Through research and courses, Sanford faculty provide an in-depth understanding of economic, sociological, and political forces that shape health care systems in the U.S. and other countries. Health policy directly affects who receives health care and how, and Sanford provides decision-making tools for students and policy makers.
Academic Overview
Our faculty have produced research and scholarship contribute to the knowledge base for evidence-driven policy around health. They have worked with community partners around North Carolina on health-related issues; designed a community-based program for caregivers of veterans; and provided a variety of evidence-based policy insights during the global pandemic. For example, Kate Bundorf's research focuses on health policy and the economics of healthcare systems.
- The Public Policy Studies major is a perennial top major at Duke University.
- Health policy certificate available.
- MPP (Health Policy Concentration available) - View concentration requirements
- MPP/MD (dual degree option)
PhD in Public Policy
Sample elective courses:
- Climate Change Economics and Policy
- International Environmental Policy
- Collective Action
- Sustainable Development
- Environment & Development
- Energy & Development Global Environmental Health
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development
- Duke Global Health Institute
- Duke Law School
- Duke School of Medicine
- Duke School of Nursing
- Fuqua School of Business
- Margolis Center for Health Policy
- Nicholas School of the Environment
- Social Science Research Institute
- Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
Sample Stories & Research
What can you do with a focus on health policy?
Frank Emory PPS'79
Alumni Story
Frank Emory is executive vice president and chief legal officer for Novant Health, which includes a network of over 30,000 employees and serves over four million patients annually. In this role, he oversees legal and government relations, risk management, corporate audits, and compliance.
Key Partnerships
Duke Aging Center
The Duke Aging Center is a multi-disciplinary hub for promoting healthy aging across the lifespan and managing social and medical complexities in late life.
Duke Global Health Institute
The Duke Global Health Institute brings together knowledge and resources from across the university to address the most critical global health issues of our time.
Margolis Center for Health Policy
The Margolis Center for Health Policy aims to improve health, health equity, and the value of health care through practical, innovative, and evidence-based policy solutions.
Let's Connect
Interested in pursuing a degree with a focus on Health policy? Great! The admissions page for each program has detailed guidelines, including our contact info. Please reach out!
- Read recent stories related to health policy
- Browse faculty opinion pieces
- Sanford podcasts often feature stories about health policy