The Northern Michigan University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) Capstone Paper is an original, independent research project tailored to each student. This paper focuses on identifying a specific policy issue and proposing viable solutions to address it. The capstone paper aims to showcase the student’s ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the MPA program to a real-world context. Additionally, this practice-oriented research paper is expected to reflect the student’s analytical abilities, graduate-level writing proficiency, and thorough understanding of relevant public administration literature.
Capstone Papers from 2026
Improving and Maintaining Public Trust in Law Enforcement: A Qualitative Case Study of the Northville Township Police Department, Christopher Bachand
Integrating Organizational Theory in Student Employee Development Across Dispersed Workplaces, Anica C. Chesnut
The Role of Public Administration and HRM in Promoting Guardian-Oriented Policing in Michigan, Sara L. Cowling
Exploring Discretionary Benefits’ Impact on Michigan Public Sector Employees, Sydnie Lasher
Efficacy of Implicit Bias Training Within the Hazel Park Police Department, Luke Londo
Public Safety Policy in Michigan’s Rural Upper Peninsula: Collective Efficacy, Youth Engagement, and Prevention, Christopher J. Reynolds
Body Worn Cameras for the Madison Police Department, Caleb Wright
Capstone Papers from 2025
How Can Coalitions Positively Impact Michigan’s Rural Communities and Influence Local Policies: A Comparative Case Study, Amanda Bonesteel-Kratt
The Impact of Food Access Intervention Policy on Student Learning in Portland, Oregon, Sarah Frances Edgell
How Alternative Sentencing Methods Can Reduce Recidivism and Incarceration Rates For Drug Offenders in Wisconsin, Mitchell D. Fugate
Balancing Security and Customer Satisfaction: Strategies to Combat Retail Theft, Stacy V. Kloth
A Public Administration Approach to Funeral Cost Regulation in Michigan, Carley L. Leanes
Key Factors that Influence the Successful Implementation and Sustainment of DEI within Probation Departments, Natalie Martinez
How Michigan Can Leverage Early College High School Programs To Increase Post-Secondary Enrollment and Graduation Rates, Jason W. O'Connor
Consideration of a Vehicle Miles Traveled Tax in Michigan, Lindsay D. Reed
Seasonal Wages and Program Outcomes in Wisconsin’s Non-Profit Outdoor Education Industry, Michael H. Schneck
The Effects of Short-Term Rental Regulation on Neighborhoods in Traverse City, MI, Joseph H. Slonecki
How Does Adult Foster Care Affect Mental Health Outcomes in California?, Christopher A. Stanley