Master of Public Policy Program (MPP)
A two-year masters program designed for either students early in their career or mid-career professionals who generally possess between two and six years of post-undergraduate work experience. A one-year joint degree option (39 credits) is available with professional programs with either Duke or UNC Law (JD), Duke Medicine (MD), Duke Environment (MEM) and the Duke Business School (MBA). The MPP program prepares students for public service in regional or federal government, non-profit or private sector positions both domestically and internationally.

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The Duke MPP program and the PhD in Public Policy program have different objectives. The MPP is a two-year professional degree, intended primarily to train practitioners of public policy for positions in the public policy sector. In contrast, the PhD program is a research-focused five-year doctoral degree, intended to prepare candidates for academic positions in public policy, public administration and other policy-oriented schools or for high-level professional positions in domestic and international public agencies, research organizations and policy consulting firms. The PhD program does not include an MPP degree. A student accepted to the MPP program may later decide to apply to the PhD program; however, that MPP student will be held to the same application requirements and admissions standards as the general PhD applicant pool. Furthermore, because the MPP is a professional degree focused on the practice of public policy outside of academia, it's likely that very little of your MPP coursework would carry over to the PhD. Prospective candidates must chose either (but not both) the MPP or the PhD in Public Policy program when applying to these Duke programs.

 

Public Policy PhD Program (PhD)
Public Policy PhD candidates take core public policy courses and choose a social science field as a disciplinary concentration, acquiring depth in that field.  Candidates also focus on a policy area such as social policy, child and family policy, globalization and development, or health policy.  Upon successful completion, candidates will be awarded a PhD in public policy.
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Program in International Development Policy (PIDP)
The Program in International Development Policy is designed for mid-career professionals who seek a graduate-level program and who are likely to dedicate their careers to policymaking and public service in developing countries and countries in transition. Part of the Institute's Duke Center for International Development, the PIDP provides interdisciplinary training in policy analysis on issues related to long-term social and economic development. Upon successful completion of the program, PIDP Fellows receive a Master of Arts degree in International Development Policy.

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Graduate Certificate Programs

Health Policy Certificate Program
The Health Policy Certificate Program is open to all graduate students. The interdisciplinary certificate speaks to the needs of students preparing for careers in healthcare policy, management and associated professions.