AP Capstone is comprised of two AP courses — AP Seminar and AP Research — and is designed to complement and enhance the discipline-specific study in other AP courses. Participating schools can use the AP Capstone program to provide unique research opportunities for current AP students, or to expand access to AP by encouraging students to master the argument-based writing skills that the AP Capstone program develops.

If you are currently an AP Capstone school or are interested in an in-person or online AP Capstone Summer Institute, Goucher College provides a week-long training experience during the summer. Only schools approved by the College Board are eligible to register for AP Capstone training. Contact your principal and/or the College Board to find out how you can get involved. The link to online registration only will be made available by the College Board to approved schools.

AP capstone course descriptions

AP 597 AP Seminar/AP Seminar for ELA Teachers

AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational literary and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research-based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.

AP 598 AP Research

AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further their skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methodology; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. Students explore their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of the development of their scholarly work in a portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.

 

2025 AP CAPSTONE SCHEDULE

July 14-17, 2025

AP Capstone On-Site | Mon — Thurs | 8 a.m. — 4 p.m.

AP 597 AP Seminar

AP 587 AP Seminar for ELA Teachers

AP 598 AP Research

 

July 28-31, 2025

AP Capstone Virtual | Mon — Thurs | 8 a.m. — 4 p.m.

AP 597 AP Seminar

AP 587 AP Seminar for ELA Teachers

AP 598 AP Research

*Registration for AP Capstone courses must be done through the College Board; contact the principal and/or the AP Capstone designee at your school to learn more.

 

AP capstone registration & payment

The tuition cost for AP Capstone training is $1075. AP Capstone training is managed directly by College Board. Any questions about AP Capstone registration and payment should be directed to workshopreg@collegeboard.org, or you can call College Board at 1-800-787-7477.

Please note: Capstone training are non-credit only; graduate credit is NOT an option.