DC Concentration (MPAff/MGPS)

The DC Concentration operates as an integrated track within the LBJ School’s traditional MPAff and MGPS degree programs. After a year of intensive policy coursework in Austin, students (LBJ DC Fellows) continue their studies at night in Washington, DC, while embarking on a six-month Policy Apprenticeship with a public, private, nonprofit or nongovernmental organization, jump-starting their Washington-based careers.

Designed to train future leaders for careers in the domestic or international policy arenas in Washington, DC, the DC Concentration aims to transition LBJ DC Fellows into the DC policy workforce a full semester earlier than traditional public policy programs. Unlike their counterparts at other nationally ranked public policy schools, LBJ DC Fellows graduate in December of their second year of studies, rather than the following May.

Current students said: 

"I'm thriving," says LBJ DC student Da'Shon Carr

Carr isn’t new to Washington, but she’s having a new experience in the city she once called home thanks to a supportive network and courses that offer immediate real-world application 

"LBJ DC has been the best choice for me." 

Sarah Morningred has long dreamt of working for the federal government. She says the LBJ Washington Center has been a front door to opportunities in the nation’s capital. 

Federal policy immersion at LBJ's Washington Center

After a decade of experience in state and local government, government affairs professional Eric Bustos packed his bags to live, study and work in the nation’s capital.

DC Concentration Course of Study

LBJ DC Fellows spend their first two semesters in Austin following a slightly customized version of the traditional first-year MPAff or MGPS curriculum. Students then relocate to Washington, DC, in June to pursue their Policy Apprenticeships for 32 hours per week during the summer and fall semesters of their second year. Simultaneous with their Policy Apprenticeships, students will take core academic courses at the LBJ Washington Center, focusing on the essentials of policymaking at the federal level.

The DC Concentration prepares graduates to work in the complex federal policy environment, including how to: contribute from day one to organization-critical projects; translate research and ideas into effective policy; formulate and communicate policy positions in high-pressure, media-driven environments; and develop effective strategies and skills to engage with public policy professionals at the highest levels of federal policymaking.

Professional networking, as well as policy, social and other events give students opportunities to meet with senior federal policymakers in diverse settings, and a formal LBJ School Senior DC Alumni Mentorship Program pairs the students with experienced alumni and other professionals already working in public policy careers in Washington. Upon successfully completing their DC academic and Policy Apprenticeship commitments, LBJ DC Fellows graduate in December of their second year. View DC Concentration course descriptions or a sample program of study.

Estimated DC Program Tuition and Departmental Tuition (based on 2020–21 tuition rates)

Texas Resident (in-state)
Fall/Spring semesters in Austin (25 hours) tuition: $12,130
Summer in DC (10 hours) tuition: $4,558
Summer in DC Departmental Tuition: $8,750
Fall semester in DC (10 hours) tuition: $5,362
Fall semester in DC Departmental Tuition: $8,750
Total program tuition and fee: $39,550

Non-resident (out-of-state)
Fall/Spring semesters in Austin (25 hours): $23,407
Summer in DC (10 hours) tuition: $8,605
Summer in DC Departmental Tuition: $8,750
Fall semester in DC (10 hours) tuition: $10,124
Fall in DC Departmental Tuition: $8,750
Total program tuition and fee: $59,636