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Learn how to effectively strengthen society through public service.
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"At such a pivotal time in American history, it’s been really emboldening to be a part of Sanford, knowing that smart people are innovating to make the world a better place."
Program Info At a glance
Program Length: Two years.
Application Deadline: January 5, 5 p.m. EST
Admission Decisions: Mid-March
Contact us! mppadmit@duke.edu
About the MPP Program
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We are pleased to offer a number of dual degrees, offering the options for students to work towards two degrees at once.
Options include:
Business
The MPP/MBA program is a three-year program with either Duke's Fuqua School of Business or UNC's Kenan-Flager Business School.
Data Science
The MPP/MDS program is a two-year program in data science and public policy with the Hertie School, the University of Governance in Berlin. The program combines the effectiveness of data science with evidence-based policy, preparing participants to become solution-oriented leaders within the public sector.
Divinity
The MPP/MDVR and MPP/MTS degrees are designed to prepare individuals for positions of leadership, service, and advocacy in nonprofit organizations, government, and in the wider community.
Environment
The MPP/Master of Environmental Management (MEM) or Master of Forestry (MF) gives students a strong background in environmental science plus the policy analysis and public management skills to translate science into policy.
Law
The MPP/JD program offers students the analytical and quantitative skills of an MPP to complement their knowledge of the legal system. Students may pursue a dual MPP/JD degree with the Duke, UNC, or NCCU Schools of Law.
How long does a dual degree take?
The total time involved for a dual degree is longer than completing a single degree program. However, dual degrees often cost less time and money than completing two separate master's degree programs.
How does it work?
Dual degree students complete MPP first-year courses and the summer internship, and then register for courses in the other program during their second year at Duke. During the final year of study, students will complete coursework, including a Master’s Project under the close supervision of a public policy faculty member.
financial aid
Dual degree students are eligible to be reviewed for scholarships and fellowships.
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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.
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Cohort Size
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Experience and Age
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Domestic/International
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Featured MPP Student Stories
Uplifting Women
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A native of Afghanistan, Nilab Ahmbadi MPP'25 is motivated by a desire to uplift Afghan women and children and has focused her MPP studies on economic and education policy, with keen interest in international development and social policy.
Inclusive Housing
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Eni Owoeye MPP'25 led a number of initiatives both on and off campus, including volunteer leadership in HOPE North Carolina, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding inclusive housing options, particularly for adults with intellectual and development disabilities.
The Mayor's Office
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During COVID, Jordan Wilson MPP '24 decided to go back to school. He considered law school, but stumbled across Duke’s MPP program and says he found his community. After speaking to some professors he calls Duke "an easy decision.” After graduation he landed in the Mayor's Office in San Francisco.
Application Information
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A complete application includes:
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Required Tests (GRE is optional; Non-native English speakers who did not earn an undergraduate or graduate degree conducted in English must submit Duolingo, TOEFL or IELTS documentation.
- Video Introduction
- Curated Video (Optional but strongly recommended.)
- $80 Application Fee
Read more about how to apply.
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"Public policy is the root of just about everything. If you want to make change at scale, you have to engage with policy and regulation. Sanford taught me how to frame problems and opportunities with precision. When you define the issue clearly and accurately, you can create policy solutions that actually work." - Ivan Urlaub (MPP'04 MEM'04)