Between 80 and 100 students join Duke University’s Master of Public Policy (MPP) programme every year. Over two years, they develop into ethical and inclusive public policy practitioners who use evidence-based tools and rigorous analysis to address the most critical issues across borders, sectors, and cultures worldwide. Through hands-on consulting, internships, and a global alumni network, the MPP is the essential preparation for anyone who wants to make a difference in humanity.
“The Sanford School of Public Policy was the right choice for me because it helped me think critically about real challenges and apply the right tools to solve them,” says Nilab Ahmadi, an MPP’25 graduate from Afghanistan.
There are seven policy area concentrations in the MPP, and you can take blends of courses across multiple areas, instead of being limited to one. Source: Duke University
A solid underpinning of analytical and professional skills
The MPP starts with six core courses that’ll help you build a strong foundation of analytical and professional skills. For example, you’ll take Microeconomic Analysis across two semesters to understand the efficiency and equity of specific markets. You’ll pick courses to satisfy a Management and Leadership requirement, whether that’s Public Budgeting, Foundations Strategy and Impact, or others – also across two semesters.
To tailor your degree to your career interests, you can select from one of seven concentrations, whether it’s dealing with international policy like Development and National Security, or within fields like Tech, Health, Environment & Energy, Education, and Social Policy.
Whichever concentration you choose, real-world experience will be a big part of your MPP experience. The curriculum is applied and practical, getting you working with clients starting in your first year.
In the Sanford Spring Consulting Project, teams of three to five students are paired with a client organisation to define a problem, frame a policy question, conduct interviews in the field, research and develop policy options, undertake analysis, draw conclusions, and make recommendations. Students in the past worked with a non-profit organisation in Washington, DC, to understand how the US Census navigates accuracy and displaced populations during a natural disaster.
At Sanford, staff members are dedicated to wellness and inclusivity, empowering students to reach for their goals and take on leadership roles. Source: Duke University
What follows is a required summer internship where you get to test new analytical tools, make connections for your master’s projects and/or determine areas for further study. With a strategic location close to major policy hubs like Washington, DC, Sanford has seen students intern in both US and global organisations like the World Bank, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF India, and the White House. Aarushi Tripathi, an MPP’25 graduate from India, chose to join the fight against poverty.
“I had the opportunity to intern at Oxfam America to understand climate actions in corporate supply chains with a focus on regenerative agriculture,” she says. “The 10-week project was not only a great way to learn about new concepts but also helped cement my professional interests after graduation.”
In the next term, all students will work closely with a faculty advisor to complete their capstone master’s project, which involves partnering with a real-world client to address a pressing policy challenge. Additionally, there are several hands-on opportunities to develop practical skills, including:
- Student organisations, which focus on community outreach in Durham and contribute to shaping the MPP curriculum; and
- The Sanford Board Leadership Initiative, which places MPP students as non-voting members on the leadership boards of local nonprofits for one year.
At every step of the journey, you’ll have the support of Sanford’s Graduate Career Services Team. They’ll help you secure your summer internships and connect you with funding support should the opportunity be low or unpaid. You can take courses and workshops to learn the best practices in interviewing, cover letter writing, and more, so that you’re ready when prime recruitment periods arrive. If you’re an international student like Ahmadi, Duke offers tailored services to support you and your family.
With the world-class education and support that Sanford offers, it’s little wonder that the school’s 10,000 alumni members are thriving as change-making leaders across industries and sectors. If you’d like to become one of them, the next round of applications for Duke’s MPP cohort opens in August.
Your policy journey starts at Duke. Explore admissions today.
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