History

Steeped in the University of Chicago's rich tradition of scholarship and innovation, Harris Public Policy faculty and students bring an exacting, data-driven perspective to the full spectrum of policy concerns. It's this point of view, rather than a particular policy domain, that has defined Harris since its founding, guiding us as we address today's most complex challenges and nurture a new generation of leaders driven to change the world.

History of Harris

The University of Chicago's sixth professional school, Harris emerged in 1988 from an interdepartmental Committee on Public Policy Studies.  With its origins dating back to 1975, the committee envisioned an interdisciplinary master’s-level program that focused on the use of science and analysis to better understand public life and effect public policy change.

UChicago President Robert J. Zimmer has said that Harris "embodies many of the values that make the University of Chicago distinct." He continued:

 "The school’s interdisciplinary and data-driven approach to policy analysis reflects the University’s culture of rigorous inquiry, and faculty and student engagement with the City of Chicago and other urban centers demonstrates the impact of research on societal challenges in education, crime, energy, and other fields. These efforts draw scholars and practitioners to campus to exchange ideas and learn.”

Starting with just five PhD students and 36 master’s students, Harris today represents the second-largest master's degree program at the University of Chicago. We offer a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs ranging from our flagship Master's in Public Policy to innovative programs like our Master's in Computational Analysis and Public Policy, and more.

Guided by our exacting perspective, Harris is empowering a new generation of data-driven policy leaders, helping them turn their passion for doing good into positive social impact across all sectors. 

Part of the University of Chicago Tradition

The University of Chicago, one of the world's preeminent research universities, is home to internationally renowned scholars, researchers, and intellectual pioneers. In the last century, the University produced nearly 90 Nobel laureates in fields including medicine, economics, and physics—including six current faculty members.

Founded in 1890 with a gift from John D. Rockefeller, the University embodies the vision of its first president, William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in education who believed in the strengths of an institution that blends an American-style liberal arts college and a German-style graduate research institute.

Harper articulated his hope and vision for the University at the very first faculty meeting in 1892, saying, “The question before us is how to become one in spirit, not necessarily in opinion.”

UChicago fulfilled Harper’s dream, quickly becoming a national leader in higher education and research: an institution of scholars unafraid to cross boundaries, share ideas, and ask difficult questions.

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Dynamic Setting

Located in Chicago's Hyde Park community, the University of Chicago is just seven miles from the heart of the city on Lake Michigan's south shore. In addition to being the home of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, Hyde Park is known for its excellent bookstores, variety of restaurants and cultural events, and celebrated architectural landmarks, museums, and parks. From campus, you can easily access downtown Chicago and other city neighborhoods by car or public transportation.

Chicago is an education in itself. It is the birthplace of community organizing and a center of international finance and trade. It is also home to numerous national and international foundations, policy research centers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.

In the Loop, the heart of downtown Chicago, key decisions are made affecting the welfare and economic health of people worldwide. One of the world's great cities, with a world-renowned symphony and arts community, a spectacular waterfront, a rich architectural heritage, and an unparalleled selection of restaurants and vibrant neighborhood culture, Chicago is a dynamic training ground for public policy. It is a blend of big city and small town, tradition and innovation, history and progress. Chicago offers you endless options for discovery.

The Legacy of Irving B. Harris

Although he was known as a businessman, Irving Harris’ true passion was improving the lives of children through innovative solutions to wide-ranging social problems. He understood intimately the connection between groundbreaking research and work in the field, and was instrumental in launching several initiatives and nonprofit institutions, including Project Head Start, the Erikson Institute, and the Ounce of Prevention Fund.

Harris believed in the power of knowledge. He realized the potential of investing in a world-class research institute in the heart of the city’s South Side and chose the University of Chicago as a key beneficiary of his time and talent.

Commitment to Public Policy

Although he had a wide range of interests, his greatest commitment was to the study of public policy. He believed that societal tensions could be alleviated through effective social policies. He was dismayed that many of the country’s brightest young leaders who had the capabilities to address these challenges were forgoing careers in the public sphere for lucrative jobs on Wall Street. Harris led initiatives to launch the new Graduate School of Public Policy Studies at the University and provided its core endowment. In 1990, the University renamed the school in his honor.

Irving believed that the University of Chicago is the perfect place for attracting intelligent and committed students who care about making a contribution outside of the traditional areas of law, medicine and business.

Joan Harris, President of the Irving Harris Foundation 

Harris remained active in Harris Public Policy programs throughout his life. In 1988, he created the Mentor Program, now an integral component of the school, which matches students with leading policy professionals for one-on-one mentoring relationships in their field of interest. The program is the only one of its kind at any leading public policy institution.

In 1999, he initiated and endowed the University’s Center for Human Potential and Public Policy. The center integrates research and policy perspectives on improving the health, welfare, and development of children and their families.

Continuing Inspiration

Irving B. Harris continues to serve as an inspiration to all of those he touched. His legacy of vision and generosity will continue to motivate people to make a difference.

The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy was founded on the belief that rigorous, quantitative research is the best guide for public policy. As one of six professional schools at the University of Chicago, we build on the University’s tradition of scholarship and innovation to bring an exacting, data-driven perspective to the full spectrum of policy concerns. It's this point of view, rather than a particular policy domain, that has defined Harris since its founding and guides us as we address today's most complex challenges and nurture a new generation of leaders driven to change the world by guiding them toward impact.