Combine Public Policy with Your MBA
Programs designed for students who want to lead at the intersection of business, government, national security, and global policy.
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Program Overview

The University of Texas at Austin offers dual degree programs that combine the Full-Time MBA at Texas McCombs with graduate degrees from the LBJ School of Public Affairs. These programs are designed for students who want to lead at the intersection of business, government, and global policy. 

Through the MBA/MPAff (Master of Public Affairs) and MBA/MGPS (Master of Global Policy Studies) dual degrees, you will build both the analytical and leadership skills needed to solve complex challenges across the public and private sectors. 

By integrating rigorous training in business and policy, you will graduate prepared to drive impact in areas such as economic development, consulting, sustainability, global strategy, and public sector leadership. 

The dual degree programs allow students to pursue both degrees in an accelerated timeline, reducing the total time compared to completing each degree independently. 

Students complete coursework at both McCombs School of Business (Rowling Hall) and the LBJ School of Public Affairs, benefiting from the strengths of each program. 

While specific sequencing varies, students will: 

  • Fulfill LBJ degree requirements in public affairs or global policy 
  • Complete core MBA coursework alongside peers in the Full-Time MBA program
  • Integrate electives across both programs to align with career goals 

Both degrees are awarded simultaneously by The University of Texas at Austin upon completion of all requirements. 

Why this matters for your career

Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA alum Michaela Lindsay smiling with arms crossed in Rowling Hall.

Today’s leaders must understand how business and public policy intersect. Whether you are navigating regulation, advising governments, or driving strategy in global markets, these dual degrees provide a distinct advantage. 

Graduates of the MBA/LBJ dual degrees are prepared to: 

  • Bridge the gap between business strategy and public policy 
  • Work across sectors including consulting, government, nonprofits, and multinational organizations 
  • Lead initiatives that require both economic insight and policy expertise 

    This combination broadens your career options while positioning you to take on complex, high-impact roles. 

    Program Highlights

    Top- Ranked Business Education

    McCombs’ Full-Time MBA ranks #18 nationally and #1 in Texas, giving you access to world-class faculty, resources, and alumni networks.

    Interdisciplinary Learning

    Combine business fundamentals with policy analysis, economics, and global affairs.

    Flexible Electives

    Customize your experience across both schools to focus on areas such as sustainability, economic development, consulting, or global policy.

    Two Schools, One Campus

    Study at both McCombs (Rowling Hall) and the LBJ School, located on the UT Austin campus.

    Real-World Experience

    Engage in consulting projects, policy research, and experiential learning opportunities across sectors 

    Global Experience

    Participate in international experiences through McCombs and LBJ programs 

    admissions

    Who should apply

    Applicants interested in the dual degree must apply and be admitted to both: 

    • The Full-Time MBA program at McCombs 
    • An LBJ School program (MPAff or MGPS) 
      Admissions Requirements
      • Admission to both programs is required
      • Each school evaluates applicants independently
      • Standard application requirements apply for both programs
          Application Process

          Applicants typically: 

          • Apply separately to McCombs and the LBJ School
          • Indicate interest in the dual degree within their applications (where applicable) 

            We encourage applicants to review both programs’ admissions timelines to ensure alignment. 

            Tuition & Fees

            Students pay a blended tuition rate once admitted into the dual degree major code. Financial aid and funding opportunities are administered separately by McCombs and the LBJ School.

            Application deadlines

            Applications are accepted in rounds and must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on the deadline date for each round.

            Round 1

            Application Due:
            October 15, 2026

            Decision Delivered:
            December 17, 2026

            Round 2

            Application Due:
            January 15, 2027

            Decision Delivered:
            March 25, 2027

            Round 3

            Application Due:
            April 1, 2027

            Decision Delivered:
            May 6, 2027

            STEPS FOR SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

            The University of Texas at Austin requires graduate school applicants to have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or a comparable degree from a foreign institution.

            We also highly recommend having at least 2 years of post-undergraduate, professional work experience by the time the program begins.

             

            To prepare to apply for your MBA:

              1. Start your MBA Application.
              2. Obtain copies of your official transcripts and have official test scores sent to UT Austin.
              3. Get to know MBA program details and culture by meeting staff, students, and alumni at an MBA event.
              4. Review the Texas McCombs MBA Insider blog for tips on the application process.
              5. Connect with current students to gain additional insight from someone who has successfully gone through the process.
              6. Email us with any questions.

            Submit your Texas McCombs MBA application by the deadline for the round in which you are applying. This includes all relevant application components - essays, transcripts, self-reported test scores, letter of recommendation, resume, etc.

             

            Pay the application fee. Your application fee invoice will be available 1-2 business days after application submission.

            Complete your file with UT's Office of Graduate Admissions. The Office of Graduate Admissions is responsible for verifying the validity of your test scores, transcripts, and degrees. 1-2 business days after application submission, upload copies of official transcripts and confirm receipt of official test scores.

             

            Once you've submitted your application, you can monitor your application status via the Applicant Community page for updates. While we review your application, we encourage you to watch your check your email inbox for any application updates. 

            Did you receive a promotion, or did you retake the GMAT or GRE exam since you submitted your application? If you have a substantial update to your application, please contact us. Please note that there is no guarantee that your update(s) will be considered for the evaluation of your candidacy. 

             

            All applicants are reviewed in rounds. The Admissions Committee will make a decision by the date published during the round in which you submit your application.

            Once a decision has been released on your application, you will receive an automated email to view your admissions decision. All admissions decisions are final for the application cycle.

             

            To safeguard the integrity of the admission process, Texas McCombs partners with Re Vera Services to conduct an employment and recommendation verification. If it is determined that there has been any misrepresentation in an applicant’s MBA application, McCombs reserves the right to rescind the offer of admission. There will be a required fee paid directly to Re Vera Services at a base price of $85 USD. The verification process must be completed by the deadline specified by the MBA program office.

            Curriculum

            Students complete required coursework in both programs, including: 

            • MBA core curriculum and electives
            • LBJ core courses in policy, economics, and analysis 
            • Electives tailored to individual career goals 

                Dual degree students benefit from the ability to count select coursework across programs where permitted, reducing the overall number of credits required. 

                Student walking up stairs

                STUDENT EXPERIENCE

                What to Expect During Your MBA Year

                During your time in the Full-Time MBA program, you will be fully immersed in the McCombs experience, including: 

                • Core coursework and electives in areas such as finance, strategy, marketing, and operations 
                • Leadership development and career coaching 
                • Collaboration with a diverse cohort of professionals 

                                Beyond the Classroom

                                As a dual degree student, you will have access to resources and communities across both schools, including: 

                                • Student organizations in business, policy, and global affairs 
                                • Career services and recruiting support from both McCombs and LBJ 
                                • Cross-disciplinary networking opportunities 
                                • Events, speaker series, and research centers focused on policy and business

                                       

                                      Ready to make your move?

                                      Start your application today to be a part of our next class of leaders. 

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