The two semester capstone policy project allows students to both utilize and further develop their analytical, quantitative, communication and policymaking skills. JU MPP students undertake the capstone policy project in the second year.

In the capstone policy project, students may choose between working in a small group with a faculty advisor on a public policy problem for a real world client organization or working individually with a faculty advisor on a policy question of their choosing. At the end of the second semester, an extensive research paper, with policy solutions and recommendations, and a presentation will be made to faculty, policymakers and, if applicable, the client organization. All capstone research papers will be archived and made available to the community and future MPP and other students.

In addition, a JU Public Policy Journal, run by second year JU MPP students, will publish annually the best capstone policy papers, as well as articles submitted by faculty, board members  and policymakers.

 

Capstone Policy Project Course Descriptions

 PPOL 695. Capstone Project: Client Policy Project I (CPPI) (3)                         

This course is the first semester of the 2 semester Client Policy Project. In this course (CPPI), students, working in small groups with a faculty advisor, work on a substantive, real world policy problem for a client organization. The project requires formulation of the client policy question, research, analysis, organizational skills, substantive policy knowledge, the development of proposed solutions for the client organization, and the initial preparation of a policy research report.

 

PPOL 696. Capstone Project: Client Policy Project II (CPPII) (3)                                       

This course is the second semester of the Client Policy Project. CPPII requires demonstrated skills in research, writing, policy analysis and communication. At the end of the semester, students submit a policy research report, and make a formal presentation, to faculty, policymakers and the client organization. The report and presentation on the client policy problem includes research, analysis, conclusions and recommended solutions for the client organization.

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PPOL 697. Capstone Project: Research Policy Thesis I (RPTI) (3)                                                

This course is the first semester of the 2 semester Research Policy Thesis. In this course (RPTI), students work individually, with a faculty advisor, on a policy question of their choosing and conduct in depth research, utilize quantitative and statistical data, perform systematic policy analysis, and develop public policy recommendations. PRTI requires the formulation the policy question, research, quantitative and statistical data, analysis, substantive public policy knowledge, and the initial preparation of the written thesis.


PPOL 698. Capstone Project: Research Policy Thesis II (RPTII) (3) 

This course is the second semester of the Research Policy Thesis. In RPTII, students finalize an extensive written thesis on the policy question of their choosing. At the end of the semester, students present the written thesis, and make a formal presentation, to faculty and policymakers. The presentation of the policy thesis includes an emphasis on quantitative, statistical and economic data and analysis, as well as the formal presentation of research, analysis, conclusions and public policy recommendations.   


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