The specialization is intended for students seeking to apply evidence to drive social impact. It prepares graduates for roles such as policy or program advisor, legislative aide, policy or program manager, and policy communications specialist. The specialization contrasts with the Data Analytics specialization, which is aimed at students seeking careers in which hands-on data analysis is core to their work. Students may complete both specializations if they seek a comprehensive understanding of both the production and application of policy-relevant evidence.

Students who complete this specialization will be able to:

  • Determine the appropriate evaluation design to assess policy effectiveness
  • Design evidence-informed policies and theories of change
  • Conduct comparative analyses to understand if and how evidence applies to different contexts
  • Strategize about the politics of policy influence and implementation

This specialization builds directly on the Core by deepening students’ ability to interpret, synthesize, and apply evidence, with particular emphasis on (i) translating empirical results into policy designs and decisions, (ii) applying microeconomic reasoning to real-world policy design, and (iii) incorporating political incentives and institutional constraints into policy choices.

Harris specializations function as areas of focus 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.

Application Process

The specialization is open to Harris Public Policy graduate students only. Please indicate your intent to pursue this specialization using the Harris Specialization Declaration Form.

For specialization registration questions, please reach out to harrisregistration@uchicago.edu.

Planning for the Specialization

For information on which quarter(s) each course will be offered see the Harris Courses page and filter by specialization.

Specialization Requirements

The specialization requires completion of two required courses, along with one additional course for three courses total. Students must achieve at least a B- grade in each course. No specialization course may be taken on a pass/fail grading basis. No substitutions will be allowed for required courses.

Required Courses

Students must complete the following two courses:

  • PPHA 34860 Public Policy Evaluation
  • PPHA 35560 Policy Design: Translating Evidence for Impact

Elective Courses

Students must complete one of the following courses to fulfill the four-course requirement:

  • PPHA 31941 Behavioral Science and Public Policy
  • PPHA 37411 Management Matters: Leadership, Strategy, and Getting Things Done

Specialization Contacts

Rebecca Wolfe, Specialization Director