MPP Individual Paper Option

Definition of the professional paper

The professional paper is an analysis of a real world policy or managerial problem. The paper typically will analyze the policy and/or organizational context of the problem, consider various alternative policy and organizational strategies, and conclude with concrete recommendations or discussion of the practice implications of the analysis. Students must synthesize skills in

1. substantive knowledge of the field
2. knowledge of applied research methods
3. writing and presentation, and in some cases
4. skill in negotiating a consultant relationship.

Students should survey and properly cite the relevant literature, apply skills acquired throughout their course work, and produce writing of publishable quality. While students are not necessarily expected to conduct original research, the professional paper should reflect substantial research (if only of secondary sources), should be revised substantially in consultation with the supervisor, and reflect graduate level analysis. The target length should be 30 pages of text; the professional paper should never exceed 50 pages.

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Individual Options

Paper Topic Approval

Professional Paper Committee

Documenting Completion of the Professional Paper