The PhD in Public Policy at Duke University enables students to collaborate with Duke’s top-rated faculty in public policy and with Duke’s departments of economics, political science and sociology, among others, all on the beautiful Duke campus.

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Public policy leader

The Sanford School is a national and international leader in the dynamic field of public policy studies, with numerous interdisciplinary centers exploring vital policy questions in the field and in the classroom. Members of our faculty are experts in fields ranging from aging, education, and the environment to international affairs, media and democracy, and welfare reform.

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Our students

Most of our students pursue doctoral-level public policy research with the goal of working in domestic and international public agencies, research organizations and policy consulting firms. Others seek academic positions in public policy, public administration and policy-oriented schools. They are united by their passion for public policy and their desire to have a positive impact on the world.

Depth

Duke’s PhD in Public Policy is distinguished by its truly interdisciplinary nature. The program offers a unique balance of depth in a discipline such as:

  • economics
  • political science
  • psychology
  • sociology

Focus

PhD students focus on a particular policy area such as social policy, global policy, health policy or environmental policy. They also interact with leading scholars and interdisciplinary centers at Duke such as:

Intimate

With just 6-8 students a year all PhD students get lots of individual faculty attention. In addition to working with Duke’s world-class faculties of public policy, economics, history, political science, psychology and sociology and psychology, PhD students interact with leading scholars from:

  • Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences
  • Duke’s Fuqua School of Business
  • Duke’s Law and Medical Schools.

Questions? Contact us

Browse our FAQ section, or contact PhD Program staff via email so we can help you.

FAQs
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Student Story: Travis Dauwalter

Travis Dauwalter PhD’22 earned a joint PhD in public policy and economics. He is now a consultant with Bain & Company. He says the work he did at Duke was important.  “My eyes are wide open to how public policy and business are intertwined," he says. "My training at Duke taught me to think about business problems through a unique lens and I’m looking forward to applying this knowledge in my professional career.” 

 

Read Travis's Story

Featured Video

Focus on Environment

Hear PhD candidate Gabriela Nagle Alverio talk about her experience at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University.

Featured Video

Research for a Better Society

Hear Ajenai Clemmons PhD ‘21 discuss her research project and passion for pursuing this work at the Sanford School.