Learn about Sanford's academic programs from these student profiles.

The Undergraduate Major

Public Policy is one of the top undergraduate majors at Duke University! Why? For Ysanne Spence, it's about enacting positive change in her home country, Jamaica.

Master of International Development Policy

What's it like to be a Master of International Developmental Policy candidate at Sanford? Meet Francisco Jeria, MIDP'20. Francisco came to Sanford with his wife and son from Chile.

PhD Program

Hear PhD candidate Gabriela Nagle-Alverio talk about her experience at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University.

Master of Public Policy

Listen to second year MPP candidate Matthew Vining talk about his experience at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University.

International Master of Environmental Policy

Yiren Wang iMEP'20, gives us a look into her life as an iMEP candidate. After graduation, she started working in the private sector in China to help control pollution.

Master of National Security Policy

Sarah Blake is a member of the first Master of National Security Policy cohort at Duke Sanford. A graduate of the Naval Academy, and a MH60 Romeo pilot in the Navy, she says the hybrid program has given her the freedom to pursue her education while continuing to work as a liaison to the U.S. Senate.

Durham, NC

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There is a lot to do on campus and in the area. Explore Durham NC >>

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#HumansofDukeSanford

Take a peek into the lives of the Sanford community through our #HumansofDukeSanford project on Instagram. 

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find your community

"I have really enjoyed the BIPOC community and support network amongst my Sanford cohort and the Black Graduate and Professional Student Association (BGPSA). Particularly, I appreciate the spaces the Black women in my cohort at Sanford have created to support one another. We share resources, and encourage one another. I'm proud to be part of this group of emerging policy leaders."

- Aliaha Austin MPP’23

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Community Wellness

The Sanford community prioritizes wellness and connection! Student Wellness Coordinator Mackenzie Phillips plans events like this hike students and faculty took the woods close to the Sanford building. She also is available for one-on-one counseling for MPP and MIDP Students. Also, Sanford is right across the street from Duke's beautiful Student Wellness Center, which offers many services.

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Community Growth

"The people at Sanford and the relationships I have made have been transformative. Having friends to support and uplift me during a global pandemic has made me feel empowered and optimistic. I am most proud of my tenacity. I have chosen to fail forward, learn as much as I can, and exercise gratitude. I strongly believe that our identity is not defined by our productivity, we are human beings first, doers next." - Mona Zahir MPP ’23

#HumansofDukeSanford

Student Voices