Becoming Batten
Stay up-to-date with the latest news about how to apply to UVA Batten programs, what it’s like to be an enrolled student, and what alumni careers look like post-graduation.
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What we look for in an Accelerated MPP applicationAre you a UVA undergrad considering applying to the Batten Accelerated Master of Public Policy? Here are a few tips to make your application shine. -
What we look for in an undergraduate applicationFind out how our Admissions Team thinks about a successful applicant to the UVA Batten Bachelor of Arts program! -
4 tips for graduate student applicantsFour tips from the UVA Batten Admissions Team on finding and applying to the right graduate school for you. -
Alum Spotlight: Nikki KainFollowing her graduation from the UVA Batten Master of Public Policy program in 2024, Nikki took on the role of assistant director of programming at UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy, where she says one of the most rewarding parts of the job is continuing to work with Batten students. -
Alum Spotlight: Sophie McGinleySophie McGinley draws on the experience she gained at UVA Batten daily in her current role as a Principal Management Analyst for the City of Richmond. -
Hit Grounds running in fall 2026Our Admissions Team has tips and strategies to kick off your fall semester with confidence, especially if you're eyeing a future at UVA Batten. -
Explore Batten’s Fall 2026 CourseworkNo matter if you are interested in pursuing an undergraduate or graduate program here at UVA Batten, you will have the opportunity to explore your interests in public policy and leadership through coursework. Take a look below at some of our offerings for the Fall 2026 semester!
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Q&A: How the online Graduate Certificate in Public Policy sparked a career change for this HooHurley discusses how the Certificate in Public Policy courses transformed her thinking and led her to pursue a Master's in Public Policy, what it’s like balancing online coursework with a career, and why she thinks even skeptics should give public policy a chance. -
Alum Spotlight: Owen HartOwen Hart, a UVA Batten Master of Public Policy graduate serves as the National Association of Counties' legislative director for Agriculture & Rural Affairs, where he spearheads advocacy efforts on federal rural development policy that can better support America's 3,069 counties and the rural communities they serve. -
Alum Spotlight: Alexandria PinckneyAlex Pinckney completed her Master of Public Policy at UVA Batten in 2022 and began a career in healthcare consulting. She credits her time at UVA Batten with strengthening her analytical ability and with changing her career trajectory to the path she's on today. -
Alumni in ActionAlum Spotlight: Savannah RogersSavannah Rogers was drawn to the UVA Batten MPP for a variety of reasons including its full-time format and generous scholarship funding. She thinks Batten provides the skills, leadership, and community to make you better at your job from day one. -
Four Courses to Know for Fall 2026Read about four courses UVA Batten is offering this fall that highlight the range of our undergraduate and graduate course offerings!