Prepare yourself for a research-oriented career involving the substantive and institutional aspects of public policy.

The Harris School of Public Policy is pausing admissions for the Harris PhD, Political Economy PhD, and MACRM programs for the 2026-2027 academic year and will not admit a new class.

All existing commitments and support for current students will remain in place.

The Ph.D. program at Harris Public Policy prepares students for careers in academia, industry, and government. It emphasizes a rigorous foundation in microeconomics, econometrics, and political economy, along with in-depth study of particular substantive areas associated with policy and policy-making. The program allows students to develop individualized and innovative courses of study in which they work closely with faculty members of the School and the University.

Consistent with the highly quantitative and analytic nature of the Harris School's Ph.D. degree, Harris has categorized the degree under a code which is currently on the DHS STEM list. Students on F-1 visas who have earned a degree that has been designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a STEM degree may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT) so long as they meet all eligibility criteria at the time of application.

Ph.D. Program Requirements

Get information about the curriculum and academic requirements for the Ph.D. in Public Policy Program.

If you have questions about the Harris degree requirements, email the Harris Dean of Students Office at harrisdeanofstudents@uchicago.edu. Policies on the results of not meeting these requirements can be found on the Harris policies page.

Ph.D. Candidates on the Job Market

Meet the Ph.D. program’s current job market candidates.

Ph.D. Placements

See where our graduates go on to make an impact.

Ph.D. Workshop

Engage with our students' research.

Political Economy

Prospective students interested in political economy may also consider the Ph.D. program in political economy, which is joint between the Harris School and the Department of Political Science.

Program Details

Key Contacts

 

Director of Graduate Studies

Steven Durlauf, Professor (sdurlauf@uchicago.edu)

Durlauf's research spans many topics in microeconomics and macroeconomics. His most important substantive contributions involve the areas of poverty, inequality and economic growth. Much of his research has attempted to integrate sociological ideas into economic analysis.

Associate Directors

Yana Gallen, Assistant Professor (yana@uchicago.edu)

Eyal Frank, Assistant Professor (eyalfrank@uchicago.edu)

Dean of Students

Kate Shannon Biddle (kbiddle@uchicago.edu)

Harris Admissions

Prospective students should contact Harris Admissions (harrisadmissions@uchicago.edu) and can learn more in an upcoming information session.

Nancy Staudt picture
Alumni profile

"Here the Client is Truth"

For Nancy Staudt, a Harris PhD was the key to deeper understanding of the law - and a great career move.