Students who wish to complete the Master's Thesis to satisfy the capstone requirement must complete the following steps before submitting their final document for faculty review:

 

1) Identify a faculty thesis advisor, and complete the corresponding thesis advisor form.

 

2) Work with your faculty thesis advisor to select a defensible thesis topic that is to be written on an actionable policy area that showcases your learned policy skills and studies from the MAPP Program. Your advisor can help guide you on your selected topic.

 

3) Defend a prospectus of your thesis that outlines your question and analysis plan. The defense committee will consist of your advisor and the Director of the MA in Public Policy program. 

 

4) Meet with your faculty thesis advisor regarding your progress on at least two (2) occasions during the research and authoring of your thesis." 

Timing

For students in the full-time MAPP program, the thesis is expected to be completed following at least two (2) semesters of full-time coursework (24) credits.

For part-time MAPP students, the internship is expected to come towards the end of their MAPP studies, after a student completes a minimum of eighteen (18) credits of coursework.

For part-time students who currently hold full-time positions within the public policy field, the Master’s Thesis Paper (POL 598) is recommended and preferred to ensure diversity in each student's studies and overall academic experience.

For BA/MA students, the internship should generally be completed during the spring semester of the fifth year.