AP Capstone Diploma Program – AP Central

What Is AP Capstone?

AP Capstone™ is a diploma program based on two yearlong AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. Rather than teaching subject-specific content, these courses develop students’ skills in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing, and presenting.

How AP Capstone Works

The Benefits of AP Capstone

For Students

Participating in AP Capstone can help students stand out to colleges, become independent thinkers, develop key academic skills, and more.

For Teachers

Offering the AP Capstone program gives teachers academic distinction, flexible student-centered curricula, access to training, and more.

For Schools

AP Capstone courses can be assigned to a variety of academic departments, allowing schools the flexibility to maximize student access.

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How to Offer AP Seminar and AP Research

Required Training

All AP Seminar and AP Research teachers must first complete a 4-day summer workshop and online training.

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Program Policies

Learn about AP Capstone requirements and policies.

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Timeline

See important dates and deadlines for offering AP Capstone.

View the Timeline

Explore the Courses

AP Seminar

AP Seminar is a foundational course in which students explore the complexities of academic and real-world issues.

View the AP Seminar Course

AP Research

AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest.

View the AP Research Course

AP Capstone Awards

Students who complete the AP Capstone program can earn one of two different awards, which are valued by colleges across the United States and around the world.

AP Capstone Diploma

Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing receive the AP Capstone Diploma.

AP Seminar and Research Certificate

Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research but not on four additional AP Exams receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™.

Resources

Toolkit

Find resources to help you bring AP Capstone to your school.

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AP Classroom

Current AP Seminar and AP Research teachers can access videos that cover skills outlined in both courses.

Go to AP Classroom

AP Course Ledger

Search for high schools that offer AP Seminar and AP Research.

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"AP Capstone helps students develop key skills that they will use over and over in college: conducting research and communicating their results."

Stu Schmill, Dean of Admissions and Student Financial Services, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"AP Capstone helped me work independently, think critically about research and the research process, and organize myself so I can present to other people."

Michael, Stanford University

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all your questions about the AP Capstone Diploma program and the AP Seminar and AP Research courses.

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