.

However, there are benefits to participating in a capstone course. They aren’t only chances for students to showcase how much they’ve learned during their time in school, but also an opportunity to prove it to themselves. This can be a major confidence booster.

Often, a capstone experience can also elevate a student’s resume. Your student may end up with a portfolio that they can submit with their applications, or an internship, volunteer, or work experience they can list, for example.

Finally, a capstone course might allow your student to put their skills to work in a practical way. As a result, they hone their capabilities, making them stronger in areas that may help them professionally.

Do I Have to Do a Capstone Class?

Whether your student has to take a capstone course depends on the school they attend and their degree requirements. If completing a capstone project is a mandatory part of the plan, then students have to participate if they want to leave with a degree. Failing to do so means they don’t meet all of the graduation requirements.

Is a Capstone Course Required at All Colleges?

No, not all colleges require capstone projects. Additionally, some schools may only make them mandatory in certain instances, such as specific degree levels or majors.

Generally, a thesis or similar experience is more common for graduate degrees than undergraduate degrees. However, some colleges make it mandatory for Bachelor’s programs, too.

If your student is trying to choose a school, whether or not a capstone course is part of the degree plan may be something to examine. It may cause one college to stand out from another, in their eyes.

Typically, if a capstone project is a must-do, it’ll be listed somewhere in the program requirements. It may be listed as an actual capstone class or an independent project that has to be finished and reviewed. As a result, your student should review the plan carefully, ensuring they know what they’ll need to do to earn their degree.

What Is a Capstone Course?