Admissions

The Sanford School offers a wide range of programs - including one of the most popular undergraduate majors at Duke University, four graduate-level programs, and a PhD program. Browse the options below.

Undergraduate Program

Public Policy Studies (PPS)

Through this undergraduate major, develop expertise in analysis and help address the most pressing challenges in the world. Incorporating elements of political science, history, economics and ethics, this is a vital liberal arts degree for the 21st century. Any student admitted to Duke may major in public policy through the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences.

FAQs Undergraduate Admissions

Master's Programs

IMEP

The two-year international Master of Environmental Policy (iMEP) program prepares students to become global leaders in environmental issues and policies. The Sanford School, in collaboration with the Nicholas School of the Environment, offers this master’s program at Duke Kunshan University.

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MPP

The two-year, professional Master of Public Policy (MPP) program offers students outstanding preparation for dynamic careers as analysts, leaders and managers at various levels of government, nonprofits and corporations – both domestically and internationally.

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MPA

The Duke MPA will prepare you for leadership positions within an organization. It can also help mid-career professionals in other fields transition into a rewarding career in public affairs.

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MIDP

The Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) program is a flexible interdisciplinary degree program focused on early to mid-career professionals who will dedicate their careers to policymaking and public service in developing countries.

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MNSP

The Master of National Security Policy program (MNSP) is for those working in national security – government, military, defense or consulting – to advance careers and skills in national security in just one year. Through the accelerated, executive, hybrid program, students can work while studying.

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PhD Program

PhD

Duke’s PhD in Public Policy is distinguished by its truly interdisciplinary nature. This program enables students to collaborate with Duke’s top-rated faculty in public policy and around the beautiful Duke campus. In addition to working with Duke’s world-class faculties of public policy, economics, history, political science, psychology and sociology and psychology, PhD students interact with leading scholars from Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, and Duke’s Law and Medical Schools.