Duke MIDP at a Glance
| Program Feature | Master of International Development Policy Program Details |
|---|---|
| Ideal candidate | Mid-career professionals with 5+ years of work experience (recent cohorts average ~9 years) |
| Cohort size | 20–30 students per fall, ~5 students per spring |
| Countries represented | 15+ per cohort |
| Format | Full-time, in-person, Durham, N.C. |
| Length | 12–18 months (Accelerated Pathway) or 2 years (Traditional Pathway) |
| Credits required | 30 (Accelerated Pathway) or 48 (Traditional Pathway) |
| Tuition and fees | $63,746 per academic year |
| Application deadlines | Spring: October 5 Fall priority: January 5 Fall final: June 5 |
| GRE/GMAT | Not required |
| Scholarships | Available; priority consideration for applications by the fall priority deadline |
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Duke's Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) is a top-ranked graduate program designed for mid-career professionals seeking to advance their impact in international development, public policy, government, nonprofit leadership, and social change. More than a degree, MIDP is a global community of experienced professionals who are committed to building stronger, more resilient communities around the world.
The program combines Duke's world-class resources, globally recognized faculty, and interdisciplinary approach to equip students with the analytical tools, professional network, and practical knowledge needed to lead change. Students can customize their degree to align with their career goals, choosing courses from the Sanford School of Public Policy as well as other renowned Duke schools, including the Fuqua School of Business, Duke Law School, and the Nicholas School of the Environment.
MIDP students bring significant professional experience and diverse perspectives from countries across the globe, creating a rich peer-learning environment where students learn from both faculty and one another. The program also offers personalized faculty mentorship, hands-on learning through internships and master's projects, and access to a global alumni network spanning more than 100 countries.
If you have at least five years of work experience and international development is your primary career focus, the Duke MIDP is typically the stronger fit. The program is purpose-built for professionals already working in the field and is organized around a globally diverse, mid-career cohort with deep development-sector experience. The Duke MPP also offers international development coursework and can be a strong choice for early-career students exploring the field, but it's a broader public policy degree not exclusively focused on international development.
| Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) | Master of Public Policy (MPP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Career stage | Mid-Career (5+ years experience) | Early-career |
| Fall cohort size | 20-30 students | 60-80 students |
| Spring cohort size | ~5 | n/a |
| Avg. work experience of students | ~9 years | 2-6 years |
| Ideal candidate | Professionals already working in international development who want to deepen their expertise with the flexibility to design their own course of study | Professionals early in their career who want a strong policy foundation with a development focus |
Graduates of Duke University’s Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) advance their careers across government, international organizations, multilateral institutions, nonprofit organizations, foundations, consulting firms, and the private sector. Duke MIDP alumni work in leadership, policy, program management, research, monitoring and evaluation, economic development, public finance, governance, education, health, and humanitarian assistance roles around the world.
Designed for experienced professionals, the MIDP program helps students strengthen their leadership and policy skills, expand their professional networks, and prepare for positions with greater responsibility and impact. Alumni have gone on to serve as senior government officials and leaders in international development organizations, foundations, and NGOs, including ministerial and other high-level public leadership roles in their home countries.
MIDP students also receive dedicated career support through Graduate Career Services and Professional Development, including individualized career coaching, networking support, internship guidance, resume and LinkedIn reviews, interview preparation, and professional development tailored to international development professionals.
MIDP students and alumni have worked with organizations including the World Bank, UNICEF, UNHCR, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Asian Development Bank, Oxfam, and U.S. Institute of Peace.
Duke MIDP’s global alumni network spans more than 100 countries, connecting graduates with international development professionals and leaders around the world.
Graduates of Duke University’s Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) work across government, international organizations, multilateral development institutions, nonprofit organizations, foundations, consulting firms, universities, and the private sector. Duke MIDP alumni work around the world in organizations focused on international development, public policy, economic development, humanitarian assistance, and social impact.
