Admissions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.
 

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.

MPA and MPP programs have blended and converged as complements to one another, with courses and specializations often overlapping. Some schools combine the degrees and name them differently. The training and skill sets differ as well. MPA students typically excel in management and technical implementation of policy, whereas MPP students are trained to analyze and recommend sound institutional policies. Some students pursue an MPA part-time. Those thinking about that option should consider our Evening Master's Program. That program allows you to earn an MA in Public Policy in just four quarters.

Harris graduates lead successful careers across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Our alumni have become policy advisors, program officers, campaign chiefs of staff, financial analysts and consultants, economists and research specialists, government officers, foreign exchange traders, and directors at major organizations across the United States and around the world. Recent full-time career placements for new graduates include McKinsey & Company, BlueCross BlueShield, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Heartland Alliance, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, After School Matters, Iraqi Mutual Aid Society, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Center for China and Globalization, and the US Department of Defense, US Securities and Exchange Commission, and US Food and Drug Administration.

Check out the latest Career Outcomes Report.

There is no application fee for master’s programs.  The  $90 nonrefundable application fee is required when you apply for a PhD. You can pay the fee electronically within your application. Application fee waivers are available. In order to have your application fee waived you must start an application and complete the Fee Waiver Request Form, which is linked to from your online application on the instructions page of the application. If approved, you will be notified directly.

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.

Our core curriculum draws on a variety of disciplines, including economics, sociology, political science, statistics, econometrics, political economy, organizational theory, and program evaluation. These areas provide a foundation in critical analysis, reflecting the Harris belief that mastering quantitative and analytical skills prepares students to be effective practitioners. Core courses are the focus of the first year of our full-time master's degree programs and the foundational underpinnings of the curriculum for our Evening Master's Program.

Merit scholarships are awarded based off of application materials, including but not limited to academic and professional experience. Approximately 70% of Harris students receive an award.

Please refer to Third-Party Funding for more information. We strongly encourage applicants for full-time admission to identify and apply for any third party funding scholarships between January and April.
 

For most of our full-time programs, work experience is not required, but it is strongly preferred. Our students have diverse backgrounds, and many have at least two to four years of work experience, from corporate and nonprofit organizations as well as all levels of government. To learn more about the background of our students, visit Harris By the Numbers.

Our part-time Evening Master's Program is designed for mid-career professional (typically 5–15 years of experience) who want to hone their data analysis and analytical skills and gain a perspective on public policy as they take on more leadership responsibility.

Applicants to the following full-time master’s programs

• Master of Public Policy (MPP)
• MA in Public Policy (MA)
• MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy (MSCAPP) and 
• MA in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods (MACRM)

must either meet one of the four waiver criteria listed on this page or submit a GRE test.

Applicants will submit the waiver criteria information as part of their application. Students will attest to the criteria and provide supporting documentation in the application.

Please note, this information should not be sent via email. It must be uploaded and submitted as part of your application in order to be considered by the admissions committee. 

Students may submit unofficial scores as part of their application and must provide official score when they enroll. Scores no older than five years as of the application deadline for the round in which you apply will be considered. Please note, this may vary from the ETS range for validity. We strongly encourage all applicants to submit scores taken more recently, preferably within two years of applying.

The results of computer-based tests taken no less than four weeks in advance of our deadlines for full-time admission should arrive in time for review within an application round. To ensure release by the deadline, we recommend releasing no later than six weeks in advance of an application deadline.

For admissions to full-time programs, we will accept the GRE or the GMAT score. For those applicants who are currently enrolled in a joint-degree program with the Law School, we will consider your LSAT scores.

Please visit our requirements and deadline page for more information on the GRE Waiver Process. 

PhD applicants must submit the GRE and cannot request a waiver.

(Note: Test scores are not required for the Evening Master's Program.)

One valuable way to distinguish yourself during the application process is to stay engaged with your Admissions team. The more we understand your personal and professional goals, the clearer we are able to see you beyond your application.
When completing your application, remember that you best know your strengths and weaknesses. Show us how you intend to address your weaknesses at Harris. Demonstrate your passions. In your resume, showcase your volunteer experiences, travel, hobbies, etc. If you are funny, serious, or something in between, don’t be afraid to show your personality.
Our Admissions Blog frequently addresses some of the common questions we receive about the application and shares feedback from our current students.
Please note, as faculty members manage numerous academic and research obligations, we do not recommend contacting faculty as part of the admissions process, nor before enrolling at Harris.

