BA Political Philosophy, Policy and Law at University of Virginia

Programme overview

The PPL major offers intensive study of how political philosophy, legal theory, legal thought, historical change and public policy connect. It emphasizes humanistic traditions and integrating multiple disciplinary perspectives.

Faculty: College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences | Department: Political Philosophy, Policy and Law (PPL) Programme | Study mode: full-time | Location: Charlottesville, VA, United States

What you will study

The major has three components: three co-requisite courses, two required PPL courses, and an individually tailored package of eight courses forming an interdisciplinary core. No more than two courses from another major or minor may count toward PPL.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Students must apply to the PPL programme. Applications are taken in the spring semester, with details posted in January. PPL cannot be taken as a minor.

First-year entry for Fall 2027 via Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision; transfer applicants can apply for Spring or Fall entry.

First-year deadlines: Early Decision and Early Action November 1 (decisions by December 15 and February 15 respectively); Regular Decision January 5 (decision by April 1). Applications are submitted through the Common Application. Standardized testing is test optional for Fall 2027 first-year applicants.

Transfer deadlines: Spring Transfer October 1 (notification by December 1); Fall Transfer March 1 (notification by May 1). Transfer applications are test optional.

Application fees (2026-27): undergraduate $75; Graduate School of Arts & Sciences $85; Architecture $80; Batten graduate $75; Darden non-PhD $250, Darden PhD $100; Data Science $85; Education and Human Development $65; Law $85; McIntire graduate $85; Medicine $80; Nursing $88; SCPS $70; Graduate Engineering no fee.

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