The project will be presented in writing to both the primary and secondary capstone project faculty sponsors, and orally to a panel of faculty members and graduate students in the M.P.A. Capstone Project Seminar. All students must have a cumulative 3.0 index before being allowed to register for the Capstone seminar. If the student selects the comprehensive exam they will only be permitted to take it twice and must pass it by the second attempt. The Capstone Project must be completed in one semester or the student must register for the seminar the following term. Tracks and Specializations Students in the Department of Public Administration are required to declare a track by the time they complete their core requirements.
Students can elect to pursue studies in the government, health care or nonprofit sectors.
In addition, specializations are offered that further increase the student's mastery of a functional or program area. The student may select one of these specializations or may choose in consultation with their advisor to create a three-course cluster tailored to their specific needs. Students must seek faculty course approval before registering each semester. The Department of Public Administration conducts special programs from time to time specifically tailored to the needs of various government units, health care facilities or nonprofit organizations in the tri-state area. It is currently offering a combined management training and degree program as part of the Westchester County Scholarship Program.