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The Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University is one of the nation’s leading public policy schools. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Sanford prepares students to analyze complex problems, develop innovative policy solutions and improve lives through public service.
Who is the Sanford School of Public Policy?
Duke University’s Sanford School is a community of scholars, students, practitioners and alumni committed to addressing pressing public policy challenges. Sanford combines rigorous policy analysis with a strong tradition of leadership, civic engagement and service.
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Our Mission
To improve lives and communities by researching the most pressing public policy issues and preparing students for lives of leadership, civic engagement and public service.
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Our Purpose
To produce knowledge and leadership for the next generation of policy challenges.
What is Duke Sanford known for?
Duke Sanford’s strengths include public policy analysis, professional development — especially internship placement — and leadership training. The school is especially known for expertise in:
- Child and Family Policy
- Energy & Environment Policy
- International Development Policy
- Media and Democracy
- National Security Policy
The school is also recognized for nationally for excellence in social policy, health policy and tech policy. Duke Sanford offers undergraduate, master’s and doctoral education in public policy, public affairs, national security policy, and international development policy. Students learn from distinguished faculty and practitioners, collaborate across disciplines, and apply their knowledge through research, internships and experiential learning.
What public policy degrees does Duke Sanford offer?
Duke Sanford offers undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs for students pursuing careers in local, state and federal government, nonprofit organizations, international institutions, research, advocacy and the private sector.
Degrees include:
- Bachelor's degree in Public Policy (PPS)
- Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- Master of International Development Policy (MIDP)
- Master of National Security Policy (MNSP)
- Master of Public Affairs (MPA)
- PhD in Public Policy
- International Master of Environmental Policy (iMEP), in partnership with Duke Kunshan University and Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment
- PhD University Program in Environment Policy (UPEP), in partnership with Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment
Sanford’s programs emphasize analytical skills, career readiness, interdisciplinary learning, practical experience, and leadership in public service.
Duke Sanford by the Numbers
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100+ Faculty
Sanford faculty conduct research on consequential public policy issues and prepare students for leadership, civic engagement and public service.
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10,000+ Alumni
Sanford alumni work across sectors and around the world. They are also part of Duke University’s global alumni network.
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About 700 Students
Sanford students combine care and service with rigorous policy analysis. They learn from faculty experts, from one another and through internships, research and hands-on policy experiences
When was Duke Sanford founded?
Duke’s public policy program was founded in 1971 by Terry Sanford as the Institute of Policy Sciences and Public Affairs. Terry Sanford served as president of Duke University, governor of North Carolina and a U.S. senator.
One of the nation’s oldest and largest public policy programs, the institute became the Sanford School of Public Policy in 2009. Terry Sanford’s belief in using knowledge and leadership to improve society continues to shape the school’s mission.
Read about the Sanford School's history.
Who is the dean of Duke Sanford?
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JR DeShazo became dean of the Sanford School of Public Policy on July 1, 2026. He previously served as dean of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.
An environmental economist and public policy scholar, DeShazo studies climate adaptation and the design of regulatory agencies. He has advised organizations including the World Bank, the United Nations, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.