Is Public Policy Right for Me?
Choosing a major is an important decision. Fortunately, Duke University offers extensive resources to guide you. Even before you arrive on campus, you can start charting your path with the people and resources at the Duke Academic Advising Center. Students must declare a major by the beginning of spring break in their sophomore year.
When considering the public policy major, think about what you hope to accomplish in life. Then work backwards to see what types of courses and experiences will prepare you for this. What will you value most? What will you be remembered for?
Fundamental Problem-solving
"There is a public policy application for every discipline at Duke and for every one of the challenges we face in this world. Public policy is pivotal for understanding what the core issues are and the analysis needed to develop and activate adequate solutions. Public policy is even more relevant today – in fact, it is mission critical right now."
- Lori Cashman, PPS’94, co-founder of venture capital firm Victress Capital
CONSIDER WHAT PUBLIC POLICY ALUMNI SAY
The original graduating class of Public Policy Studies (PPS) undergraduate majors in 1974 had four students. From that start the department has graduated more than 3,500 undergraduate majors.
Here’s what some of our alumni have said:
- They enjoyed the interdisciplinary nature of the major
- They liked the freedom to construct their own course of study
- They continue to use analytical tools taught in Introduction to Policy Analysis (PPS 155), including decision analysis and negotiation tactics
- Learning to write a concise memo is a valuable skill for almost any pursuit, including law, business, and government
- The required internship experience was a highlight
- Ethics classes forced them to think and communicate their ideas
Equipped for the Real World
"I felt like the public policy department was best equipped to prepare me not only intellectually but also to apply what I learned beyond Duke. I loved that the Public Policy coursework was so directly linked to change-making and its very applied approach." – Arya Patel PPS’22
Hear What Students Say
What is Public Policy Studies?
What does it mean to study Public Policy at Duke's Sanford School? Dean Judith Kelley and students give you a 50-second explanation.
Faculty & Student Profile
Conduct Research That Matters
Dean Kelley and undergraduate Jessica Van Meir worked closely together on a research project.
Student Ambassadors
Student Ambassador Yadira
Yadira is a "Latinx On Fast Track Leadership Institute Fellow" for the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. She is a recipient of the prestigious Benjamin N. Duke Memorial Scholarship at Duke University, which is given to students from the Carolinas who have demonstrated academic achievement, community service and potential for leadership.
Student Ambassador Eden
Eden is studying public policy, political science, and gender, sexuality and feminist studies. Passionate about social justice, education, and civic engagement, Eden is President of Empower Her Voice (Duke Chapter), an international feminist collective working to promote girls' empowerment.
Helpful Links
- Declare the major
- Explore FAQs about the major
- View our brochure
- Download brochure