Enhance your portfolio & strengthen your skills.

Whether you are preparing for graduate school or seeking professional advancement, the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy credential programs prepare you with tangible skills you can use immediately.

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Data & Policy Summer Scholar

Join the UChicago community and initiate your introduction to data analytics and coding in R programming. This flagship program offers a holistic and interactive learning environment and features a faculty-led research project.

  • Duration: 7 weeks
  • 2 Sessions (June & July starts)
  • Virtual Online

Application Closed

International Policy Action Lab

UChicago and Peking University offer a joint study of policy analysis and a faculty-led policy research project. Learn research skills you can apply in your current and future coursework and employment.

  • Duration: 5 weeks
  • July 18 - August 21, 2022
  • > Online Plus

Application Closed

Data Analytics Credential

Learn data analytics and coding in R programming. Working professionals and emerging graduate students develop tangible skills for academic and professional application.

  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • Feb 1 - March 29, 2022
  • Virtual Online

Application Closed

Persuasive Writing Credential

Cultivate a robust toolkit to write, revise, and refine persuasive policy stories tailored to your audience. Practice using evidence in your writing and develop a personalized portfolio in a highly interactive space.

  • Duration: 8 weeks
  • April 4 – May 27, 2022
  • Virtual Online

Application Closed

Municipal Finance

Develop the foundations of municipal finance with a focus on urban planning and economic development in the United States. Learn from top experts how to effectively apply financial analytics tools to make strategic decisions.

  • Duration: 5 days
  • February 14-18, 2022
  • Virtual Online
Harris students sitting together inside the Keller Center

Application Closed

Monetary Policy & International Finance

Strengthen your knowledge of monetary systems, central and commercial banks, and the implications of domestic and foreign policy on financial markets. Learn from top faculty and industry leaders.

  • Duration: 7 weeks
  • Feb 21 - April 9, 2022
  • > Online Plus

Application Closed

Leading Evidence-Based Decisions

Start asking the right questions and making more informed decisions. Experienced executives and organizational leaders learn how to make evidence-based decisions for their organization and advance their leadership skills.

  • Duration: 3 days
  • Dates coming soon
  • Virtual Online

Accelerate Your Path

Bridge gaps in your portfolio with a UChicago Credential

1-8 weeks in length, our programs provide you with tangible tools to apply immediately in your academic or professional space. Whether you are preparing for graduate school or seeking professional advancement, strengthen your portfolio with in-demand skills in data analytics, coding, persuasive writing, or current policy topics.

Our credential programs will enhance your skills in a part-time format, while offering the support and network of a full-time program. You’ll join a learning environment with interactive UChicago faculty discussions, collaborate with classmates, and practice the tools you learn in the classroom in applied exercises or research projects.

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Alumni across the globe

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Alumni rated the program beneficial for their academic and professional growth

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Alumni became graduate students at UChicago Harris

Jiuzhi Simon Zhang
Meet Our Alumni

Jiuzhi Simon Zhang

“The Data & Policy Summer Scholar program really enhanced my passion for public policy. I met some amazing faculty like Austin Wright, and worked with an incredible group of people in my cohort. And being able to tie in my mathematical background to policies I care about was a dream come true. It definitely solidified my decision to pursue my Master of Public Policy (MPP).”

Read Simon's story
Meet Our Alumni

Alexandra Garney

"The fact that Data & Policy Summer Scholar program was virtual allowed me to access the program in a way that I wouldn’t have if it meant putting a pause on my career, so I was really excited for this opportunity for professional development."

Read Alexandra's story
David Chrisinger
Hear From Faculty

David Chrisinger

“Since data cannot speak for itself, we’re here to help you craft stories based on persuasive evidence and rigorous data analysis to tell the policy stories that matters.”

Hear David's invitation
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Value of Credential Programs

What are credential programs? What are the benefits? How can I leverage this program for my professional path? Hear from Jenny Erickson, Senior Director of Enrollment Management and Marketing Strategy.

Read the blog post

Who Will Benefit

Credential programs add the most value if you are:

Considering a graduate degree or career in public policy or analysis.

Seeking a robust foundation in policy skills and topics.

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Building a global network with the UChicago community.

Take a step forward and accelerate your path.

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