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Who: All masters students are eligible to complete a capstone project. MDP, MPA and MURP (Plan C) students are required to complete a capstone.
What: Students form student-consultant teams of three to five while taking the 3-credit Capstone Workshop (PA 8081) to complete a substantive project in support of external clients from the public or nonprofit sector.
When: Student typically complete the capstone towards the last semester of their program however, there are exceptions to this. Most capstones are offered during the spring semester. There is one section of capstone with 3-4 projects during summer. Capstone is not available in fall semester. Students must also complete PA 5080: Capstone Preparation Workshop (or MDP 5100: Capstone Preparation Workshop) the semester before their capstone project. This course gives project teams a head start in preparing for their capstone project. See the capstone page for specific information.
Where: Students work with public and nonprofit organizations throughout the US and globally.
Why: The capstone is an opportunity for students to collaborate with diverse cultures and communities to solve real world problems to advance the common good.
How: See the capstone page for information on choosing a capstone, completing the required capstone coursework, and submitting and documenting the final product.
Who: MHR, MPP & MS-STEP students may choose to complete either a capstone or a professional paper.
What: Professional papers take many forms. Students may work within an established tradition of social science (e.g. positivist, interpretivist, critical); they may focus on questions of interest to scholars or practitioners; and their analysis may be descriptive, explanatory or normative in nature. More information including required criteria can be found on the professional paper page.
When: Most students complete professional papers in the context of the PA 8082: Professional Paper-Writing Seminar in the Spring semester of their second year. For students who choose this option, they must also take PA 5082: Professional Paper Preparation Workshop in the preceding fall semester. Students who choose to complete the paper at a different time may request a waiver with permission from the DGS to complete the professional paper utilizing an independent study course (PA 8921).
Where: This is very dependent on the focus of the professional paper.
Why: The professional paper is an opportunity for students to work closely with a faculty mentor to complete their own scholarly or practical paper, exploring an area of interest and impact.
How: See the professional paper page for information on paper requirements, logistics, and timeline.
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