Public Policy and Leadership Minor

Return to: Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy: Programs/Courses

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)*

The Batten Minor curriculum consists of six required Batten School courses (18 credits):

Three courses on the foundations of public policy and leadership (9 credits) - These courses introduce students to the basic models, concepts, and frameworks of civic leadership and to the theories and substance of public policy.

One course on the economic analysis of public policy (3 credits) - Students learn to analyze the rationales for government interventions in markets, the advantages and disadvantages of different tools of policy action, and the costs and benefits of policy decisions.

LPPA 4240: Research Methods and Data Analysis in Public Policy

Two special topics courses (6 credits) - Offers students the opportunity to study in depth specific public policy and leadership topics. The Batten School will offer topics courses on specific policy topics and leadership skills each year of the program. These courses will vary by year, but will include topics such as:

Pending approval by the Director of Academic Programs, students may take up to 3 credits (one course) offered in other departments or through study abroad toward the special topics requirement. All special topics courses must be 3000-level or higher and must address issues related to public policy and/or leadership.