Part-Time: Tuition

What is the tuition for the program?

Please see the Office of the Bursar's schedule of tuition rates and fees for the most accurate information. (Note that students in the Evening Master's Program are not charged a student life fee.) Tuition is subject to an estimated 3% - 5% increase per year.

Access to the libraries at the University of Chicago and the career services resources at Harris School of Public Policy, and any of the other services and facilities in the Harris building on the Hyde Park campus are included as part of your tuition.

Non-Profit and Public Sector Employer Funding Match

Are there employer funding matches?

Students employed in the non-profit and public sectors are eligible for a Non-Profit and Public Sector Employer Match Scholarship. Students receiving employer funding match receive that as part of their overall merit award, which is reflected in the admission letter. Aid will be disbursed over four quarters of study. 

Students with employer financial support, employed in the non-profit and public sectors, receiving the funding match from Harris, must provide documentation from their employers confirming the organizational status and amount of financial support at the offer/deposit deadline in the quarter in which they enroll.  

Students are only eligible for the employer funding match at the time of admission for the quarter in which they enroll.  Students who change employers or separate from their employer during the course of study in the EMP are not eligible for retroactive funding.  

Students who are approved to defer their enrollment to a future term of study will be required to re-confirm their eligibility via documentation from their employer at the start of the new term.

If students receiving the employer funding match from Harris change employment sectors during their course of study, the funding match may be removed. 

The amount of the employer funding match will not exceed $5,000.  If a student’s term of study falls over two calendar years and they receive two annual disbursements of tuition assistance from their employer the amount matched will not exceed $5,000. 

Students eligible for the employer funding match and other match programs, like the Segal award, will not exceed $10,000 in matched funds.  Students cannot exceed $5,000 per match category 

University of Chicago employees are not eligible for the employer funding match.  

Part-Time: Cohort Size

How many students will be in my class? Is it considered a cohort?

We do use the classic cohort model and each cohort is approximately 25-35 students.

Part-Time: How many cohorts

How many cohorts will there be?

Beginning in Fall of 2024, we will admit one cohort each Fall (September start). The University of Chicago is on the quarter system, and the program takes four quarters to complete. The Evening Master's Program will not offer summer classes.

There will be 2-3 cohorts running depending on the time of year.

You can request information for our upcoming cohorts now, and view the application deadlines here

Part-Time: Class Times

When will classes be offered?

Classes will be held twice a week from 6:00 p.m – 8:50 p.m. during Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. (The University of Chicago is on a quarter system.) There will be one Saturday session per quarter.

Part-Time: Online

Is the degree or are any of the classes available online?

The Evening Master’s Program is envisioned as a fully in-person degree program. Courses meet at our downtown location two evenings per week, and one Saturday per quarter at the Hyde Park Campus. 

Part-Time: Course Load

What will the course load outside of the classroom be like?

As with any part-time degree program, we recommend that candidates give thought to their work-course balance. The courses in the Evening Master's Program are tailored to working professionals. You should plan to spend 10-15 hours outside of classes each week to meet, study, and engage as needed with students beyond your two classes.

Part-Time: GRE

Why is the GRE not required?

We value the work experience of the candidates for this program and want to reduce barriers for working professionals who want to pursue a degree at Harris Public Policy.

While the GRE is not required, an interview is required. Qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews after they submit their application as part of the review process.

Part-Time: Math

Do I need to do anything to prepare for the mathematical components of the program?

There are no prerequisites for this program. Once you've accepted your admission, you will receive additional information about preparing for the quantitative and analytical elements of the program. We offer customized online math preparation to incoming EMP students.

Part-Time: Orientation

Will there be an orientation program for the Evening Master's Program?

Yes. Prior to the start of the academic quarter, evening orientation sessions prepare you for the quantitative and analytical elements of the program. Details are available in the Admitted Students section under Orientation.

There will also be an Admitted Students' Reception so that you can learn more about the program and get answers to any last minute questions. Details and timing will be shared via email.

Part-Time: Visas

Can I attend this program if I require a student visa?

As a part-time program, this program does not qualify for student visas. The University is only able to sponsor full-time students in F-1 or J-1 status (when eligible).

Part-Time: Opting-Out of Courses

I’ve taken statistical courses or have an economic background. Can I opt out of certain courses?

While we are happy to hear that you are bringing a strong academic background to the program, currently students do not have the option to waive out of coursework.

Degree Earned

What degree will I earn by completing the EMP?

Students receive a Master of Arts (MA) in public policy and gain a solid foundation in the fundamentals of data analytics, economic analysis, leadership, and the strategic foundations of public policy. The MA is different from the Master of Public Policy (MPP), which requires an additional year of coursework in electives to gain a specialization.

Federal Financial Aid

Does this program qualify for federal financial aid (loans)?

Yes, individuals in this program who are eligible for aid and enrolled in at least 200 units per quarter (the EMP schedule is 225 units per quarter) may apply for federal aid (loans).

Electives

Are electives offered as part of the EMP?

Electives are not a required component of this program but some students may choose to take them.  Harris does not offer elective courses downtown in the evening as part of this program. Students who wish to pursue electives may enroll in daytime Harris courses or in evening courses offered by other University divisions.

Summer Classes

May I take classes over the summer?

Yes, you may enroll in courses offered at the University over the summer. Tuition will be at the same rate depending on the number of courses taken. Harris does not offer summer courses, but students may explore other divisions across campus that do host a summer session.

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