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Capstone Thesis or Project or Oral Defense (4 hours)
The final educational component for the MPA program is the successful completion of a capstone thesis, an applied public administration project (APAP), or a culminating oral defense. This requirement is designed to demonstrate the student’s ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical administrative challenges.

Applied Public Administration Project (APAP):
Students are required to develop a major report that focuses on either a policy issue or a management problem confronted by a public service agency with which the student has direct experience. The paper should demonstrate the application of theoretical knowledge to practical problems in public administration. Students completing a project should enroll in MPA 6950.

Thesis:
A thesis is a comprehensive research project similar in scope and scholarly rigor to peer-reviewed journal articles. A formal thesis proposal must be approved by the MPA faculty prior to enrollment in MPA 6960.

An example of a recent student project from the MPA program was featured in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.

Graduate Writing Test (GWT)
All Cal Poly Pomona graduate students are required to pass the Graduate Writing Test (GWT) in order to qualify for graduation. The Learning Resource Center’s University Writing Center provides study tools, writing tips, and practice prompts to help students prepare for the test.

Students who have already earned a degree from a California State University (CSU) campus are exempt from taking the GWT again. Those who are not CSU alumni must contact the Learning Resource Center to register, receive their assigned test date and time, and obtain additional information