This year, we are excited to welcome 59 new students into our undergraduate Public Policy & Leadership minor program, including ten students who are pursuing this program in their final year of study at the University.

The Public Policy & Leadership minor program continues to be a popular option for students to consider. We received 92 applications for this program, with an admittance rate of 64%. This year, we brought in students from across the country, including Alabama, Illinois, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, as well as students with dual citizenship to four countries. Minority students comprise almost a quarter of the class, and women comprise over three-quarters of the program.

We admitted students with GPAs that ranged from 3.2 to 4.0, with an average class GPA of 3.7. Students from the minor are majoring in the McIntire School, the School of Education and Human Development, and the College, in majors ranging from African and African American Studies to Computer Science to Global Studies to Media Studies to Sociology. Students were active in a variety of CIOs and organizations (including Black Student Alliance; Madison House; National Security, Intelligence, and Defense Club; Student Council; and Cavalier Daily), undergraduate research, and part-time positions across and off Grounds, including with the Office of Residence Life, Student Disability Access Center, and political campaigns. 

As a reminder, Batten has a second minor that admits every applicant - the Social Entrepreneurship Minor, a pan-university, interdisciplinary program that allows you to take electives across many different schools at UVA. Part of the larger Entrepreneurship Minor housed at McIntire, our social entrepreneurship track focuses on impact investing, entrepreneurial approaches to global development, and equity-based leadership. All you need to do to apply to this program is to take ENTP 1010: Startup to gain access to the application.

Together, our differences make us stronger. Together, we are Batten. We look forward to bringing in the next group of committed policy leaders in the months to come! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send us an email at BattenAdmissions@virginia.edu or make an appointment to discuss the Policy and Leadership Minor program with Anne or Courtney!