The NIU Experience
Writing Guidelines for the MPA
Dr. Kurt Thurmaier
Professor and Director
Northern Illinois University
Division of Public Administration
 One of the most important value-added
competencies of the MPA degree at NIU.
 Still most effective form of
communications
 Still most highly prized competency of
employers
 Difficult to write for different audiences
 Efficiency of writing top value of decisionmakers
 Read/Write, Listen/Speak
 Look at memos, professional articles (PM), scholarly journals
 Mimic the styles
 Just in time writing is often poor quality
 Need gel time
 Need proofing time
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Chicago Manual of Style, 2007, for all
courses. In bookstores under PSPA 699
Perfection is NOT a weakness!
Every blemish, every sloppiness, each
degrades the integrity of YOUR work.
 Short Memos
 Case Papers
 Term Papers
 Capstone Paper
Follow the format
guidelines in the course
syllabus
Good practice for grant
applications.
Different writing
than other papers
The Capstone paper serves as the
culmination of the student’s coursework.
It is the integration of learning experiences
into a coherent, focused product that blends
theory and practice.
MPA Orientation Fall 2012
Problem
Identification
Literature
Research
Analyzing Theory
Synthesizing with
Practice
Make a
Recommendation(s)
MPA Orientation Fall 2012
 Second Semester for Pre-career
After completion of 3 courses for Mid-career
 Assigned to a faculty advisor
 Choose capstone option
 Professional experience analysis
 Primary data collection analysis
MPA Orientation Fall 2012
 The 699 group sessions will focus on problem
identification.
 The discussions will relate to the paper topic and
the methodology chosen for the completion of the
project.
 Oral presentations to the group (faculty and
students) about problem identification.
MPA Orientation Fall 2012
 Group discussions focus on problem solving and
action planning.
 Discussions link theory with practice, helping to
develop the capstone papers.
 Individual consultation with the capstone faculty
member for guidance on the paper’s development.
MPA Orientation Fall 2012
In 4th Semester for Pre-career/Final semester for
Mid-career students
Students will orally defend their capstone paper
with a formal presentation to a panel of
practitioners selected by the director, faculty
members, and students.
MPA Orientation Fall 2012
 Students will be challenged in the oral defense of
the paper
 Draw upon the knowledge you have gained in
coursework
 Demonstrate your ability to analyze, think
critically, solve problems and make decisions
 Effectively participate in and contribute to the
policy process by articulating and defending
your recommendation(s).
MPA Orientation Fall 2012
 Primary Data Collection
 Human Subjects Review
 Research Design/PSPA 604
 Design and process must be pre-approved by 699
faculty supervisor
MPA Orientation Fall 2012
 The MPA Website: Current Students
 The NIU Writing Center
 Free NIU or online citation software (such as
RefWorks) for citations/bibliographies
 USE THEM!