Master of Public Policy

Transforming Leadership

Our two-year, full-time Master of Public Policy program offers more than the typical policy research and data analysis education found at other public policy schools. We focus on the result of policy — solving society’s most pressing problems. We stand distinguished by teaching and cultivating effective, value-based leadership so our graduates can make significant strides toward becoming the dynamic leaders the world demands.

The program’s core curriculum combines rigorous data analysis with hands-on policy experience and a foundation in the concepts of leadership — how it works, why context matters in decision-making, and which actions lead to tangible results.

The culmination of the program is an Applied Policy Project that challenges students to perform a professional-quality study for a real-world client. For the truly vigorous, it may even lead to a post-graduation position.

Eligible Applicants

Students with an undergraduate degree by the time of matriculation

Application Deadlines

Applications Open: September 1, 2023
Round 1: November 15, 2023
Round 2: January 19, 2024
Round 3: March 29, 2024

Admissions contact

Jeff Chidester
Executive Director of External Affairs
jchidester@virginia.edu

Meeting the Moment with Batten

"I can think of no better preparation for the work I’m doing now than the Batten curriculum. My ability to work calmly and efficiently is a direct result of the training I received at the Batten School."

Connor Maxwell (MPP ‘17)
Research Associate, Center for American Progress