Overview

Graduation with a master’s degree at KDI School requires completion of coursework, and students may choose to complete a research project. This guideline aims to provide the essence of the research requirements. Students are able to submit their final draft within 4 years (12 terms) from their first semester. If you are unable to complete the final draft within this period, you may petition the School for a one-year extension.

To fulfill the research requirement, you may select one of the two research project options listed below—the one that you feel will best serve your career objective while taking into consideration the time constraints at the School. The options are:

• Thesis Project
• Capstone Project

While all options address the same underlying objective—the advancement and application of knowledge and skills for the betterment of public policy and management—each has a slightly different set of requirements in form and substance.