Technology policy is one of the fastest-growing frontiers in public policy, influencing everything from AI governance and data privacy to cybersecurity and platform accountability. At Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, students and professionals can engage with technology policy from multiple entry points, whether through early- or mid-career master’s programs, or Executive Education programs.
On-campus, online, and hybrid formats provide flexible pathways and unique opportunities to build the skills, experience, and networks needed to address how technology and society continuously shape one another.
For Early-Career Leaders: The MPP Program
The residential Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at Duke Sanford provides a rigorous foundation in policy analysis, complemented by options to specialize in technology policy. It's ideal for professionals eager to become technology policy analysts, advisors, or advocates within government, nonprofits, or the private sector.
Key Features
Core Curriculum
Students gain quantitative and analytical skills through a comprehensive core, with options to focus on technology policy, information regulation, or innovation economics.
Electives & Specialization
Courses cover cybersecurity, information and data governance, platform regulation, and innovation policy. The Technology Policy concentration gives students the option to focus their studies even further and prepare for specialized careers in this area.
Applied Learning
Through community partner-based projects, students collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and private-sector partners tackling real-world tech policy issues.
Research & Collaboration
MPP students often work as research assistants in centers like the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy, the Duke Center on Law & Technology, and the Sanford Technology Policy Program. Additional research opportunities are available through Deep Tech at Duke, which brings together leaders across disciplines to research and explore the effects of technical domains such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, renewable energy, and cybersecurity. The student-led Tech Policy Club also creates opportunities for students to hear from guest speakers, engage in policy discourse on tech policy issues, and participate in professional development events.
Interdisciplinary Access
MPP students can pursue joint degrees (such as MPP/JD or MPP/Engineering) and take cross-listed courses across Duke Law, Computer Science, and Science & Society.
Career Development
Sanford’s career services team connects MPP students to roles in federal agencies, tech-sector regulatory offices, and global policy organizations, with a strong alumni network already working in these domains.
For Mid-Career Leaders: The MIDP and MPA Programs
The residential Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) and hybrid Master of Public Affairs (MPA) programs serve mid-career professionals seeking to advance their impact in governance, development, and technology-driven transformation. Ideal for experienced professionals in government, international organizations, or the private sector who want to lead or influence technology governance and innovation policy on the national or global scale.
Key Features
Tailored Coursework
Students can take specialized courses on digital governance, innovation, data policy, and emerging technologies. The MIDP offers a focus area in Technology Policy and Development, while the MPA offers a Technology Policy concentration.
Applied Experience
Both the MIDP and MPA include a capstone project where students apply the knowledge and skills developed across the curriculum to a real-world challenge with the opportunity to tailor their project to an issue related to tech policy.
Research Integration
Mid-career students can collaborate with faculty and centers on practice-oriented research or through fellowships in areas such privacy, technology and energy usage, or AI governance.
Professional Networks
Students gain access to cross-disciplinary communities across law, technology, business, computer science, and science & society initiatives.
Career Development
These programs emphasize coaching, leadership seminars, and global networking, preparing graduates to lead or advise technology policy initiatives worldwide.
Collaborators & Resources
Students often engage with Duke initiatives like the Center on Science & Technology Policy and the Center on Law & Technology, as well as student-led tech policy groups. Deep Tech at Duke provides additional opportunities for students to participate in interdisciplinary research on breakthrough technologies and engage in hands-on projects and mentorship.
For Senior Leaders: Executive Education in Technology Policy
Duke Sanford’s Executive Education offerings provide short, intensive modules for senior professionals and executives navigating the rapidly changing tech policy landscape. Online and in-person courses are available. Ideal for senior policymakers, executives, managers and organizational leaders seeking to enhance their understanding of technology governance and apply it directly to decision-making.
Key Features
Focused Learning Modules
Programs cover topics such as technology governance, privacy, AI and machine learning policy, cybersecurity, digital platforms, and ethics in technology.
Applied, Hands-On Approach
Sessions emphasize case studies, peer learning, scenario planning, and simulations rooted in real-world challenges.
Interdisciplinary Insights
Participants learn directly from Duke experts in law, engineering, and computer science, drawing on the university’s broad tech ecosystem.
Networking
Executive programs bring together mid- and senior-level professionals from across sectors to exchange best practices and build collaborative policy frameworks.
Resources
Through partnerships with Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering, participants can explore a variety of additional training programs, such as the CISO Executive Certificate Program. Participants also gain access to Duke research hubs such as the Cybersecurity Hub and the Center on Science & Technology Policy.
Why Duke Sanford?
Across every pathway, Sanford’s commitment to ethical, evidence-based policymaking ensures that technology policy is not just about innovation; it’s about public purpose. Students and professionals alike benefit from:
Access to world-class faculty and research centers shaping national and global tech policy debates.
A collaborative, interdisciplinary environment bridging law, technology, and society.
A mission-driven community focused on ensuring technology serves democracy, equity, and human welfare.
Key Takeaways
- Duke Sanford offers multiple entry points into tech policy, from full-time graduate study to mid-career and executive programs.
- Each program emphasizes hands-on, interdisciplinary learning anchored in real-world policy challenges.
- Through research centers, labs, and professional networks, Sanford provides unmatched access to the thought leaders shaping the future of technology governance.