This graduate-level course explores the principles, methodologies, and applications of human-centered design (HCD). Students will learn how to create solutions that meet real human needs. The course combines theoretical foundations with practical application through hands-on projects where students will define problems, prototype solutions, and test with users to develop impactful, user-centered products and services.

A course devoted to the writing of prose fiction, especially the short story. Student work is discussed in class and in individual conferences. Parallel reading in the work of modern novelists and short story writers is required. For more details, visit our program website at creativewriting.virginia.edu.

A graduate-level introduction to technology policy and industry analysis. Covers competitive dynamics, firm strategy, value chains, and economic/financial assessment. Uses semiconductors as a running case, with AI and quantum comparisons on standards, export controls, IP, safety, and ethics. Labs, memos, and debates build skills to evaluate regulation, international coordination, innovation, economic competitiveness, and societal welfare.

The course will examine ethical & legal issues related to reproduction. While some historical coverage will take place, primary emphasis will be on current topics, such as abortion regulation, coerced medical interventions, conscientous provider accommodations, state ultrasound legislation, prenatal genetic testing, the pregnant woman in research, & regulation of the fertility industry.

The Applied Policy Project (APP) is the capstone event of the MPP program, an independent analytical project for each student. During APP II, students produce a final report of approximately 50 single-spaced, professionally bound pages. The report is presented to both the faculty member and to the client.

The focus of this course is the development and design of curriculum, and the delivery of instruction to ensure academic success. The course provides key principles of effective supervision, and asks students to apply concepts involved in teaching diverse populations, developing standards-based curricula, and assessment of instructional objectives. The ISLLC Standards for School Leaders are used as framework for inquiry and decision making.

This course will examine the principles, processes, and responsibilities of financing public education with a focus on the leadership provided at the school level in finance. The course will have a special emphasis on budgeting procedures and accounting systems critical to the management of finances at the building level.

This course is designed to prepare individuals for positions of education leadership by exposing them to hands-on administrators. Students will be engaged in a significant number of administrative activities at the elementary, middle, and high schools levels as well as at central office and at community out-reach sites. Students will be mentored on site by licensed school administrators during their 320-hour internship.

This course provides students with the necessary blend of theory, best practice, and authentic problems of practice in leadership. The course provides a bridge between their thought in other courses and the practicalities involved as they prepare for the administrative leadership selection process and their first leadership assignment. Students learn how to use personal assessment tools and feedback to construct Individual Development Plans.

This module will investigate the current legal, moral, and instructional impact of special education policies in the Commonwealth of Virginia and across the nation. Response to Intervention concepts will be explored in-depth.