MPP Thesis

In addition to coursework, students will complete a thesis with the guidance of faculty and senior research advisers in the various concentrations, working closely with the research institutes and centers.

The thesis, including a fieldwork option, is the culmination of training in social policy. The thesis can address any suitable dimension of social policy, from analysis to evaluation to communication, and must demonstrate the student’s competence in core skills through scholarship, application, integrative analysis, and originality.

The MPP thesis will demonstrate students' ability to provide detailed policy analysis and use many of the skills acquired throughout the program. Students will also present their theses orally at the conclusion of the thesis class in the second year. Successful completion will demonstrate superior writing, oral, and analytical skills. It will also show a keen awareness and understanding of the political, organizational and fiscal factors influencing the policy environment. The paper and presentation will highlight a social problem, evaluate alternative solutions and make policy recommendations. Alternatively it will provide a detailed policy or program evaluation with recommendations for improvement.

Each MPP graduate student will have a thesis advisor in addition to the instructor of the thesis seminar. Advisors should be in the student's area of policy concentration and interest. The student's concentration advisor may serve in this role or assist the student in finding a thesis advisor. Advisors can be from within Heller, within Brandeis University, or from the outside. Advisors must be approved by the student's academic advisor and the Director of the MPP program. They should possess a minimum of a Masters degree in a policy or policy-related field.