The 4+1 Accelerated Master of Public Policy track is an opportunity for Duke undergraduate public policy majors to complete both their undergraduate and master’s degrees in five years.
Majors who are able to pursue graduate-level coursework during their senior year are eligible to apply in the spring of their junior year. Students will complete the entire 51 graduate credits required for traditional two-year MPP students. This is a continuous enrollment program so students may not take a leave of absence between the undergraduate and graduate degree.
Requirements
- Must be a Duke University undergraduate public policy major.
- Must have a 3.5 GPA in the public policy major and overall. (Must maintain through junior year.)
- Must meet with Director of Undergraduate Studies and Director of Graduate Studies (MPP) prior to applying.
- Must have three letters of recommendation - we suggest two faculty and one internship/professional.
- Complete online MPP application.
Deadlines
- April 20 (of junior year): Application deadline
- May 1: Notification of admission decision
- May 15: Commit to accept admission
An Express MPP Degree
Yash Bajaj PPS'19 / MPP'20 was encouraged to do the 4+1 program by professor Ken Rogerson. Not only had he excelled in the undergraduate public policy program, he had also taken extra classes, so he had room in his schedule during his senior year. Students who enroll in a Sanford MPP degree program typically have some work experience, and Bajaj liked learning from his peers; people who have experience in consulting and banking and nonprofit management. "Yeah, it's one more year," Bajaj says, "but I'll be graduating at age 22 with a master's degree. Not many people can say that."
Financial Key
"A key point made my decision easier: I would be both a senior and a first-year master’s student. In other words, my undergraduate financial aid package would cover my first year of graduate school. I made the right decision. I am experiencing my senior year as both an undergraduate and a first-year graduate student. It may not be what I imagined, but I am grateful to my 2020 self for taking a step back and prioritizing our future." - Hamza Mohamoud PPS'22/MPP'23
Details
Download document with requirements and course information.