What public policy opportunities does the University of Chicago offer for undergraduates?

Yes, UChicago offers a strong set of public policy opportunities for undergraduates, even though the college does not have a traditional standalone undergraduate public policy major in the same way some schools do. The biggest anchors are the interdisciplinary Core and social science departments, and the university’s location in Chicago, which creates access to government, nonprofits, community organizations, and policy research. In practice, it is very possible to build a policy-focused path there whether you major in Economics, Political Science, Sociology, or something else.

UChicago is especially strong if you like the analytical side of policy, since Harris is known for quantitative and evidence-based approaches. A student majoring in something like Political Science or Economics can still choose policy-relevant coursework across departments.

Research access is another major strength. UChicago has a large policy ecosystem tied to faculty, urban research centers, and institutes working on education, health, crime, inequality, energy, and cities. Undergrads can often get involved as research assistants, especially if they build relationships with professors or apply through structured research programs. That matters because policy at UChicago tends to be connected to real datasets and live policy questions, not just classroom discussion.

For internships and applied work, being in Chicago helps a lot. Students pursue internships with city government, advocacy groups, think tanks, legal aid organizations, and nonprofits during the academic year as well as in the summer. There are also civic engagement and community-based opportunities through university centers and student organizations, so policy involvement is not limited to formal internships.

Clubs and programs add another layer. Students interested in public service, political discussion, debate, activism, urban issues, and policy competitions can usually find a niche. The Institute of Politics is especially important because it brings in practitioners, hosts events, supports student engagement, and helps connect undergraduates with political and policy networks.