The Duke Master of International Development Policy Program is dedicated to educating leaders from around the globe to identify critical development issues and share solutions. From economic development and energy management to public health and peace building, our approach equips leaders to lay the foundation for development.
About the program
Nine focus areas. Traditional 2-year and accelerated options. A foundation on which to build your expertise.
Duke Center for International Development
Conduct real-world research with faculty members and network with current practitioners.
Focus Areas
Choose from nine areas of focus to tailor your education to your needs and interests.
We welcome applicants with 5+ years of experience from diverse professional backgrounds.
Requirements:
Statement of purpose
Resume or CV
Transcripts (documentation of previously attended institutions, including degrees, diplomas, or certificates awarded).
Language proficiency test scores (for those for whom English is not their first language). Waivers are available if you have two years of study at a qualifying college or university.
3 letters of recommendation
$80 application fee
Optional:
GRE scores
Video introduction
Timeline:
Applications open on August 15 and are reviewed on a rolling basis. International applicants should apply by January 5 for spring and fall terms to allow sufficient time for visa processing. All applications submitted by January 5 will receive priority for fellowship funding.
“I had the amazing opportunity to work as a researcher under Professor Eddy Malesky’s supervision at DCID in the "Anti-Corruption Learning Agenda Final Report” for USAID. This experience has been instrumental in preparing me for my current role, providing valuable insights into the complexities of governance and public policy, skills as a researcher, and lessons learned obtained from the project that could be adapted to what I’m currently doing in the Army, as well as improving my project management skills."
-Jorge Delgado Golusda, MIDP'24, Rotary Peace Fellow, Captain in the Chilean Army, Inspector General's Office
“The MIDP experience is a journey through a mosaic of cultures and ideas, uniting us in our shared mission to drive meaningful change on an international scale."
-Goharik Tigranyan, MIDP'24, Program Officer for Gender Inclusive Democracy, International Republican Institute, Yerevan, Armenia
The MIDP curriculum consists of four core courses, three practicums, and a culminating Master's Project.
Within this framework, you have the flexibility to choose additional courses from the MIDP program, the Sanford School of Public Policy, other Duke schools, and nearby universities. You may also incorporate a focus area—currently, there are nine to choose from—or add a graduate certificate to your course plan.
While we don't have concentrations, there are nine optional areas of focus that fellows may follow to help guide their studies. In addition, fellows can work with their advisors to find elective courses in their areas of interest.
The MIDP offers a two pronged approach for academic advising. MIDP staff and faculty advisors work together to advise fellows. Assigned faculty advisors are familiar with fellows’ professional interests and can help guide them in creating a study plan. Later, fellows will be assigned a Master’s Project (MP) advisor, who will guide them on their Master’s Project research.
Fellows also have access to career advising through Sanford’s Office of Career Services, to help with searching for summer internships, crafting resumes and seeking career opportunities.
Duke has limited on-campus housing for graduate students, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority for housing assignment will be awarded to graduate students who arrive from abroad on student visa status and who are attending school outside of their home country for the first time. Learn more about housing options for Duke graduate and professional students.
Visa Services has full-time staff available to help with any visa-related matters that may arise while you are here.
Duke International Student Center (DISC) has a wide range of services available to international students, rides to the Social Security Office, an English Conversation Club and much more.
The Duke MIDP program offers a diverse international and intercultural learning environment, where you engage with faculty and peers from a variety of identities and professional backgrounds.
A typical MIDP cohort includes students from more than 20 countries, with over 90% being international. Small class sizes along with many opportunities to network and socialize allow for close relationships with your peers and faculty.
A strong academic background that demonstrates the capability to successfully undertake rigorous graduate-level studies. Duke University requires the completion of a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent to be eligible to apply.
A professional background with at least five years of experience which shows an increase in responsibilities over time. We strongly prefer that candidates have development-related experience. We recognize the interdisciplinary nature of international development. Past applicants have held positions in U.S. and foreign government agencies, NGO’s, public international organizations, private corporations, the U.S. military, and the U.S. Peace Corps.
A well-written essay which demonstrates a commitment to working in development and a deep awareness of development issues.
Strong letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references, which speak in detail about the applicant's skills.
Strong written and oral English skills are essential to succeed in the MIDP program.
The accelerated program option also requires the equivalent of one year of completed graduate-level coursework in a relevant field.