Harris Public Policy offers several different full-time and part-time master’s programs, most with various certificate options, as well as joint degree programs and a doctoral program designed for an academic or research-oriented career.  

We also offer executive education programs and the opportunity to get a taste of Harris through the Graduate Student-at-Large Program, which offers credit transferable to degree-granting programs.

Our degree comparison chart below can help you make a decision between the MPP, MA, and Evening Master's. Our master's degree chart offers introductory information on all of our master's programs. For more information about all of our degree programs, including joint degrees and executive education opportunities, visit our Programs & Degrees page.

Please visit University of Chicago Graduate Financial Aid for updated tuition information.

Degree Comparison Chart

degree comparison chart

FAQ

What is an MPP degree?

What is an MPP degree?

A Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree emphasizes rigorous modeling and analysis, evaluating information to solve complex policy problems. As policymakers, managers, analysts, business and non-profit leaders, our MPP graduates work with quantitative and qualitative data to develop and assess approaches to current and emerging issues. MPP graduates work in a variety of public service fields, all levels of government (federal, state, and local), nonprofits, international organizations, consulting firms, and in the private sector.
 

How is Harris different from other policy schools?

How is Harris different from other policy schools?

Since its inception, Harris has been shifting the conception of public policy from an ideology, reliant on politics and pedigree, to a science rooted in data and impact. Students come to us from all over the world, with different social, political, and academic backgrounds and an extraordinary array of policy interests—child and family policy, social policy, international policy, public finance, health policy, education policy, and more. They are bound by a common passion for problem-solving and commitment to the public good. Our analytical training with relevant application to solve real-world problems gives students the tools to tackle the most pressing policy issues of our day.

I do not have a quantitative background. Can I handle the demanding coursework at Harris?

I do not have a quantitative background. Can I handle the demanding coursework at Harris?

Roughly one-third of our full-time students consider themselves as not having a strong quantitative background prior to applying to and enrolling at Harris. Many demonstrated their capability by scoring well on the GRE or taking supplemental quantitative courses prior to coming to Harris. We have all the resources necessary to ensure that enrolling students will excel in our core curriculum.