Program Overview

Introduction to the DC Concentration

The DC Concentration is an accelerated track within the LBJ School’s traditional Master of Public Affairs (MPAff) and Master of Global Policy Studies (MGPS) degree programs. This program is designed to help aspiring policy professionals launch their federal careers through the DC Concentration at the LBJ Washington Center.

Program Structure

• The program begins with two semesters of intensive policy coursework in Austin.
  • Students complete coursework at a Tier 1 research university in a capital city that's redefining policy innovation.
• The following summer and fall semesters are spent in Washington DC, where students:
  • Study at night
  • Work more than 700 hours in a Policy Apprenticeship
  • Build professional relationships and learn on the job before graduating in December

Benefits of the Program

• LBJ DC Fellows graduate a full semester early, transitioning into the DC workforce with full degrees in December.
• This early graduation provides a gateway to a career in federal policy, allowing students to make their mark on public policy.
• The program offers unparalleled access to experts, advisers, and policymakers, providing students with the know-how, professional experience, and network needed to succeed.

Program Details

• The DC Concentration is a 15-month program.
• Students are both "thinkers and doers," gaining practical experience alongside federal policymakers.
• The program is designed to fast-track federal policy careers, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field.