Although most MPA students select the non-thesis option, it is possible to choose the research oriented thesis option if it seems more appropriate to the student’s career plans or academic interests.

In writing either a thesis or a research paper, students should consult the most recent addition of the APA Publication Manual, for the proper forms of source citation and bibliography. Either method of citation presented there (parenthetical references or footnote/endnote) is acceptable as long as the student is consistent in using the method chosen.  The College of Arts and Sciences has specific Master Thesis requirements that are available from the College. 

Thesis Option

A maximum of 10 credit hours (POLS 695 Thesis 1-10 credit hours) may be counted as part of the 70 hour requirement.  Some students choose this option, though it usually takes longer to complete, because the thesis can be used as evidence of one’s ability to successfully carry out in-depth research.  This may be helpful for those seeking admission to Ph.D. programs after completion of the MPA program. 

Students are expected to follow Department and College of Arts and Sciences requirements in preparing a master’s thesis.
Link to thesis forms.

Non-Thesis Option: The Portfolio

To fulfill this requirement students must complete a portfolio of superior quality, and make a presentation based on its contents to a two person faculty review committee.  This committee will evaluate both the portfolio itself and the presentation.  The presentation should be scheduled for one hour.  During that hour students are expected to make a presentation centered on their portfolio for no longer than 15-20 minutes.  The rest of the hour will be devoted to a question and answer exchange between faculty members and the student. 

The two person faculty committee will be comprised of two faculty members selected by the student.  In the interest of enhancing professional feedback, the student or faculty members may wish to invite a public or non-profit professional to the portfolio presentation.  This is, however, strictly optional. 

The portfolio is designed to accomplish at least three fundamental things. First, it indicates students are capable of Master’s level research and writing.  Second, it indicates mastery of important professional skills (e.g., quantitative analysis or strategic management).  Third, the portfolio should demonstrate  students’ professional growth and development over the span of the MPA program. 

The portfolio’s contents should be assembled during the student’s program in close consultation with the student’s advisor, as well as the individual faculty members for whom the work was done originally. The Department uses an electronic portfolio submission program hosted by the College of Business; all students will receive training and information about how to access the system and assemble the portfolio.

A full description of the portfolio is available from the Department main office, 266 Bentley Annex.

MPA program

Applying to the MPA program

MPA Requirements

MPA Portfolio Exam Documents

Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Office

Institute for Local Government Administration 
and Rural Development (ILGARD)