Capstone Course
The Capstone paper is the culminating written work for the MPA program. The purpose
of the thesis/capstone paper is to have the student demonstrate his or her ability to
apply the knowledge acquired in the two years of study to an actual work setting and
to utilize skills of observation and analysis as demonstrated in a formal paper. It is
written by a degree candidate when he or she is in the process of completing the eight
core courses and is within one semester of graduation. The paper is written as the course
requirement for PADM 7050. A student may register for PADM 7050 with the permission
of the MPA Director.
Capstone Paper Format
The writer has a choice of three formats:
- Conduct a program evaluation on some aspect of an agency operations. Students
may do the evaluation on an aspect of their own organization, if they wish.
Students who are uncomfortable with evaluating their own organization may
request assistance from the faculty in locating a suitable organization.
- Conduct a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of
an agency. Students may do the SWOT analysis on their own organization.
Students who are uncomfortable with evaluating their own organization may
request assistance from faculty in locating a suitable organization.
- Formal research proposal. This option is open to those who are continuing their
education into the doctoral level. The research proposal is designed to be the
first step of a dissertation.
Capstone Paper Evaluation
The course instructor, along with the second reader, determines the mark for the paper.
There are three possibilities of assigned marks: "pass with distinction", "pass" or "fail."
It the paper is not completed within the semester in which it is commenced, then the
student is given an "IP" and is notified that the paper must be completed within two
semesters or the capstone course will have to be retaken. The grade for the capstone
course will be listed as either pass or fail.
Capstone Paper Certification
The first and second readers certify to the MPA Program Director and to the Chair of the
Department of Political Science that the degree candidate has successfully completed
the capstone paper and has been given a mark for the paper. This certificate is forwarded
to the Office of the Registrar as part of the degree completion requirement.
