LBJ School | The University of Texas at Austin

Applications now open!

Start your journey toward leading with purpose at the LBJ School. Apply today »

 

Know-How to Change the World
Student in front of the LBJ School

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

mpaff_image

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

commencement hook em

Master of National Security (MNS)

A degree that equips students with analytical skills and strategies to tackle today’s most urgent challenges, emphasizing emerging tech, data-driven decisions and innovative policy solutions for careers in both public and private sectors

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 readiness

DC Concentration (MPAff/MGPS)

Accelerated DC Program (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

 

Executive and Professional Training

Events

Photo of the Texas Capitol building
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Wednesday September 30, 2026, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location:Virtual via Zoom
The LBJ School's Executive Master of Public Leadership prepares nonprofit and public professionals for senior leadership.
OSAA Admission
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Thursday October 8, 2026, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location:Virtual via Zoom
Join the LBJ School's Office of Student Affairs and Admissions to learn more about our graduate programs and how you can apply today!
Photo of the Texas Capitol building
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Wednesday October 14, 2026, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location:Virtual via Zoom
The LBJ School's Executive Master of Public Leadership prepares nonprofit and public professionals for senior leadership.

News & Research

LBJ faculty featured at APPAM

From Austin to Atlanta: LBJ School at APPAM Research Conference

November 6, 2023
The 2023 Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) Fall Research Conference will see the LBJ School at UT Austin shine on the national stage. With 15 separate APPAM sessions featuring 12 distinguished scholars from LBJ, including 5 faculty members and 7 students, policy leaders from Austin, Texas, are poised to make a significant impact in Atlanta, Georgia, from November 9-11.
Headshot of Steven Santoyo with burnt orange branding

Student Spotlight: Steven Santoyo (MPAff)

November 2, 2023
In an inspiring journey from the classroom to the policy arena, Steven Santoyo, who is from Dallas, is pursuing a Master of Public Affairs at the LBJ School, with a focus on K-12 education policy. Having previously taught and earned a Master of Education from Southern Methodist University, Steven brings a wealth of experience and dedication to making a positive impact on our education system.
dry cracked earth

Unusually dry growing seasons in Central America associated with migration to the US

October 27, 2023
In a new article in Scientific Reports, which is in the portfolio of Nature journals, a team of scholars from the University of Utah and The University of Texas at Austin found that drier than normal periods during growing seasons in Central America were associated with emigration to the United States in recent years. LBJ School professor Joshua Busby is a co-author.