Curriculum
The Executive Master of Policy Leadership is a 30-credit, interdisciplinary degree program that weaves economics and political science with public policy and administration.
The Executive Master of Policy Leadership curriculum is divided into seven core courses, a policy capstone project and two electives and can be completed within a 15-month schedule.
Skill-based learning
The EMPL program develops your expertise in public policy and communication, preparing you to become a confident, adaptable and persuasive policy leader. Through engaging courses and in-person experiences, you’ll connect with peers and the city, equipping you to drive meaningful progress.
Skills you’ll gain
Public policy leadership / Economic analysis / Financial management
Executive Master of Policy Leadership program format
Our two format options were built to accommodate your preferred balance of career advancement with academic pursuit. In-person courses take place one week at a time, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Most students choose to combine vacation days and professional development leave to accommodate this schedule. Students completing the curriculum schedule can complete the degree in four semesters, including summer.
Course sequence
EMPL curriculum schedule
The Executive Master of Policy Leadership curriculum lasts 15 months. Students take a one-week in-person course every six to eight weeks.
Year 1
| Semester | Dates | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | June 5 – 6, 2026 | McCourt Foundations Course | 0 |
| – | June 8 – June 12, 2026 | PPOL 5400: The Politics of Policymaking | 3 |
| – | July 27 – July 31, 2026 | PPOL 5401: Strategic Management of Policy Reform | 3 |
| Fall | September 14 – 18, 2026 | PPOL 5405: Policy Leadership and Decision Making | 3 |
| – | October 26 – 30, 2026 | PPOL 5403: Budgeting and Financial Management | 3 |
| – | December 7 – 11, 2026 | PPOL 5402: Economic Analysis for Executives | 3 |
| Spring | January 25 – 29, 2027 | PPOL 5406: Program Evaluation for Executives | 3 |
| – | March 1 – March 5, 2027 | Elective | 3 |
| – | April 19 – 23, 2027 | PPOL 5404: Ethical Issues in Policymaking | 3 |
Year 2
| Semester | Dates | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | June 21 – 25, 2027 | Elective | 3 |
| – | August 2 – 6, 2027 | PPOL 5409: Applied Policy Leadership Project | 3 |
Core courses
All students are required to take these seven core courses to complete the Executive Master of Policy Leadership.
- The Politics of Policymaking
- Strategic Management of Policy Reform
- Policy Leadership and Decision Making
- Budgeting and Financial Management
- Economic Analysis for Executives
- Program Evaluation for Executives
- Ethical Issues in Policymaking
Capstone project
Students extend their knowledge gained in the classroom to an applied policy project that integrates analytic, management, and advocacy considerations to address a specific public policy issue in their current workplace or within a policy organization of their choosing.
Electives
Students will select two electives for the Executive Master of Policy Leadership coursework. Elective offerings are subject to change each semester. This is a selection of relevant policy electives previously offered.
- Negotiation and Conflict Mediation
- Race & US Criminal Legal Policy
- American State Legislatures
- Inequality & Public Policy
- Current Topics in Education Policy
- Organizational Change Management Strategies
- National Security Policy & Strategic Decision Making
McCourt’s foundational skill set
McCourt’s Curriculum Innovation Committee has developed a set of core competencies based on extensive research and outreach for all of our degree programs. By integrating these core competencies across our academic offerings, all McCourt students graduate with these foundational skills:
- Collaboration
- Critical Thinking
- Economic Analysis
- Engaging with Bias
- Ethical Leadership and Management
- Evaluation
- Policy Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Strategic Communication
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.