1. What is the Capstone research course?
Capstone projects are learning in action. The Capstone provides masters students with experiences that allow them
to integrate classroom learning with a relevant problem solving experience in a professional work situation. Over the course of one semester, MPA
students work in teams to address organizational challenges, identify opportunities for a client organization, conduct research on a pressing management issue, and analyze data. Capstone projects contribute to students’ professional training, offer organizations the opportunity to access
MPA expertise, and strengthen the relationships between the Department of Public Administration and organizations around the city, state, and
region.
2. Is the Capstone course mandatory?
The UIC Department of Administration requires all graduating MPA students to complete a capstone course
3. Why is the Capstone Research course required?
MPA students are specifically trained in public management, local government management, financial management, information management, and
survey research methods. The Capstone requires students to blend these different areas of learning in a work setting that involves real time,
unpredictable situations, and all the complexity of the real world. This course gives students the opportunity to work on practical problems, applying
their new skills to work with local organizations.
4. How does the Capstone course work?
Organizations must complete and submit a written project proposal for consideration. However, we might receive more proposals than we can
accommodate given the number of available student teams, or proposed projects may require particular skills that are not represented among students taking the course. Thus, we cannot guarantee that a proposal will be chosen. However, projects can be reconsidered the following semester or
converted into a student internship.
5. What is the agency’s responsibility?
All Capstone clients must designate one person in the organization who will act as the project liaison. The project liaison is expected to act as the main contact person to the Capstone Team.
6. What should the agency expect from the students?
Students work together in groups of 3 – 4 students on projects proposed by organizations in the non-profit or government sector. With the support of faculty, project teams develop a work plan that includes defining the problem, framing the project into a work plan, and presenting the final project. Students’ will present their findings to the client at the end of the semester. Each Capstone team will be required to write a report and create a visual
presentation that describes the project’s purpose, methodology, key insights and recommendations.
7. What factors are considered “ideal” for a proposal?
The following factors should be considered when developing a proposal for consideration:
a) The project is achievable within the framework of one academic semester
(10 weeks - to allow enough time for a final presentation and any revisions the organization may request)
b) The agency has the necessary resources available to support the Capstone team.
c) The agency has a clear definition of the problem or issue being addressed.
d) The agency is specific about what the Capstone team is to accomplish or deliver.
e) The project deliverables require the use of data collection and analytical skills.
f) The team has the support of organizational leadership, including a contact person at the agency who will
act as the point person for the project.
8. Who owns the final work product from the Capstone course?
The final work produced by the Capstone team is owned by the Capstone client organization. However, the UIC Department of Public
Administration will publicly list the organization as a client, keep copies of all Capstone teams’ final reports for review by the UIC community, and include a brief project description in the Capstone promotional materials. Students will be allowed to use the work produced for their Capstone client in
pursuit of their academic or professional careers.