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Keep working while you combine the rigorous analytical tools of a public policy degree with management and leadership skills.
In an era defined by complex global challenges and rapid technological change, public affairs practitioners must continually update their skills and knowledge to remain effective in their field. The Duke MPA will help you realize your full potential by deepening your knowledge, updating your skills, and refreshing your commitment to serving the public good at a crucial point in your career.
Our executive hybrid MPA curriculum is designed to accommodate the needs of mid-career working professionals through a hybrid format, convenient meeting times, and flexible degree options. This program helps prepare experienced policy practitioners for greater leadership roles within their organizations and communities of practice.
At Sanford you'll find:
- Leading experts in public policy and practice
- A close-knit, collaborative community
- Personalized mentoring from faculty and advisors
- Meaningful engagement with practitioners across every sector
- Access to Duke's world-class interdisciplinary expertise
- Tailored career support
- A strong, global network of loyal alumni
- The resources and reach of a top-tier research university
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Program Details | About Hybrid Learning | Application
"The first week of Duke’s MPA program reminded me how powerful it is to be surrounded by passionate people who are committed to public service. I’m eager to keep learning with and from this incredible group."
- Hannah Bolotin, MPA'26
The Duke MPA combines a core curriculum in policy analysis with one of two available degree concentrations: Leadership, Management, and Ethics (LME) or Technology Policy (TP).
Students will complete four core courses, three concentration courses, and three elective courses, for a total of 10 courses (30 credits).
The core courses of the MPA program include:
- Policy Analysis for Public Affairs Leaders
- Data Analysis for Decision Makers
- Leadership, Management and Change
- Professional Practice of Public Affairs (Capstone Project)
Electives may be selected from the MPA elective options, the LME or TP concentration courses, or electives offered by other Sanford and Duke programs.
View course descriptions
The MPA program offers concentrations in Leadership, Management, and Ethics (LME), and Tech Policy, requiring completion of three courses. These courses can also be used to fulfill elective requirements.
Leadership, Management, and Ethics concentration course options:
- Ethics, Values, and Public Affairs (required)
- Navigating the Information Environment
- Public Budgeting and Financial Management
- Organizations, People, and Culture
- Communications and Advocacy Strategy
- Decision and Negotiation Strategy
- Nonprofit Management and Strategy
Tech Policy concentration course options:
Note: this new concentration will be available for fall 2025 applicants with courses starting in the 2026-27 academic year. The following course descriptions are for illustrative purposes only; please check back for updates or consult the MPA admissions office for information about final course offerings.
- Technology in the Public Interest
- Data Governance & Privacy
- Cybersecurity Policy & Practice
- AI & Platform Governance
- Technology & Climate
- Technology & Trade Policy
- Navigating the Information Environment
- AI Challenges and Opportunities for Public Affairs Practitioners
View course descriptions
At Duke Sanford, we take an interdisciplinary approach to tech policy, including opportunities to take classes at other schools, attend lectures from tech executives and critics, and engage with faculty who are practitioners and thought leaders. More about Tech Policy at Sanford.
The 15-month track is 4 terms, no more than 3 courses per term; the 18-month track is 5 terms, no more than 2 courses per term. 15-month students can convert to the extended 18-month track at any point.
Sample 15-Month Sequence
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Sample 18-Month Sequence
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30 credit hours are required to earn the MPA degree. The courses include a combination of required core courses and electives:
- 4 core courses, one of which is a capstone project
- 3 courses from your chosen concentration
- 3 elective courses
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The faculty at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy have earned national and international recognition for excellence in research, policy engagement and teaching.
Sanford has a diverse mix of academic scholars and professors of the practice whose practical experience in top leadership roles enhances the classroom experience.
Faculty members collaborate across disciplines to explore questions relating to income inequality, obesity and hunger, energy policy, child neglect and abuse, access to health care, democratization, foreign policy and global concerns.
We've collected answers to some of the most commonly asked questions here.
At Duke Sanford, your career goals are our priority. Whether you aspire to drive local change, shape international development, or lead in the private or nonprofit sector, our Graduate Career Services Team is here to support and prepare you for a purpose-driven career in an evolving policy world.
