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Client-Based Projects

Hire Goldman student consultants to help solve your policy problems!

Every year, organizations engage Goldman School student consultants to work on consulting projects with real-world clients to help organizations solve a problem or development challenge they are facing.

With faculty guidance on projects, students develop recommendations to address the problem, drawing on interdisciplinary analytic and problem-solving skills learned in their GSPP coursework.

GSPP offers two types of client-based projects:

Capstone Projects
In their final semester of study, Goldman School MPP, MPA and MDP students are required to write a high-quality professional report (Capstone Project) in order to complete their Goldman degree.  With faculty supervision and guidance, each student works as a consultant for a client to conduct a thorough analysis of a problem facing real-world organization, applying the interdisciplinary methods, approaches, and perspectives learned in their specific degree program. Learn more about Capstones

Introduction to Policy Analysis (IPA) Team Projects
In the spring of their first year (second semester), Goldman School MPP students take a workshop class called Introduction to Policy Analysis, or IPA. During the course, students work in three to five person teams to produce professional policy reports for use by a real world client, typically a public sector or non-profit organization confronting some policy problem or opportunity. Learn more about IPA

Which Client-Based Project is Right for Your Organization?

Below is information on the major differences between Capstone and IPA projects:

 
 
Capstone Projects

Submit a Capstone Proposal
IPA Projects

Submit an IPA Proposal
Number of Students

One student per project (MPP, MPA or MDP student)

  • Students receive guidance from a faculty member. Students are in their final semester of the program.

Team of three to five 1st year MPP students

  • Teams receive guidance from a faculty coach.
Project Timing

All projects take place mid-January to early May.
Compensation

Most Capstone projects are paid (however we also receive proposals for unpaid projects)

IPA projects are unpaid
Project
Negotiation

The student consultant negotiates project goals and tasks directly with potential clients.

Final project topic and scope must be approved by the student's Capstone instructor to ensure the project meets academic requirements.

IPA instructors work with potential clients to develop projects during the preceding fall semester.

Several criteria apply, including match with student interests, project scope, and analytic challenge. Projects are fully formed by early December, when students form project teams for the spring course.
Project
Selection

GSPP faculty do not match or assign student consultants to Capstone projects.

  • Students review submitted proposals and apply to those they are interested in. The student makes the final decision on the project they choose (once their capstone instructor has approved).

Students are assigned by faculty to an IPA project team based on interest.

  • A few projects selected by faculty for the “IPA menu” do not gain enough student interest to form a team. These projects may be redirected as a Capstone for consideration by MPP, MPA & MDP students.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Capstone Projects:

For general inquiries about submitting a Capstone proposal, please contact Cecille Cabacungan, Managing Director of Career & Alumni Services. You may also contact the following staff about capstones for the corresponding Goldman degree programs:

IPA Projects: 

For general inquiries about submitting an IPA proposal, please contact:

  • IPA Course Coordinator: Patricia Angus (2nd Year MPP student)
  • IPA Faculty: Mia Bird, Assistant Research Professor