This article outlines how Master of Public Administration (MPA)/Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs can integrate a project-based learning opportunity to study curricular design and accreditation needs in their quantitative courses. Bridging together theory and the practical implications of data collection and analysis is important for students’ long-term professional development. We provide case study examples of recent project-based learning opportunities in an MPA/MPP program in the United States in which students collected data on employer needs for MPA/MPP graduates. The projects provide an evidence base for program assessment and improvement. Focus groups conducted with project participants, including alumni and current students, demonstrate that they valued this opportunity because it provided them with important technical and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in their capstones, internships, and future jobs. We provide scaffolding assignment examples and recommendations for professors interested in implementing similar projects in their own courses.

本文概述了公共管理硕士 (MPA)/公共政策硕士 (MPP) 课程如何整合基于项目的学习机会，在其量化课程中研究课程设计和认证需求。将理论与数据收集和分析的实际意义联系起来对于学生的长期专业发展非常重要。我们提供了美国 MPA/MPP 计划中最近基于项目的学习机会的案例研究示例，学生在该计划中收集了有关 MPA/MPP 毕业生雇主需求的数据。这些项目为项目评估和改进提供了证据基础。与项目参与者（包括校友和在校学生）进行的焦点小组讨论，证明他们重视这个机会，因为它为他们提供了在顶峰、实习和未来工作中取得成功所必需的重要技术和人际交往能力。我们为有兴趣在自己的课程中实施类似项目的教授提供脚手架作业示例和建议。