Professional Option: Public Policy Studies

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The Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies offers a program to undergraduate students interested in early completion of an advanced professional degree. Students must submit applications to the Office of Admissions, Harris School, in Autumn Quarter of their third year.

To be eligible, students must have completed 33 credits (of the 42 required for an undergraduate degree) by the end of their third year. Completed credit must include:

• all 15 general education courses;
• one-half of the requirements for a College major;
• and one-half of the required number of electives.

At the end of their fourth year, having completed the first-year program of at least nine courses in the professional school, the student is awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Option: Public Policy Studies. Because students pursuing a professional option program do not complete the requirements for a College major, they are not eligible for departmental honors upon receiving their BA degree.

Before beginning the application process with the Harris School for this professional option program, students must meet with Ron Gorny, the BA/MA adviser. Students should make this appointment early in their second year so that all College requirements can be met. For an appointment, call the College Advisers Reception Desk at 702.8615.