Homepage | Sanford School of Public Policy Skip to main JR DeShazo appointed inaugural Joel L. Fleishman Dean of the Sanford School of Public Policy America at 250: Founding and Forging a Democracy Sanford Policy Specialties Ranked in US News Top 10 in 2026 Respectful Friction in Policymaking: What I learned from a former head of state about the value of disagreement in policymaking. Michelle Schwartz PPS’98 Found her Flight Path with Policy and People Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... News JR DeShazo appointed inaugural Joel L. Fleishman Dean of the Sanford School of Public Policy Read story Public Policy & Civics Education America at 250: Founding and Forging a Democracy Read story News Sanford Policy Specialties Ranked in US News Top 10 in 2026 More about the rankings Student Voices Respectful Friction in Policymaking: What I learned from a former head of state about the value of disagreement in policymaking. Read reflection Alumni Stories Michelle Schwartz PPS’98 Found her Flight Path with Policy and People Read Michelle's Story Homepage Image We the People is a Duke and Durham collaboration that marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through a series of public events examining the nation’s evolving identity. Drawing from the opening words of the Constitution, the project asks us to consider who “the people” have been, and who we aspire to be, within the ongoing story of the United States. Duke Today story We the People website Faculty in the Media There are no News items to show. More news & opinion Loading... Built for Connection, Collaboration & Community At Sanford, we believe bold ideas are only as powerful as the people who bring them to life. That’s why we foster a culture of collaboration—connecting students, faculty, alumni, and partners to tackle the world’s most pressing policy challenges. Bold Ideas. Real Impact. Sanford is Made for This Programs We Offer The Sanford School of Public Policy is a vibrant, dynamic community of thinkers and doers who are dedicated to leaving the world a better place. More information about the undergraduate program. Browse FAQs We also offer two minors: Minor in Journalism and Media Minor in Technology Policy Our two-year, professional Master of Public Policy (MPP) program offers students outstanding preparation for dynamic careers as analysts, leaders and managers at various levels of government, nonprofits and corporations – both domestically and internationally. More information about the MPP program. Apply to the MPP program. The Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) is an interdisciplinary degree program designed to facilitate the growth of experienced, development-minded individuals who are driving change and helping to build strong and more resilient communities. The program supports a global community of policy shapers and social architects by supporting a flexible curriculum that equips students with the tools, network, and knowledge to elevate their impact and take them to the next level in their careers. More information about the MIDP program. Apply to the MIDP program. In partnership with Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment, we offer an international master’s degree in environmental policy at Duke Kunshan University in China. The 4-semester, 16-course program is designed to meet the growing global need for leaders versed in Chinese and international environmental issues and policies. More information about the iMEP program. Apply to the iMEP program. The Master of National Security Policy program is a one-year program for those working in national security – government, military, defense or consulting  – to help advance your career and skills. Achieve your ambitions in just one year while continuing to work. The program is for those currently working in national security who have at least seven years of work experience. More information about the Master of National Security Policy program. Apply to the MNSP program. The Duke MPA will prepare you for leadership positions within an organization. It can also help mid-career professionals in other fields transition into a rewarding career in public affairs. More information about the MPA program. Apply to the MPA program. The PhD in Public Policy at Duke University enables students to collaborate with Duke’s top-rated faculty in public policy and with Duke’s departments of economics, political science and sociology. Most students pursue research with the goal of working in domestic and international public agencies, research organizations and policy consulting firms. Others seek academic positions in public policy, public administration and policy-oriented schools. More information about the PhD program. Apply to the PhD program. Executive education programs are for mid-career and senior-level professionals to enhance their skills on timely topics related to behavioral economics, cybersecurity leadership, corporate social responsibility and more. Open enrollment and custom programs for organizations are available. View current course listings. Distinguished Lectures Alumna Melissa Monge MIDP’25 and classmates helped bring former Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado to campus for an inspirational day. Read the event recap. Three students consider takeaways from listening to renowned robotics ethicist Kate Darling at the Spring Wilson Lecture. Read the event recap. Key Themes Loading... Energy & Environment Loading... Media & Democracy Loading... Social Policy Loading... Health Policy Loading... Security Loading... Tech Policy Loading... International Development KEY THEMES The Sanford School offers 7 key themes as options for academic focus. See all themes CENTERS & INITIATIVES Sanford has numerous centers and initiatives. Students can join research projects, attend special events and more. Explore More Recent News There are no Story items to show. View More Stories Upcoming Events There are no Event items to show. View more events Announcements There are no Blog items to show. View more announcements Loading... MPP Student Story "Growing up in a developing country like Afghanistan, where effective public policy is crucial for progress, fueled my passion for studying public policy at a world-class institution," says Nilab Ahmadi MPP'25. Nilab aims to focus on economic development while also launching an education initiative focused on Afghan girls. Explore more student stories