The Washington Campus
The Washington Campus Consortium Seminar, “Understanding Washington: Business and the Public Policy Process for MBA Students,” is a week-long intensive seminar that addresses the intersection between political economy and business strategy.
The Washington Campus is a consortium of the McCombs School at UT Austin and 16 other nationally prominent business schools in a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization committed to educating business executives on the public policy process. All lecturers are guest speakers drawn from the highest ranks of government (such as members of Congress and current and former Executive Branch officials), the media, business, and academia.
Each fall and spring, students from member schools are selected to attend one of the consortium seminars. Students come away with valuable political insights and knowledge about the inner workings of the public policy process. The curriculum consists of topics such as: “Policy Development in the Executive Branch,” “Congress and the Legislative Process,” “The Formation of Economic Policy,” “Government Regulation,” and “Business Strategy and Comparative Political Studies.” Classes meet Sunday through Friday and consist of lectures, class discussion, and guest speakers. There are also field trips to Capitol Hill and executive branch departments and agencies.
Prerequisites
Current enrollment in the Texas MBA Program and successful completion of the first MBA year (30 hours). Participants must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative UT MBA GPA of 3.0.
How to Apply
Complete and submit the UT application. Applications are available in the MBA Program Office, CBA 2.316. Please note that each seminar has its own UT application deadline (see below). Selection is based on two essays, UT MBA academic performance, and resume. If you are selected by UT, you will be provided with the registration form for the Washington Campus and will be instructed to return this with your check (made payable to The Washington Campus) to the MBA Program Office. Please note that the January seminar is only open to current 2nd Year MBA students. May and June seminars are only available to students in the 1st MBA year.
UT Application Deadlines
Wednesday March 5, 2008 for the May and June seminars (note: these sessions are available only to 1st year students)
Subsequent application deadlines TBD
Program Expenses
$1000 tuition + $115 activities fee. Tuition and fees are payable to the Washington Campus. Housing, meals, and transportation costs are not included in the tuition fee. Students are responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements once they are selected for the Washington Campus Program. Students do not incur any costs to the University of Texas at Austin.
Course Credit
Three hours of “waived elective credit” will be awarded upon successful completion of the program, which is defined as a B average across the program, as demonstrated on the final examination given at the close of the program. Double Degree MBA students are welcome to participate in the program, but will not receive credit toward their UT degree. Students in the MPA and PPA programs will need to check with their academic advisor to see if waived elective credit can be applied toward their specific degree plan.
