MPP Individual Options

Working Group

Faculty convene working groups (PA 8082) to oversee students preparing papers that fall within their research and teaching areas of expertise, broadly defined. Working groups provide a structured and supportive environment in which students make progress on their professional papers. Members of working groups set regular goals and deadlines for themselves. They report to and consult with their faculty instructor and group members about their progress. Students are encouraged to read and comment on paper sections drafted by other students in their working group course.

Masters: Professional Paper

A student may elect to complete the professional paper through PA 8921 (Masters: Professional Paper).  Based upon topic of interest, a student will consult faculty with similar research and/or professional backgrounds to request permission to complete their professional paper under their guidance. Work with the particular faculty member to determine the appropriate number of credits to register for (1-3 credits). Once the student and the Humphrey faculty member have reached an agreement, email Stacey Grimes at grime004@umn.edu (cc the faculty member) to request that a section of PA 8921 be added for the particular faculty member. This faculty member will typically be the paper supervisor and provide feedback and guidance during the writing and revision process.  It is not the responsibility of the paper supervisor to set or enforce deadlines for the student.  Completing the professional paper through this option will require self direction and time management on the part of the student.

“Other”: Course or Seminar Paper

MPP students may prepare their professional paper in a class approved by both their paper supervisor and their academic advisor. It is expected that such classes require students to write a paper that meets the definition of a professional paper, as defined above, as a major part of their class requirements. Students planning to write all or part of a professional paper in these classes must meet the same requirements as students in working groups.