- Program length: 1-2 years
- UVA undergraduate students from any major outside of Batten who will have earned 60 credit hours by the time of matriculation and earn a C or higher in two prerequisite courses by August 1.
Deadline: March 9, 2027
Decisions Released: March 16, 2027
Decision Deadline: March 21, 2027
- Jennifer FraticelliAdmissions Officer
A Minor with Major Impact
The UVA Batten Minor in Public Policy and Leadership examines public policy issues and decision-making processes through instruction in economic, political, historical, and psychological factors in public policy formulation and application. Enrollment in the minor is dependent on class capacity and admission is based on a preliminary review of academic qualifications and performance in prerequisite courses to ensure readiness for the rigorous curriculum.
In this minor program, you will:
- Acquire an introduction to policy analysis and leadership theory, with specialized courses on substantive knowledge, analytical rigor, and research skills
- Gain preparatory skills for entry-level professional careers in government, non-profit and private sectors, as well as graduate study in law, business, journalism, and other professional programs
- Broaden experience beyond a single degree field, demonstrating curiosity and an eagerness to learn for future employers and graduate school
Admissions & Degree Requirements
- When to apply: Students typically apply in the spring semester of their second year; third year application is permitted provided students can complete remaining coursework in their final undergraduate year
- Who can apply: Current UVA undergraduate students from any major outside of Batten who will have earned 60 credit hours by the time of matriculation and completed the prerequisites
- To graduate: Minor consists of 18 distinct credit hours of coursework with no double counting of courses with a student’s major or second major or second minor
Students must complete and earn a C or higher in two (2) prerequisite courses:
- Principles of Economics: Microeconomics (ECON 2010 or equivalent)
- Social Psychology (either LPPL 2600 or PSYC 2600 or equivalent)
Foundations of Public Policy and Leadership (9 credits)
- LPPP 2200 (previously LPPP 3200): Introduction to Public Policy
- LPPL 3210: Behavioral Sciences for Civic Leadership (previously Introduction to Civic Leadership)
- LPPP 3230: Public Policy Challenges of the 21st Century
Analysis of Public Policy (3 credits)
- LPPA 3640: Research Methods and Data Analysis of Public Policy
Special Topics (6 credits)
- 2 courses at the 3000-level or above related to public policy and/or leadership. Pending approval by the Director of Academic Programs, students may take up to 3 credits (one course) offered in other departments or through study abroad toward the special topics requirement.
Example courses include:
- LPPS 3240: Anti-Terrorism and the Role of Intelligence
- LPPP 3250: International Development Policy
- LPPS 3295: Global Humanitarian Crisis: Dilemmas, Leadership and Action
- LPPS 3050: Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship
- LPPL 3450: Resilient Leadership for Teams and Teammates
- LPPA 4250: Choice and Consequences: The Economics of Public Policy
- LPPP 4200: Institutional and Political Context of Public Policy
- LPPL 3255: Value and Bias in Public Policy
- LPPP 3260: Comparative Policy History
- LPPP 4210: Integrating Ethics in Public Policy
In order to apply to the UVA Batten Minor in Public Policy and Leadership, you will be required to submit the following materials by 11:59 p.m. ET on the date of the official deadline:
- Work History and Community Engagement Summary
- You will be prompted to describe three meaningful activities that highlight your potential contributions to the Batten community. Please provide the title, organization, and dates of service for any relevant job, volunteer, and extracurricular activities. If you do not remember the exact dates, please provide an estimate, and if it is a current role, leave the end date blank.
- Personal Essay
- Describe your motivation for pursuing the Batten Public Policy & Leadership Minor. How will it complement your academic journey and career pursuits? (250 words)
- Online Application Addendum
- There is space to provide additional context in the “Essay” section of the application. An application addendum is not required. However, some applicants may have additional information that would be useful for the admissions committee. Feel free to amplify positive dimensions of your background not covered elsewhere or give insight into seemingly negative information in your application (e.g. course withdrawals, light course loads, gaps in your academic record or unique grading scales, etc.).
Your application may be completed online and submitted electronically once you have answered all the required questions. You do not have to complete the online application in one sitting – you may access your application and change your answers as many times as you like.
There is no application fee for this program.
