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

Harris certificates function as areas of specialization within the degree. Certificates 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 

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

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

• Students can pursue up to three certificates.

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

• The application 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.

• Some certificates are open to any graduate student at the University of Chicago. Eligibility requirements for a specific certificate is indicated on the individual certificate page. If you are a non-Harris student and want to pursue a certificate please complete this application. If you are a non-Harris student who has completed a certificate please complete this form in your graduation quarter. 

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

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