PPA 508 - Capstone/Fieldwork Experience in Public Policy

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The Capstone/Fieldwork experience offers students the opportunity to work in an organizational setting such as a governmental agency, community group, or nonprofit organization, within the policy area of their choice that is part of students’ areas of concentration. Guided by a faculty advisor, students will create three learning objectives that must include at least one of the following activities: policy development, analysis, or change; program analysis; community assessments; cost-benefit analysis; or coalition building. The fieldwork experience must provide students with an opportunity to find viable and sustainable solutions to urban issues. In addition to the field experience, students are required to complete a capstone project. Using the combined knowledge of core and concentration courses and specific research skills learned in Research Methods I and II courses, students will complete a combination research/major policy brief that requires an in-depth literature review, research study, a thoughtful synthesis of primary and secondary sources, and consideration of policy options that can be used by others (e.g., field work agency, public officials, politicians, development practitioners, donors, etc.). Students will present their final project to fellow students, faculty, the client organization, or interested community partners and constituents.