Degree Project

The Evans School Degree Project integrates knowledge and skills gained at the Evans School into a capstone project. The DP can serve as an opportunity to further develop a student’s specialization, to expand networks in the community, and to create a significant sample of work. All projects include a written report; however, the length, format, and content of the projects vary tremendously depending on the type and scope of the work. Through the degree project, students demonstrate their ability to apply the skills from their coursework to a real-world problem in a in a fully synthesized manner.

A degree project requires that the student articulate a clear question for investigation and to select appropriate methodologies. These methods demonstrate the synthesis of the range of skills students have gained at the Evans School, across management, policy analysis, economics, quantitative methods, values, and substantive course work.

Many degree projects focus on client-generated real-world questions. If the student identifies such a topic on their own from an internship or employer, they may investigate it as an independent study or in one of the degree project seminars, if the topic is appropriate to the theme of the seminar. If a student wishes to work on a client-based project that is identified and managed by the school as part of the Public Service Clinics, they may enroll in either a public service clinic or a degree project seminar based on thematic fit.
 

Students choose one of four options to select a topic to pursue for their degree project.  It is recommended to get a preliminary topic statement and faculty approval by the end of October, and work to refine the project plan by the end of November.

2009-10 Degree Project Seminar Themes
Environmental Decision Making
Institutions and Decision Making
International Development

2009-2010 Public Service Clinic Themes
A list of degree project topics based on agency-identified needs is available through the Public Service Clinics. 
Community Development and Sustainability
Eliminating Poverty
Service Delivery and Performance Management

You can view degree project options, tips for developing a strong degree project proposal and access forms and submission guidelines.  For more information, contact the Evans School Student Services office at evansdss@u.washington.edu or 206.543.4900.