At UVA’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy equips students with the core skills needed to tackle complex policy challenges. Available both online and in person, the program provides rigorous training in policy research and analysis, helping students develop the tools to inform effective programs, navigate political dynamics, and translate ideas into impact.
Through coursework in research methods, quantitative analysis, and evidence-based decision making, students learn to identify and evaluate policy problems, construct realistic alternatives, and clearly communicate recommendations in both written and oral forms. Designed for flexibility, the 12-credit certificate can be completed full-time or part-time, online or in Charlottesville, with credits that may be applied toward the full Master of Public Policy program, offering powerful momentum for continued growth across sectors.
The Admissions team sat down with current certificate student, Natalie Baumeister, for a quick Q&A session to learn more!
Tell us about yourself and your journey to Batten.
My name is Natalie Baumeister, and I am enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Public Policy (in-person format). I am from Falls Church, VA, and I received my BA in psychology and cognitive science from UVA. I am interested in the intersection of policy and behavioral science, so for the past three years, I have been a lab manager at Batten for the Judgments and Decisions Experimental (JADE) Lab and the Social Behavior and Decisions (SoBaD) Lab. I am currently applying to PhD programs for social psychology and organizational behavior, and one of my Primary Investigators (PIs) recommended that I get the Certificate to strengthen my quantitative skills in preparation for a PhD.
Why did you choose Batten?
Batten has a very supportive culture, and during my time here, I’ve seen how the school strives to give students, faculty, and staff the best experience. My research assistants have told me about their favorite Batten classes, and I regret that I never took those classes while I was an undergrad. My UVA staff education benefits cover my tuition for the certificate, so I couldn’t pass up this opportunity.
How would you describe the learning environment/academic experience here as a certificate program?
Certificate students in the in-person format take classes with the MPP students, who have helped me with homework and studying for exams. The MPPs tend to be in their early to mid-twenties, which is a good fit for me, but I know that some people might prefer a different cohort. The certificate program is new, so Batten is very responsive to feedback on what is going well and what could be improved. The Batten team is working hard to ensure every student succeeds.
What’s one way your program has helped you grow personally or professionally? Similarly, what skills or knowledge have you gained that will set you up for your future?
This is my first time taking classes with a policy framing, which is an interesting way for me to think about the course content and to approach problems. Also, balancing my classes with my full-time job has improved my time management skills.
What advice would you give to a prospective student considering one of Batten’s certificate programs?
Do the in-person format if you can because there is a great atmosphere on Grounds.
