Public Policy and Leadership Minor

Rooted in the social sciences, the minor focuses on public policy issues and decision-making processes through instruction in economic, political, historical and psychological factors in public policy formulation and application. The minor consists of a core curriculum and specialized courses that emphasize substantive knowledge, analytical rigor, and research skills. It also introduces students to leadership theory and concepts. Current University of Virginia undergraduates, not enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership major, can apply for admission once they have completed the required prerequisites. The Public Policy and Leadership Minor consists of 18 distinct credit hours of coursework with no double counting of courses with a student’s major or second major.

Prerequisites

Students must complete and earn a C or higher in two (2) prerequisite courses: ECON 2010 (or equivalent) and either LPPL 3100* OR PSYC 2600 (or equivalent).

Requirements (18 credits)*

Foundations of Public Policy and Leadership (9 credits)

LPPP 3200: Introduction to Public Policy
LPPL 3210: Introduction to Civic Leadership
LPPP 3230: Public Policy Challenges of the 21st Century

Analysis of Public Policy (3 credits)

LPPA 4240: Research Methods and Data Analysis of Public Policy

Special Topics (6 credits)

Two courses from the following list, all courses must be at the 3000 level or above

At least 3 credits (one special topics course) must be directly related to the student’s policy area of interest. Ex:
- Global Humanitarian Crisis: Dilemmas, Leadership and Action
- Anti-Terrorism and the Role of Intelligence
- International Development Policy
- Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship
- Introduction to Social Policy
LPPA 4250: Choice and Consequences: The Economics of Public Policy
LPPP 4200: Institutional and Political Context of Public Policy
LPPL 3255: Value and Bias in Public Policy
LPPP 3260: Comparative Policy History
LPPP 4210: Integrating Ethics in Public Policy

*NOTE: Any PPOL courses taken with the same course number and title will fulfill the minor requirements.