A sampling of organizations where MIDP students and alumni have worked include:
- World Bank Group
- International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- UNICEF
- UNHCR
- Asian Development Bank
- International Organization for Migration (IOM)
- Oxfam
- U.S. Institute of Peace
- National and local governments
- International NGOs and nonprofit organizations
- Foundations and philanthropic organizations
- Consulting firms and private-sector organizations
With an alumni network spanning more than 100 countries, Duke MIDP connects experienced professionals working across a wide range of international development sectors and organizations.
Curious about Duke Sanford's Career Services? Learn more in our admissions blog post.
Yes. Many Duke MIDP students choose to bring their family, including spouses, partners, and children, to Durham while completing the program. As a mid-career graduate program, MIDP welcomes professionals at different stages of life, including those with families.
Duke University and the Durham community offer resources that can help support students and their families, including family-friendly housing options, schools, childcare resources, healthcare services, and opportunities to connect with other international and graduate student families.
The MIDP community is particularly supportive of students with families. Many students build lasting friendships through social events, cultural celebrations, and informal gatherings, helping spouses and children feel connected and at home during their time at Duke.
International students planning to bring dependents should review current visa requirements and funding considerations and are encouraged to contact the admissions team with questions about planning for a family move to Durham.
Interested in learning what it's like to be both a parent and a graduate student? Check out our admissions blog post.
| Start Term | Deadline Type | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Priority | October 5 | Early application recommended |
| Fall | Priority | January 5 | Maximum scholarship consideration |
| Fall | Final | June 5 | Rolling; partial funding possible |
MIDP uses rolling admissions, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. Applicants typically receive an admissions decision within 3–6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
| Duke MIDP Application Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Statement of Purpose | 500-750 words; demonstrating commitment to working in development and a deep awareness of development issues. It should also reflect a thorough understanding of the MIDP program and how it will support your professional goals. Strong statements convey a clear narrative that reflects an applicant’s journey and goals. |
| Resume | Should clearly confirm an applicant has completed at least 5 years of professional work. Resume should include clear titles, organization, and dates. |
| Transcripts | Unofficial transcript confirming an applicant has completed at minimum the equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s degree. Applicants are required to submit transcripts from all institutions they previously enrolled in. |
| Three Letters of Recommendation | Quality letters of recommendation show that the writer knows you, your skill set, and your character. |
| English Proficiency Test | Required for applicants whose first language is not English.
* For TOEFL exams taken on or after January 1, 2026, the preferred minimum score is 4. Note: Students admitted to the program often have scores above the minimum. Eligible applicants may request an English proficiency test waiver here.
|
| Video Response | Prepare a short (two minutes maximum) video introducing yourself and answering the question, “What does development means to you?” Please feel free to be creative with this video. |
| $80 Application Fee | Eligible applicants can apply for an application fee waiver here (you must start an application first to submit this form). |
MIDP students come from diverse professional backgrounds, including government, nonprofit organizations, international organizations, education, healthcare, consulting, finance, business, engineering, technology, and the private sector. What matters most is that applicants demonstrate strong professional experience, leadership potential, and a commitment to creating positive impact in their organizations, communities, or fields of work.
The program is specifically designed for mid-career professionals with at least five years of work experience, and students benefit from learning alongside classmates who bring a broad range of perspectives, expertise, and experiences from around the world. Recent cohorts have averaged approximately nine years of professional experience.
Yes. Relevant internships may count toward the MIDP program's five-year professional work experience requirement, particularly if they involved substantive, professional responsibilities in fields such as international development, public policy, government, nonprofit management, international relations, or related sectors.
When reviewing internship experience, we consider factors such as the nature of the work, level of responsibility, duration of the internship, and the number of hours worked per week. Applicants should clearly outline their internship responsibilities and workload in their resume and application materials.
Applicants who are close to meeting the five-year professional experience requirement are welcome to email their resume for consideration and guidance on eligibility.
Decisions are usually released within a 3–6 week period. MIDP operates on rolling admissions and will review applications as they are submitted.
No. However, if you have taken the GRE and would like to submit your scores, please request that the official GRE scores be sent to the Duke Graduate School admissions office, institutional code 5156.
