Becoming Batten

Every MPP student is required to complete a 400-hour summer internship between their first and second year of the MPP program, putting the skills and tools learned over the last academic year into practice in a policy-based internship. Second-year MPP student, Abby Anger, took the time to reflect on her internship, from the search process through to her work with the Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center.

At UVA’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy equips students with the core skills needed to tackle complex policy challenges. Available both online and in person, the program provides rigorous training in policy research and analysis, helping students develop the tools to inform effective programs, navigate political dynamics, and translate ideas into impact. The Admissions team sat down with current certificate student, Natalie Baumeister, for a quick Q&A session to learn more!

Every MPP student is required to complete a 400-hour summer internship between their first and second year of the MPP program, putting the skills and tools learned over the last academic year into practice in a policy-based internship. Second-year MPP student, Rafa del Rosario, took the time to reflect on his internship, from the search process through to his work with the National Security Policy Center.

With decisions releasing soon for the MPP Class of 2028, read some of the stories from our current students on where they were when they found out they were admitted to the Batten School!

Every MPP student is required to complete a 400-hour summer internship between their first and second year of the MPP program, putting the skills and tools learned over the last academic year into practice in a policy-based internship. Second-year MPP student, Pacific Rwanika, took the time to reflect on his internship, from the search process through to his work with Rivanna Strategy.

Applications to all Batten programs, including the Accelerated MPP, BA in Public Policy & Leadership, and Public Policy & Leadership Minor, are open! To help with the application process the Batten Admissions team has compiled a variety of resources to review before getting started.

Every year, strong candidates decide not to apply to Batten because they assume they won’t be competitive, but our Batten cohorts bring a wide array of interests and experiences into the classroom, united by their belief that policy is a tool for public good. If you feel at home in that mission, don’t take yourself out of the running unnecessarily!

All recommendations for applicants to our Accelerated MPP and BA programs are submitted using a recommendation form. Read on for tips to ensure your recommenders showcase your strengths and abilities in the strongest possible way!

Missed last night’s Batten Application Workshop? Read on for helpful tips from our Ambassadors and ways to seek additional resources before our first application deadlines in January.

Not quite sure you are building a compelling graduate school application? Read advice from our current students on their tips for applying to Batten and for navigating the graduate school search process.

Each Batten Ambassador brings a unique perspective on life at Batten, and you will see them at many of our events throughout the year. Read on to meet wonderful team of Ambassadors and learn all about their Batten experience!

Graduate school applications are not designed to trip up applicants, but every year, we see some common mistakes. Read this post from the Admissions team to learn how to avoid common mistakes.