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

Willie Nelson Headshot by Pamela Springsteen

Willie Nelson Cements His Legacy as an Advocate for Rural America Through New Endowment

March 21, 2023
Willie Nelson’s lifelong advocacy for rural America has found its home through a new endowment at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin.

Naval War College, The University of Texas, Colorado School of Mines Selected by DoD as One of Six Teams for Social Science Research

March 13, 2023
The clean energy transition will be minerals and metals intensive. Currently, supply chains are overwhelmingly reliant on imports from China. The U.S. Department of Defense has selected the LBJ School's Dr. Joshua Busby to research critical minerals, battery technology, and reducing dependence on hostile suppliers in the clean energy supply chain.
LBJ DC student in front of the nation's capitol

Alumni Spotlight: Samer Yousif (Master of Global Policy Studies-DC)

March 10, 2023
Samer Yousif (MGPS-DC '18) is the CEO of BLCK VC, a nonprofit that equips Black investors with the access, education and community they need to accelerate their careers in venture capital.