Master of Public Affairs in Austin United States | University of Texas at Austin

The Master of Public Affairs stands as the pioneering graduate program that combines scholarly foundations with hands-on learning, enabling students to create real-world change from day one. The LBJ School's Master of Public Affairs curriculum cultivates visionary leaders equipped with both the expertise and tools to drive transformation across public institutions, corporations, and social sector organizations.
Our institution is dedicated to fostering innovative thinkers and actionable solutions that empower local, national, and global communities to tackle pressing policy issues in our interconnected world. Leveraging an internationally distinguished faculty, exceptional graduate students, an expansive alumni network, and the academic excellence of The University of Texas at Austin—a top-tier research university—LBJ School alumni possess unparalleled capabilities to influence public policy in the modern era.
The MPAff curriculum integrates theoretical instruction with analytical training, consistently complemented by practical implementation opportunities. Prospective students must demonstrate proficiency in calculus and statistics through prior coursework or examination before beginning the quantitative core curriculum. A mandatory internship bridging the first and second years offers firsthand exposure to governmental, nonprofit, and advocacy operations. Participants may pursue a broad academic path or concentrate their final year studies within one of seven specialized policy domains, with options for full-time or part-time enrollment.
The Master of Public Affairs degree offers two pathways: a traditional two-year Austin-based residential program or an accelerated 15-month option featuring a final semester in Washington, D.C. Both tracks establish core competencies in economic, political, analytical, and managerial aspects of policy formation, preparing graduates to develop and implement impactful solutions for societal progress.