The MPA program consists of a two-year, full-time course of study that prepares students for leadership and analytical positions in the public and nonprofit sectors. The first year of the program is designed to provide a solid grounding in the areas of policy, management, economics, and data analysis. The second year of allows students to specialize in an area of interest through elective courses from the Glenn School, as well as from other departments accross campus. Most MPA students pursue a paid summer internship, identifying a topic for their policy paper, a large independent research project which serves as the capstone to the curriculum.