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#  What to Consider in Your MRPL Project Proposal 

 





A current master of religion and public life (MRPL) candidate talks about what to keep in mind while writing a project proposal for the program application.



 

November 12, 2025

 

 

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## Manisha Agarwal, MRPL ’26

When I was considering the [master of religion and public life (MRPL) program](/academics/degree-programs/mrpl-program "Master of Religion and Public Life (MRPL) Program"), the idea of a capstone project felt both exciting and overwhelming. If you are in those shoes, here is my best advice: Start with what sets your soul on fire. For me, that was my experience as a management consultant—helping leaders steer organizations and shape decisions. I have always believed that corporations are powerful agents for good, with the real potential to help create a more just world.

My capstone’s first spark came from blending this professional passion with my lifelong fascination for religious traditions and their ethical teachings. But as I dove into the MRPL curriculum, reading thinkers like Rawls and Foucault, my perspectives shifted. Suddenly, justice and power were not just business buzzwords. They became complex, evolving ideas that challenged—and inspired—my original assumptions.

The beauty of the MRPL capstone is how it grows with you. It is not just an academic endeavor; it is a laboratory for your ideals to meet new theories and bold possibilities. My project is still evolving, and that is the point.

Start with what you know and love, stay open, and let your capstone surprise you. You will be amazed at how far you can go!