Master's Programs Application Process

Work experience

The program prefers for applicants to have at least two years of post-undergraduate work experience in fields related to their policy interests. Previous work experience signals to the program that applicants are making an informed decision about their pursuit of graduate education in public policy.

The program admits a limited number of applicants directly from undergraduate programs, but we would expect those applicants to display exceptional academic acumen and ideally have robust internship, volunteer, or part-time work experience in fields related to their policy interests.

Academic strength

The program reviews applications holistically and does not have a minimum GPA requirement. However, applicants have historically had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.5.

Prerequisite Coursework in Microeconomics & Statistics

Read more about the MPP program.

Work experience

• For the traditional program option (2 years) we require at least five years of professional experience.
• For the accelerated program option (3 semesters), we require at least five years of professional experience AND the equivalent of one-year of completed graduate-level coursework in a relevant field.

We prefer a professional background, which shows an increase in responsibilities over time, and we prefer that candidates have development-related experience, while also recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of international development. Past applicants have held positions in U.S. and foreign government agencies, NGOs, public international organizations, private corporations, the U.S. military, and the U.S. Peace Corps. 

A strong academic background

Your academic background should demonstrate the capability to successfully undertake rigorous graduate-level studies. Duke University requires the completion of a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent to be eligible to apply.

Strong command of the English language

Strong written and oral English skills are essential to succeed in the MIDP program.

Ability to move to Durham, NC

This is a fully residential program that requires students to attend classes in person. 

Read more about the MIDP program.

Significant work experience 

The Duke MPA is an executive program open to mid-career professionals, practitioners with at least seven years* of experience in government, non-profit or philanthropic organizations, or private sector professions such as consulting or government affairs—or for professionals in other sectors seeking a transition into public affairs.

The program is unsuited for early-career professionals or students seeking knowledge in a single policy area. 

Most students keep working while attending.

*Qualified applicants with fewer than seven years of experience are encouraged to contact MPA admissions to discuss eligibility.

Established or emerging leaders 

With a concentration in leadership, management, and ethics, we seek applicants who have demonstrated that they are established or emerging leaders and are ready to assume a senior role.

Flexibility to attend immersions in Durham NC and Washington, DC

Cohort members must have the flexibility to attend four immersions: two weeks during the summer and two long weekends during the academic year. Immersions will take place at both our main campus in Durham, North Carolina, and our Washington, D.C., facility, positioned between the White House and the United States Capitol.

Strong academic performance

Your transcripts should indicate that you can succeed in a rigorous graduate program.

Read more about the MPA program.

Significant work experience 

The Duke MNSP is for those currently working in national security who have at least seven years of work experience. Many applicants have a military background, or are mid-career contractors and consultants working in public policy/national security or are civil service professionals.

Flexibility to attend immersions in Durham, NC

The program requires occasional trips to Duke for on-campus immersion, so applicants from the Southeast region may find it easier to participate.

Leadership experience

We seek applicants with demonstrated leadership experience.

Strong academic performance

Your transcripts should indicate that you can succeed in a rigorous graduate program.

Read more about the MNSP program.

Your personal statement of purpose should have a clear narrative and should be more than just a reiteration of your transcripts and resume. Please describe:

• How your experiences have shaped you and inspired your interest in public policy
• Why you are interested in either the MPP or MIDP program
• What impact do you expect the program to have on you and/or your home country or region
• What your professional goals are
• How the MIDP or MPP program support you pursuing those goals

For MPP

• Your personal statement should be between 750—1000 words.

For MIDP

• Your personal statement should be between 500—750 words.  
• Your essay should demonstrate a commitment to working in development and a deep awareness of development issues. It should also reflect a thorough understanding of the MIDP's program and how it will support your professional goals. 

Resumes should generally not exceed two printed pages. In addition to your professional and academic experiences, applicants should highlight relevant skills, accomplishments, awards, and honors.

You must upload transcript(s) from all colleges and universities previously attended. Applicants must have, at a minimum, the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree to be considered for admission. 

If you have a three-year international degree, we will review it based on the European Ministers of Education, Bologna Declaration. If you obtained a degree from a non-U.S. colleges or universities, you can check the equivalency of your degree by utilizing the World Education Services (WES) free Degree Equivalency Tool.

For admission review, unofficial transcripts are acceptable. If admitted to either program, you must have official transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution to Sanford.

Non-legible scans will not be accepted. 

A transcript includes:

• Your name
• The institution’s name
• The dates you attended the institution
• The courses or subjects in which you were enrolled
• The number of credit hours of instruction involved in each course or subject
• The grade, mark or some other form of evaluation you received for each course or subject
• Any degree, diploma or certificate awarded for completion of your studies

If the grading scale of your institution is different from the 4.0 grading scale used at U.S. institutions, you will be asked to provide additional information regarding the scale used for each international institution you have attended. 

• Transcripts should be in English
• Word (.doc) files or PDF files are accepted.
• File size must not exceed 1.5 MB in size.
• Once you have uploaded your file, click "View Document" to ensure it is legible.
• You may need to adjust the settings of your scanner to produce a scan that is both legible and smaller than 1.5 MB.
• The document(s) must contain the institution’s stamp or some other form of certification that indicates authenticity.
• Non-English transcripts must be translated by an official translator and bearing the insignia and signature of that translator.

Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to Sanford via email or mail. If sending via mail, we strongly recommend that international applicants send transcripts by express mail (FedEx) to ensure delivery.  

Master of Public Policy

Attn: MPP Admissions Office - Box 90237
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina USA 27708-0237

mppadmit@duke.edu

Master of International Development Policy

Attn: MIDP Admissions Office, RH 196 - Box 90237
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina USA 27708-0237

midpinfo@duke.edu

Within the online application, you will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of three recommenders. The system will send instructions to recommenders for completing and uploading the letters of recommendation online.

