Beginning in Fall 2025, the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy will offer its two high-demand graduate certificates — Public Leadership and Public Policy — in a fully online format. These 12-credit programs reflect the core of the Batten School’s mission of developing public leaders and advancing policy for the public good while expanding access to new national and global audiences.

Expanding access to the school’s teaching and training is a key priority of Batten’s 2030 Strategic Plan. “We often say, ‘policy is everywhere, lead from anywhere,’” said Batten dean Ian H. Solomon. “Starting this fall, students can also learn from anywhere. Our hope is that these new offerings will empower more people with the tools to drive meaningful change in their communities, across the nation, and around the world.”

The Public Leadership Certificate equips students with theoretical and practical skills essential to leadership in the public sector. The curriculum covers message framing, the psychology of persuasion, and key trends in leadership, ensuring graduates can lead effectively and make their voices heard. The Batten School first offered the certificates on-campus in Fall 2023, and strong interest from the inaugural cohorts inspired the move to expand online.

“The certificates offered far more than professional development — it fundamentally changed how I lead, collaborate, and solve problems,” said Katie Crawford-Lackey, PhD, chief project officer at James Madison’s Montpelier. “I was able to grow my skills in strategy, negotiation, and ethical decision-making, all while continuing full-time work in the nonprofit sector.”

The Public Policy Certificate delivers intensive training in policy analysis, political frameworks, and evidence-based decision making. Students develop the research and problem solving skills necessary to inform impactful programming and policy interventions, while also learning to navigate the political dimensions of policymaking.

Courses will be taught by UVA faculty and delivered through a blend of live (synchronous) and flexible (asynchronous) sessions to meet the needs of working professionals.

For those impacted by recent federal budget reductions, our in-person graduate certificates are available at a discounted rate of $2,625 per course, and our virtual graduate certificates are available at a discounted rate of $2,000 per course.

For more information or to apply, visit here.

About UVA Batten 

At the University of Virginia Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, we are committed to solving the world’s toughest policy challenges. We know the complex issues of our time demand innovative, collaborative, cross-sector relationships within our walls and beyond. Our multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and emphasis on ethics reinforce our focus on how leadership works, why context matters in decision-making and which actions lead to tangible results.

UVA Batten School Contact

Jeff Chidester

Executive Director of External Affairs 

jchidester@virginia.edu

(434) 242-7172