Image
Advance your leadership and policy impact with the Sanford School’s Executive Education programs.
Our programs span a wide range of timely and highly relevant topics in policy, leadership, and applied analytics – including project appraisal, cybersecurity, tax analysis, and monitoring and evaluation. Grounded in Duke University’s commitment to evidence-based policy and practical leadership development, these programs equip professionals with tools they can apply immediately in their work. Participants learn from Duke faculty and engage with experienced practitioners and peers from government, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations.
Sanford offers both open-enrollment programs for individual professionals and customized training solutions for organizations worldwide. Explore our offerings below to find the program that best aligns with your professional goals. For custom training programs, please contact the Executive Education team.
ONLINE COURSES
Loading...
Behavioral Design Expert
The Behavioral Design Expert (BDE) certification equips professionals with practical tools and behavioral insights to improve how citizens experience and navigate public policy in a complex world. Combining theory with hands-on application, the certification includes two core courses - Behavioral Economics & Behavioral Science (BE&BS) and Human-Centered Design (HCD) - that address key stages of the program design process.
Loading...
Innovating with AI
October 19 - December 14, 2026
M | 9:00 - 11:30AM (Eastern)
Innovating with AI is a nine-week, hands-on program that helps professionals build confidence using AI to address real-world challenges. Participants bring a live work problem and learn to apply AI tools thoughtfully and responsibly through guided workshops, demos, and reflection. By the end of the course, you’ll design, test, and present practical, ethical AI-driven solutions you can use immediately.
Loading...
Behavioral Economics & Behavioral Science
May 25 - June 19, 2026
M,W,F | 9:00 - 11:30AM (Eastern)
Behavioral Economics & Behavioral Science (BE&BS) introduces behavioral economics as a practical framework for improving policy and program design. Designed for public and nonprofit professionals, this online course explores the latest research and equips participants with tools to apply behavioral insights to real-world challenges. Working alongside Duke faculty and peers, participants develop hands-on experience through an immersive, collaborative group project.
This course is part of the Behavioral Design Expert (BDE) Certificate.
Loading...
Human-Centered Design
September 14 - October 2, 2026
M,W,F | 9:00 - 11:30AM (Eastern)
The Human-Centered Design (HCD) program introduces professionals to the principles and practice of designing solutions around real human needs. In this online course, participants collaborate on hands-on case studies and applied projects, gaining practical tools they can use to develop effective, real-world solutions.
This course is part of the Behavioral Design Expert (BDE) Certificate.
Loading...
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
October 5 - 30, 2026
M,W,F | 9:00AM - 12:00PM (Eastern)
Effective monitoring and evaluation of programs remains both a challenge and priority in developing and emerging economies. The program on Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) helps participants learn the key steps and analytical tools to design and monitor programs and develop an analytical framework to evaluate their performance and outcomes. It is a key element for successful planning and implementation of programs in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, rural and urban development, and municipal services.
Loading...
Leading With: Community Engagement & Participatory Design
TBA
This three-week intensive course explores the theory and practice of community-engaged leadership in public service. Beginning with an assets-based framework, we will explore how to build and execute meaningful community engagement strategies for partnership development, program design, and participatory governance.
IN-PERSON COURSES
Loading...
Cybersecurity Leadership Program
June 5 – 6, 2026
In-Person
The Cybersecurity Leadership Program (CLP) equips board members and senior executives with the tools to oversee cyber risk, strengthen governance, and prepare their organizations for emerging threats. Drawing on expertise from Duke’s public policy, computer science, engineering, and law schools, the program combines strategic insight with real-world experience from faculty and practitioners who have led cybersecurity efforts at the highest levels of government and industry. Participants can also explore advanced training options through Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering, including the CISO Executive Certificate Program.
Loading...
Tax Policy for Practitioners
June 15 - July 17, 2026
Hybrid
Domestic revenue mobilization has gained renewed importance in the wake of economic uncertainty. The Tax Policy for Practitioners (TPP) hybrid intensive program equips professionals with the knowledge and tools to analyze tax policy issues and estimate domestic revenue in a rapidly changing global context. Designed for policymakers and practitioners, the course combines lectures, case studies, presentations, and hands-on exercises to build practical skills in revenue estimation and public finance. Duke faculty lead participants through the economic foundations of tax policy while highlighting current developments in taxation and domestic revenue mobilization.
Loading...
Project Appraisal and Risk Management
July 27 - August 14, 2026
In-Person
The three-week Project Appraisal and Risk Management (PARM) intensive program equips professionals with practical tools for financial, economic, stakeholder, and risk analysis. Through applied case studies, lectures, and group discussions, participants learn a flexible appraisal framework applicable to infrastructure investments, social programs, commercial enterprises, and utilities. The program also addresses cross-cutting issues such as environmental impacts, poverty reduction, and risk management, and includes a collaborative project focused on a sector of the participant’s choice.