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"Putting it into Practice"
The MAM Program recognizes that classroom instruction can only take you so far. The best learning opportunities are those that require you to apply your skills in the real world. That's why the MAM Program requires the Systems Synthesis capstone project. Systems is more beneficial than a thesis; it helps to solidify the skills and knowledge you gained in the classroom, and teaches you teamwork, group-dynamics skills and problem-solving abilities that can only be learned in a real situation.
You will be working in a group for a real client - a local or national institution - and you will tackle a real issue being faced by the organization. The process of devising a solution will "synthesize" your first year coursework. Your work will be guided and challenged by a faculty advisor and an advisory board of professionals from both the academy and the arts field. You and your fellow students will propose a project, frame the problem, conduct the analysis, make recommendations and present your findings - just like you will do in every job you have after graduating from the Carnegie Mellon.
You will find Systems stimulating, frustrating, edifying, and exciting. Our alumni tell us again and again that, in hindsight, the Systems project was perhaps their most valuable learning experience. It will be the best professional preparation you could hope for.
What issues do our students choose for their Systems projects?
Here are a few MAM Program Systems projects from recent years:
Additional projects can be found here.
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