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The Specialization requirement consists of three upper-division courses within a subfield or policy domain. These courses must be policy-relevant and fit comfortably within the specified Specialization.
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The linked resource lists possible specialization petitions organized by policy area (for example, Economic Policy, Environmental Policy, Health Policy, Social Policy, Urban Policy, International Development, and more). You can use this resource as a model for building and framing your own specialization. This list is not exhaustive, and you are not limited to the policy areas listed or the course combinations shown. Because not all courses are offered every academic year or every quarter, careful planning is recommended. Refer to the acceptable course list we share each quarter and to my.uchicago class search for current offerings.
Complete the Specialization and Practicum declaration form to declare your specialization.
Once approved, your information will be sent to your college advisor for posting to your degree audit. If you decide to change any specialization/practicum course after approval, please resubmit the form with the updated information so we can inform your college advisor of any changes to your plan.
For questions about the selection of specialization courses, contact the Public Policy program administrator by email or sign up for office hours.
Students who participate in the Spring quarter Barcelona Program can declare a specialization in Comparative Political Economy using the courses offered.
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