A capstone course, also known as a synthesis and capstone project, senior synthesis, capstone unit, synthesis seminar, synthesis project, capstone module, capstone project, capstone subject, capstone and research project, synthesis and research project or capstone experience, serves as the culminating and usually integrative experience of an educational program. It may also occasionally be referred to as a senior seminar in the United States, in the United Kingdom the term used to describe this mostly American-style pedagogy is called a "final year project". Although somewhat different form the industry-oriented capstone project, in the Commonwealth of Nations, European Union, and in other parts of the world influenced by their education systems, a senior thesis (thesis) usually takes its place as a culmination of an educational program but is much more academia-oriented. Some universities and colleges award a Capstone Award or Capstone Prize based on merit in the capstone course. The term derives from the final decorative coping or "cap-stone" used to complete a building or monument. In higher education, the term has been in common use in the USA 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. See also Major (academic) Seminar Thesis References Educational programs