As one of the nation's premiere teaching institutions, Miami University is committed to maintaining its recognition for traditional and innovative opportunities for student learning. The Center for Public Management and Regional Affairs facilitates the University's teaching mission in two ways. First, the Center serves as a practical laboratory for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies and careers in public affairs.
Students earn academic credit under a supervision Miami faculty and host government supervisor.
Over the past two years approximately 10 internships have been made available to undergraduate students, including student placements with the Village of Williamsburg, Fairfield Township, Hamilton County Office of Economic Development, City of Centerville, and the City of Monroe. Graduate and undergraduate students also gain applied training as student research associates assigned to work with faculty and professional staff on specific technical assistance projects. Over the past two years a number of graduate and undergraduate students have worked as student research assistants. For example, a recent group of four graduate students and two undergraduates were organized as a project team under the direction of a faculty member. The project team assisted in the development and implementation of an economic development and market analysis survey of households in Delhi Township to obtain information about citizen attitudes on economic development initiatives and commercial opportunities in a commercial district.