Executive Master of 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 Executive Master of Policy Leadership 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.
At a glance
Application deadlines
Summer term 2027
- December 1: Early action deadline
- January 15: Priority deadline
- March 1: Final deadline
Program duration
- 15 months, full-time
- (10 one-week intensive classes)
Credits
- 30 total credits
- 21 core credits
- 6 elective credits
- 3 capstone project credits
Average cohort size
10+
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 Executive Master of Policy Leadership 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.
Skills you’ll gain
- Public policy leadership
- Economic analysis
- Financial management
Integrate theory and 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.
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.
Our expert faculty
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Judith FederProfessor
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Kent WeaverProfessor Emeritus
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Chloe SchwenkeTeaching Professor; Faculty Director, EMPL
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.
in International Global Policy & Administration
U.S. News & World Report
in Public Policy Analysis
U.S. News & World Report
Career outcomes
- $130.3K is the median salary
- 18.2% of alumni work in the professional, scientific, and technical services industry
- 9.1% work in the securities, commodity contracts and other financial investments and related activities industry
- 9.1% work in the social assistance industry
- 9.1% work in the national security and international affairs industry
- 81.82% of alumni said they gained communication skills
- Other top skills gained include leadership, management, strategic planning and research.
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
*This data is from 11 alumni and Lightcast data
Top job titles
- Chief Development Officers
- General Counsels
- Policy Advisors
- Taxpayer Advocates
- Operating Principals
“When I discovered the EMPL program, it immediately stood out as the right fit […]. This intersection of academic insight, practical relevance and peer exchange has made my time in the EMPL program not only intellectually rewarding but also personally and professionally fulfilling.”
Jennifer Ross (EMPL’26)
Frequently asked questions
The EMPL degree is for experienced professionals who want to pivot into policy with a respected credential. In today’s policy environment, we need innovative leaders to solve pressing challenges. This degree equips you with the policy foundation, language and network necessary to thrive and do just that.
The curriculum features intensive courses complemented by a diverse selection of electives and hands-on learning opportunities that provide both experience and knowledge. You’ll gain a comprehensive framework that hones your analytical, leadership and advocacy skills, preparing you to tackle real policy challenges. Our Capitol Campus’s proximity to policymakers, combined with the school and faculty’s connections in the field, provides you with ample opportunities to build your community.
You can complete this degree while maintaining your professional commitments. Most courses are remote and scheduled after working hours or are asynchronous. You’ll join us on campus for some intensive, in-person courses that last a full week, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Many students opt to combine vacation days and professional development leave to accommodate this immersive schedule.
Our flexible program has two format options. On the standard schedule, you can complete the program in 15 months by taking a one-week in-person course every six to eight weeks, along with your asynchronous courses.
You can finish the program in three years if you choose the extended format. You’ll take a one-week in-person course approximately once or twice a semester, including during the summer. You’ll also complete the other course requirements asynchronously.
Both degrees empower students to address complex policy challenges through evidence-based approaches, but differ in required experience, curricular focus and program structure.
You can choose the path that best aligns with your career stage and aspirations. Rooted in Washington, D.C., our programs offer unique access to policymakers, thought leaders and a professional community dedicated to advancing public good.
The EMPL program
The EMPL program is designed for mid- to senior-level professionals who want to elevate their leadership and strategic capacities while maintaining full-time careers. This flexible program emphasizes applied policy, management and leadership, equipping students to lead effectively within complex policy environments. This degree helps you enhance your policy language so you can pivot into or advance through the field.
The MPM program
The MPM program is for early- to mid-career professionals who want to building their foundation in policy analysis and management. The curriculum underscores practical skills essential for designing, implementing and evaluating public policies and programs that generate a real impact.
Request more information
Take your next step toward driving impactful change in public policy with the Executive Master of Policy Leadership.
Complete this form to receive more information about the program.