Harris School of Public Policy Studies

Harris School of Public Policy Studies is a professional graduate school at the University of Chicago dedicated to education and research in public policy. Founded in the late 1980s, it emphasizes a data-driven, interdisciplinary approach to solving global challenges, rooted in the university's tradition of rigorous inquiry. The school offers master's and doctoral degrees, preparing leaders for careers in government, non-profits, and the private sector. Its faculty and alumni are influential in shaping policy debates and implementation worldwide.

History

The school was formally established in 1988, named in honor of Irving B. Harris, a noted philanthropist and longtime trustee of the University of Chicago. Its creation centralized and expanded upon the university's existing graduate programs in public policy, which had roots in earlier interdisciplinary efforts. Under its founding dean, Robert Michael, and subsequent leaders like Susan E. Mayer and James J. Heckman, the school grew in stature and size. A significant milestone was its move in 2015 to the newly constructed Keller Center, a state-of-the-art facility in Hyde Park, consolidating its operations and enhancing its community presence.

Academics

The school's academic philosophy is grounded in evidence-based policy, emphasizing quantitative analysis and microeconomics. Its flagship degree is the Master of Public Policy, which requires a core curriculum in statistics, econometrics, and political economy. The school also offers a Master of Arts in Public Policy, a Doctor of Philosophy in public policy, and several joint degree programs with other University of Chicago divisions, including the Booth School of Business and the Law School. Specialized concentrations include International Development, Environmental and Energy Policy, and Urban Policy.

Research centers and initiatives

Harris houses and collaborates with numerous interdisciplinary research centers. The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago is a premier hub for research on climate change and energy economics. The Center for Effective Government focuses on improving the efficiency of public institutions. Other key initiatives include the Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts and the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation. These centers often partner with institutions like the National Bureau of Economic Research and host major conferences such as the Annual E. B. Harris Lecture.

Notable faculty and alumni

The faculty includes leading scholars and practitioners such as Austan Goolsbee, former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, and Michele Gelfand, a renowned cultural psychology researcher. Nobel laureate James J. Heckman has been a seminal figure in the school's development. Distinguished alumni hold prominent positions globally, including David Axelrod, former senior advisor to President Barack Obama; Rahm Emanuel, former White House Chief of Staff and Mayor of Chicago; and Katherine Maher, former CEO of the Wikimedia Foundation. Many graduates lead major organizations like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Campus and facilities

The school is headquartered in the Keller Center, a modern building at 1307 East 60th Street in Hyde Park. The facility features the Winter Garden, a large atrium used for events, and the Hannah Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center. It contains advanced classrooms, collaborative workspaces, and dedicated labs for data analysis. The building's location places it near other university landmarks like the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts and the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, fostering interdisciplinary connections across the University of Chicago campus.

Category:University of Chicago Category:Public policy schools in the United States Category:Educational institutions established in 1988 Category:Graduate schools in Illinois