Skills and Coursework
Curriculum Overview
Students in the major receive a broad education in public affairs and gain the professional training to effectively advance the common good.
Our coursework will equip students with the skills and knowledge to confront complex societal challenges through innovative public policy solutions.
Our curriculum integrates principles from multiple disciplines, including policy analysis, data analytics, communication and organizational management. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that students develop a comprehensive understanding of diverse perspectives and methodologies relevant to public affairs.
Connect With Us
Office of Student Affairs and Admissions
Location
SRH 3.104
Phone
512-471-4292
Skills Development
The public affairs major prepares students for professional policy careers by building the following skills:
Policy Analysis
Knowing when to use quantitative or qualitative tools to analyze problems
Data Analytics
Understanding the intricacies of how to work with various forms of data
Communication
Discerning how to communicate concisely to specific policy audiences
Organizational Management
Leading, following and working effectively with others in professional settings
Learning Outcomes
Students develop their knowledge of:
- The ethics of working in public affairs and the reasons why public policies are necessary
- The political process of how policies are proposed, adopted and implemented
- The economic costs and benefits calculations of policies
Finally, the major encourages students to deepen their knowledge in specific policy domains to differentiate themselves in the job market. This customization
ensures that graduates are prepared to enter certain career fields with confidence.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is structured to align with workplace demands and evolving trends in public affairs. The public affairs major’s curriculum builds on three pillars: skills, subject matter expertise and specialization.
Total hours: 120 semester credit hours
Skills-based Coursework
These courses focus on the practical skills needed in the area of Public Affairs, providing a comprehensive curriculum in the following key areas:
- Statistics
- Quantitative Methods for Public Affairs
- Qualitative Methods for Public Affairs
- Communication for Public Affairs
- Professional Development
- Leadership Lab
- Policy Simulation
Subject Matter Coursework
These courses build the pillar of substance in the major
- Foundations of Public Affairs
- Microeconomics
- Economic Analysis of Public Affairs
- Analysis of Policy Adoption and Implementation
Specialized Elective Coursework
In addition to the required coursework, students have the opportunity to delve deeper into policy areas of their choice through a robust selection of elective courses. Whether interested in health care, education, energy and the environment, national security, or housing, students can tailor their academic journey to align with their passions and career goals.
A required minor or certificate program, along with additional elective courses, ensures that graduates emerge as well-rounded citizens with a comprehensive understanding of the broader context in which public affairs professionals operate. This holistic approach equips students with the versatility and insight needed to navigate and impact the complex landscape of public policy effectively.
Specialized Elective Coursework:
- 5 Public Affairs courses among a list of topical courses on specific policy areas, or advanced policy analysis skills courses
- 5-6 courses in other departments to complete any minor or certificate program at UT Austin, connecting the skills and substance gained through the major to the student’s broader academic experience
- 9-10 completely freely chosen elective courses at UT Austin to round out the student’s undergraduate education
Ready to Apply?
Start shaping the world of public affairs at the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Know-how to change the world.
Applications open August 1st