With policy decisions shaping economies, communities, and lives across the globe, the need for skilled policymakers and development professionals is critical, perhaps now more than ever. Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy stands at the forefront, preparing leaders to drive meaningful and sustainable change across sectors and borders. With its world-class faculty, integrative and practice-based curriculum, and global network, Sanford’s two full-time residential master’s programmes — the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and the Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) — offer an unparalleled opportunity for professionals seeking to advance their careers in public service.
Excellence in public policy and international development
Duke Sanford’s MPP and MIDP programmes are designed to equip students with the analytical tools, leadership skills, and interdisciplinary knowledge necessary to address pressing policy challenges.
The early-career Master of Public Policy (MPP) programme provides a rigorous, evidence-based education in policymaking, economics, ethics, and quantitative analysis. With real-world applications integrated into the curriculum, students learn to develop solutions that address complex policy issues across sectors and industries.
The mid-career Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) programme is tailored for professionals with at least five years of professional experience seeking to deepen their global impact. With a flexible curriculum that allows students to focus on critical areas such as peace and conflict resolution, global health, and economic development, the MIDP programme prepares leaders to address international challenges in dynamic and effective ways.
“At the end of my journey, I gained exactly what I had been seeking: a comprehensive strategy to lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact,” says Mustafa Rezaie, MIDP’24, Finance Manager at PartnersGlobal.
Sanford is home to over 100 faculty members who research pressing public policy issues when they aren’t preparing students for the future. Source: Duke University
Learning at the intersection of policy and innovation
Duke Sanford’s interdisciplinary approach allows students to take courses across partner institutions and Duke’s various schools, such as business, law, environment, medicine, and engineering, expanding their skill sets and career prospects. Many students leverage this flexibility to explore fields that complement their policy studies, enhance their leadership abilities, and deliver a competitive edge. Kanishka Desai, MPP’26, chose to take Challenges and Strategy in Design Thinking, offered at Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering, and emerged with new ideas about how to blend public policy with human-centered design to drive more effective policy solutions.
“The course serves as a bridge between timeless design principles and the complex landscape of public policy innovation,” says Desai. “The intersection of public policy, engineering management, and human-centered design is the perfect platform to design meaningful change.”
Similarly, the MPP/JD dual-degree programme offers unique training for professionals aiming to work at the intersection of law and policy.
“My involvement in the MPP/JD program has been instrumental to my growth as a complex problem-solver,” says Jillian Foye, MPP/JD’26. “The research and classroom experiences that I have had at Sanford have not only strengthened my subject matter knowledge within health policy but also provided me with a unique perspective when analyzing legal matters. I am eager to use this distinctive skillset while working at the intersection of law and policy to improve access to care across the country.”
Duke Sanford continues to expand these partnerships and opportunities for students, most recently adding a new dual degree pairing the Master of Public Policy with a Master of Data Science from the Hertie School in Berlin, Germany.
A global network for a global impact
Duke’s impact extends far beyond the US, and the University remains committed to fostering an international learning environment. Sanford School students benefit from:
- Influential faculty: Sanford’s faculty has played a pivotal role in training international officials, conducting critical research, and shaping policies worldwide.
- Global alumni network: With over 200,000 Duke alumni in 165 countries — including more than 12,000 international graduates — Duke’s global reach provides invaluable career connections.
“Before joining the MIDP, my network was limited to a few countries in Asia. Now, I am connected with future leaders from Africa, Europe, Australia, the Americas, and beyond. This global network, for me, has been one of the most valuable outcomes of the programme,” says Mustafa Rezaie, MIDP’24, Finance Manager at PartnersGlobal.
- Global initiatives: Beyond the classroom, Duke University also maintains a strong international presence through initiatives such as the Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI), which tackles health disparities worldwide through research, education, and policy development, and the Kenan Institute for Ethics, which engages in human rights, migration, and ethical policymaking on a global scale. Duke’s Sanford School also houses the Duke Centre for International Development, a hub for sustainable development scholars that engages academics, policymakers, policy advocates, and community members around the world’s most urgent development issues.
With its faculty, research centers, and international collaborations, Duke continues to shape global policy and development, providing Sanford students with unmatched opportunities to engage in this meaningful, high-impact work.
Campus is located in Durham, a city with vibrant research, medical and arts communities. Source: Duke University
A unique and strategic location
Duke University’s location in North Carolina’s Research Triangle places students in the heart of one of the most innovative and collaborative academic ecosystems in the US. The Triangle’s three major research universities — Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State — foster partnerships and opportunities that enhance students’ education and professional development.
One such initiative is the Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Centre, one of only seven in the world, which supports fellows dedicated to peacebuilding and conflict resolution. This, along with other cross-institutional collaborations, enables Sanford students to benefit from expanded academic and professional opportunities.
Join a legacy of leadership in public policy
Whether you’re starting a career in policymaking or advancing as a leader, Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy equips you with world-class education, analytical skills, and technical expertise to tackle complex challenges and grow professionally.
If you are ready to take the next step in your public service career, explore what Duke Sanford has to offer.
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