LBJ School | The University of Texas at Austin

aerial footage of the LBJ school

Know-How to change the world

Our Degree Programs

A young woman presents to a class in front of a full board of information

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 21, 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.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.
American Compassion Podcast Logo Green and Orange Version
Event Status
Scheduled
Tuesday April 22, 2025, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Bass Lecture Hall, LBJ School
Join the LBJ School as we team up with Findhelp to host live video podcast recordings for the newest episodes of American Compassion.
Supreme Court Thumbnail Image
Event Status
Scheduled
Thursday April 24, 2025, 3:55 pm - 5:45 pm
Recurs: Weekly on Thursday, 3:55 - 5:45pm until Sat, Apr 26 2025
JON 6.207
The Crime, Law and Policy Workshop provides an opportunity for students and faculty to engage with frontier works-in-progress from leading scholars focusing on various aspects of the criminal legal system. 

News & Research

Floridell Berry, upcoming LBJ grad, in front of the LBJ School

Upcoming LBJ School Graduate is Shaping the Future of Public Policy and Law

April 18, 2025
Studying public policy was never just about academics; for Floridell Berry (MGPS ’25), it was about finding a community and making an impact. Drawn to the LBJ School by a trusted mentor’s recommendation, she sought a graduate experience where she wouldn’t fade into the background. Berry wanted a place where she could engage deeply, form lasting connections and develop the skills to shape policy on a global scale.
LBJ School, Fernanda Cáceres on graduation day in May 2023

Change-Making After LBJ: Spotlight on Fernanda Cáceres (MGPS '23)

April 13, 2025
Fernanda Cáceres, a 2023 graduate of the LBJ School’s Master of Global Policy Studies (MGPS) program and RGK’s Nonprofit Portfolio program, is applying lessons she learned in graduate school to her work in food and water systems at The Nature Conservancy, a global environmental nonprofit.
Colby Jones

From Small-Town Texas to Big Policy Impact: Meet Colby Jones (MPAff ’25)

April 9, 2025
For Colby Jones (MPAff ’25), studying public policy was a way to help his home state become a place where young people can truly thrive.