Admissions Blog

One of the unique features of the Data and Policy Summer Scholar (DPSS) Program is the opportunity to engage in hands-on policy research. The faculty-led Capstone Research Project is the culmination and highlight of the seven-week program. We spoke with Austin Wright, Assistant Professor and DPSS Faculty Director, to learn more about the capstone project.

Kerem Tasdan, MPP Class of 2026, shares a helpful, quick reference guide to using public transportation to explore Hyde Park and Chicago!

If you’re in Chicago and you let the cold weather keep you inside, you’ll be missing out on some of the most classic winter activities! Brave the outdoors and experience the thrill of a Midwestern winter by checking out these Chicago activities you can’t find anywhere else.

Martha MacLaren, MPP Class of 2025, shares how she got her internship with the Chicago Mayor's Office, and what she learned.

Evy Lanai, MPP Class of 2025, shares about her summer internship experience with the Commit Partnership, an education nonprofit in Dallas, Texas.

We are excited you are interested in participating in the Data and Policy Summer Scholar (DPSS) program! The program offers rigorous academics and robust co-curriculars in a virtual format. There are unique benefits and challenges of virtual learning, and we designed the program so that you will have an immersive academic training and community experience to fully explore the fields of data science and public policy.  

Our PhD deadline is December 5, 2024. We wanted to provide a roundup of resources you may find helpful, including information on both our PhD and MA in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods (MACRM) programs.

Harris’ main building, The Keller Center, is located at 1307 East 60th Street. This area is easily accessible through the 171 and 172 bus routes. Students can use these routes to not only access the Keller Center but also other important locations around the University of Chicago campus, such as the Regenstein library to study, the University of Chicago Bookstore to get swag, or one of the many local restaurants and attractions.

This year, the Data and Policy Summer Scholar (DPSS) program at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy has upgraded our program experience with two distinct tracks: Academic and Professional. Why? Because we know one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to education. In this blog, we chat with Shilin Liu, Executive Director of Partnerships and Credential Programs to learn more about this upgrade.

We frequently receive questions from eager students on how they can strengthen their application. We wanted to give you some tips on how you can make your application stand out—read more to get answers to frequently asked questions!

While it’s one of our favorite parts of the application reading experience, we know that writing essay components can be anxiety-inducing for applicants. As you start or continue your application, we hope you find this guidance on the motivational statement and essays helpful.

One of the most common topics applicants ask us about are the letters of recommendation. These letters are an important part of your application and provide the committee with helpful information and insight into your ability to be successful at Harris Public Policy. In this post, Senior Director of Student Recruitment Devon Reber Drehmer answers some of our most frequently asked questions.

Embarking on a full-time graduate degree is a big commitment. Harris Credential Programs can help prepare you for graduate school while you work or complete your undergraduate studies. We’ve shared three ways credentials can support your graduate study using the example of the Data and Policy Summer Scholar (DPSS) program.

Mario Venegas, MPP Class of 2025, writes about how he found community with other LatinX students on campus, and how they successfully organized the first Mexico Forum to discuss issues facing Mexico.

As you begin your application process you may be wondering which of our programs is the best fit for you. Check out our comparison chart and more information below.

We are pleased to share that our application for the class starting in fall 2025 is now open! We also wanted to share some information about GRE test requirements and waivers before you get started.

The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) are proud to announce a formal partnership to provide emerging leaders with a world class public policy education to tackle the most pressing global issues. This partnership advances the needs of students by providing CHCI alumni with minimum guaranteed scholarships if accepted to a Harris Master’s Degree Program and special consideration for discounts on non-degree Credential Programs. Harris is also committed to increasing education access for all by eliminating the application fee for full-time programs.

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.

Short-term programs at the University of Chicago, like the Harris Credential Programs, are an investment in your academic and professional career. The programs provide skills you can apply immediately, a global network of peers, and strengthen your resume for your next opportunity. Following are some tips to help you understand the financial planning needed for this investment in your future.

Curious about pursuing a career at the intersection of social impact and data analysis? Turn your passion for doing good into measurable impact with the Policy Research and Innovation Bootcamp (PRIB). PRIB is a two-week, in-person program, encompassing rigorous training in policy research methods, hands-on projects addressing real-world policy challenges, and unique opportunities for career exploration and leadership development. PRIB’s on-campus, in-person format allows you to engage and network with top policy scholars across interdisciplinary University of Chicago centers and institutes. Read more for six reasons why you should consider enrolling: