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

Master's Programs

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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. (Residential)

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MPA

The Duke executive Master of Public Affairs 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. (Hybrid - online with brief residencies at Duke and in Washington, DC.)

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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. (Residential)

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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. (Hybrid - online with weekend and summer residencies at Duke.)

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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. (Based in China with some time at Duke.)

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PhD Program

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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.

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Undergraduate Program 

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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.

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