History of the Harris School
As one of six professional schools at the University of Chicago, the Harris School of Public Policy Studies is part of a world-class intellectual community that continues the University's tradition of scholarship intended to address real world problems. Established in 1988, the Harris School emerged from an interdepartmental Committee on Public Policy Studies. Influential founding supporters include educational sociologist James Coleman, urban sociologist William Julius Wilson, and the 2000 Nobel laureate economist James Heckman. From its inception, the Harris School has sought to enhance the University's role in shaping and understanding public life by conducting policy relevant research and preparing talented individuals to become leaders and agents of social change.
The University of Chicago Tradition
The University of Chicago is one of the world's preeminent research universities. It is home to internationally renowned scholars, researchers, and intellectual pioneers. In the last century, the University produced more than 80 Nobel laureates in fields of study that include medicine, economics and physics. Founded in 1890 with a gift from John D. Rockefeller, the University embodies the vision of its first president, William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in education who believed in the strengths of an institution that blends an American-style liberal arts college and a German-style graduate research program. Following that model, the University of Chicago has for more than a century been recognized as a place where great minds gather and put knowledge to work for the common good. The University's motto, crescat scientia, vita excolatur (let knowledge increase so that life may be enriched) remains at the heart of its mission.
A Dynamic Setting
As part of the University of Chicago, the Harris School fosters a spirit of cooperation and interdisciplinary collaboration within a world-class center of education, innovation, and research. Students are welcome to take classes and attend lectures and events from other schools on campus. This is a place where students, faculty, public policy professionals and others gather to address societal concerns.
It is also a place to live. Located in Chicago's Hyde Park community, the Harris School and the University of Chicago are just seven miles from the heart of the city on Lake Michigan's south shore. In addition to being the home of Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, Hyde Park is known for its excellent bookstores, its variety of restaurants and cultural events, and for its celebrated architectural landmarks, museums and parks. Downtown Chicago and other city neighborhoods are easily accessible from campus by car or by public transportation.
Chicago is an education in itself. It is the birthplace of community organizing. It is a center of international finance and trade. It is also home to numerous national and international foundations, policy research centers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. In the Loop, the heart of downtown Chicago, key decisions are made affecting the welfare and economic health of people worldwide. One of the world's great cities, with a world-renowned symphony and arts community, a spectacular waterfront, a rich architectural heritage, and an unparalleled selection of restaurants and vibrant neighborhood culture, Chicago is a dynamic training ground for public policy. It is a blend of big city and small town, tradition and innovation, history and progress. Chicago offers endless options for discovery.
Contact Information
HarrisSchool@uchicago.edu
773-702-8400
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