Global Policy Studies (MGPS)
Department website: https://lbj.utexas.edu/
This program is designed to provide students with the tools and knowledge necessary to be leaders in an increasingly interdependent world and offers a multidisciplinary approach to studying the complex economic, political, technological, and social issues of the twenty-first century. Students pursuing this degree select a concentration in security, law, and diplomacy; international trade and finance; development; global governance and international law; international energy, environment, and technology; or regional international policy. Students may also propose their own concentration, which is subject to approval.
In addition to required coursework in the student’s concentration, the curriculum combines courses in the development of global policy and principles of international relations, microeconomics, analytical methods, international economics, and a crisis management seminar with a practical applications sequence that includes a client-oriented policy research project and professional writing courses.
Austin and Washington, DC concentration
The DC program option offers a master’s student a unique two-semester curriculum in federal policymaking relating to international affairs thereby facilitating entry into federal careers. Students attend The University of Texas at Austin their first two semesters. After the first year, students will spend the summer and fall in Washington, DC. Coursework will include a unique apprenticeship opportunity in a public or non-profit agency based on the student’s area of policy.
Graduate Handbook
Graduate handbook information is updated and maintained by each program. Graduate handbooks are available within each program's office and online. Please contact the program with concerns or questions.
Admission
Admission decisions are made by the Admissions Committee. The committee considers applicants' academic and employment records, three letters of recommendation from professors or employers, and a statement of purpose addressing the applicant’s background and interest in public policy. A résumé and transcripts for all college coursework are also required.
While there are no prescribed course prerequisites, students entering this program are expected to have completed undergraduate coursework in statistics. In addition, many students find the following courses to be useful: two semesters of principles of economics, at least one semester of undergraduate international relations or world history, and one semester of calculus.
Additional information on degree requirements and the application process is available on the school's website.
Total Hours Required: 49
Austin-only: 49
Austin and Washington, DC: 45
Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Program curriculum | 15 | |
| Crisis simulation | 1 | |
| Policy research project (taken over two semesters) | 6 | |
| Hours chosen from: Area of Concentration | 15 | |
| Hours chosen from: Electives | 9 | |
| Individual writing | 3 | |
| All students in this program must also follow these requirements and policies: | ||
| Graduate Public Affairs Requirements | ||
| Graduate University Requirements | ||
| Total Hours | 49 | |
Additional Requirements and Policy
Field experience is appropriate in most concentrations and may be satisfied with a noncredit internship experience.
Students must fulfill all academic requirements within six years of their entrance into the program. Most students are expected to complete the program in two years of full-time study.
Austin and Washington, DC concentration
The DC program option requires 45 hours. Students take 24 hours at The University of Texas at Austin. After the first year, students will complete remaining hours in Washington, DC, including a unique apprenticeship.