BA Public Policy and Leadership at University of Virginia

Programme overview

The BA in Public Policy and Leadership introduces students to the economic, political, psychological and cultural dimensions of public policy, preparing them for public life. The degree combines hands-on experience and leadership training.

Faculty: Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy | Department: Batten School | Duration: 2 years, full-time, in person | Study mode: full-time | Location: Charlottesville, VA, United States

Career pathways

Graduates build careers in government, business and nonprofits as leaders driving change.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Open to UVA undergraduates who will have 60 credit hours and have completed three prerequisite courses by programme start. A C or higher is needed in each prerequisite by August 1 of the start year; applicants may apply before completing them.

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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