Are you a working professional looking to continue your education and polish your skills? The Harris School of Public Policy offers both degree and non-degree opportunities for individuals ready to move their career forward—while continuing to work full time.

What programs are available for working professionals? 

  • Evening Master's Program—For those seeking to earn a degree to enhance their work and previous academic experience, this program enables you to earn a Master of Arts in Public Policy in just 15 months. Designed for professionals with roughly five years of experience, this program provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in rigorous policy analysis and strategic use of data. Classes are held two evenings per week in downtown Chicago and one Saturday per quarter in Hyde Park. Our small cohort model allows students to expand their professional networks and connect with our world-renowned faculty in meaningful ways.  EMP alumni gain access to the  broader UChicago network of people committed to making a difference in Chicago. 
  • Credential Programs—these are short-term, non-degree programs ranging from five to eight weeks in duration. Our programs are virtual, part-time, and offer a deep dive in topics such as data analytics, persuasive writing, and more. There are 1000+ alums around the world who have leveraged their Credential Program experience to either pursue graduate study or advance in their career.

Do I need to be working in the field of public policy to participate in these programs? 

Our part-time programs welcome students from many different academic and professional backgrounds. We invite you to review the program requirements and student and alumni profiles to learn more about the background for your program of interest. 

How can I leverage these programs in my professional path? 

  • UChicago Harris is a diverse learning environment. Your collaboration across academic disciplines, professional sectors, and global cultures will be a great asset for where you want to go next.
  • Showcase your transferable toolkit, including both hard and soft skills. Our programs enhance your ability to ask critical questions, analyze data, and communicate impact in any field. 
  • Those who complete part-time programs advance to the next step in their professional trajectory in private, public and non-profit organizations addressing topics such as immigration, environment, finance and more.

Request more information about the Evening Master's Program.
Request more information about Credential Programs.