Program Overview

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Introduction to the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy

The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy blends its legacy of evidence-based policy research and analytical tools with a real-world inquiry of current topics that challenge today’s leaders.

The Harris Evening Master's Program

The part-time Evening Master’s Program (EMP) is an ideal fit for mid-career professionals from all industries, including nonprofits, law, education, consulting, healthcare, and more. We provide a deep understanding of policy fundamentals and a strong foundation in analytical tools that will augment your current skill set, helping you become a more informed leader and decision-maker.

Program Details

• Schedule and timing: two evening classes per week, one Saturday per quarter, with a September start date.
• Learning format: tight-knit cohort model of Chicago mid-career peer leaders, led by world-class UChicago faculty.
• Speed to degree: entire program takes four quarters (15 months) to complete.
• Applications are reviewed for both admissions decisions and scholarships.
• NO GRE/GMAT or other test score required to apply.

Academics

The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy offers various degree programs, including:

• Master of Public Policy (MPP)
• MS in Climate and Energy Policy (MSCEP)
• MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy
• Evening Master's Program (Part-time MA)
• MA in Public Policy
• MA in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods
• PhD
• Joint Degree Programs

Design Your Path

• Chicago Principles, Policies, and Perspectives
• Core Curriculum
• Practical Experience
• Specializations
• University of Chicago Obama Foundation Scholars
• Workshops

Admissions

• Applying to Harris
  • International Students
  • FAQ
  • Admissions Resources
  • Harris Scholars Program
• Meet with Harris
  • Admissions Events
  • Connect with Our Students
  • Masterclass Series
  • Meet Our Staff
  • Schedule a Visit
• Financing Your Degree
  • Public Sector Scholarship
  • Loans & Work-Study
  • Third-Party Funding
  • Tuition & Expenses

Student Life

• What to Expect
  • From Orientation to Graduation
  • Connect with Your Community
• Student Engagement & Belonging
  • City of Chicago
  • Meet the Student Engagement & Belonging Team
  • Mentor Program
  • Our Campus Community
  • Student Organizations
• Dean of Students Office
  • Academic Advising
  • Harris Writing Workshop
  • Academic Support Programs
  • Meet the Dean of Students Office
  • Student Emergency Resources
  • Policies

Career Development

• Careers in Courses
  • International Development
  • Municipal Finance
• Internship Program
• Career Outcomes
  • EMP Outcomes
  • Internship Outcomes
  • MSCAPP Outcomes
  • Overall Outcomes
  • Where Students Work
  • Archive
• Employers
  • Ready to Hire Harris?
  • Our Offer Policy
  • PhDs on the Job Market

Research & Impact

• Centers & Institutes
  • Center for Economic Policy
  • Center for Effective Government
  • Center for Health Policy
  • Center for Human Potential and Public Policy (CHPPP)
  • Center for Impact Sciences
  • Center for Municipal Finance
  • Center for Survey Methodology
  • Center for the Economics of Human Development
  • Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC)
  • International Innovation Corps
  • Stone Center for Research on Wealth Inequality and Mobility
  • The Pearson Institute
  • Urban Labs
  • Affiliated Centers
• Faculty Impact
  • Nobel Prize Winning Faculty
  • Faculty Directory
  • Expert Guide
• Initiatives & Partnerships
  • Cyber Policy Initiative
  • Technology and Society Initiative

News & Events

• News
  • News
  • Profile
  • Research
  • In the News
  • Admissions Blog
• Events
  • Academic Conferences
  • Admissions Events
  • Alumni Events
  • Student Events
  • Special Events
  • Visiting Speakers
  • Past Events
• Podcasts
  • Not Another Politics Podcast
  • The Inequality Podcast
  • Public Money Pod
  • Battle of the Branches
  • UChicago Public Policy Podcast Network
  • Shocked
• Newsletters
  • Not Another Politics Newsletter
  • Pointed: Policy Research Newsletter
  • Public Money Policy Newsletter

Application Deadlines

• Interim targeted application deadline: Friday, December 5, 2025
• Final deadline: Tuesday, June 16, 2026