More Than a Policy School
Most policy programs teach you how to analyze problems. UVA Batten goes further, teaching you how to lead through them.
Here, leadership and public policy are intentionally integrated, so you graduate not only with the ability to understand complex issues, but with the skills to act on them.
Our Approach:
Leadership + Public Policy
The University of Virginia’s Batten School is distinctive among public policy schools for its founding commitment to integrating leadership and policy education. Our programs are defined by a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving, rigorous quantitative and qualitative analytical training, experiential learning, and evidence-based decision-making. Students develop the leadership skills to forge solutions that are pragmatic, sustainable, and effective.
A close-knit community with real support
The Batten Experience
At UVA Batten, students and faculty are part of a collaborative, engaged community where ideas are shared, challenged, and put into practice. Small class sizes, accessible professors, and dedicated student support services ensure that every student has the resources to succeed.
- Community and connection
Build relationships with classmates, faculty, and alumni in a highly collaborative environment. - Advising and support
Receive personalized academic, career, and wellness support throughout your time at Batten. - Hands-on learning
Apply what you learn through internships, projects, and real-world experiences.
A mission built for real-world impact
Mission & History
The UVA Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy prepares students to become principled, results-oriented leaders who can address society’s most pressing challenges. Through a combination of policy analysis, leadership training, and real-world application, UVA Batten equips graduates to make innovative and informed decisions to drive meaningful change.
Lead with Purpose
Develop the judgment, ethics, and perspective needed to lead in complex environments.
Use data to drive decisions
Build research and analytical skills to understand problems and design effective solutions.
Turn ideas into action
Learn how to move from insight to implementation across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Our Founder Frank Batten
In 2007 Frank Batten, Sr., chairman and CEO of Landmark Communications, Inc., founder of The Weather Channel, dedicated $100 million for the creation of the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy.
Batten, a forward-thinking philanthropist committed to supporting educational initiatives and serving the public good, saw an urgent need for a new generation of leaders who could affect transformational change. He emphasized leadership as one of the key skills required for success in the field of public policy.
UVA Batten Today
Humanity and Public Purpose At home in one of the world’s great universities, UVA Batten is committed to improving lives and tackling society’s toughest policy challenges. We aim to bring together people with diverse viewpoints in a collaborative environment that values curiosity, humility, and intellectual courage. We advance new knowledge, skills, and solutions—and prepare ethical leaders to navigate complexity and serve the public good.
World-Class Teaching & Research UVA Batten’s faculty of award-winning teacher-scholar-practitioners represent the sharpest minds in public policy and real-world practice. Batten research and engagement – grounded in economics, political science, social psychology, and the practice of public policy – bridges theory and practice to provide insights that transcend traditional disciplines. Our leadership labs and research centers in education, humanitarian affairs, legislative effectiveness, and national security are hubs for collaboration and impact.
The power of Batten at UVA
The University of Virginia
As part of the University of Virginia, The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy combines the close-knit experience of a small professional school with the resources and reputation of a top-ranked public university. Students benefit from:
Global recognition
Earn your degree from one of the nation’s leading public institutions.
Interdisciplinary access
Take advantage of coursework and collaboration across UVA.
A powerful alumni network
Connect with graduates across government, nonprofit, and private sectors.
career resources
Access to specialized UVA Batten Career Support Services.
A beautiful place to live and learn
The City of Charlottesville
Charlottesville offers the energy of a vibrant college town with the balance and livability of a smaller city. From the historic Downtown Mall to the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s a place where students can stay engaged, connected, and inspired both inside and outside the classroom.
- Outdoors
Hiking, trails, and mountain views just minutes from Grounds. - Food and downtown
A nationally recognized dining scene and walkable city center. - Arts and culture
Music, festivals, and a thriving local arts community. - History and community
A place shaped by history and driven by innovation.