University of Virginia

The Batten School graduate Public Policy program is geared towards “accelerated “ students who are in their 4th year of undergraduate studies. Unfortunately, this leads to a lack of engaging class discussions and ability to share experiences. The Batten school also needs to improve how leadership is taught beyond male, dominated type leadership case studies and projects. I would not recommend this program for post graduate students who want an engaging, open, education on leadership in public policy.... Read More

Buyer Beware: It would be tough to recommend this school for a variety of reasons. First, class sizes are quite large (expect to be in core classes of 40+ students). To go with this, professors rarely read or provide substantive feedback on major course projects. Instead students are left feedback by fellow student TAs and this poses difficulties when many employers request writing samples. Second, experienced and often award winning professors teach few classes at the school. Instead, the school... Read More relies on very new faculty, sometimes without terminal degrees in the fields they teach, to convey material to students. Lastly, the school lacks substantive networks to help students secure employment (perhaps expected for a new school) and this is compounded by the fact that professors rarely if ever use their professional connections to help students get jobs. This, combined with ineffectual career services, causes many students to obtain employment far outside of the areas in which they are interested. These factors, combined with location, make the Batten School a poor choice for those truly passionate about pursuing careers in public policy. Instead, prospective students should look for opportunities in the DC area (or other area with policy jobs in which they are interested) to obtain meaningful, year-round internships that can lead to employment while still being fully engaged in the campus community.

The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy is quickly rising in the ranks of the best public policy graduate schools in the country. The small cohorts encourage bonding between the students and allows for special attention from professors. The workload is demanding but provides us a strong foundation to advance our careers. Although out-of-state tuition is considerably expensive, consider the high quality of the overall program, the University of Virginia, and city of Charlottesville.... Read More

There are certainly many pros! I love that the area is a college town and college friendly everywhere you go. The restaurants all around the area sport the UVA logo and there is a ton of school pride. There's so much to do in the area from Thomas Jefferson's Monticello to Downtown and the Corner, to wineries and breweries all within a short drive. In terms of the school itself, every office I have walked into with questions have all greeted me with a smile and have been extremely helpful, sometimes... Read More going out of their way to make sure they answer or assist in what you need. The professors all have strong backgrounds in the field and help transition you into the real world and jobs afterwards, which is definitely a plus!

I am currently in the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy Accelerated Masters Program. This program's curriculum is rigorous, engaging, and comprehensive, and allows you to pursue your specific interests within the field of public policy while also giving you the broad groundwork and tools to succeed with a fantastic set of core classes. After completing this program in May 2016, I feel I will be prepared for, and competitive within, any career path in public policy. The Frank Batten... Read More School is a wonderful academic choice that is affordable and encouraging to your intellectual development, with a welcoming and supportive culture.