Quality letters of recommendation show that the writer knows you, your skill set, and your character. We encourage students to request letters of recommendation two months in advance of the application deadline to ensure recommenders have enough time to write and submit their letters. 

Master of Public Policy notes

For applicants with fewer than two years of work experience, we recommend two academic and one professional recommendation. For applicants with three or more years of work experience, we suggest one academic recommendation and two from work-related professionals. Applicants with four or more years of work experience may include three work-related references.

GRE

Applicants may choose to submit GRE scores for consideration, but they are not required. (To submit, use the Duke University code 5156.)

English Proficiency Test

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English proficiency test is required.

Details on the TOEFL and IELTS exams and registration forms are available at U.S. embassies and consulates as well as U.S. Information Agency offices, or from TOEFL and IELTS. Please request that the official TOEFL scores be sent to the Duke Graduate School admissions office, institutional code 5156. 

For the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program, you may submit scores from the following tests:

• Duolingo (minimum score of 130; scores of 140 or higher preferred)
• TOEFL (minimum score of 100; scores of 110 or higher preferred).
• IELTS (minimum score of 7; scores of 7.5 and higher preferred.)

For the Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) program, you may submit scores from the following tests:

• Duolingo (minimum score of 115)
• TOEFL (minimum score of 90 on the internet-based test)
• IELTS (minimum score of 7.0)
• PTE (minimum of 64) Select the MIDP program when submitting

MPP Dual Degree Applicants:

If you are going to pursue a dual degree, the partner program may require standardized test scores (LSAT or GMAT). You can upload those scores to your MPP application as supplemental material, if you prefer.

Do you qualify for an English proficiency test waiver? 

To be eligible for a waiver for the language proficiency test requirement, you must qualify for one of the following exemptions:

1. You must have studied full-time for two years or more at a college or university where the sole language of instruction is English and in a country where English is the primary spoken language. The two years of study must be completed  prior to the application submission date. The program retains the right to request additional documentation from the institution to confirm that English is the sole language of instruction.
2. Other - Special circumstances demonstrating consistent and exceptional English language skills. If you select "Other" in the Request for English Language Test Waiver Form, please provide detailed information regarding the reasons you believe you should qualify for a language proficiency test waiver. Your explanation should include your experience that clearly demonstrates an exceptional level of English, including strong reading, writing, and speaking skills. Supporting documentation may be required to substantiate your request.

Submit your Request for English Proficiency Test Waiver here. You must have an open application in order to submit your request. 

Master of Public Policy Instructions

Video Introduction (Required)

Answer a question in real time. You can test your equipment, and when you're ready, you'll see a prompt. You have 60 seconds of prep time, and then will have up to 3 minutes to record an answer. The questions are general. You can try up to three re-recordings, but new questions will be provided each time.

Curated Video (Strongly Recommended)

Prepare a short video (one-minute max) about who you are as a person. Consider sharing a lived experience, or an aspect of your personality that is not captured by standard application questions, or your unique perspective on a policy topic. Submit a link to the curated video. We suggest sharing the video using the “Unlisted Video” setting on YouTube. We do not accept videos sent by email or DVD.

Watch a previous student's reflection on the curated video.

Master of International Development Policy Instructions

Video Response (Required)

Prepare a short (two minutes maximum) video introducing yourself and answering the question, “What does development means to you?” Please feel free to be creative with this video. We suggest sharing the video using the “Unlisted Video” setting on YouTube. We do not accept videos sent by email or DVD.

An application fee of US $80 must be paid for your application to be reviewed. This fee can be paid via Visa or Mastercard (debit/credit). 

Do you qualify for an application fee waiver? 

Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy offers application fee waiver consideration for our residential program applicants who meet the following qualifications: 

Affiliated with an organization

Applicants who are affiliated with one or more of the following organizations, with an accompanying letter of certification:

• Active Duty U.S. Military Service Members and Veterans
• Americorps
• Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program
• Colfuturo
• City Year
• Guatefuturo
• Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation
• JuventudEsGTO
• FUNED
• Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute
• Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RSPC)
• Rotary Peace Fellowship
• Teach for America
• Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program

Need-Based Requests

For need-based waiver requests, applicants are required to upload documentation demonstrating successful application to external funding. It is extremely important that applicants have a financial plan in place to fund their studies before acceptance into the program. Securing funding takes significant time; we highly recommend that this process start as early as possible and before applying to the program itself. Need-based requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Government workers in transition

For individuals who have been working at the local, state, or federal level and find themselves in a period of transition, we are happy to continue our offer of an application fee waiver. Please upload a copy of your resume and a brief explanation for consideration. These requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Submit your Request for an Application Fee Waiver here. You must have an open application in order to submit your request. 

Master of Public Affairs

Your personal statement should describe your motivation for applying to the program, your goals upon graduation, and the ways in which your personal, professional, and academic experiences have shaped who you are today.

Master of National Security Policy

Your personal statement should incorporate your goals for the program. We consider national security experience, leadership experience and demonstrated analytical skills.

Resumes should not exceed two printed pages. In addition to your professional and academic experiences, applicants should highlight relevant skills, accomplishments, awards, and honors.

You must upload transcript(s) from all colleges and universities previously attended. Applicants must have at least the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree to be considered for admission. 

Three letters of recommendation are required, including at least one from a current or former professional supervisor or colleague. 

For non-native English speakers, we require a copy of your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English test score.

An application fee of $80 must be paid for your application to be reviewed. This fee can be paid via Visa or Mastercard (debit/credit). No separate application required for financial aid consideration—your online application serves as the application for admission and the application for financial aid consideration.