The Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago offers a rigorous Ph.D. program designed for individuals pursuing research-oriented careers. This program equips students with the necessary skills to design and conduct policy-relevant research while fostering innovative and individualized study paths.

Timeline

Degree Requirements 

The first two years of the program are dedicated to intensive coursework, laying the foundation for a successful research career in public policy studies. During this time, all Ph.D. students are required to demonstrate proficiency in the program’s core subject areas of econometrics and economic theory. Mastery of these disciplines is essential for conducting robust, data-driven research and contributing valuable insights to the field of public policy.

Students work closely with faculty members from both the School and the broader University of Chicago community. Within this collaborative environment, students tailor their academic journeys by selecting from a range of Areas of Focus (AOFs). These areas provide structured guidance, ensuring that students are well-prepared to engage in academic, governmental, and private-sector job markets upon completion of their degree.

All students beginning the doctoral program, who have not completed prior graduate coursework relevant to public policy studies, must complete a minimum of 8 courses in the first year and 6 courses in the second year, all for quality grades. Please see the sample first year schedule below. 

The degree requires students to complete 1800 hours in traditional coursework, 300 hours in PhD workshop (PPHA 50200), and earn a cumulative GPA of 2.7, in addition to their research and teaching obligations. 

Waiving Degree Requirements 

In addition to the University’s requirements, the Harris School has its own requirements for coursework. All students beginning the doctoral program, who have not completed prior graduate coursework relevant to public policy studies, must complete a minimum of 8 courses in the first year and 6 courses in the second year, all for quality grades.

Students who enter the Harris School doctoral program with Ph.D. level coursework from another university or department may petition for a waiver for certain coursework. Waiver requests need to be submitted two weeks before the start of the term in which the class is offered. Those who enter with a master’s degree and wish to reduce the number of required courses need to submit a written petition no later than the end of their first quarter in residence. Having earned prior master’s degree in a relevant field does not automatically entitle a student to waive part of the course requirements of the Harris School.

Petitions to waive courses in the Harris School’s Ph.D. program must be first presented to the Program Director for approval. This petition must indicate the courses to be waived, and include documentation of how the material in the prior program meets the doctoral training requirements of the Ph.D. program in terms of both the breadth of the material covered in the courses being replaced, the depth of the material covered (theory, methods, or substantive material), and a demonstration that the student has performed adequately for a Ph.D. student. If the Program Director approves of the content of the petition, it is then reviewed by the DGS.

Faculty Advisors

At the beginning of the student’s first year, the DGS will assign a first-year faculty advisor to each student. Each student should outline a tentative plan for advanced coursework appropriate for his or her research objectives with this advisor. Any student who wishes to be reassigned to a different faculty advisor should contact the DGS.