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The Capstone Workshop (PA 8081) is a 3-credit class that culminates a graduate student’s experience at the Humphrey School. It is required for students seeking degrees in MPA, MDP, and MURP (Plan C) and is one option for MPP, MHR, and MS–STEP students to complete the professional paper requirement. Note: students who choose to complete a capstone, must also be registered for the Capstone Preparation Workshop (PA 5080) in the semester prior to completing PA 8081.
Students form student-consultant teams of three to five during the Capstone Workshop to complete a substantive project in support of external clients from the public or nonprofit sector. These workshops are taught by, and the Humphrey School faculty supervise the projects.
Capstone Workshop FAQ
Capstone Workshop FAQ
At what point do I take the Capstone Workshop?
The Capstone Workshop is intended to serve as a culminating project to draw upon the knowledge and skills you have gained throughout your program. Most students enroll during their final semester; however, with permission of advisers and under certain circumstances, students may enroll before then. Part-time students or those who have transferred graduate credits into the program may also take the capstone earlier, under a recommendation by their advisor. Students in dual degree and certificate programs should consult their faculty and academic advisors to identify the appropriate timing for the capstone and to determine whether project-based courses in their certificate or other degree program meet the requirements of their curriculums.
At what point do I take the Capstone Workshop?
The Capstone Workshop is intended to serve as a culminating project to draw upon the knowledge and skills you have gained throughout your program. Most students enroll during their final semester; however, with permission of advisers and under certain circumstances, students may enroll before then. Part-time students or those who have transferred graduate credits into the program may also take the capstone earlier, under a recommendation by their advisor. Students in dual degree and certificate programs should consult their faculty and academic advisors to identify the appropriate timing for the capstone and to determine whether project-based courses in their certificate or other degree program meet the requirements of their curriculums.
When are capstones offered?
There are approximately 10 different Capstone Workshop sections offered at the Humphrey School every year, including one in the summer, with the majority of sections in the spring semester. All sections require completion of PA 5080—a one-credit Capstone Preparation Workshop. (If you are an MDP student, this same prep course has the course number MDP 5100.) Students are encouraged to contact instructors to determine whether their capstone offerings would be a good fit for their interests.
When are capstones offered?
There are approximately 10 different Capstone Workshop sections offered at the Humphrey School every year, including one in the summer, with the majority of sections in the spring semester. All sections require completion of PA 5080—a one-credit Capstone Preparation Workshop. (If you are an MDP student, this same prep course has the course number MDP 5100.) Students are encouraged to contact instructors to determine whether their capstone offerings would be a good fit for their interests.
Spring semester: Multiple sections of the Capstone Workshop are offered, each one reflecting a particular area of focus, based on faculty expertise and the traditional areas of concentrations associated with Humphrey School degree programs. Capstone teams may include a mix of MPP, MHR, MDP, MURP, MS–STEP, and MPA students.
Summer semester: The summer Capstone Workshop is open to students from all degree programs, but is popular for MPA students. Although only one section of PA 8081 is offered in the summer, there are a variety of client projects from which to choose. Project options are announced ahead of the Capstone Preparation Workshop (PA 5080), which meets in spring semester prior to the start of the summer Capstone Workshop. Teams for summer projects are announced on the first day of the Capstone Preparation Workshop (PA 5080).
What is a student-initiated capstone project?
Students who will be completing a capstone in the spring or summer semester have the option to partner with an organization and create their own capstone project. Planning and organizing for a student-initiated capstone should be done over the summer before the September information session where capstone projects for spring are announced. A proposal form is required to be completed (by a specific deadline) in order to pair the student with a capstone faculty member who will oversee the project.
What is a student-initiated capstone project?
Students who will be completing a capstone in the spring or summer semester have the option to partner with an organization and create their own capstone project. Planning and organizing for a student-initiated capstone should be done over the summer before the September information session where capstone projects for spring are announced. A proposal form is required to be completed (by a specific deadline) in order to pair the student with a capstone faculty member who will oversee the project.
The deadline for a student-initiated capstone is only for students who want to create their own project. There will be many projects organized by the capstone faculty and introduced at the September Capstone Project Session.
The proposal form will gather information on the proposed project, allow for feedback for development of the project, and assist with the capstone being paired with a capstone faculty sponsor.
