McCourt School launches Executive Master of Policy Leadership program for professionals

The McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University is excited to announce the launch of its revised Executive Master of Policy Leadership (EMPL) program . This innovative 30-credit program, redesigned as a 15-month program for experienced professionals who seek to transition into senior public policy leadership roles, provides the foundational skills for effective policymaking.

Located in Washington, DC, just steps away from Capitol Hill and close to many international institutions, the EMPL program places students in a global center of policymaking. With a curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning, students will have access to real-world public policy simulations, site visits and case studies that prepare them to navigate and become a leader in the complex public policy landscape. Whether in a 15-month accelerated format or extended over three years, the program integrates classroom theory and input from recognized leadership mentors with practical experience, ensuring that graduates can apply their knowledge to drive meaningful change in their organizations and empower their advocacy influence.

The EMPL program is specifically tailored for professionals transitioning into public policy leadership roles without a formal background in the field. “The curriculum is designed to provide foundational policy skills, empowering emerging leaders to make informed, strategic decisions in today’s complex, interconnected world. Through intensive in-person sessions and a dynamic cohort model, participants gain access to a network of peers and mentors actively engaged in policy leadership,” said Barbara Schone, associate dean for academic affairs at the McCourt School.

Chloe Schwenke serves as faculty director of the EMPL program, bringing her wealth of experience as an international development ethicist, practitioner, human rights activist, researcher and educator. Along with project experience in more than 40 countries, Chloe served as a political appointee at USAID during the Obama Administration, working as a senior advisor on democracy, human rights and governance in sub-Saharan Africa, and on LGBTQ+ issues globally.

A lifelong network at the heart of policy

McCourt’s Executive Master of Policy Leadership program is not just about acquiring public policy leadership expertise. The EMPL experience extends beyond the classroom, fostering a robust alumni network and providing unparalleled access to key decision-makers in the center of the public policy world. Students will engage with leading practitioners at NGOs, international organizations, the private sector and government agencies, forging new connections in the heart of Washington, DC, and opening doors to new professional leadership possibilities and lasting career growth.

Whether advancing in their current roles or transitioning to new public policy leadership positions, EMPL graduates will emerge as adaptive and influential leaders equipped to address the world’s most pressing public policy challenges. This program offers the flexibility working professionals need, allowing participants to balance their careers while earning a master’s degree at one of the top public policy schools in the country.