Program Overview

Executive Master of Public Leadership

The Executive Master of Public Leadership is a dynamic 12-month program designed for working professionals dedicated to enhancing their expertise in public, private, and nonprofit senior leadership.

Program Overview

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.

Preparing You to Lead

The program prepares students to gain skills in:

• Public Leadership
• Value-Driven Decision Making
• Organizational Development
• Strategic Communications
• Personal Brand Development
• Negotiation
• Crisis Management
• Financial Management
• Data Analytics
• Policymaking

Why LBJ?

The program offers several benefits, including:

• Compatibility 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

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.

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, students will earn a Master in Public Leadership degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Course Sequencing

The program includes the following courses:

• Summer Semester:
  • Leadership & Management Foundations
  • Managing Risks & Creating Shared Value
  • Politics & Policy Development
• Fall Semester:
  • Financial Management for Decision-Makers
  • Public Leadership Ethics
  • IT, Cybersecurity & the Public Sector
• Spring Semester:
  • Leading Strategic Change
  • Strategic Policy & Public Communications
  • Data Analytics & Program Evaluation
  • Capstone

Class Format & Schedule

Classes will meet in-person one weekend per month 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.

EMPL Tuition

EMPL tuition is $46,500, offering a valuable investment in leadership journey. This cost includes access to world-class faculty, a cutting-edge curriculum, and a network of driven professionals, all designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead with impact.

Tuition Payment Schedule

The tuition payment schedule is as follows:

• 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)