A student-initiated capstone MUST be placed within a capstone section with the agreement of that faculty member.
Information captured by the form will indicate general focus, partner organization, and team members or expertise needed. Feedback is provided promptly to inform the proposal.
Student-initiated capstones must follow the same team format as other capstones. A group of students can initiate a project together or a single student can initiate a project and gain team members through the Capstone Ranking form process.
When will I find out about what capstone projects are offered? How are capstone project teams formed?
Spring capstone projects are announced at the Capstone Project Session, which happens in mid-September of fall semester. These projects are the possible options for the following spring Capstone Workshops. Students have the opportunity to review all of the projects and rank their top three choices. The capstone faculty review these choices and form teams. The teams are announced ahead of the fall Capstone Preparation Workshop (PA 5080), which is a prerequisite for all spring Capstone Workshop sections.
When will I find out about what capstone projects are offered? How are capstone project teams formed?
Spring capstone projects are announced at the Capstone Project Session, which happens in mid-September of fall semester. These projects are the possible options for the following spring Capstone Workshops. Students have the opportunity to review all of the projects and rank their top three choices. The capstone faculty review these choices and form teams. The teams are announced ahead of the fall Capstone Preparation Workshop (PA 5080), which is a prerequisite for all spring Capstone Workshop sections.
Summer project options are announced ahead of the Capstone Preparation Workshop (PA 5080), which meets in spring semester prior to the start of the summer Capstone Workshop. Teams for summer projects are announced on the first day of the Capstone Preparation Workshop (PA 5080).
Is PA 5080: Capstone Preparation Workshop (1 credit) required?
All capstone courses also require the Capstone Preparation Workshop (PA 5080), which is designed to provide students with a refresher on skills important to their capstone project work. (If you are an MDP student, this same prep course has the course number MDP 5100.) Focus topics include: problem-solving, research design, project management, group interactions, communications, and a critical framework to complete the capstone project. Students will work with their teammates to prepare a draft of the project’s plan, group norms, and a client memorandum of agreement. The Capstone Preparation Workshop is completed in the semester before the capstone itself. The Capstone Preparation Workshop for spring projects is held at the end of the fall semester preceding it. The summer Capstone Preparation Workshop is held late in the spring semester before the summer capstone begins.
Is PA 5080: Capstone Preparation Workshop (1 credit) required?
All capstone courses also require the Capstone Preparation Workshop (PA 5080), which is designed to provide students with a refresher on skills important to their capstone project work. (If you are an MDP student, this same prep course has the course number MDP 5100.) Focus topics include: problem-solving, research design, project management, group interactions, communications, and a critical framework to complete the capstone project. Students will work with their teammates to prepare a draft of the project’s plan, group norms, and a client memorandum of agreement. The Capstone Preparation Workshop is completed in the semester before the capstone itself. The Capstone Preparation Workshop for spring projects is held at the end of the fall semester preceding it. The summer Capstone Preparation Workshop is held late in the spring semester before the summer capstone begins.
What are the differences in workload between Capstone Workshops?
Each Capstone Workshop instructor manages his/her course differently. Some instructors require weekly meetings that may include lectures, discussions, and guest speakers. This approach allows the instructor to provide additional content knowledge and skills needed to complete the project. Other instructors simply meet with students weekly to discuss project needs and process. Instructors may also use additional assignments, such as case studies, literature reviews, and other activities to build knowledge and generate content that will contribute to the capstone project. Periodic reflection papers or online discussions may also be used to facilitate learning and explore professional practice topics. Typically, information about the structure of the course is provided via the Course Guide and capstone information session.
What are the differences in workload between Capstone Workshops?
Each Capstone Workshop instructor manages his/her course differently. Some instructors require weekly meetings that may include lectures, discussions, and guest speakers. This approach allows the instructor to provide additional content knowledge and skills needed to complete the project. Other instructors simply meet with students weekly to discuss project needs and process. Instructors may also use additional assignments, such as case studies, literature reviews, and other activities to build knowledge and generate content that will contribute to the capstone project. Periodic reflection papers or online discussions may also be used to facilitate learning and explore professional practice topics. Typically, information about the structure of the course is provided via the Course Guide and capstone information session.
