For Advising please contact Dr. Sara Rinfret, MPA Director
For Accreditation and program coordination please contact Dr. Sara Rinfret, MPA Director
Master of Public Administration Capstone Projects
NAU’s MPA Capstone: A Positive Impact
As part of Northern Arizona University’s MPA program you will complete a capstone project. Through your capstone project, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of public administration theory and practice, and will choose your own client-focused topic. In addition to strengthening your learning experience, the project you lead will potentially impact the client’s organization and your future career. In past semesters, 100 percent of our students either secured an internship or were employed in the public or non-profit sector after graduation because of their work in the capstone course.
A closer look at capstone projects
Justin DiNardi’s work was vital in implementing efficient waste management methods. He serves as project manager at NAU.
Maggie Thom helped improve financial aid systems at her current job at the University of Arizona, Tucson.
Allie Stender’s data provided insights into Coconino County’s STI prevention efforts. She served as a Coconino County Public Works program manager.
Cynthia Nemeth, currently the Parks & Recreation Director, Coconino County, helped Coconino County gather data on privation aspects in the area of parks and recreation.
Katharine Yenik, now an AT Acquisition Coordinator in Anchorage, Alaska, evaluated a program to ease the Flagstaff Fire Department’s demands to respond to non-emergency calls regarding chronic intoxicants. The FPD adopted some of her recommendations when it operationalized the Community Alternative Response Truck (CART) program.
Ryan Wessel focused on an evaluation of the CCC2NAU program. Some of his insights helped students navigate the admission and integration processes. Data from his work also contributed to Northern Arizona University’s outreach and retention efforts. Ryan now resides in Omaha, Nebraska, where he is the Director of Medical School Admissions at Creighton University.
Jennifer Rode increased her knowledge of international issues as she focused her capstone project on work done in Benin, West Africa. She now serves as program manager at Arizona State University, Center for International Education.
Learn more about the courses and requirements for NAU’s MPA program.