The most valuable recommendations come from the people who know your professional skills and analytical abilities and who can write specifically about them. We encourage you to submit at least one recommendation from someone who knows you well in your current position and can speak to your professional performance, such as a current supervisor or director. Also, people who have known your work in past positions are valuable recommenders. If you have recently been a student, a reference from a former professor who knows your academic work well is helpful.
Duke's Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) program requires at least five years of professional experience, preferably in a development-related field; this may incluce a combination of internships and professional work experience. Be sure to take at least one course in microeconomics and one in macroeconomics. The knowledge from these courses will give you a stronger foundation for our program.
Applicants who have at least one year's worth of relevant graduate-level coursework are eligible to apply to the accelerated track. Students must apply specifically to the accelerated pathway to be considered.
| MIDP Program Pathway | Course Credits | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | 48 credits | Two years |
| Accelerated | 30 credits | 12 or 18 months |
Duke MIDP offers two paths to the degree: a Traditional Pathway (48 credits, completed over two years) and an Accelerated Pathway (30 credits, completed in 12 or 18 months). Both pathways lead to the same Duke University Master of International Development Policy degree and require successful completion of the program's academic requirements.
The curriculum combines core courses, electives, and a capstone project to build skills in international development, public policy analysis, leadership, and program management. Students have flexibility to tailor their coursework to their professional interests, gaining practical, real-world experience through applied coursework along the way.
Yes, Duke University has inter-institutional agreements with North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. However, you cannot take more classes outside your home institution per semester than you are taking at Duke. For example, if you are taking two classes at Duke, then you may take up to two classes at another university. If you are taking one class at Duke, then you may take only one class at another university. Students work with their academic adviser to ensure that their course selections fulfill the credit requirements for the MIDP degree.
The program’s curriculum and course sequence require full-time, on-campus study. Part-time study may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Class times vary and classes are held throughout the day, with morning classes beginning at 8:30 a.m. and evening classes typically finishing by 7:00 p.m. Most classes are held Monday through Thursday.
MIDP students benefit from a comprehensive advising network throughout their time at Duke. Each student is assigned a faculty adviser who provides guidance on academic planning, course selection, and progress toward degree requirements. Students also receive support from program staff who can assist with registration, university resources, academic policies, and navigating the student experience.
In addition to academic advising, MIDP students have access to a dedicated career adviser from the Graduate Career Services team who specializes in supporting experienced international development professionals and mid-career leaders. Students receive individualized guidance on career strategy, leadership advancement, networking, job search preparation, and professional branding.
The total cost for Duke's Master of International Development Policy depends on which pathway is selected and how long you take to complete the program. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year (typically a 3-5% increase), so while we cannot provide an exact total cost of the program, we can help estimate this cost based on the current year's tuition and fees. The following information is based on a 4% tuition increase in 2027:
| MIDP Program Pathway | Estimated Total Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|
| Traditional (2 years) | $130,041 |
| Accelerated (18 months) | $96,893 |
| Accelerated (12 months) | $78,173* |
In addition to tuition, students should budget for university fees, health insurance (required; see Student Life section below), housing, and living expenses in Durham, North Carolina. Duke's Office of Financial Aid provides an estimated cost of attendance that includes these additional expenses.
Many MIDP students reduce their overall cost through funding assistance such as merit-based scholarships, employer sponsorship, and external fellowships (see "Are scholarships available for the Duke MIDP program?" and "Can my employer sponsor my degree?" below). Applications submitted before priority deadlines are guaranteed to be considered for maximum funding.
For the most current tuition and fee information, visit the Duke Sanford Tuition & Fees page.
*The Accelerated Pathway requires students to take summer courses, which may vary in number depending on how many courses a student decides to enroll in for the fall and spring semester.
Yes. Duke's MIDP program offers a range of scholarship opportunities for all students. Scholarship awards are based on factors such as academic achievement, professional experience, leadership potential, financial need, and the contributions an applicant can make to the MIDP community.
In addition to university-funded scholarships, many MIDP students receive support through external fellowships, government sponsorships, employer funding, and partner organizations, including programs such as Fulbright, Rotary Peace Fellowships, and other international scholarship initiatives.