How much time is required for the capstone?
Typically, the spring capstones average six to nine hours per week, including class time, group meeting time, reading, writing, presentation preparation, etc. The summer capstone is condensed into a shorter time period and may involve more hours per week.
How much time is required for the capstone?
Typically, the spring capstones average six to nine hours per week, including class time, group meeting time, reading, writing, presentation preparation, etc. The summer capstone is condensed into a shorter time period and may involve more hours per week.
How do I know which capstone is best for me?
Capstone topics vary from year to year based on project availability, client interests, faculty capacity, and student enrollment in concentrations. We cannot guarantee that there will be a capstone that will be aligned with every concentration, but the topics available are diverse and offer connections to most, if not all, concentrations. Some capstones intentionally cut across concentrations. Additionally, students are encouraged to use the capstone experience as an opportunity to broaden their interests, explore a new topic, and engage with students in other concentrations and degree programs. Some capstone faculty members specifically identify capstone topics and projects to provide opportunities to address emerging topics or highlight issues not otherwise addressed in the curriculum. If you have questions about which capstone offering might be the best fit for you, please contact your faculty advisor or program director. Capstone course instructors are also valuable sources of information.
How do I know which capstone is best for me?
Capstone topics vary from year to year based on project availability, client interests, faculty capacity, and student enrollment in concentrations. We cannot guarantee that there will be a capstone that will be aligned with every concentration, but the topics available are diverse and offer connections to most, if not all, concentrations. Some capstones intentionally cut across concentrations. Additionally, students are encouraged to use the capstone experience as an opportunity to broaden their interests, explore a new topic, and engage with students in other concentrations and degree programs. Some capstone faculty members specifically identify capstone topics and projects to provide opportunities to address emerging topics or highlight issues not otherwise addressed in the curriculum. If you have questions about which capstone offering might be the best fit for you, please contact your faculty advisor or program director. Capstone course instructors are also valuable sources of information.
Suggestions for choosing capstones:
Consider times/dates of the offering and the content of the capstone offering.
Review individual capstone descriptions.
Contact capstone instructors for more detailed information or a syllabus.
Consider which client organizations and projects are the most relevant to your professional interests.
Meet with a professional academic adviser in Humphrey Career and Student Success.
Meet with your faculty adviser.
Talk to other students who have taken capstones.
How will my capstone be evaluated?
Capstone project outcomes will be the primary basis for students’ capstone grades. Feedback is typically gathered via a review and survey completed by the instructor client. Student team members also have the opportunity to evaluate each other and the overall project outcomes.
How will my capstone be evaluated?
Capstone project outcomes will be the primary basis for students’ capstone grades. Feedback is typically gathered via a review and survey completed by the instructor client. Student team members also have the opportunity to evaluate each other and the overall project outcomes.
Capstone Requirements
Capstone Requirements
A client agreement on the scope of work and project plan
Research and analysis related to the project’s stated need
Some faculty members require individual reflection papers on the workshop experience. The purpose is both to allow the workshop instructor to evaluate individual student performance, and to provide an opportunity for students to reflect intellectually and personally on the workshop experience, addressing: 1) the student's assessment of the relationship between the workshop experience and the theory and concepts presented in class, and; 2) the student's reflection on what he or she learned about working in a team context and as a professional with a client on a real world policy or management problem.
A team-written report for the client: The report to the client will conform in general to the definition of a professional paper. However, there is likely to be variation across workshop reports because the needs and desires of individual clients will differ. For example, some clients may wish to have students explicitly use theoretical concepts and frameworks in their final report, while other clients may desire more direct practical application. Please note that because reports are usually bound and made publicly available, client permission for disclosure should be sought at the beginning of the project.
An oral presentation to the client and capstone instructor that summarizes the major findings from the report: A successful oral indicates that both the client and the instructor agree that the student team has met the expectations agreed to by the client, instructor, and student teams. Once the student team has completed the oral presentation, the instructor and client will sign the title page of the team-written client report to document successful completion of the capstone workshop, professional paper, and oral presentation.
Capstone Learning Objectives and Core Competencies
Capstone Learning Objectives and Core Competencies
Core Competencies
Core Competencies
To participate in problem-solving and make institutional and societal changes in dynamic, uncertain environments.
