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

The Master of Public Affairs program stands as the pioneering graduate initiative that combines scholarly frameworks with hands-on learning, enabling students to create tangible change from day one. At the LBJ School, this degree cultivates visionary leaders equipped with the expertise to drive transformation across public institutions, corporations, and social sector organizations.
Our institution is committed to fostering leadership and innovative solutions to tackle pressing policy issues facing local communities, national governments, and global partners in our interconnected world. Leveraging an internationally distinguished faculty, exceptional graduate students, an expansive alumni network, and the academic powerhouse of The University of Texas at Austin, LBJ School alumni possess unparalleled capabilities to influence policy landscapes in the modern era.
The MPAff curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with applied analytical training through continuous real-world engagement. Prospective students must demonstrate proficiency in calculus and statistics through prior coursework or examination before beginning the quantitative core. A mandatory internship bridges academic years, offering firsthand exposure to governmental, nonprofit, and advocacy operations. Participants may pursue a broad curriculum or concentrate their second-year studies within one of seven specialized policy tracks, with flexible full-time or part-time enrollment options.
The degree offers two pathways: a traditional two-year Austin-based program or an accelerated 15-month option featuring a final semester in Washington, D.C. Both tracks establish core competencies in policymaking's economic, political, analytical, and managerial dimensions, preparing graduates to develop and implement impactful solutions for global betterment.