At Sanford, we research pressing public policy issues and prepare students for lives of leadership, civic engagement, and public service - and media and democracy are cornerstones of this work. Our faculty are building knowledge about policy, democracy, and journalism and teaching key skills for future leaders, public servants, journalists, and engaged citizens.
Academic Overview
Our faculty have produced thousands of research findings that contribute to the knowledge base for evidence-driven policy. They have created new fact-checking standards for journalists, trained people how to run for political office, served in all levels of government including Congress and advised presidential candidates and the White House. Bill Adair founded the Pulitzer Prize-winning website PolitiFact.
Related Programs & Courses
The Public Policy Studies major is a perennial top major at Duke University.
Master of Public Policy (MPP)
PhD in Public Policy
Sample Stories & Research
Student Spotlight
Tinae Bluitt was a staffer for Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer prior to coming to Duke. “Working on the Hill is one of the reasons that led me back to graduate school," she says. "I want to work to change polices that are currently not based on data ... I want to return to Washington more prepared to help change policies.”
What can you do with a focus on media & democracy?
Emily Feng MPP '15
Alumni Story
Emily Feng is a foreign correspondent. Working for the Financial Times, she uncovered key information surrounding the Chinese oppression of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang, China. Her coverage won several awards. Feng now works as NPR’s Beijing correspondent.
Listen to Emily on the Policy 360 podcast | Read more alumni stories
Key Partnerships
AGS
The Duke Program in American Grand Strategy is dedicated to helping students better understanding US foreign policy and national security – past, present, and future.
Policy Lab
Policy Lab is a nonpartisan service-learning initiative. Students research real-world policy questions and draft practical research for policymakers, issue advocates, and others.
Democracy Lab
Democracy Lab involves students in revitalizing democracy on campus, in Durham, and our nation. Students work in teams to create innovative projects addressing political issues.
DeWitt Wallace Center
The DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy is Duke's journalism and media studies hub.
Hart Leadership Program
The Hart Leadership Program challenges students to practice the art of leadership in public life.
Polis: The Center for Politics
Polis: The Center for Politics is committed to increasing our understanding of politics locally, nationally, and globally.
Let's Connect!
Interested in pursuing a degree with a focus on media & democracy? Great! The admissions page for each program has detailed guidelines, including our contact info. Please reach out!
- Read recent stories related to media & democracy
- Browse faculty opinion pieces
- Sanford podcasts often feature stories about media & democracy