In both cases, the goal is to give the student practice in applying the concepts and insights of the course work to concrete administrative problems in the public sector. The internship may be completed at any time during your enrollment. The MPA director will assist in finding an inter nship which is interesting and applicable to public administrators. They will attempt to find one that pays a stipend equivalent to a one-third GTA position if financial support is needed. Depending on your financial situation, the MPA program will make every possible effort to find an internship which fits your needs.
Many students seek out positions on their own.
This technique can be highly beneficial and successful. The research project is not a thesis, but it is a major undertaking. The primary difference lies in its focus on a practical problem rather than the length of the product or the amount of work required. Also, MPA projects are not reviewed by the Grad uate School or placed in the library. The subject matter will be jointly decided by the student and the program director.