Culminating Project Preparation

PPA Culminating Projects are about more than applying your scholarly knowledge - they also require you to practice effective project management and communication. I recommend approaching your Culminating Project as a big, messy assignment that requires you to get curious about an administrative or policy issue and look for ways to study and write about this issue in your classes and even in your workplace. You'll need to plan ahead, brainstorm with faculty members and peer mentors, and organize your efforts wisely so you are already beginning to complete assignments/artifacts related to this issue by the end of your second semester in the program. Ideally, you should decide which type of Culminating Project you plan to complete by the end of your first year in the program.

Ultimately, my aim is for you to design a Culminating Project that contributes to your professional goals, addresses an intriguing issue or question, and demonstrates your ability to apply a range of PPA skills and concepts. I encourage you to explore the information below as you begin this process:

Identifying a Culminating Project Topic and Option
​Identifying Your Intended Audience
Culminating Project Completion Steps 
Writing Effectively
Avoiding Project Pitfalls