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.