History of Harris

The University of Chicago's sixth professional school, Harris emerged in 1988 from an interdepartmental Committee on Public Policy Studies.  With its origins dating back to 1975, the committee envisioned an interdisciplinary master’s-level program that focused on the use of science and analysis to better understand public life and effect public policy change.

UChicago President Robert J. Zimmer has said that Harris "embodies many of the values that make the University of Chicago distinct." He continued:

 "The school’s interdisciplinary and data-driven approach to policy analysis reflects the University’s culture of rigorous inquiry, and faculty and student engagement with the City of Chicago and other urban centers demonstrates the impact of research on societal challenges in education, crime, energy, and other fields. These efforts draw scholars and practitioners to campus to exchange ideas and learn.”

Starting with just five PhD students and 36 master’s students, Harris today represents the second-largest master's degree program at the University of Chicago. We offer a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs ranging from our flagship Master's in Public Policy to innovative programs like our Master's in Computational Analysis and Public Policy, and more.

Guided by our exacting perspective, Harris is empowering a new generation of data-driven policy leaders, helping them turn their passion for doing good into positive social impact across all sectors. 

Part of University of Chicago Tradition

The University of Chicago, one of the world's preeminent research universities, is home to internationally renowned scholars, researchers, and intellectual pioneers. In the last century, the University produced nearly 90 Nobel laureates in fields of study that include medicine, economics, and physics—including six current faculty members.

Founded in 1890 with a gift from John D. Rockefeller, the University embodies the vision of its first president, William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in education who believed in the strengths of an institution that blends an American-style liberal arts college and a German-style graduate research institute.

Harper articulated his hope and vision for the University at the very first faculty meeting in 1892, saying, “The question before us is how to become one in spirit, not necessarily in opinion.”

UChicago fulfilled Harper’s dream, quickly becoming a national leader in higher education and research: an institution of scholars unafraid to cross boundaries, share ideas, and ask difficult questions.

Read More UChicago history

Dynamic Setting

Located in Chicago's Hyde Park community, the University of Chicago is just seven miles from the heart of the city on Lake Michigan's south shore. In addition to being the home of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, Hyde Park is known for its excellent bookstores, variety of restaurants and cultural events, and celebrated architectural landmarks, museums, and parks. From campus, you can easily access downtown Chicago and other city neighborhoods by car or public transportation.

Chicago is an education in itself. It is the birthplace of community organizing and a center of international finance and trade. It is also home to numerous national and international foundations, policy research centers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.

In the Loop, the heart of downtown Chicago, key decisions are made affecting the welfare and economic health of people worldwide. One of the world's great cities, with a world-renowned symphony and arts community, a spectacular waterfront, a rich architectural heritage, and an unparalleled selection of restaurants and vibrant neighborhood culture, Chicago is a dynamic training ground for public policy. It is a blend of big city and small town, tradition and innovation, history and progress. Chicago offers you endless options for discovery.

Harris Public Policy Timeline

1973

Six faculty members submit a memo, “Proposal for the Establishment of a Committee on Public Policy,” to University of Chicago President Edward Levi.

1975

UChicago forms the Committee on Public Policy Studies (CPPS), which boasts leading faculty from across the University.

1976

The committee, housed in Wieboldt Hall, develops a curriculum to equip public policy students with research skills and critical thinking.

1978

The committee receives a $300,000 grant from the Ford Foundation, and considers offering a doctoral program to holders of a master’s degree in policy.

1979

Five PhD students are admitted to the inaugural class of the new doctoral program in public policy. Thirty-six students enroll in the newly launched two-year master's program.

1985

As the committee reaches its tenth anniversary, a group of five University leaders forms to create a report on its future.

1986

The committee votes in favor of creating a public policy school. University of Chicago President Hanna Holborn Gray announces her support, and Irving B. Harris pledges $6.9 million.

1987

The Council of the University Senate unanimously recommends that the University establish a professional "Graduate School of Public Policy Studies." The University Board of Trustees votes in favor as well, and begins the search for a dean.

1988

The Graduate School of Public Policy Studies opens in the former American Bar Association building at 1155 East 60th Street.

Irving B. Harris helps found the Mentor Program, which brings students face-to-face with policy professionals.

1989

The University appoints Robert T. Michael the founding dean. Irving B. Harris raises his commitment to $10 million.

1990

The University names the Graduate School of Public Policy Studies the Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies in recognition of Mr. Harris' generosity and strong support.

1995

Harris Public Policy admits the first students to its new Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree program.

1996

Students found Chicago Policy Review, a journal which aims to bridge the gap between research and the real world.

1997

The Black Policy Forum (now Minorities in Public Policy Studies), an inaugural student organization, forms.

2000

The first students enroll in the Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy (MSESP) degree program.

2003

The McCormick Tribune Foundation gives a $5 million grant to Harris Public Policy to further its mission to develop excellence in urban and community leadership.

2005

The student group Women in Public Policy produces the first annual Harris Follies in January.

2011

Harris Public Policy appoints former US Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr. and former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley as Distinguished Senior Fellows.

2013

Former presidential advisor David Axelrod, AB'76, is appointed a Distinguished Senior Fellow.

The Irving Harris Foundation makes a $10 million challenge grant to spur increased philanthropic participation at Harris Public Policy.  

2014

Harris Public Policy celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Harris admits the first class of students to the new Master of Science in Computational Analysis and Public Policy (MSCAPP). 

Harris receives donations of $3 million from Daniel Levin, AB'50, JD'53, and Fay Hartog Levin, $12.5 million from University Trustee King Harris, and $20 million from University Trustee Dennis Keller, MBA'68. The funds will be used to build its new home, the Keller Center.

2015

The Pearson Family Foundation donates $100 million to Harris Public Policy to create The Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts and The Pearson Global Forum. The landmark gift is equal in size to the second-largest gift in the University’s history.

2016

Renovations begin on the facility at 1307 East 60th Street, the future Keller Center and home of Harris Public Policy. The renovated building, which will include adaptable spaces for hosting international conferences, lectures, and public events, is projected to open its doors in fall 2018.