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Through hands-on experiences, co-curricular programming, and a vibrant academic community, students engage deeply with the world’s hardest policy problems—inside and outside the classroom. From analytical training to applied practice, from rigorous workshops to global perspectives, Harris equips serious-minded leaders with the skills, experience, and insight to drive impact across sectors.
Develop the analytical foundation to tackle complex policy problems through a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum grounded in economics, statistics, political science, and organizational theory.
Core courses train you to cut through assumptions, follow the evidence, and model solutions that make a measurable impact.
Discover the Core
Turn theory into action through real-world opportunities such as Harris Policy Labs, internships, the Harris Policy Innovation Challenge, and applied practicum courses. These are designed to help you test your skills, expand your network, and drive meaningful impact in Chicago and around the world.
All full-time students fulfill a practical experience requirement that prepares them to lead with confidence, evidence, and purpose.
Learn more about Practical Experiences at Harris
Harris offers a wide range of competitive, merit-based scholarships and named fellowships, awarded to over two-thirds of incoming master’s students. These opportunities support students with outstanding academic potential, leadership experience, and a commitment to public impact across sectors and geographies.
From the Public Sector Scholarship to the University of Chicago Obama Foundation Scholars Program, Harris partners with alumni, donors, and foundations to reduce barriers to access and empower the next generation of policy leaders.
Learn more about our named fellowships, scholarships, and funding opportunities.
Deepen your expertise in a specific policy or analytical practice area by pursuing a specialization alongside your Harris degree.
These specializations build on the Harris Core, offering focused training in energy and environment, education, inequality, finance, and more. Most are housed within Harris research centers and guided by faculty experts. Students may pursue up to three specializations, though most choose one or two.
Learn how you can tailor your Harris degree to match your policy interests and professional goals.
Harris workshops are collaborative forums where students and faculty engage in rigorous dialogue about key policy topics, ranging from political economy to health, energy, and development.
Through presentations, debate, and informal gatherings, workshops offer a space to sharpen ideas, present research, and build lasting academic and professional connections.
Explore Harris-led and affiliate workshops to expand your perspective and community.