Each essay and your motivational statement should be no more than 300 words. Learn more here.

We are looking for thoughtful and creative responses that best showcase your personality and/or your understanding of a policy issue. The question selection is not important. We are most interested in how you think, write, and articulate yourself. Take the opportunity to show us your personality.
 

Inquire with potential recommenders as soon as you know you plan to apply. If your recommenders know you very well, they should be willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. If you want to ease their burden, provide them with as many materials about your application as possible: e.g., resume, reasons why you are interested in graduate schools, etc. Approach as many potential recommenders as possible: interview them, and ask them “What can you say about me?” Select the recommenders who can best vouch for your candidacy.

Check out this blog post on more tips for your reference letters.

While applicants are required to provide the names and contact information for three recommenders, only two out of the three recommendation letters need to be received in order for your application to be reviewed. We strongly encourage you to only submit contact information for three recommenders. Learn more.

We advise you to get letters of recommendation from individuals who know you best and can speak about your strengths and your preparedness for graduate study. If you have lost touch with your college professors, letters of recommendation from employers and colleagues are accepted.
 

After you submit your materials electronically, you will have the ability to check the status of your application online. Please do not send inquiries to the Admissions Office requesting status of your application. If your application is incomplete, you will be notified directly. (Watch your email for notifications.)
 

Decision letters for full-time and part-time admission, including information about scholarship awards, will be released by the date noted for the application round in which you applied.

Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded via the electronic application. All applicants who are offered admission will be required to submit official transcripts. Most institutions have the ability to send electronic official transcripts. If your institution is unable to do so, please request that they send hard copy versions to our Admissions Office.

Harris only requires transcripts from institutions where you obtained a degree; however, we strongly recommend you submit all transcripts from all institutions attended.
 

Yes, all foreign language transcripts must be submitted with an official English translation. Official translations must be submitted by the university or an official translator organization or notary. Student provided translations are not considered official.

We ask that you notify us immediately if your email, phone, and/or physical address change. Please send an email to harrisadmissions@uchicago.edu with your name and "CHANGE OF ADDRESS" in the subject line.
 

 Similar to our GRE requirements, GPA scores are assessed with all elements of the application. If you feel your GPA does not reflect your skills and abilities, you are welcome to include a personal explanatory statement.

Yes, students may submit unofficial scores as part of their application. However, if you are admitted, you must provide official scores.

Students will not be disqualified or at a disadvantage for not submitting scores.  If you think the scores are reflective of your ability and potential, you may share the scores as part of your application for consideration. If you choose to provide GRE/GMAT scores as part of your application, you may submit self-reported (unofficial) scores for admission review. Please note, official scores must be provided upon accepting an offer of admission.

International applicants may submit either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to meet the English language requirement set by the University. Test scores must be sent directly to Harris using code 1832 (a separate department code is not necessary). The minimum score requirements for each exam are as follows:

• TOEFL: overall score of 95
• IELTS: 7, with no sub-scores below 7

Scores are only valid for two calendar years from the test date. For additional information on the English language requirement for the University of Chicago, please visit this page.

If you are able to access testing services and believe your scores provide helpful information to the admissions team that accurately demonstrate your preparedness for graduate school we encourage you to submit your test scores.

An interview is required for  our Evening Master's Program. You will be notified if you are selected for an interview.

Interviews are not required for admission to one of our full-time degree programs, but a staff member may follow up with you if we are requesting additional information.

Full-time students at Harris must matriculate in the Autumn Quarter.  The MPP program consists of six core courses that are taught sequentially. If you miss the Autumn Quarter classes, you will not be prepared for Winter Quarter.

For information on the curriculum of our other programs, please visit our Program and Degree webpage.

If you are interested in a degree program with additional starts throughout the year  we encourage you to learn more about  the  Evening Master's Program.

Students have significant opportunities to connect with faculty during our Admissions Events. Additionally, we encourage you to review our Admissions Blog, where we often share recordings of faculty from our events.
Faculty members manage numerous academic and research obligations: we do not recommend contacting faculty before enrolling at Harris.
If there is a faculty member you are interested in learning more about, please email harrisadmissions@uchicago.edu and our team will share more information.

We strongly encourage applicants to apply for entry for the year (for full-time) or quarter (for part-time) in which they intend to enroll. Deferrals are not common and are considered on a case-by-case basis for one academic year only. Typically, deferrals are granted for unforeseen financial, health, or personal circumstances that would make enrollment a hardship.