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Capstone Analytic Project (CAP)

Consulting Projects for Graduating MPA Students

Submit A Proposal

We are now accepting proposals for projects to be done in Spring 2023.

Overview for Prospective Clients - What is the CAP (Capstone Analytic Project (CAP)?

In their final (third) semester of study at the Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP), each MPA student, with faculty guidance, conducts an analysis of a significant policy or programmatic challenge or opportunity facing an organization or policy practitioner. In this project, the Capstone Analytic Project (CAP), the student applies the interdisciplinary methods, approaches, and perspectives that comprise the GSPP curriculum.

MPA students spend 10-15 hours per week on their CAP (for a total of 150-250 hours of work), starting with faculty guidance, conducts an analysis of a significant policy or programmatic challenge or opportunity facing an organization or policy practitioner. In this project, the Capstone Analytic Project (CAP), the student applies the interdisciplinary methods, approaches, and perspectives that comprise the GSPP curriculum.

If you or someone else in your organization would benefit from having a public policy graduate student with faculty guidance, conducts an analysis of a significant policy or programmatic challenge or opportunity facing an organization or policy practitioner. In this project, the Capstone Analytic Project (CAP), the student applies the interdisciplinary methods, approaches, and perspectives that comprise the GSPP curriculum.

For more details about the CAP, please review the Letter to Prospective Clients above.

CAP Project Timeline

August - November
  • Submit proposals. Clients begin to submit project proposals in early September for with faculty guidance, conducts an analysis of a significant policy or programmatic challenge or opportunity facing an organization or policy practitioner. In this project, the Capstone Analytic Project (CAP), the student applies the interdisciplinary methods, approaches, and perspectives that comprise the GSPP curriculum.

January - May
  • Project work begins. Students begin projects during the week of January 13, 2023, although students can begin preliminary work on the project depending on the needs of the client and/or the project (if mutually agreed upon between the client and student).  Students are required to attend a weekly seminar with a faculty advisor and another 12-14 Goldman MPA students doing their own projects.  Students are expected to spend 10-15 hours per week on the project throughout the Spring semester.

Mid-April
  • Draft project due. Draft paper is due to the faculty advisor and client for review and feedback.

Early May
  • Final paper due. Final paper is due to the faculty advisor, client, and GSPP student services unit.