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 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. Where can I find a list of courses? Where can I find a list of courses? You can browse a full listing of our courses on our site. How do I apply to Harris Public Policy? How do I apply to Harris Public Policy? Applications must be submitted through the University’s online system. You can save your application and work on it at your convenience. Harris only accepts electronic applications. Requirements and deadlines vary for our full-time and part-time programs. For any specific questions, please reach out to your Admissions team. Apply Now - Make a Difference Today Start making a difference today. Request Info Apply Now Faculty Spotlight Jeffrey Grogger Irving Harris Professor in Urban Policy Aa an applied microeconomist, Jeff Grogger has worked on issues including crime, education, migration, and various aspects of racial inequality. He is a leading authority on social insurance programs and on US welfare reform. Recent News Assistant Professor Carolin Pflueger’s New Research Provides Real-Time Indicators for “Good” and “Bad” Inflation Wed., March 22, 2023 Lorrie Frasure, MPP'01, Discusses Racial Politics, the Power of Tough Conversations, and Preparing the Next Generation of Scholars Tue., March 21, 2023 More news Upcoming Events Monetary Policy and International Finance (MPIF) Program Information Session Mon., March 27, 2023 | 8:00 AM Harris Public Policy Information Session Tue., March 28, 2023 | 11:00 AM More events
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.
Where can I find a list of courses? Where can I find a list of courses? You can browse a full listing of our courses on our site.
How do I apply to Harris Public Policy? How do I apply to Harris Public Policy? Applications must be submitted through the University’s online system. You can save your application and work on it at your convenience. Harris only accepts electronic applications. Requirements and deadlines vary for our full-time and part-time programs. For any specific questions, please reach out to your Admissions team.