Frequently Asked Questions: The Evening Program

We are currently accepting applications for our part-time Evening Master’s Program (EMP) held at 1871 in the Merchandise Mart! As you complete your application, please consult the following Frequently Asked Questions, or email our admissions team at harrisadmissions@uchicago.edu with any questions.

1. What is the tuition for the program?

Tuition is subject to an estimated 3% - 5% increase per year. Please see the Office of the Bursar's schedule of tuition rates and fees for the most accurate information. (Note that students in the Evening Master's Program are not charge a student life fee.)

A Night and Weekend Membership to 1871 is included as part of your tuition, as well as access to the libraries at the University of Chicago and the career services resources at Harris Public Policy and UChicago Grad, and any of the other services and facilities in the Harris building on the Hyde Park campus.

2. How many students will be in my class? Is it considered a cohort?

We are looking forward to welcoming a diverse group of candidates from the private, public, and government sectors. Each class – or cohort – will consist of 30 – 50 students.

3. How many cohorts will there be?

There will be one cohort for each class cycle.The next cohort will begin in September 2019 and would be expected to graduate in December 2020. (The University of Chicago is on the quarter system, and the program takes four quarters to complete. EMP classes are not held during Summer term.)

You can request information or apply now for our next session, which will begin in Fall 2019.

4. What are the course times?

Classes will be held twice a week from 6:00 p.m – 8:50 p.m. during Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. (The University of Chicago is on a quarter system. EMP classes are not held during Summer term.) There will be one Saturday session per quarter.

5. Is this degree available for online courses?

As with any part-time degree program, we recommend that candidates give thought to their work-course balance. The courses in the Evening Master's Program are tailored to working professionals. You should plan to spend 10 hours outside of classes each week to meet, study, and engage as needed with students beyond your two classes.

6. What is the difference between this evening program and the one year Master of Arts in Public Policy?

The requirements of the part-time Evening Master's Program (EMP) are based on the full-time Master of Arts in Public Policy, but the program has been designed to be accessible and flexible for working professionals.

In contrast, the courses in the full-time MA are offered strictly during the day, and many of the students are enrolled in other degree programs at UChicago.

Our Degree Comparison page offers more detailed information.

7. What is the difference between the Evening Master's Program and the full-time Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree?

The Evening Master's Program (EMP) is designed for working professionals to complement an existing degree and/or work experience. It provides an understanding of public policy and policy analysis that is increasingly important for businesses and non-profit leaders and government officials to understand in order to advance in their career.

Those interested in the EMP are typically professionals seeking to understand or influence the impact of public policy on their organization. This includes emerging leaders in business, law, consulting, or government who want to gain a broader perspective on public policy as they take on more leadership responsibility as well as those in the social sphere who want the fundamental understanding of public policy, advocacy and data analytics to demonstrate the impact of their programs and influence policy or legislation.

In contrast, our Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree provides a deeper-dive in public policy over the course of two years that is focused on rigorous modeling and analysis. Students in the MPP program learn how to develop solutions to complex policy problems. Graduates of our MPP program go on to work as policymakers, managers, analysts, business and non-profit leaders in government, nonprofit and international organizations, consulting firms, and the private sector.

Our Degree Comparison page offers more detailed information.

8. Why is the GRE not required?

We value the work experience of the candidates for this program, and want to reduce barriers for working professionals who want to pursue a degree at the University of Chicago. Qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews after they submit their application as part of the review process.

9. What can I be doing to prepare for the mathematical components of the course?

There are no prerequisites for this program. Once you've accepted your admissions, you will receive math review materials and be asked to take a self-assessment exam. The results of the self-assessment exam will be used to customize the material to be covered in the Harris Math Pre-Core Program, ensuring that students receive math prep that meets your specific needs.

Similar to the orientation programs for our full-time students, the Harris Math Pre-Core Program is offered as a refresher class to help you prepare for the math component of the program. It will be offered prior to the beginning of your first term. Similar math prep classes will be held before the start of each term that will be tailored to the to the math needed during that term.

10. Will there be an orientation program for the Evening Master's Program?

Yes. Day One, our new student orientation program, will include an all-day orientation session and welcome reception as well as the Harris Math Pre-Core Program, which will serve as a refresher for the math components of the program. Details are available in the Admitted Students section under Orientation.

There will also be an Admitted Students' Day so that you can learn more about the program and get answers to any last minute questions. Details and timing are available under Admissions Events.

11. Can I attend this program if I require a student visa?

As a part-time program, this program does not qualify for student visas. The University is only able to sponsor full-time students in F-1 or J-1 status (when eligible).

12. What is the course load like outside of the classroom?

As with any part-time degree program, we recommend that candidates give thought to their work-course balance. The courses in the Evening Master's Program are tailored to working professionals. You should plan to spend 10 hours outside of classes each week to meet, study, and engage as needed with students beyond your two classes.

13. I’ve taken statistical courses or have an economic background. Can I opt out of certain courses?

While we are happy to hear that you are bringing a strong academic background to the program, currently students do not have the option to waive out of coursework.