Prepare yourself for a research-oriented career involving the substantive and institutional aspects of public policy. The Ph.D. program at Harris Public Policy prepares students for careers in academia, industry, and government. It emphasizes a rigorous foundation in microeconomics, econometrics, and political economy, along with in-depth study of particular substantive areas associated with policy and policy-making. The program allows students to develop individualized and innovative courses of study in which they work closely with faculty members of the School and the University. Consistent with the highly quantitative and analytic nature of the Harris School's Ph.D. degree, Harris has categorized the degree under a code which is currently on the DHS STEM list. Students on F-1 visas who have earned a degree that has been designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a STEM degree may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT) so long as they meet all eligibility criteria at the time of application. Ph.D. Program Requirements Get information about the curriculum and academic requirements for the Ph.D. in Public Policy Program. If you have questions about the Harris degree requirements, email the Harris Dean of Students Office at harrisdeanofstudents@uchicago.edu. Policies on the results of not meeting these requirements can be found on the Harris policies page. Ph.D. Candidates on the Job Market Meet the Ph.D. program’s current job market candidates. Ph.D. Placements See where our graduates go on to make an impact. Ph.D. Workshop Engage with our students' research. Political Economy Prospective students interested in political economy may also consider the Ph.D. program in political economy, which is joint between the Harris School and the Department of Political Science. Program Details Key Contacts Director of Graduate Studies Steven Durlauf, Professor (sdurlauf@uchicago.edu) Durlauf's research spans many topics in microeconomics and macroeconomics. His most important substantive contributions involve the areas of poverty, inequality and economic growth. Much of his research has attempted to integrate sociological ideas into economic analysis. Associate Directors Yana Gallen, Assistant Professor (yana@uchicago.edu) Eyal Frank, Assistant Professor (eyalfrank@uchicago.edu) Dean of Students Kate Shannon Biddle (kbiddle@uchicago.edu) Harris Admissions Prospective students should contact Harris Admissions (harrisadmissions@uchicago.edu) and can learn more in an upcoming information session. Alumni profile "Here the Client is Truth" For Nancy Staudt, a Harris PhD was the key to deeper understanding of the law - and a great career move. Start making a difference today. Request Info Apply Now Recent News More news Incoming student profile: Anita Kirschenbaum, MPP/MBA Class of 2028 Thu., April 03, 2025 Harris Names 2025 Alumni Award Winners Wed., April 02, 2025 Q&A: Robert Kaestner Discusses the How and Why of Potential Medicaid Cuts Tue., April 01, 2025 Upcoming Events More events Policy Research and Innovation Bootcamp (PRIB) Information Session: Navigating Your On-Campus Experience Thu., April 03, 2025 | 7:30 PM Harris Campus Visit Wed., April 09, 2025 | 9:30 AM Harris Public Policy - Keller Center The University of Chicago 1307 E. 60th St Chicago, IL 60637 United States Harris Evening Master's Program Information Session Wed., April 09, 2025 | 12:00 PM