New memorandum of understanding and certificate programs open flexible, affordable options for McDonough Scholars and future leaders.
Marietta College McDonough Leadership Scholars who wish to pursue graduate education now have a financially supported pathway to enter the Master of Public Policy program at the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy (UVA Batten School). An agreement signed in April by Marietta College and UVA waives the application fee for the UVA program and offers an annual fellowship for McDonough Scholars accepted into the program. Building on the established Master of Public Policy pathway, the Batten School is introducing two new graduate-level certificate programs beginning this fall.
The McDonough Leadership Program provides foundational knowledge that prepares graduates for graduate studies in leadership and public policy. In recognition of the quality of that preparation, UVA has agreed to offer incentives to encourage McDonough Scholars to apply to the Batten Master of Public Policy.
Dean of the McDonough Center for Leadership and Business, Alexandra Perry, believes the agreement facilitates an excellent opportunity for Marietta’s McDonough students.
“We are so excited about the opportunities that this will open for McDonough students who are interested in studying public policy,” Perry said. “The Batten School's strong curriculum and the reputation of the University of Virginia will certainly give our students a graduate experience that will open doors for their careers!”
In addition to an application fee waiver for McDonough Scholars, successful applicants who remain in good academic standing will receive an annual fellowship for each of the two years required to complete the graduate program. The fellowship amount is dependent on state of residence, with Virginia residents receiving at least $12,500 and non-Virginia residents receiving at least $20,000 per year. In the second year of the program, students may also earn additional assistantships, fellowships, or other awards.
The two new four-course graduate-level certificate programs beginning this fall will also fall under the memorandum of understanding between Marietta College and UVA, offering a streamlined alternative for students interested in leadership and public policy who may not be ready to commit to a full master’s degree program.
The new certificate programs offer flexibility and may be completed either full time or part time, on campus or fully online. For students who later decide to pursue their master’s, the credits earned are fully applicable toward the full MPP degree.
The Graduate Certificate in Public Leadership focuses on communication, negotiation, and organizational leadership, skills valuable for aspiring project or team leaders. The Graduate Certificate in Public Policy centers on policy analysis, program evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making, ideal for students or professionals interested in research, advocacy, or applied policy work.
These graduate-level offerings provide a streamlined pathway for Marietta’s McDonough Leadership students who are interested in broadening their expertise in leadership and public policy. The application deadline for Fall 2025 entry into the certificate programs is August 15. To learn more about the programs and how to apply, visit the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy website.