About Hybrid Learning at Duke Sanford

Compared to traditional programs, where students meet “face-to-face," or “online” programs, a hybrid program uses both formats. 

In a hybrid program:

1. Classes meet primarily online. Some classes are asynchronous, allowing you to work on material at your own pace, while others are synchronous, with a set weekly schedule.
2. The program has face-to-face elements. 

While many universities now offer “online” or “hybrid” degree programs, many of these programs simply allow students to join traditional campus-based classes remotely. By contrast, the Duke MPA combines in-person residencies with state-of-the-art online instruction, providing opportunities for networking and cohort development along with the flexibility of remote learning. Every course in our core curriculum has been custom-built for the program and includes both synchronous elements (in which all students meet remotely in real time) and asynchronous elements (which students complete on their own time).

Sanford’s Office of Digital Learning works with every instructor in the program to help them incorporate the latest advances in remote learning pedagogy into their courses. Our goal is to ensure the program meets Duke’s rigorous standards of academic excellence, while also meeting the needs of working professionals.

Following an initial residency period, your courses will continue online, combining synchronous elements (in which all students meet remotely in real-time) and asynchronous elements (which students complete on their own time). While the exact balance of synchronous and asynchronous elements will vary by course, all courses will meet Duke's rigorous standards for direct contact between instructors and students.

Sanford's hybrid programs are designed to meet the needs of working professionals, and they are also demanding programs designed to meet rigorous academic standards.

Students should be prepared for a significant time commitment (15-20 hours per week, on average) that will impact their other obligations. Students who intend to keep working while earning their degree are required to secure their employer’s support before enrolling.

Unlike some online programs, our custom-built hybrid curriculum includes significant “face-to-face” learning components. While this approach produces stronger cohort development and better learning outcomes, it also requires students to prepare for and participate in, regular class or small group meetings.

This program seeks to minimize the number of technical tools and platforms needed to participate. At a minimum, students must have a Windows or iOS computer with a working camera and microphone and a reliable internet connection. Most of your online coursework will occur via Canvas, Duke’s Learning Management System, which can be accessed via your web browser (Chrome is recommended). Some instructors may choose to use commonly available applications such as Zoom, Google Suite, or Slack for course activities. All students will be assigned a Duke ID and password through the university system and will have access to 24/7 technical support. Students must comply with all Duke University IT regulations.

We strive to create a true learning communities within each cohort of students. In-person residencies include networking and social activities in addition to course immersions, as well as opportunities to interact with Duke faculty, staff, and students both within and outside of Sanford.

Once courses move online, students will have the time and opportunity to continue to engage with their classmates both formally (e.g., during synchronous online discussions or asynchronous chats) and informally (e.g., unstructured time before/after class, during breaks, etc.). Students also will have an opportunity to work with their peers on group projects, communicate with their cohort via messaging platforms, and schedule virtual appointments for career services, academic advising, and other student services. 

All courses are offered on Duke’s Canvas Learning Management System, offering a familiar template across courses. Students will open a new module at the start of each week, and the requirements, readings, lectures, assignments, and live elements will be clearly defined, allowing you to complete the work at your own pace. Any materials for the course will either be preloaded in Canvas or purchased through an identified vendor.

Assessment methods also vary by course but will generally include a mix of written assignments, team-based projects, presentations, scenario-based exercises, and participation.

Our hybrid programs seek to make meaningful assignments which can be directly applicable to your professional practice or perhaps other interests related to your professional goals.  The plan of study is streamlined for busy and working professionals, balancing fundamentals and skills needed in the field with the flexibility to always connect with real-time world events.  The true variance of the program, however, comes within the classes where students will often get to choose what topic or environment, they will do their assignment on related to making connections to the foundations and frameworks taught in class.  Assignments will also work to be real-world based as well as connected to current events.  Assignments might include written papers and briefs, presentations, portfolio-style projects, collaborative projects, reflection papers, etc.  

All career, academic, and student support services remain fully accessible to hybrid students through virtual appointments and during on-campus residencies.