SPEA - School of Public and Environmental Affairs

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MSES candidates take a capstone course during which they participate as a team to carry out an integrative project that addresses a multi-disciplinary problem, often for a real-world client.  Students are encouraged to take this course during their final semester in order to utilize the skills they have gained throughout their time at SPEA.  The capstone course serves as an opportunity for MSES, MPA, and dual students to collaborate and bring their various specializations to the table.

All capstone projects are expected to culminate in a formal report and public presentation.

The capstone requirement may be met in one of the following ways:

1. SPEA V600 Capstone in Public and Environmental Affairs (sections with an environmental focus). The capstone topic will vary from year to year.

2. Alternative course with a similar structure, such as SPEA E546 Stream Ecology or SPEA E560 Environmental Risk Analysis, or another approved course.

3. SPEA E625 Research in Environmental Science (working with a thesis advisory committee to complete a master's thesis).

This spring, the V600 Capstone offerings involve projects for the following clients:
Northern Indiana Public Service Company - NiSource
Business Affairs Office & Office of Sustainability at SPEA
Mayor of Bedford & Planning Director of Ellettsville
Big Mantap Lake Association & Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations