Capstone Seminar for Graduate Students

In PAD 6950: Master's Thesis, students conduct a comprehensive review of the theoretical and research literature in the subject area of their thesis and collect original data or analyze existing data in new ways. The thesis requires 6 hours of credit that span two semesters. The thesis option is available to MPA students who have achieved an exceptional academic record and who wish to pursue independent research in greater depth than would normally be possible in Capstone Seminar. It is suited for students who intend to pursue a PhD degree or to enter a research or policy environment upon completion of the MPA degree.

Minimum eligibility requirements for pursuing a thesis include:

• Matriculation in the MPA program
• Successful completion of all core courses
• Overall GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Demonstrated ability to pursue research work, as evidenced by two submitted research papers developed in SPA courses or elsewhere
• Preliminary identification of a thesis topic or area of interest
• Agreement from a SPA faculty member to serve as the thesis committee chair along with two additional faculty members to serve on the thesis committee
• Minor exceptions to the above criteria may be made in exceptional circumstances

A student desiring to pursue the thesis option should meet with their faculty advisor to establish eligibility under the above criteria. After establishing eligibility, the student should recruit three faculty members to serve on the student's thesis committee -- one to serve as the committee chair and two to serve on the committee -- and then complete the thesis application form. Once complete, the thesis application form should be submitted to the MPA program director for approval.

 Although the formal procedures entail application through the faculty advisor, the student is encouraged to make informal contacts with appropriate subject-matter faculty to determine interest and availability.

The Capstone Seminar in Public Administration and in Criminal Justice is designed to integrate and synthesize your entire course of study. The course provides a process and structure for the School of Public Affairs faculty to ensure that all graduates can demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and principles conveyed in the core curriculum of their degree and can apply that knowledge, and that gained from elective courses, to analysis of contemporary issues in public administration (including the administration of nonprofit organizations) or criminal justice. The products of this seminar will be tangible evidence of a degree candidate's qualifications and expertise.

Many students have organizations in mind for which they want to complete a capstone project. Capstone projects can be done with your employing organization, but must be outside the day to day responsibilities of your work. The School of Public Affairs (SPA) maintains a list of community organizations where students are conducting their projects. In any case, the final project -- whether one the student has found or one suggested through SPA -- must be approved by the course instructor for the semester you are taking the class.

Typically about 25 pages.

Early in the program. Students are encouraged to attend a Capstone Orientation at least two semesters prior to when you anticipate completing your capstone. Students can schedule a meeting with their faculty advisor to begin exploring potential capstone ideas at any point in the program.

This question should be explored with the faculty member who will be teaching the course the semester you plan to take the course. You will also need to coordinate with your faculty advisor.

It depends. The project needs to be outside the scope of your normal job duties. Usually this means that your client agency representative is someone other than your immediate supervisor. The clear advantage of using your employer as a client agency is that you are familiar with the agency, and presumably trusted by them. The disadvantage is that once you get started, it may be difficult to limit the scope of your project because this may mean saying "no" to your professional colleagues.

This is determined by the IRB Chair. Information about the IRB process can be obtained from the Office of Sponsored Programs.

Direct inquiries can be made to IRB@uccs.edu.

Taking the capstone as part of a learning community will help you better understand the research process, and overcome the obstacles you inevitably face in moving from your research proposal (prospectus) to the finished product.

Your "first reader" is the instructor of record for the course. This person is responsible for working with you and the other two readers to help you successfully complete your project. Your "second reader" is a UCCS faculty member who is a subject-matter expert in your area of research. This person must review and approve your IRB proposal (if required) before the first reader signs off on it. Your "third reader" is the client agency representative responsible. While your first reader may offer suggestions of an appropriate second reader, it is your responsibility to contact this person, explain your project, and secure their approval for serving in this capacity. Once your project starts, your second reader will generally focus on project design, literature review, methodology, and conclusions and recommendations for further research. Your third reader will focus on access to data (information) within the client agency, and the soundness of your recommendations for organizational policy and/or practice. All three readers must attend the oral presentation of your project. The first reader assigns your course grade, after reviewing the feedback (rubric) completed by your second and third readers.

This FAQ is complex, as there is not one answer for every student. If you think you might be interested in writing a thesis, contact your faculty advisor as early as possible.  Students interested in pursuing a thesis must have a cumulative UCCS GPA of 3.50 or higher.