The Graduate Program in Community Planning offers the option of either completing a synthesis project or taking a comprehensive examination as a final means of indicating a student’s readiness to graduate with the MCP degree. Upon completion of the second semester of full-time study (or 18 CPLN-listed credit hours for part-time and dual degree students), each student will need to declare his or her intent to pursue one of these curricular options.

The synthesis project is achieved through the successful completion of the required course, CPLN 7800: Synthesis Project (6 credit hours). This course provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate their competency in community planning by either translating knowledge into action through the development of a practical plan, or undertaking original research that expands the knowledge base of the planning field.

The student will work directly with their synthesis committee, and must be able to make satisfactory progress with limited guidance. The committee shall comprise at least three voting (graduate faculty) members; two must be from the program faculty, and one of them must serve as committee chair. The third voting member may be from another AU academic unit; and if appropriate, a planning professional or citizen may be included as a fourth (non-voting) member. The committee chair must approve selection of all other members.

Once a student has decided to pursue a synthesis project, he or she must first develop a proposal for review by potential committee members. At a minimum, the proposal must include a literature search, methodology, expected outcomes and products, and timeline. Faculty members may agree to serve on a synthesis committee at their own discretion, and are under no obligation in this regard. The committee must be verified (by faculty signature on the student’s plan-of-study form) before the student enrolls in CPLN 7800.

The development of a practical plan as the synthesis project will ideally occur in a real situation and with a cooperating client, though that is not required. Whether the student takes a plan-based or research-based approach, successful completion of a synthesis project will require the student to first pursue an extensive investigation and analysis of a specific and compelling planning problem or issue, and to then fully develop and present their findings and recommendations in verbal, graphic and written form.

The synthesis committee will evaluate the student’s work periodically during the semester he or she is enrolled in CPLN 7800. Should it be determined by a majority of the committee’s voting (graduate faculty) members that the student has not made satisfactory progress towards completing their project by a date at least two weeks before Form 8 (non-thesis master’s option student comprehensive final examination form) is due to the Graduate School, he or she will receive a grade of incomplete (IN) that semester. It is the responsibility of the student to resolve this grade with their committee in accordance with AU Graduate School policies. If all necessary coursework has been completed, the student will also be required to enroll in GRAD 7000: Clearing Graduation during the following semester.