Enhance your portfolio and strengthen your skills with our credential programs taught by leading faculty at the University of Chicago

Whether you are preparing for graduate school or seeking professional advancement, the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy credential programs prepare you with tangible skills you can use immediately.

Accelerate Your Path

Bridge gaps in your portfolio with a UChicago Credential

Whether you are preparing for graduate school or seeking professional advancement, strengthen your portfolio with in-demand skills in data analytics, coding, persuasive writing, or current policy topics.

Our credential programs will enhance your skills in a part-time format, while offering the support and network of a full-time program. You’ll join a learning environment with interactive UChicago faculty discussions, collaborate with classmates, and practice the tools you learn in the classroom in applied exercises or research projects.

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Alumni across the globe

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%

Alumni rated the program beneficial for their academic and professional growth

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Alumni became graduate students at UChicago Harris

emma hultgren
Meet Our Alumni

Emma Hultgren

"I am leaving DPSS feeling more confident and inspired as I begin my graduate application process.​"

Sean mooney
Meet Our Alumni

Sean Mooney

"The staff fostered a collaborative learning environment utilizing multiple platforms to ensure the opportunity for student success. Virtual office hours including issue-focused review and time for student questions were particularly valuable. I previously had little knowledge of data-driven economic research and found myself able to engage with literature methodology in a way that is changing how I view research, policy optimization, and the fields I want to enter professionally"​​

 

David Chrisinger
Hear From Faculty

David Chrisinger

“Since data cannot speak for itself, we’re here to help you craft stories based on persuasive evidence and rigorous data analysis to tell the policy stories that matters.”

Hear David's invitation
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Access Resources

Value of Credential Programs

What are credential programs? What are the benefits? How can I leverage this program for my professional path? Hear from Jenny Erickson, Senior Director of Enrollment Management and Marketing Strategy.

Read the blog post

Who Will Benefit

Credential programs add the most value if you are:

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Considering a graduate degree or career in public policy or analysis.

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Seeking a robust foundation in policy skills and topics.

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Building a global network with the UChicago community.

Upcoming Events

Harris students sitting together inside the Keller Center

UChicago Harris International Leadership Credential Information Session

April 1, 2024 | 8:00 AM — 9:30 PM

The International Leadership Credential (ILC) is a two-week, in-person, engaging program tailored for those who aim to excel as an emerging leader on the international stage. Led by John Burrows, Senior Lecturer in Leadership at UChicago Harris, the program is designed to uncover and develop your potential and capabilities as an international leader.

Join Shilin Liu, Executive Director of Partnerships and Credential Programs at UChicago Harris, to learn more about the UChicago approach to international leadership, the curriculum, and how these skills and networking opportunities can further your professional goals. Even if you cannot join the live session, please still register and we will follow up with the webinar recording.

 
 
Austin-Wright

Data and Policy Summer Scholars Program (DPSS) Mini Class with Austin Wright

April 9, 2024 | 8:30 AM — 9:30 AM

Meet Austin Wright, Assistant Professor and DPSS Faculty Director, and engage in a mini-class. Professor Wright will offer a sample lecture and answer questions about the online, seven-week Data and Policy Summer Scholar (DPSS) Program. Learn from Professor Wright about the UChicago approach to public policy, the DPSS curriculum, and how these quantitative skills can further your academic and professional goals.

 
 
Shilin Liu
Meet Your Team

Shilin Liu

Shilin, Executive Director of Partnerships and Credential Programs, curates global partnerships and designs meaningful short-term programs.

Read Shilin's biography
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Meet Your Team

Absera Melaku

Absera, Associate Director of Credential Programs, supports students throughout their credential journey and collaborates with faculty for meaningful program design.

Read Absera's biography
Mauricio Villacres
Meet Your Team

Mauricio Villacres

Mauricio, Assistant Director of Credential Programs, supports prospective students, enrolled students, and program alumni.

Read Mauricio's biography.
Lingyang Zhang
Meet Your Team

Lingyang Zhang

Lingyang, Credential Program Manager, supports the design and development of Harris’ new credential programs and partnerships.

Read Lingyang's biography
Zoe Wu
Meet Your Team

Zoe Wu

Zoe, Assistant Director of Credential Programs, supports prospective students from East Asia and our assists in the logistics of the OE and PKU programs.

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Meet Your Team

Chat With Us

The Harris Credential Programs team is delighted to chat with you! We can provide information about our programs, help determine which program best fits your goals, advise you through the application process, and more. Join an event or schedule an one-on-one appointment!

Connect with us
Meet Our Alumni

Alexandra Garney

"The fact that DPSS was virtual allowed me to access the program in a way that I wouldn’t have if it meant putting a pause on my career, so I was really excited for this opportunity for professional development."

Read Alexandra's student profile

Take a step forward and accelerate your path.