Specializations

Harris Public Policy offers a number of specializations that allow our full-time master's students to train in particular areas of inquiry. Each specialization has a faculty director, and most are managed through a research center. Requirements for each specialization are set at the beginning of each academic year and are detailed in the pages that follow.

Harris specializations function as areas of concentration within the degree. Specializations assume knowledge of the 6-course Harris Core and build upon that foundation with coursework in specific policy areas or technical skills.

Fast Facts for Current Students 

• Specializations are posted to your transcript when you graduate (so you would get an MPP with a specialization in municipal finance, for example).

• Courses taken toward specializations also count toward your degree requirements.

• We strongly recommend no more than 2 specializations though students may declare up to 3 specializations.

• Your advisor can help you plan and track your progress toward specializations.

• The declaration form is open throughout the academic year. Students in two-year programs should sign up in the spring of their first year. Students in one year programs can sign up as soon as they arrive at Harris.

• Specializations are available only to students in Harris degree-granting programs and cannot be pursued as a stand-alone credential.

• If you need to change specializations just complete a new declaration form indicating the changes.

• You do not need to earn a specialization for graduation.

Questions about specializations can be directed to your academic advisor or to the contact person(s) listed for each specialization.