The Future Isn't Set in Stone. It's Written in Policy.
Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy is home to four graduate programs designed for professionals who want to do more than witness change. They want to lead it.
Whether you're just launching your policy career or building upon decades of experience, Sanford offers a degree built for where you are and where you're headed.
Not sure which program is right for you?
Fill out the form and we'll help you find your fit.
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Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy is home to four graduate programs designed for professionals who want to do more than witness change. They want to lead it.
Whether you're just launching your policy career or building upon decades of experience, Sanford offers a degree built for where you are and where you're headed.
Not sure which program is right for you?
Fill out the form and we'll help you find your fit.
Our Master's Programs
Each Sanford graduate program is built around a different career stage, format, and area of focus.
Residential
Master of Public Policy (MPP)
For early-career professionals building their policy foundation
The MPP is a two-year, full-time residential degree that equips emerging leaders with the analytical skills, real-world experience, and interdisciplinary training to lead across government, nonprofits, and the private sector.
- Format: Full-time, residential
- Timeline: Two years
- Experience: 2+ years recommended
Hybrid
Master of Public Affairs (MPA)
For established professionals strengthening their leadership skills
The MPA is a hybrid, executive degree for experienced practitioners in government, nonprofits, and the private sector who are ready to strengthen their leadership impact without pausing their careers.
- Format: Hybrid (Online with four in-person residencies at the Duke campus in Durham, NC and Washington, DC)
- Timeline: 15-18 months
- Experience: 5-7+ years
Hybrid
Master of Public Affairs (MPA)
For established professionals strengthening their leadership skills
The MPA is a hybrid, executive degree for experienced practitioners in government, nonprofits, and the private sector who are ready to strengthen their leadership impact without pausing their careers.
- Format: Hybrid (Online with four in-person residencies at the Duke campus in Durham, NC and Washington, DC)
- Timeline: 15-18 months
- Experience: 5-7+ years
Residential
Master of International Development Policy (MIDP)
The MIDP is an immersive, self-designed degree for experienced professionals ready to channel their expertise into sustainable global impact at the worlds's most influential development organizations.
- Format: Full-time, residential
- Timeline: 12-24 months
- Experience: 5+ years
Hybrid
Master of National Security Policy (MNSP)
For security professionals advancing their expertise
The MNSP is a hybrid, executive degree for working professionals in defense, intelligence, civil service, and the military who want to develop advanced security policy skills and expand their strategic influence without career interruption.
- Format: Hybrid (Mostly online with short residences at the Duke campus in Durham, NC)
- Timeline: 12-18 months
- Experience: 5-7+ years
Hybrid
Master of National Security Policy (MNSP)
For security professionals advancing their expertise
The MNSP is a hybrid, executive degree for working professionals in defense, intelligence, civil service, and the military who want to develop advanced security policy skills on their own schedule, without career interruption.
- Format: Hybrid (Mostly online with short residences at the Duke campus in Durham, NC)
- Timeline: 12-18 months
- Experience: 5-7+ years
Why Duke Sanford?
A Duke Degree Carries Weight
Duke University is consistently ranked among the world's top research universities, and the Sanford School of Public Policy is ranked in the top 10% of US public affairs schools. A Sanford degree signals that you are prepared to lead at the highest levels.
A Network That Opens Doors
When you earn a Sanford degree, you join an alumni community with reach across every sector of the policy world, from Capitol Hill and the Pentagon to the World Bank, UNICEF, and the world's leading NGO's and consulting firms.
Career Support for Life
Every Sanford student has access to a dedicated Graduate Career Services team, providing personalized support that continues long after graduation. Leverage internship placement, career workshops, job search strategy, employer connections, and more.
Faculty Practitioners Shaping Their Field
Sanford's faculty are active participants in the policy conversations that matter most. A diverse mix of world-class academic researchers and professors of the practice bring real leadership experience from government, international institutions, defense, and global development directly into the curriculum.
See If Duke Sanford Is the Right Fit.
Join an upcoming admissions event to meet the Duke admissions team, hear from current students, and get your questions answered live. No commitment required.
Prepare to do the work that matters most.
Learn more about our public policy master's degrees today.
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