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

Patman Renewing Democracy Series 1x1
Event Status
Scheduled
Monday April 7, 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Recurs: Weekly on Monday, 4 - 5pm until Thu, May 1 2025 Feb. 6, 2025, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.Tuesday, April 1, 2025, noon to 1 p.m.
LBJ School - SRH 3.122
Evan Smith, co-founder and former CEO of The Texas Tribune in conversation with the politicians making an impact this year.
US Department of Education Seal
Event Status
Scheduled
Thursday April 10, 2025, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
LBJ School of Public Affairs, SRH 3.122
Mark Schneider, former Director of the Institute for Education Sciences (IES), joins LBJ professor Paul Von Hippel to discuss what it was like running part of the US Department of Education.
solar panels
Event Status
Scheduled
Friday April 11, 2025, 10:30 am - 11:45 am
LBJ School - SRH 3.122
The LBJ School of Public Affairs, UT Economics, and the McCombs department of Business, Government and Society will be continuing our Environmental Economics research series over the course of the Spring 2025 semester, featuring academics and subject matter experts in the field.

News & Research

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Report Released by UT Austin's LBJ School and U. Chicago's Harris School Guides Policymakers on Municipal Bond Tax Exemption Reforms

April 4, 2025
A new report from the LBJ School and the University of Chicago provides an evidence-based guide to the federal tax exemption on municipal bond interest.
Robert Golias

Army Futures Command Leader Leverages EMPL Program to Strengthen Leadership Skills

March 31, 2025
Robert Golias (EMPL ’25) has built a career dedicated to national security, first as a soldier and now as an Antiterrorism Program Manager at Army Futures Command.
LBJ School student, Anthony Hernandez, pictured in Texas Capitol

LBJ School Student Gains Hands-On Legislative Experience at the Texas Capitol

March 26, 2025
Anthony Hernandez (MGPS '25) is gaining valuable experience in Texas policymaking as a policy analyst in the office of Senator Judith Zaffirini, the Dean of the Senate and the longest-serving woman and Hispanic member of the Texas Senate. Working at the Texas Capitol, Hernandez is applying his academic insights to support impactful legislative efforts.