Put new technical and analytic skills into action to solve real issues for real clients.

The Certificate in Policy Analysis pairs Harris students with client organizations facing real challenges. 

Leading faculty guide students on the latest technologies and analytic tools for immediate use. In client interactions and with support from Harris faculty advisors, students will learn valuable project management, communications, and other professional skills.

Students earning the Certificate in Policy Analysis will be well positioned for careers in local and state governments as well as the private sector financial and consulting firms who serve them.

Application Process

The certificate is open to any Harris student. Students should contact their academic advisor to indicate intention to pursue certificate. Students from other divisions at the University are not permitted to pursue the Policy Analysis certificate.

Certificate Requirements

  • PPHA 41300 Cost Benefit Analysis
  • PPHA 34600 Program Evaluation
  • One quarter of any Harris Policy Lab
  • Students must take either Program Evaluation or Cost Benefit Analysis before enrolling in the Policy Lab. 
  • No courses can be taken pass/fail.

Recommended Policy Labs

While any Harris Policy Lab project will fulfill the certificate requirement, the following are specifically recommended to students pursuing the certificate:

  • LISC Chicago: Evaluation of Financial Opportunity Centers

  • Metropolitan Planning Council: Local Government Consolidation

  • Metropolitan Planning Council: Metra Electric Modernization

  • Place Lab & City of Gary: Evaluation of ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen