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The Sanford School of Public Policy is a vibrant, dynamic community of thinkers and doers who are dedicated to leaving the world a better place.
Our two-year, professional Master of Public Policy (MPP) program offers students outstanding preparation for dynamic careers as analysts, leaders and managers at various levels of government, nonprofits and corporations – both domestically and internationally.
The Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) is a flexible interdisciplinary degree program focused on early to mid-career professionals who will dedicate their careers to policymaking and public service in developing countries. The program is run by the renowned Duke Sanford Center for International Development.
The four-semester, 16-course international Master of Environmental Policy (iMEP) is an international program that is designed to meet the growing global need for leaders who are versed in both Chinese and international environmental issues and policies. It is based at Duke Kunshan (China). Many students spend a semester at Duke's campus in Durham, NC and take classes at the Nicholas School of the Environment and the Sanford School of Public Policy.
The Master of National Security Policy program is a one-year program for those working in national security – government, military, defense or consulting – to help advance your career and skills. Achieve your ambitions in just one year while continuing to work. The program is for those currently working in national security who have at least seven years of work experience.
More information about the Master of National Security Policy program.
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. Most students pursue 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.
Executive education programs are for mid-career and senior-level professionals to enhance their skills on timely topics related to behavioral economics, cybersecurity leadership, corporate social responsibility and more. Open enrollment and custom programs for organizations are available.
Student Focus
Akiya Dillon
Akiya Dillon is taking a course on courthouse reporting at Sanford. She had a chance to meet with pioneering lawyer Bryan Stevenson, author of the bestselling book Just Mercy, as a part of her studies.
2022-2023
#WelcometoDukeSanford
Who comes to the Sanford School? What do they study, and what do they dream of doing?
Sanford Student Stories
Matthew Vining MPP'23
Tag along for a day in Matthew's life as a graduate student at Duke. Events include festivities from Duke University's Energy Week, a meeting and talk with energy expert and author Alice Hill who was on campus to give the 2022 Rubenstein lecture.
Key Themes

Energy & Environment

Health Policy

International development

Media & Democracy

national security & foreign Policy

Social Policy

Technology Policy
MPP Student Story
Tinae Bluitt came to graduate school after working in Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's office. “Working on the Hill is one of the reasons that led me back to graduate school," she says. "I want to work to change polices that are currently not based on data, and use research, human-centered design, and data-backed information to create positive change. I want to return to Washington more prepared to help change policies."