Program Overview
PhD Program Overview
The Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago offers a rigorous PhD 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.
Program Structure
The PhD program is administered by the Director of Graduate Studies, who chairs the faculty PhD committee. The committee is available to advise PhD students concerning their course of study and research interests and to assist them in completing the program.
Timeline
- Year 1: Complete core course requirements
- Year 2: Complete Area of Focus requirements and qualifying paper
- Year 3: Begin dissertation research and form dissertation committee
- Year 4: Present dissertation proposal
- Year 5: Defend dissertation
- Year 6: Optional (see policies on 6th year)
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 PhD students are required to demonstrate proficiency in the program’s core subject areas of econometrics and economic theory.
Waiving Degree Requirements
Students who enter the Harris School doctoral program with PhD-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.
Areas of Focus
Each PhD student will choose from a list of Areas of Focus (AOFs). These areas play several roles in structuring the curriculum, all of which are designed to better guide students through their preparation for the various job markets.
Current AOFs
- Economic and Social Policy
- Energy and Environment
- Health Policy
- International Policy and Development
Comprehensive Exams & Qualifying Papers
PhD students must pass a qualifying exam, as specified by their Area of Focus, by the end of the summer of their first year of study. This might be a GPA minimum in specified courses, a written exam, or some other assessment as determined by faculty in the Area.
Qualifying Paper
PhD students must complete the qualifying paper requirement according to guidelines prescribed by the PhD committee and must present the paper in an appropriate University of Chicago forum.
Thesis and Candidacy
By year three of the program, students are expected to be conducting research and writing their dissertations, presenting preliminary drafts of their dissertation work, and regularly attending at least two workshops.
Dissertation Committee
A PhD dissertation committee of three or four current or emeritus faculty members from the University of Chicago, with academic interests related to those of the student, will guide and judge the student’s dissertation research.
Dissertation Proposal
After successful completion of the courses and the qualifying paper, a proposal for the dissertation must be defended publicly before the student’s PhD dissertation committee and other interested parties in the University.
Dissertation and Graduation
Dissertation research for a degree in Public Policy Studies may appropriately be conducted in a library, archive, research center, or other thesis-specific research site in or outside of Chicago.
Dissertation Defense
The dissertation defense is a public meeting of faculty and students, directed by the chair of the dissertation committee.
Financial Aid
The Harris School provides financial support for its PhD students in the form of tuition fellowships and fellowship stipends.
Sixth Year Funding
Harris PhD students are guaranteed six years of funding (23 quarters), provided they fulfill the sixth year funding requirements.
External Funding
Effective October 2024, students who receive an external fellowship are required to notify the Harris PhD Program Director.
Teaching Expectations
Harris PhD students have an academic requirement to serve as a TA for two courses per year in Years 2, 3, and 4, for a total of six Harris courses.
PhD Workshop
All PhD students beyond the first year are required to regularly attend and participate in the PhD workshop.
Degree Progress & Enrollment Limits
Harris PhD students who enter in autumn 2025 or later are limited to six years (23 quarters) of enrollment.
Leave of Absence
Leaves of absence can be requested by and granted to students in the PhD program subject to the conditions and procedures described below.
Types of Leave
- A student who has completed three or fewer years in this status may apply to the DGS and the Program Director for a leave of absence of up to four academic quarters.
- A student may apply for a leave of absence only if temporarily incapacitated by major illness or injury.
- A student who becomes a parent during his or her doctoral program may request a one-quarter Parental Relief Leave of Absence to care for the new child.
Policies
Harris PhD students are subject to Harris academic policies and standards and student life policies and standards.
Disciplinary Procedures
The disciplinary committee of the Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies operates as part of the University’s disciplinary system.
Grievance Procedures
All University faculty, instructors, academic appointees, and student support staff are responsible for creating a learning environment in which every student has the opportunity to learn and to maximize their potential.