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The Master of Public Affairs stands as the pioneering graduate program in public affairs that combines scholarly knowledge with hands-on training, equipping students to create real-world change from day one. The LBJ School's Master of Public Affairs curriculum cultivates leaders with both the expertise and capabilities to drive transformation across government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors.
Our institution aims to nurture visionaries and innovative solutions that empower local, national, and global communities to tackle pressing policy issues in our interconnected world. Leveraging an internationally distinguished faculty, exceptional master's and doctoral candidates, an extensive alumni network, and the academic resources of The University of Texas at Austin—a top-tier research university—LBJ School alumni possess distinctive qualifications to influence public policy in the modern era.
The MPAff curriculum integrates theoretical instruction with analytical skill development, 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 between academic years offers firsthand exposure to governmental, nonprofit, and advocacy operations. Participants may pursue a broad academic path or concentrate their second-year studies within one of seven specialized policy fields, with options for full-time or part-time enrollment.
The Master of Public Affairs degree offers two completion paths: a traditional two-year residential program in Austin or an accelerated 15-month option featuring a final semester in Washington, D.C. Both tracks establish fundamental knowledge of policymaking's economic, political, analytical, and managerial aspects, preparing graduates to develop and implement impactful solutions for global betterment.