Program Introduction
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy is a professional degree designed to equip students with the analytical, practical, and leadership skills needed to analyze complex policy problems and develop effective solutions. This two-year program emphasizes policy analysis, economics, statistics, policy design and evaluation, and leadership and management, allowing students to develop expertise in various policy areas including environmental policy, international development, national security, social policy, and technology policy. The MPP program provides personalized support and mentoring to each student in a small cohort environment, emphasizing practical problem-solving approaches and hands-on experience. Students gain substantive policy analysis experience through client-centered policy analysis and consulting projects, summer internships, workshops, and seminars. Duke's world-class faculty, diverse research centers, and extensive alumni and professional networks support students in preparing for successful careers in government, nonprofit organizations, international agencies, think tanks, and the private sector.
- Language of InstructionEnglish
- Program Length24 months
- Teaching MethodsOffline
- Core Required Courses: Policy Analysis, Economics for Policy, Quantitative Analysis Methods, Ethical Policy Making, Policy Design and Evaluation, Policy Issue Analysis - Policy Area Electives: Environmental and Energy Policy, Global Policy and Development, National Security and Diplomacy, Social Policy and Inequality, Technology and Innovation Policy - Methodological and Analytical Skills: Advanced Statistical Analysis, Program Evaluation, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Data Visualization, Qualitative Research Methods, Policy Modeling - Leadership and Management Competencies: Organizational Management, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Leadership Development, Policy Communication, Strategic Planning, Budget and Financial Management - Practical Application Experiences: Client-Based Policy Project (Master's Project), Policy Case Studies, Simulation Exercises, Expert Panels and Workshops - Field Experience: Required Summer Internship, Policy Field Visits, Government Agency and Think Tank Immersion, Community-Based Projects - Integrative and Capstone Courses: Policy Workshops, Capstone Seminars, Policy Development Studios, Policy Case Presentations
Policy Analyst
$60,000 ~ $85,000
Government Consultant
$70,000 ~ $95,000
International Development Specialist
$55,000 ~ $80,000
| Intakes | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
| 2025 Fall | 2025-02-05 |
Admission Requirement
- GPANo Min Score
- GRENo Min Score
100
7.0
- Online ApplicationRequired
- TranscriptsRequired
- 3 Letters of RecommendationRequired
- Resume / CVRequired
- Video IntroductionRequired
- Statement of PurposeRequired
- Curated Video EssayOptional
Optional but strongly recommended
- GREOptional
Optional
- Certified English Test Score ReportRequired
Fees and Funding
$56,028/Year
$15,020/Year
$80