The Center for Public Policy and Administration (CPPA) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is currently seeking project proposals for its Spring 2010 graduate course, Policy Analysis. Through this course, small teams of students work on real-life problems affecting public and nonprofit organizations within the confines of actual constraints and opportunities that such organizations face. At the end of the semester, students prepare a final report and present the results of their project to the client. 

This page contains a description of the Policy Analysis project and includes application procedures and examples of past projects.  The deadline for proposal submissions is Friday, January 8, 2010.  Click here to submit an online application

The Master’s Program in Public Policy and Administration
CPPA offers a two-year professional degree – a Masters Program in Public Policy and Administration - designed to prepare students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds for careers in all facets of public service. The program is part of the Center for Public Policy and Administration, a non-partisan interdisciplinary center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, dedicated to understanding, explaining, improving, and evaluating public policy and administration through active teaching and research. Students in the program specialize in areas such as social policy, environmental policy, information technology, public or nonprofit management, budgeting and financial analysis, conflict resolution, education policy, health policy, and regulatory policy.

What is the Policy Analysis course?
This course provides students in the second semester of the program with the opportunity to both develop policy analysis skills and complete a hands-on project in public policy or administration for a public sector or nonprofit client.   The Policy Analysis project takes place after a student’s first semester of study; as a result, students have coursework in:

• Quantitative and qualitative research methods;
• Computer applications including database, word processing, spreadsheet, statistics and Internet programs;
• Organizational development;
• Policymaking and the policy process
• Economics and statistics; and
• Report writing and presentations.

What types of projects are appropriate for the Policy Analysis course?
The sponsoring agency or organization should develop a clearly articulated project related to public policy and/or management. This project must be developed prior to the start of the semester and approved by CPPA. Students must be able to report to a supervisor within the sponsoring agency or organization. In addition students will have a faculty adviser at the Center who teaches the Policy Analysis course.

When does the Policy Analysis Project take place?
Students will begin working on projects in February 2009 and are expected to complete and present a final product in early May.

How can my agency apply?
Applications can be completed and submitted directly on line. Click here for the application.  If you are unable to complete the application on line, you may download a PDF here. The deadline for receiving proposals is Friday, January 8, 2010.

How can this benefit your organization?
Agencies and organizations often have ideas for research or projects that they are unable to carry out. Sponsoring a student project through the Policy Analysis course can provide your organization with the opportunity to meet additional needs.  Please see the table below for some examples of past projects.

What is the Cost?
There is no charge; however, organizations are expected to cover student expenses related to the project.

For more information:
If you have questions or would like assistance in developing a project proposal, please contact Michael Ash at mash@econs.umass.edu or 413 545 6329.