McCourt School of Public Policy
McCourt School of Public Policy
Two students talking on the roof of the new Capitol Campus building with the Capitol Building in the distance.

Executive Master of Policy Leadership

Driving Innovation in Policy Leadership

Unlock professional possibilities through the McCourt School’s Executive Master of Policy Leadership (EMPL), tailored for seasoned professionals with at least 10 years of work experience. Our 30-credit program equips you with the necessary public policy and communication skills to become a confident, adaptive, and persuasive leader in policymaking, with a clear vision for meaningful change. Our dynamic curriculum combines in-person sessions, experiential learning, engagement with leadership mentors, and a cohort model enriched by diverse elective options.

Elevate Your
Leadership SkillsGain the necessary knowledge and skills—including the foundation and language of public policy—to set a vision and inspire others to follow it in today’s complex environment.
Developed for Working ProfessionalsWe offer a standard 15-month or extended three-year format. Complete 10 courses that integrate in-person experiences with experiential learning.
A Lifelong Network at the Center of the Policy WorldBuild strong connections in Washington, DC, close to leading practitioners, international bodies, federal agencies, state and local governments, and civil society organizations.

Application Deadlines

December 1 | Early Action Deadline
January 15 | Priority Deadline
March 1 | Final Deadline

Start Your Application
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Integrate Theory & Practice

Gain a comprehensive understanding of how to lead within the policy landscape with our Executive Master of Policy Leadership program. Our curriculum includes a unique blend of intensive, in-person courses enriched with elective options and experiential learning components such as simulations, case studies, site visits and the culminating policy capstone. All these elements combined give you the framework to hone your analytical, leadership and advocacy skills to address real-world policy challenges in your organization and beyond.

EMPL Curriculum

Unlock Opportunities: Advance or Pivot into Policy

Whether you’re looking to advance your career in your current organization or pivot into policy, our Executive Master of Policy Leadership program can unlock doors to meaningful work and future growth.

What Our EMPL Graduates Do

  • Founder, Corner Hill Consulting, LLC
  • Head of International Affairs for JANZ-EM & Head of Corporate Affairs for Latin America
  • Liaison, United States Department of Defense
  • Director, Global Marketing, Pneumococcal Vaccines, Merck & Co.
  • Director of Policy and Research, Frontier Europe Initiative, Middle East Institute
  • Director, Military and Veterans Affairs, Johnson & Johnson
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Connect with Us to Take Your Next Step

Our Expert Faculty

Meet Our Faculty

Chloe Schwenke

Teaching Professor and EMPL Faculty Director

Judith Feder

Professor

Hong Kim

Adjunct Professor

Kent Weaver

Professor Emeritus
Professor of Public Policy and Government

Students studying and conversing together on the rooftop of the McCourt School

What Makes Our EMPL Program Unique

Our program offers a unique opportunity to study policy in DC near Capitol Hill, surrounded by real-world policy experiences. Our curriculum emphasizes foundational skills, experiential learning and electives. With dedicated faculty and extensive networks, we prepare you for the next level.

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Take your next step toward driving impactful change in public policy with the Executive Master of Policy Leadership.

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student walking, carrying books, in front of the US Capitol