About Our Students

Graduate Students

Duke’s professional Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree provides a broad-based foundation in analytic and managerial methods with applications to real-world situations. Our graduates are trained to find creative and effective solutions to public problems. They are prepared to think strategically, analyze rigorously, communicate clearly, negotiate effectively and manage fairly.

In addition to our core curriculum, students may pursue in-depth study in a specific policy area, with concentrations available in Global Policy, Social Policy and Health Policy. Students may also pursue joint degrees in law, business, environmental management, medicine or other disciplines, combining their public policy training with other professional education.

Most of our MPP students have two to four years of work experience. As either an intern or full-time staff member, a Duke MPP can add to your capacity quickly and effectively. Learn more about the MPP program.

Undergraduates

Duke undergraduate Public Policy Studies (PPS) majors learn an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving through required coursework in economics, statistics, political science, ethics and history. Bringing these various disciplines to bear on today’s global issues, PPS majors learn to write clearly and concisely, to think analytically and to consider the ethical implications of their actions. They can choose to specialize in one of five Policy Pathways – Global Policy, Social Policy, Economic Policy, Health Policy or Policy Journalism – to gain depth of knowledge in a particular area.

Our undergraduates are engaged and curious about the policymaking process. They want to see how their academic experiences are applied in the real world of politics and policy analysis. For some, internships are defining moments in their undergraduate careers, giving them direction for the next stage in their lives. Learn more about the PPS major.