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

rural_tx

Rural America’s business growth is rooted in surprising factors

July 6, 2023
Local banks, a diverse and young population, a significant immigrant community, and the availability of vital health care infrastructure such as elder care and child care services are the unexpected predictors of business creation in rural America, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the LBJ School.
juneteenth_2023_graphic

Reflecting on freedom: LBJ School commemorates Juneteenth

June 21, 2023
The LBJ School of Public Affairs celebrated June 19 with its third annual “Juneteenth Freedom Summit on Freedom Dreams: A Reimagining of Culture, Politics and Law.” Center for the Study of Race and Democracy (CSRD) Founding Director Peniel Joseph led the three-hour event among a cohort of other academic scholars and community leaders to make sense of the holiday’s politics, history, and contemporary policy challenges in Texas and abroad.

Letter from the Dean: Celebrating Excellence at the LBJ School

May 9, 2023
This year our achievements have set us apart as a leading institution in public policy education. 
I want to express my deepest gratitude to our incredible faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters. It is because of you that we continue to thrive as an example of excellence in shaping the future of public policy leadership.