For Leaders. By Leaders.
The LBJ School's Executive Master of Public Leadership equips professionals with the skills needed for senior leadership roles. The curriculum focuses on value-driven decision-making, strategic communications, personal brand development, crisis and financial management, data analytics, negotiation and more. This 12-month program is designed to be compatible with full-time work and includes a personalized leadership plan and executive coaching. Courses are delivered through a combination of in-person sessions on the main campus at UT Austin and online classes. Applications open September 1, 2025.
Preparing You to Lead
Gain skills in:
- Public Leadership
- Value-Driven Decision Making
- Organizational Development
- Strategic Communications
- Personal Brand Development
- Negotiation
- Crisis Management
- Financial Management
- Data Analytics
- Policymaking
Nearly 70% of EMPL graduates said they had been promoted since starting the program (2022 EMPL Survey)
Why LBJ?
- Compatible with full time work
- Immediate real-world application
- 12-month hybrid program
- Personalized leadership plan
- Ranked high for quality and cost
- Small class size
- Powerful alumni network
"The EMPL program has been invaluable. It gave me the skills that launched me into senior management, and I continue to use what I learned in EMPL on a daily basis." (2022 EMPL Survey)
Attend an Information Session
We have upcoming information sessions to help you determine if EMPL is right for you. During these sessions, you will have the opportunity to meet the program director, network with alumni, learn more about the curriculum and find out how to apply.
August 28, 2025
September 9, 2025
September 18, 2025
Executive Coaching
We believe leadership transformation comes from continuous learning and personal growth. A key component of this philosophy is our partnership with Alotten, a leading executive coaching firm. Through personalized coaching, EMPL students are paired with experienced coaches who help them unlock their full potential and achieve their professional goals.
Why Executive Coaching?
- Tailored Support: Coaches work one-on-one with students to address their unique goals and challenges.
- Career Advancement: Gain clarity on career transitions and develop strategies for success.
- Real Results: Students have experienced career breakthroughs, secured promotions and negotiated higher salaries after coaching.
Alotten's executive coaches understand the diverse backgrounds and aspirations of EMPL students, offering a highly customizable coaching experience. Whether navigating a career transition or seeking alignment between personal and professional goals, coaching equips our students with the tools to drive meaningful change and achieve their goals. EMPL students are empowered to unlock their potential and make a lasting impact as leaders through this partnership.
Observe a Class
We encourage you to observe a class to see the dynamic and interactive learning environment of EMPL. This is a unique opportunity to witness the program's impact and understand how it can help you achieve your professional goals. Take a look the current class schedule to find a date that works for you.
EMPL Overview
Curriculum
The EMPL degree is designed for 21st century public leaders to cultivate modern-day leadership skills. The program combines substantial coursework, interaction with high-performing leaders, and simulations to help executives raise the bar on their own personal brand of leadership for the public they serve.
Program curriculum will be taught primarily by tenured, tenure-track and professional track faculty in the LBJ School, with select courses taught by adjuncts and lecturers in the LBJ School and other UT Austin departments.
The degree requires the successful completion of 30 credit hours spread across three consecutive semesters: summer, fall, and spring. Each course is three credit hours. Upon successful completion of all courses and program requirements, you will earn a Master in Public Leadership degree from The University of Texas at Austin. Course sequencing is subject to change.
EMPL program graduates will be trained to:
• Create a personal leadership philosophy to effectively lead in a changing society
• Exemplify the confidence to lead strategic change initiatives
• Apply value-driven decision-making to leadership challenges
• Build organizational cultures of inclusion
• Shape public messages, create partnerships, and manage risks
• Engage and inspire high-performing teams
• Understand public financial management and data-driven decision-making
• Deploy policymaking expertise to advance policy solutions
• Manage future-oriented technology policies in public organizations
Summer Semester
Leadership & Management Foundations - This course will explore the many facets of leading a public organization, drawing on research about the sources of success for leaders. It will review a set of management foundations and strategies – decision-making, self-awareness, goal setting, team building, and more – necessary to create a personal leadership philosophy.
Managing Risks & Creating Shared Value - This course will explore risk assessment and crisis management and provide a variety of practical tools and skills participants can use when faced with crises. It will also address how effective leaders create shared value by building cross-sector partnership and engaging in negotiation with stakeholders to solve challenges.
Politics & Policy Development - This course will explore how to develop and implement policy and examine the relationship between policy and politics in developing and implementing policy. Additionally, this course will delve into the intersection between national, state, and local politics and policymaking.
Fall Semester
Financial Management for Decision-Makers - This course will examine the theory and practice of public financial management, including the principles of budget, finance, accounting, and fiscal administration.
Public Leadership Ethics - This course will study the concept of ethics and how to deploy value-driven decision-making in public organizations. It will also provide steps for creating and leading a welcoming organization.
IT, Cybersecurity & the Public Sector - This course will explore modern-day organizational and technology change processes in the public sector and outline techniques for managing future-focused IT projects and policies in public organizations. It will also provide leaders with the knowledge and skills to acquire, exploit, and protect digital and other sensitive information entrusted to public sector organizations.
Spring Semester
Leading Strategic Change - This course will equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and thinking to plan and lead strategic change initiatives more effectively.
Strategic Policy & Public Communications - This course will demonstrate how to shape policy and public messages, use modern communication tools, and manage personal brands.
Data Analytics & Program Evaluation - This course will provide executive students with the tools, skills and experience they need to be sophisticated data-driven decision makers.
Capstone – This course, which will be spread out over the entirety of the program, will contribute to leadership success in current or future employment. Students will create research, writing, and presentation skills as a component of this comprehensive project.
Class Format & Schedule
EMPL’s class format and schedule were carefully designed to accommodate the demands of executives and working professionals. Classes will meet in-person one weekend per month (5:30 PM – 9:30 PM on Friday evenings and 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM on Saturdays) and each semester will include a four-day, in-person residency. A combination of synchronous and asynchronous online content will fulfill the remaining course content requirements.
For planning purposes, students should expect to be in-person for 11 class weekends (one weekend per month) and three four-day residencies (Wednesday-Saturday) in June 2024, December 2024, and May 2025. Specific dates and times for residencies and class weekends can be found here.
EMPL Tuition
EMPL tuition is $46,500, offering a valuable investment in your leadership journey. This cost includes access to world-class faculty, a cutting-edge curriculum and a network of driven professionals, all designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to lead with impact. This covers tuition and fees and other expenses related to the program including books and materials, executive coaching, snacks/meals on class weekends and residencies, accommodations during residences and access to other The University of Texas at Austin resources, e.g. libraries and research databases. Tuition does not include accommodations on class weekends, or any travel associated with class weekends or residencies.
You are encouraged to explore funding options through your employer, student loans/financial aid and/or veteran’s benefits. Please contact the EMPL office to discuss possible funding options. For more information, please visit how to apply.
Tuition Payment Schedule
Payment Period Amount and Due Date
Deposit $1,000 (non-refundable; due upon acceptance of admission)
Summer Tuition $14,500 (due May 1)
Fall Tuition $15,500 (due August 1)
Spring Tuition $15,500 (due January 1)
"The LBJ School gave me something beyond academia. It redefined my trajectory of professional development while refining my purpose for serving others."
- Erica Davis, EMPL '20
Harris County School Board Trustee
Ready to Apply?
Know-how to change the world. Join a community of change-makers and take the next step in your leadership career.
Applications open September 1, 2025!