How to Apply for an Executive Master of Public Leadership

Applications Open: September 1
Application Deadline: May 1 
Part-time Available: No 
Time to Completion: One year
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GRE, GMAT, or other standardized test scores are not required.

Admissions Requirements

EMPL seeks students whose experience and backgrounds will enhance the experience for the incoming class. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach to admissions decisions and carefully considers all criteria supporting candidates' applications.

A bachelor's degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited college or university or a comparable degree from a foreign academic institution

An overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher in upper-division undergraduate coursework and any graduate coursework

Official university transcripts (Please review The University of Texas's instructions for 
submitting your transcripts.)

At least 7 years of professional work experience demonstrating growth and increased responsibility. In rare cases, applicants with less than 7 years of experience with significant leadership and responsibility will be considered for admission. It is anticipated that the class average for professional work experience will exceed 10 years.

International students also must submit TOEFL scores. We do not accept the IELTS. Visit UT's website for more information about test scores.

A current résumé or CV highlighting relevant experience. After submitting your application, you will receive access to your MyStatus page. You can upload your résumé directly onto your MyStatus page. Please note that it will take at least one to two business days for you to receive access to your MyStatus page after submitting your application.

Two letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters should come from individuals who can speak to your professional accomplishments and potential for continued career growth.

Two essays (see prompts below)

1. Discuss your professional goals and commitment to public leadership and describe how the EMPL degree, specifically, will help you achieve these goals. (500 words)
2. Please address any information that you believe your application would be incomplete without and that sheds more light on your unique potential to succeed in the Executive Master's in Public Leadership program and contribute to the University community and the field or profession. (250 words)

Interview. Upon a full review of your application, the admissions committee will invite qualified candidates for an in-person or virtual interview. The EMPL program office will contact you to schedule an interview if invited. Not everyone who applies will be invited to an interview, but everyone accepted to the program will be required to go through the interview process.

Checklist

What to submit:

• Complete the Graduate School Application for Admission
• Application fee
• Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions
• TOEFL scores (for international applicants)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Current resume or CV
• Two essays

Application Instructions

All applicants must complete the Graduate School Application for Admission. All application materials are submitted online.

Complete an online application for admissions and pay the application fee. The application fee is $65 (U.S. citizens/permanent residents) and $90 (international).

Select Summer as your requested semester. You'll select 'Public Leadership, (MPL, Option III)' as your major under the LBJ School of Public Affairs  heading.

Within 1-2 business day(s) of application submission and payment, you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of the application. Your UT EID and temporary password will be included in this email along with a link to the Online Admissions Status Check page. From that site, you will be provided instructions on how upload required application documents.

All documents are submitted to the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) via the directions you will receive in the email after submitting your application.

How to Verify Submission

Verify your application submission by visiting your MyStatus page to ensure we have received all of your materials and check for additional steps to take after you've applied. The UT Graduate and International Admissions Center can assist with technical issues in submitting your application materials.

Application Status Check

To check your application status, upload materials to your application, or edit list of recommenders, visit this link.

Contact the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC).

Find more detailed information about graduate school admission.