LBJ School | The University of Texas at Austin

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Know-how to change the world

Our Degree Programs

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Bachelor of Public Affairs

A degree that prepares graduates with skills in leadership, policy analysis and organizational management for a career in public service at every level, from city hall to Capitol Hill. 

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Master of Public Affairs (MPAff)

The first graduate public affairs program to blend academic theory with practical experience—preparing students to make an immediate impact in the world

MGPS classroom

Master of Global Policy Studies (MGPS)

A degree program designed for the globalized world, offering an interdisciplinary and practical command of international policymaking

DC Concentration (MPAff/MGPS)

DC Option (MPAff/MGPS)

An immersive 15-month course of accelerated study and work in Washington DC for careers in domestic and international federal policymaking

PhD in Public Policy

Ph.D. in Public Policy (Ph.D.)

A flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum–emphasizing strong faculty mentorship alongside rigorous analytical and professional training–intended to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and real-world policy impact

EMPL student gives speech

Executive Master of Public Leadership (EMPL)

A 12-month program preparing nonprofit and public professionals for senior leadership with substantial in-person coursework, interaction with high-performing leaders and practical simulations for real world readines

 

Executive and Professional Training

Events

Evan Smith Square Headshot
Event Status
Scheduled
Monday October 14, 2024, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Bass Lecture Hall, LBJ School

A conversation with U.S. Rep Joaquin Castro (D-San Antonio), moderated by professor of practice and Texas Tribune co-founder Evan Smith. Registration required.

The OSAA staff posing at the first day of classes.
Event Status
Scheduled
Thursday October 17, 2024, All day
LBJ School

Join the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin for our open house event on Thursday, Oct 17, beginning with a series of virtual information sessions and panels before inviting prospective students to campus for an afternoon of programming at the LBJ School.

Photo of the Texas Capitol building
Event Status
Scheduled
Thursday October 17, 2024, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Virtual via Zoom

The LBJ School's Executive Master of Public Leadership prepares nonprofit and public professionals for senior leadership.

News & Research

Christy Beauchemin

Patman Center scholar gains hands-on policy experience at Texas State Capitol

Oct. 14, 2024

As The Patman Center approaches its one-year anniversary, we’re excited to highlight Patman Scholar Christy Beauchemin, a second-year Master of Global Policy Studies (MGPS) student at the LBJ School of Public Affairs.

Omar Gamboa

From classroom to the Capitol: How the LBJ School’s Open House inspired a teacher's path to policy reform

Oct. 10, 2024

Omar Gamboa (MPAff-DC ’25) always knew he wanted to make a difference. However, it wasn't until he attended an Open House at the LBJ School of Public Affairs that he realized just how impactful the program could be for him.

Thunderstorms surrounding a Texas farm

New Extreme Weather Adaptation Lab will work with Texas communities to build resilience

Oct. 8, 2024

In recent decades, Texas experienced a significant increase in billion-dollar weather disasters. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Texas was impacted by 179 weather-related disasters that exceeded one billion dollars between 1980 and mid-June 2024. The Extreme Weather Adaptation Lab will help community leaders across Texas confront the escalating challenges posed by extreme heat, drought, flooding, wildfires, and severe storms, particularly in under-resourced and rural communities. The lab is designed to provide year-round training opportunities, customized research, and user-friendly policy tools to help community leaders make informed decisions to adapt to these hazards.