AP Capstone Diploma™ Program – AP Central

What Is AP Capstone?

AP Capstone™ is a diploma program from College Board based on two yearlong AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research.

Why It's Different

Rather than teaching subject-specific content, these courses develop students’ skills in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing, and presenting. Students who complete the two-year program can earn one of two different AP Capstone awards, which are valued by colleges across the United States and around the world.

How AP Capstone Works

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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 School Leaders and Teachers

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

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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

Explore the Courses

AP Seminar

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

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AP Research

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

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How to Offer AP Seminar and AP Research

Schools interested in offering AP Seminar or becoming an AP Capstone Diploma school need to fill out a required online form.

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Timeline

See important dates and deadlines for offering AP Capstone.

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Program Policies

Learn about AP Capstone requirements and policies.

Read the Policies

Toolkit

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

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Check Form Submission

See if your school filled out the required form to offer AP Capstone courses.

Verify Submission

Professional Learning

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Webinars

Learn more about the AP Capstone program and watch tutorials about using the online resources available for teachers.

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Required Training

All AP Seminar and AP Research teachers at approved schools must complete a 5-day summer workshop and online training.

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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 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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