Academic Components

Complete a group policy or research paper on a pressing issue in your field while maximizing contacts and resources from your host organization

IPSS is a rigorous and rich learning experience. In addition to the professional component, students are engaged in a pre-departure course, group research project, and capstone seminar in August at the end of the six month program. IPSS is comprised of two, 6-unit academic courses.

IPSS Capstone

Preparatory Work

  • Research on the assigned organization and relevant policy issues
  • Internship search coaching workshops and career advising
  • Development of Terms of Reference (TOR) for a junior staff position with the organization, in consultation with IPSS faculty and career advisors

Pre-Departure Course

  • A pre-departure training will be held on the Monterey Institute campus in January.
  • The course will cover: preparing to serve your organization and organizational analysis, applied research (quantitative and qualitative), excel, web, and social media tools, and professional panels with insight from distinguished practitioners and IPSS alumni.

Research Assignment

  • The main academic component of the program is a major individual or team academic research project completed while on assignment. This project will be evaluated by IPSS faculty and will include a peer review process.

Final Presentation

  • All IPSS students will present their work to their organization in July or August. A recording of this presentation will be reviewed by IPSS faculty and students will meet remotely with faculty in late August (Monday, August 20 for IPSS 2012) for feedback on this presentation.
  • Select IPSS students may be invited to present at a research symposium in Monterey.