International development policy requires a firm foundation of knowledge about development challenges and experiences, ability to apply a wide range of evaluative and analytical tools, an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving, and communications skills. Sanford faculty have active field research projects and expertise in economics, environmental engineering, political science, evaluation methods, migration, and many other applied areas.
Academic Overview
Jonathan Stromseth (left), professor of the practice at Duke Sanford and a nonresident senior fellow at The Brookings Institution, researches U.S. Asia policy in the context of escalating U.S.-China rivalry, particularly in Southeast Asia. His publications include a multi-volume series on U.S.-Vietnam relations, as well as articles and reports on policymaking in Vietnam, geopolitical trends in Southeast Asia, Chinese foreign policy, and foreign aid cooperation in Asia.
Related Programs & Courses
The Public Policy Studies major is a perennial top major at Duke University.
- Master of International Development Policy (MIDP)
- MPP (International Development Policy certificate available) - view concentration requirements
The Duke Center for International Development (DCID) offers on-campus and online training programs for mid-level and senior professionals in areas such as public finance, budgeting, project appraisal and tax policy. Visit the DCID website for more information.
PhD in Public Policy
Graduate and professional students from across Duke, as well as neighboring inter-institutional partners, are invited to complement their degree coursework with a graduate International Development Policy (IDP) certificate offered by the Duke Center for International Development.
Explore key faculty in International Development policy.
Sample Stories & Research
What can you do with a focus on international development policy?
Bautista Logioco MIDP ' 04
Alumni Story
Bautista Logioco graduated in 2004 from the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University with a Master of International Development (MIDP) degree. Since then he has had a variety of international roles at the United Nations, including the World Food Programme, UN Women and the UN Development Program.
Key Partnerships
Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research
The Center's mission is to improve health of individuals and communities, locally, nationally, and internationally, by addressing health inequities through interdisciplinary policy-relevant research, interventions, and evaluations.
Duke Center for International Development
The Duke Center for International Development (DCID) promotes sustainable development through its research, education and engagement with students, policy makers, practitioners, development partners, civil society and the private sector.
Duke Global Health Institute
Duke Global Health Institute aims to achieve health equity for vulnerable groups and individuals around the world through research, education and partnership.
Duke Population Research Institute
The Duke University Population Research Institute (DUPRI) is a community of scholars who challenge the boundaries of interdisciplinary population research with cutting edge approaches to prepare the next generation of leaders in population science.
Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center
The Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center promotes peace through a holistic approach to training by combining conflict resolution methods, peacebuilding and conflict prevention with an emphasis on more sustainable economic, political and human development.
Let's Connect!
Interested in pursuing a degree with a focus on international development policy? Great! The admissions page for each program has detailed guidelines, including our contact info. Please reach out!
- Read recent stories related international development policy
- Browse faculty opinion pieces related to international development policy
- Sanford podcasts often feature stories about international development policy.