UVA Batten launches new Master of Science in Public Policy and Data

The University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy has introduced a new graduate degree, the Master of Science in Public Policy and Data (MSPP&D), following approval by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). The one-year, 31-credit hybrid program is expected to welcome its first cohort in Spring 2027, expanding UVA Batten’s graduate portfolio beyond its flagship Master of Public Policy (MPP) and graduate certificates in leadership and public policy.

“The public policy challenges we face today are becoming increasingly complex, and addressing them requires more sophisticated analytical expertise,” Interim Dean of UVA Batten Eileen Chou said. “UVA Batten’s MSPP&D program provides specialized training in cutting-edge analytical methods, taught by faculty whose research is helping shape the future of evidence-informed policymaking. Through our innovative, hands-on curriculum, students will be prepared to translate complex data into better public policy and stronger public institutions.”

The MSPP&D is a primarily online program offered in both part-time and full-time formats. Full-time students complete the degree in 12 months and may begin in either the fall or spring semester. The program begins with an in-person orientation, designed to build community among students, at the UVA Northern Virginia campus. Coursework is largely asynchronous, with 60 to 90 minutes of synchronous engagement each week.

The program is designed for professionals who have long needed the kind of training UVA Batten offers but have not had a direct path to it. Rather than preparing students to simply interpret data analysis handed to them, the MSPP&D trains them to lead it, designing the systems, structuring the evidence and embedding analytical rigor into institutional decision-making.

The MSPP&D provides a strong foundation in economic theory and empirical evidence, equips students with state-of-the-art econometric and data science skills for policy analysis, and prepares graduates to convey data-driven insights effectively and responsibly in public policy settings. Students begin with a quantitative core, mastering economic principles and foundational data analysis techniques, before progressing to advanced coursework in causal inference, machine learning and quantitative policy evaluation. Ethical considerations and contextual awareness surrounding data use in public policy are woven throughout, and a course in data-driven leadership prepares students to communicate findings to diverse audiences. The program culminates in a capstone experience, in which students work closely with faculty to apply their skills to real-world policy challenges.

“The MSPP&D provides a lean, hybrid-modality complement to our traditional MPP for students interested in specializing in modern data analytics tools to inform public decision-making,” said Jay Shimshack, associate dean for academic affairs and professor of public policy and economics. “Students with strong quantitative interests and aptitudes will learn to effectively analyze large datasets to diagnose policy problems, evaluate solutions, inform policy implementation and translate empirical research results for impact.”

He noted that this focus on analytics reflects broader changes in how policy decisions are made.

“Data are ubiquitous, and data analysis is increasingly central to public sector decision-making,” Shimshack said. “Students enrolled in the MSPP&D program will be equipped to provide novel evidence on what policies work, which policies don’t work and why.”

Applicants should have completed coursework in introductory calculus; competitive candidates without this background will be expected to complete it before matriculating.

Applications for the inaugural class are now open. Visit https://batten.virginia.edu/programs/graduate-programs/msppd/ for more information.