Have questions about applying to graduate school at the Sanford School of Public Policy? We have answers! Below is a collection of answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the application process.

Sanford FAQs

No, admissions interviews are not required.  

The most valuable recommendations come from people who know your professional skills and analytical abilities and who can write specifically about them. We encourage you to submit at least one recommendation from someone who knows you well in your current position and can speak to your professional performance, such as a current supervisor or director. People who have known your work in past positions are also valuable recommenders. If you have recently been a student, a reference from a former professor who knows your academic work well is helpful. 

As part of the online application, applicants will provide the names and email addresses of their recommenders. Once they have entered this information into the system, recommenders will receive an email and a custom link to provide their recommendation. Recommenders must use their custom links to submit their recommendations.

Please review your specific program's admissions requirements and waiver policies. 

For a complete list of estimated costs (including direct estimates like tuition and fees as well as indirect estimates like living costs) for each program, please visit the Graduate Tuition and Fees page. 

You can check the status of your own application through your  Slate login. 

Strong applications will have a clear narrative. The combination of your personal statement, your resume, your academic transcripts, and your letters of recommendation should demonstrate intellectual curiosity, academic acumen, professional experience, and a commitment to public service.

Please be sure to also review your specific program's admissions requirements and work-experience preferences.

If your transcripts are not in English, you must submit the original transcript along with an English translation. You can purchase transcript translation and credential evaluation services through the following vendors: ECE, Scholaro, or WES.

Sanford Admissions reviews applications holistically. If your application reflects strong quantitative and qualitative academic performance, then there is likely little value added by taking the GRE. For students who do not have quantitative or qualitative coursework on their previous transcripts, the GRE could be an opportunity to demonstrate strength in those areas.

Duke has limited on-campus housing for graduate students, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more about Duke’s on-campus housing options.

FAQs by Program

Residential Programs (MIDP/MPP) FAQs

On the MIDP and MPP applications, you will have the opportunity to note specific areas of policy interest.

Applicants who receive admission to the program are permitted to change their area of policy interest during the course of the programs.

For the MIDP program: The MIDP program does not have quantiative prerequisites, however it strongly prefers demonstrated quantitative skills.

For the MPP program: The MPP program has two quantitative prerequisites: prior to enrollment, incoming MPP students must successfully complete at least one course in microeconomics and one course in statistics at an accredited college or university, with a grade of “B” or higher. For applicants who have not completed microeconomics and statistics during their previous academic career, you may still apply to the MPP program, but you will be expected to satisfy the prerequisites prior to enrollment in August, pending an offer of admission.

The MIDP and MPP programs offer some amount of merit-based financial aid to every admitted student (domestics and foreign nationals)  who:

  1. Requests scholarship consideration in their application
  2. Is not already receiving full external tuition funding

The amount of funding that the programs offer is based upon the strength of each application. Sanford is committed to providing funding support to admitted students, however, it is important to note that full tuition coverage is extremely competitive and rare. Please visit our Funding Your Sanford Education page for more funding information.

The MIDP and MPP programs offer application fee waivers to applicants who are affiliated with one or more of the following organizations, with an accompanying letter of certification:  

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.  

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.  

To request an application-fee waiver for your MIDP or MPP application, please complete our application fee waiver form. To submit an application fee waiver form, you must have an open MIDP or MPP application.

MIDP and MPP applicants are eligible for a waiver for the language proficiency test requirement, if they qualify for one of the following exemptions: 

  • 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. 
     
  • Other - Special circumstances demonstrating consistent and exceptional English language skills. If you select "Other" in the Request for English Language Test Waiver Form linked below, 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 this Waiver Request for English Proficiency Testing after starting your MIDP or MPP application; an active application is required for the waiver request form to open.

Applicants denied admission have the opportunity to re-apply for future admission cycles. If you wish to re-apply to the Duke MIDP or MPP programs, you will need to start a new application for a future cycle; applications open in August.

Given that you did not receive an offer of admission for a previous application, re-applicants are advised to review program requirements, prerequisites, and preferences. Admissions also recommends revising your resume, statement of purpose, and other application materials.

Check out this video taking you step-by-step through MIDP's application. 

We are also happy to answer individualized admissions questions!

MIDP: midpinfo@duke.edu

MPP: mppadmit@duke.edu 

Master of National Security Policy Admissions FAQs

This degree is offered at a competitive price point and allows you to complete a graduate degree from Duke with one year tuition.  Information for internal aid is forthcoming. You may apply for federal financial aid, and we also recommend researching ways your employer or perhaps military office can assist in your going back to school.  You will also have access to Duke’s Office which assists with the GI Bill funding. There is some assistance available for a small group of students in need. 

Duke is ranked as one of the premier academic institutions in America, and with this program you have the opportunity to obtain a master’s degree at the cost of one year’s tuition.  The Sanford School of Public Policy represents one of the most connected, and progressive, schools of public policy in America and its location in North Carolina and proximity to Washington D.C. serves as the center of the national security field. This program offers the opportunity to work with world class faculty and staff, and to be a part of a small cohort where you will get a lot of individual attention. 

The curriculum was specifically created for this program, all courses at an advanced pace, for working professionals and also allows for numerous opportunities for you to connect classwork with real-world problems.  

Master of Public Affairs Admissions FAQs

Yes. We offer need-based tuition assistance and will work with every student to identify additional financial aid or scholarship opportunities from external partners. Read more about MPA financial aid.

Full- and part-time students pay the same tuition, but part-time students pay marginally higher fees since they remain a student for longer. Full-time students who find the program too demanding may switch to the part-time program without penalty.