Applications submitted before priority deadlines are guaranteed to be considered for maximum funding. Applications received after the priority deadline may still be eligible for partial scholarship consideration, subject to available funding.
Because scholarship opportunities and funding levels vary from year to year, prospective students are encouraged to review the current funding information on the MIDP website and contact the admissions team with questions about financing their degree.
For F-1 status, proof of funding is required for the first year of your degree program. For J-1 status, proof of funding is required for the full length of the degree program. You must also prove you have the additional funds required for family members to be issued dependent visa documents.
The table below displays the proof of minimum funding amounts required for an individual for the 26-27 academic year (nine months).
| Category | Required funding |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $63,746.00 |
| Books | $676.00 |
| Living Expenses | $21,500.00 |
| Total | $85,922.00 |
If a student is accompanied by a spouse or dependent, additional proof of funds will be required to account for minimum estimated living expenses:
For the 26-27 academic year (nine months):
| Category | Required funding |
|---|---|
| Spouse | $8,500.00 |
| Per Child | $6,323.00 |
Durham, North Carolina is home to Duke University and part of the renowned Research Triangle, a hub for innovation, research, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and public service. Many MIDP students appreciate Durham's combination of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to many major U.S. cities.
Students enjoy access to a vibrant food and arts scene, outdoor recreation, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a welcoming international community. Durham's location and proximity to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) also make it easy to connect with professional and personal networks across the United States and around the world.
Want to read firsthand experience from our graduate students living in Durham? Check out our admissions blog post.
Yes. Duke offers limited on-campus housing that MIDP students can apply for; however, most students live off-campus.
Duke's on-campus housing options include Lancaster Commons, a graduate student apartment community located within 2.6 miles from Duke's West Campus with a direct bus route offered. Lancaster Commons offers furnished apartments and convenient access to campus resources, making it a popular option for graduate students. Priority consideration is given to master's students who are new to Durham, NC, and demonstrate significant financial need.
Off campus in Durham, a wide range of apartments, town homes, and family-friendly housing options are available near Duke University. Durham offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many major U.S. cities and provides convenient access to campus, restaurants, parks, and cultural attractions.
International students have access to a variety of resources to support their transition to Duke University and life in Durham, North Carolina. After admission, students receive guidance on the visa process, required documentation, housing options, and preparing for arrival in the United States. Our Director of International Student and Academic Services also works extremely closely with students throughout their MIDP career.
Duke's international student support services provide resources related to immigration, orientation, cultural adjustment, taxes, healthcare, and other practical aspects of living and studying in the United States. In addition, MIDP students benefit from a welcoming and globally diverse community, with opportunities to connect with current students, alumni, faculty, and staff before arriving on campus.
Because MIDP attracts students from around the world, new students often find valuable peer support and advice from classmates who have previously navigated the relocation process themselves.
Duke University provides several transportation options for students, including campus buses that connect key locations across Duke's campuses, medical center, and other university facilities. Many students also use Durham's public bus system, which provides service throughout the city and to nearby destinations in the Research Triangle region.
In addition to public transportation, students often take advantage of walking and biking paths, ride-sharing services, and Duke's transportation programs. Many MIDP students find it possible to live near campus and access classes, grocery stores, restaurants, and other daily necessities without owning a car. However, owning a car can provide additional flexibility for exploring the region, including nearby Raleigh, Research Triangle Park, and destinations across North Carolina. Many students enjoy weekend trips to the state's beaches and mountains, both of which are accessible within a few hours of Durham.
Duke University requires all students to have health insurance coverage. International students studying on F-1 or J-1 visas are required to enroll in the Duke Student Medical Insurance Plan (SMIP). U.S. citizens and permanent residents may enroll in Duke's student health insurance plan or request a waiver by providing proof of comparable health insurance coverage.
For more information: https://students.duke.edu/wellness/studenthealth/insurance/
Have more questions?
Email us at midpinfo@duke.edu and join the prospective MIDP student email list to receive program information and updates.