When it comes to changing hearts and minds, data isn't always enough: storytelling is essential.
Our six-week Persuasive Writing Credential program equips you with the skills to craft evidence-based policy stories that drive meaningful action. Interactive lectures and case studies help you build a toolkit for tailoring persuasive narratives to your audience's needs.
Subjects |
Persuasive Writing, Policy Writing |
Level |
All levels welcome with adaptable content and customized feedback |
Duration |
Six (6) weeks, approximately 6-9 hours per week |
Dates |
July 14 - August 22, 2025 |
Cost |
$1,800 with various discount types |
Format |
100% Online with synchronous teaching |
Executive Director and Writing Director in the Academic and Student Affairs office, where he leads the Harris Writing Program and the Persuasive Writing Credential Program.
“The biggest strength of the Persuasive Writing Credential was its approach—taking data-driven solutions and presenting them in a way that could affect policy. It was about taking numbers with no personality and making them accessible to people’s sensibilities."
PWC'21, MPP'24
“Even though I don’t explicitly have a background in public policy, I felt so well-guided that it didn’t even matter. David Chrisinger often provided example texts so we could not only get a sense of the policy question but also of how to structure the specific type of writing piece we were working on.”
PWC'21
“I’ll be using a policy brief I wrote as part of my PWC work for graduate school admissions. And because I pursued both of these credentials, the effect is two-pronged: not only can I analyze and understand data, but I can write effectively about these issues as well.”
PWC/DAC'21
Answering the Three Types of Policy Research Questions
Meeting the Unique Needs of Your Reader
Leveraging the Four Elements of a Persuasive Policy Recommendation
Mastering the Five Essentials of Policy Narratives
Crafting Coherent Paragraphs & Clear and Concise Sentences
Telling a Personal Story to Build Solidarity & Advocate for Change
Build a writing portfolio showcasing persuasive, evidence-based storytelling. Create high-value pieces like policy briefs, memos, op-eds, grant proposals, and personal statements through case studies, lectures, peer groups, and coaching. Use your portfolio to pitch, publish, demonstrate academic readiness for grad school, and apply for public policy or consulting roles.
Monday & Wednesday Evenings | |
Week One |
Answering the Three Types of Policy Questions |
Week Two |
Meeting the Unique Needs of Your Reader |
Week Three |
Four Elements of a Persuasive Policy Recommendation |
Week Four |
Mastering the Five Essentials of Policy Narratives |
Week Five |
Crafting Coherent Paragraphs & Clear Sentences |
Week Six |
Making More Valuable Policy Recommendations |
Week Seven |
Finals Week |
David Chrisinger is the Executive Director and Writing Director of the Writing Program and Lecturer at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. He is also the author of Public Policy Writing That Matters, a book for analysts, advocates, and policymakers who are passionate about using writing to effect real and lasting change.
Faculty Profile
“The most important reason to do a persuasive writing credential here at the Harris School is because it'll give you the tools that you need to be successful, regardless of what situation you find yourself in. Whether you're applying for graduate school, you're trying to pivot in your career, or you want to make an impact in public policy.”
You can anticipate a commitment of approximately 6-9 hours per week. This weekly estimate is based on three hours of live lecture, two hours for assignments, and two hours of live office hours with faculty, teaching assistants and peer group review.
The lectures are 100% virtual with synchronous, interactive sessions conducted via Zoom. You can expect active engagement with faculty and peers each session. The virtual program allows you to engage with the class from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
The lecture hours for the 2025 Persuasive Writing Credential will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30–8:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (UTC-5).
Participants will receive two documents, issued electronically, upon successful completion of the credential program:
Participants will receive a Certification of Completion, issued electronically, upon successful completion of the credential program. The Certification of Completion will include the grade earned. The certification can be shared in future job applications, graduate school applications, or on professional platforms such as LinkedIn.
Upon program completion, you'll receive an invitation to join the UChicago Harris Credential Alumni LinkedIn group. This provides a platform for ongoing connection with your cohort and the wider Harris Credential community, where you can stay updated on news and receive our quarterly alumni newsletter.
The program fee is $1,800. We are excited to offer partial discounts to early action applicants, UChicago community members or group-registered applicants. In addition, we encourage applicants to explore funding sources from your academic institution, employer, or external scholarships.
Audience |
Program Fee |
General Applicant |
$1,800 |
Early Action Applicant |
$1,500 |
Current UChicago students, staff or alumni |
$1,000 |
Organizational Sponsorship for 3+ Applicants |
Contact us at harriscredential@uchicago.edu to discuss group rates |
If enrolling in two or more credential programs during the same cycle |
Receive an additional 10% discount on the program fees (After the initial discounts and scholarships) |
Once being admitted, participants will secure the seat by submitting a $500 USD enrollment deposit, which is non-refundable and applies toward your total program fee. The remaining program fee balance will be paid before the program starts. Detailed payment instructions will be provided to admitted participants via email.
Open to undergraduate and graduate students, recent grads, and professionals worldwide, our program caters to learners of all levels. No prerequisites are necessary, making it accessible to individuals from diverse academic backgrounds. To enroll, you should be at least 18 years old and have completed one year of full-time undergraduate study. A stable internet connection and English proficiency are essential for success in this program. We welcome applicants across all walks of life including undergraduates, graduates, recent grads, and professionals worldwide to join our program. The online application is free and convenient to complete.
|
Application Deadline |
Notification |
Reply Deadline |
Early Action |
November 12, 2024 |
Late November |
December 9, 2024 |
Round 1 |
January 14, 2025 |
Late January |
February 10, 2025 |
Round 2 |
February 11, 2025 |
Late February |
March 10, 2025 |
Round 3 |
April 8, 2025 |
Mid April |
May 5, 2025 |
Round 4 |
May 6, 2025 |
Mid May |
May 26, 2025 |
If the participant decides to cancel their Program enrollment, the participant must submit a request in writing at least 30 days prior to the program start date to harriscredential@uchicago.edu to receive the paid amount less the non-refundable enrollment deposit. Requests received 14 to 30 days before the Program start date are subject to a payment of 50% of the Program fee. Requests received within 14 days of the Program start date are subject to full payment of the Program fee. If the participant is unable to join the Program due to circumstances that the participant has no control or influence over, the refund amount will be considered on an individual case-by-case basis.
Absolutely! The PWC program for 2023 is tailored to suit the needs of working professionals, particularly those with busy schedules. With an average age cohort of 33, this program is well-suited for individuals at this stage in their careers.
Moreover, being an online program, its schedule is synchronized with Chicago time, making it convenient for participants from various locations.
There are three major assignments structured to build on one another, and students have autonomy to select their topics. Plus, you will receive tailored feedback from your peer review group and the teaching team.
Absolutely! PWC equips students with the skills, exercises, and feedback necessary for future publication submissions. Notably, several students from our 2021 cohort successfully published pieces they began in PWC, with examples featured in the Chicago Policy Review:
While there are no scholarships available for the program, PWC offers various discounts to eligible applicants.
Applicants who apply by the Early Action deadline receive a $300 discount on the program fee.
For employer partners or workplace groups interested in a group discount, please contact us at harriscredential@uchicago.edu for further details.
For more financial tips, please read the blog "Financial Planning for Credential Programs".
Absolutely! As previously stated, David Chrisinger heads our Harris Writing Workshop, where he has established a webpage highlighting crucial advice, suggestions, and tips for effective policy writing provided by his team. Be sure to explore further at: https://writingworkshop.harris.uchicago.edu/