Explore graduate career services and professional development.
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About the Cohort
Most classes are limited to 25-30 students to support strong cohort connections, create an engaging online learning environment, and ensure personalized instruction. Core courses typically have up to 30 students, while smaller class sizes are common on specialized concentration and elective courses.
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Student Profile
Students have at least 7 years of postgraduate experience. We welcome established or emerging leaders in government, non-profit and philanthropic organizations, or the private sector, as well as mid-career professionals in other sectors preparing to transition to a rewarding career in public affairs.
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In Person & Online
The Duke MPA combines in-person residencies, weekly online class meetings, and self-paced online modules, providing opportunities for networking and cohort development along with the flexibility of remote learning. You’ll attend four in-person residencies evenly split between Duke’s campuses in NC and Washington, D.C. The first residency is a foundational experience that fosters connections and sets you up for success in online learning.
We seek mid-career 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, especially those seeking to assume senior leadership positions.
The program is not well-suited for early-career professionals or students seeking highly specialized knowledge in a single policy area.
*Qualified applicants with fewer than seven years of experience are encouraged to contact MPA Admissions to discuss eligibility.
There are no prerequisites for the MPA program.
Before applying, complete our inquiry form.
A complete application includes:
- A copy of your CV
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- A personal statement describing your motivation for applying, your goals, and the ways in which your personal, professional, and academic experiences have shaped who you are today
- If English is not your first language, a copy of your TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test score
Optional:
- GRE/LSAT/other professional school exam scores
- Video introduction (strongly recommended)
- Professional writing sample
key admissions dates
The application is open from August to January with three rounds of review. Due to the small cohort size and rolling admission process, it is recommended to apply early.
September 30: First round review. Applications submitted by this date receive a decision by October 15.
November 30: Second round review. Applications submitted by this date receive a decision by December 15.
January 5: Final deadline. Applications submitted by this date receive a decision by January 31.
View application details
You can find the cost of attendance details on the MPA Estimated Cost of Attendance page. Costs differ whether you choose the 15 or 18-month option. The base tuition is $63,935, and there are indirect costs as well.
We have robust financial aid, and we are happy to help you consider all the ways to fund your education.
Have questions about applying to the MPA at the Sanford School of Public Policy? We have collected answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the application process.
View admissions FAQs
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"We can conduct constant analysis, but without perspective, it won’t yield the results necessary to address the most complex problems. That’s why we need the MPA program." - Brock Kannan (MPA'26), risk policy manager at the Federal Reserve.
Featured Student Stories
Headed back to school
Seth Winick, MPA'26
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Seth Winick is part of the very first MPA cohort. The longtime public affairs strategist based in Austin was a bit nervous at first. "I've been away from academia long enough to be concerned about my 'back to school' skills," he says, but "I was able to hit the ground running with support from the both the MPA program team and my professors. It's certainly challenging but not overwhelming."
Surprising alumni network
Lorenzo Pedro, MPA'26
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"What surprised me most was how connected and expansive the Duke alumni network is—spanning sectors, political differences, and parties—and how united they are in working to improve and strengthen their own communities." Lorenzo Pedro MPA'26. Lorenzo serves as Deputy Director for State Engagement at The Hunt Institute.
Finding powerful affirmation
Kendrick Cunningham, MPA'26
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"The first week of the MPA program felt like a powerful affirmation that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. It’s clear that the program is designed not just to inform policy professionals, but to shape leaders prepared to take on global and local challenges with nuance, empathy, and skill." - Kendrick Cunningham MPA'26
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Apply to the MPA Program
- Ready to supercharge your outrageous ambition? Applications open August 15th.
- Get an overview of the applications process
- Explore resources on how to fund your Sanford education
- We look forward to meeting you! Email our admissions team with questions or to set up an in-person or virtual meeting. mpa.admissions@duke.edu
- Attend an admissions event
Not ready for a master’s?
Try a Sanford Executive Education course.
Start small, think big: Explore non-degree options in policy and leadership.
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