To think critically, analyze complex public policy problems, and make recommendations to decision-makers using a wide range of analysis and evaluation methods.
To articulate the essential role of public institutions in democratic societies, including the significance of democratic values in the design and delivery of public services.
To understand conceptions of the common good, acknowledge normative and ethical viewpoints, and promote social justice and sustainability.
To communicate and interact productively within diverse and changing cultures and communities.
Learning Objectives
Course objectives will allow students to gain practical experience and reinforce learning, while developing a deeper understanding of:
Learning Objectives
Course objectives will allow students to gain practical experience and reinforce learning, while developing a deeper understanding of:
Articulate a public problem/opportunity statement with a public/nonprofit client, and develop/manage a scope of work that supports the needs of the community client.
Prepare and execute a research plan to strengthen theoretical and practical grounding in leadership, planning, public policy or program analysis, and reflective problem-solving to inform action on a public problem.
Collect and analyze data from a variety of research methods to deepen understanding of social conditions, and produce information and evidence-based recommendations that will improve understanding and enable effective public action.
Communicate findings and recommendations—both orally and in writing—with confidence and professionalism to influence their decisions and inspire action that advances public objectives and interests.
Work effectively with others with diverse experiences and perspectives to forge professional relationships with a community client and capstone teammates.
Capstone Courses (sample topics)
Capstone Courses (sample topics)
Spring Semester 2026
Development Practice (MDP 5200)
Global Policy
Human Rights
Leadership & Management
Social Policy
Science, Technology & Environmental Policy
Urban and Regional Planning
Spring Semester 2026
Development Practice (MDP 5200)
Global Policy
Human Rights
Leadership & Management
Social Policy
Science, Technology & Environmental Policy
Urban and Regional Planning
What are examples of previous capstones?
What are examples of previous capstones?
Capstone Preparation Workshop (PA 5080 or MDP 5100)
Capstone Preparation Workshop (PA 5080 or MDP 5100)
All capstone courses also require the Capstone Preparation Workshop (PA 5080), which is designed to reinforce students’ previous learning on skills important to their capstone project work. (If you are an MDP student, this same prep course has the course number MDP 5100.) Instruction emphasizes: problem-solving, research design, project management, successful team interactions, communications, and a critical framework to complete the capstone project. Students will work with their teammates to prepare a draft of the project’s plan, group norms, and a client memorandum of agreement, as well as an assessment of the need for Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval of data collection. The Capstone Preparation Workshop is completed in the semester before the capstone itself. The summer Capstone Preparation Workshop is held late in the spring semester before the summer capstone begins.
Title Page Guidelines
Title Page Guidelines
For guidance on formatting your professional paper, refer to this sample title page.
Documenting Completion of Capstone
Documenting Completion of Capstone
The capstone paper must be submitted to Humphrey Career and Student Success so that it can be permanently housed in the University of Minnesota Libraries Digital Conservancy. Following the instructions below, submit no later than the 20th day of the intended graduation month. Essential deadlines include:
Spring completion: May 20 (reminder: faculty may not be available after the end of May)
Summer completion: August 20
Students who do not meet these deadlines will not graduate until the following month, which, in some cases, could mean having to register (and pay) for something in the following semester.
There are two required components for submitting the capstone paper:
1) Digital Conservancy Agreement form (one form per group paper)
Download the Digital Conservancy Agreement Form.
The Digital Conservancy Agreement Form only needs to be signed by one of the paper’s authors.
Note: On rare occasions, clients prefer not to have their information posted in a public database. If this occurs, include in your email the reason why the report should not be uploaded to the Digital Conservancy.
2) Digital copy of final paper with title page (one e-mail submission per group paper)
Title page of the paper must include: a) name of paper; b) paper authors; c) name of instructor(s) and client(s)—no signatures required, subject keywords, and a short abstract. The keywords and abstract are used to upload the paper into the Digital Conservancy
When the final version of the paper is approved by instructor(s), create a pdf.
Attach the signed Digital Conservancy Agreement Form and the final report with title page as separate PDFs and email both documents to hhhcss@umn.edu and Academic Programs (fren0096@umn.edu) by the deadlines listed above.
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