Graduate Programs

Why Batten?

At Batten, we're defining a new model of public policy education. Our Master of Public Policy degree offers more than the typical policy research and data analysis education found at other public policy schools. We focus on the result of policy — solving society’s most pressing problems. 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. We stand distinguished by teaching and cultivating effective, value-based leadership so our graduates can make significant strides toward becoming the dynamic leaders the world demands. Batten’s graduate certificates equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become leaders of consequence in the policy world. Our Graduate Certificate in Public Leadership educates and trains students in the theory and practice of leadership in the public sector. Our Graduate Certificate in Public Policy focuses on leading-edge policy research and analysis, developing expertise in methods, quantitative assessment strategies, and evidence-based decision making. 

The Future is Yours to Forge

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Master of Public Policy

Our two-year, full-time program combines rigorous data analysis with hands-on policy experience and a foundation in the concepts of leadership — how it works, why context matters in decision-making, and which actions lead to tangible results.

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Accelerated Master of Public Policy

This unique program allows current UVA undergraduate students from any major outside of Batten to complete their bachelor’s degree and earn a Master of Public Policy in a total of five years of coursework.

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Dual Degrees

Five dual-degree programs offer students the ability to earn their Master of Public Policy and a second graduate degree from a selection of top-ranked graduate programs right here at UVA.

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Graduate Certificates 

Our Graduate Certificates provide additional training and credentials within the fields of public policy and leadership to help you level up in your career. 

Batten taught me to frame an issue in a certain way, to interact with people so that larger message can be heard, and to communicate effectively with staff, the public, and various members of Congress.

Cara Mumford (MPP ’17)
Staff Assistant, Senate Armed Services Committee
Vasiliy (Wes) Malychev

Alum in Action: Wes Malychev (MPP '14)

Vasiliy (Wes) Malychev is a Mobile Lead at Google in London, UK. In addition to his core role at Google, Malychev has also trained Ann Arbor public school teachers on how to use Google Apps in their classroom, helped an East Oakland-based nonprofit manage a $100,000 Google.org grant, and facilitated a negotiations course for  communities in Manchester and Edinburgh as part of Google’s Digital Garage.