Sanford School of Public Policy

Sanford School of Public Policy At the Duke Sanford School of Public Policy, we prepare bold leaders and innovative thinkers to take on the world’s most pressing challenges.

Improving lives and communities by researching the most pressing public policy issues and preparing students for leadership, civic engagement and public service. Among the nation’s leading public policy schools, we offer undergraduate, master’s and doctoral-level degrees in public policy, international development policy, public affairs, and national security policy.

09/09/2026

Did you know Sanford is home to one of Duke’s most globally diverse graduate programs?

Each year, the Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) program brings together experienced development professionals from around the world to strengthen the policy, analytical, and technical skills needed to lead higher-impact work.

In this video, hear from Professor of the Practice Cory Krupp and alum Pragna Shekar MIDP'26, who served as class president, as they share what makes the program and its global community so special.

Interested in joining the MIDP community? If you have at least five years of professional experience in international development or a related field, we encourage you to apply.

Explore the Duke MIDP program and start your application today: https://sanford.duke.edu/academics/masters-programs/master-international-development-policy/

Join the Duke Sanford School of Public Policy, Polis: Center for Politics and Duke Program in American Grand Strategy on...
09/09/2026

Join the Duke Sanford School of Public Policy, Polis: Center for Politics and Duke Program in American Grand Strategy on Sept. 23 for a conversation with Former Senator Mitt Romney on the future of American democracy.

The 2012 Republican presidential nominee will reflect on the health of American democracy, the values that have sustained the nation, and the responsibilities citizens and leaders share in shaping its future.

🗓️ Sept. 23, 5:15 p.m., Duke's Page Auditorium
🎟️ Register for tickets: https://tickets.duke.edu

As a partner at Brumidi Group and a public policy and government relations professional, Madeline Wade Quasney's career ...
09/08/2026

As a partner at Brumidi Group and a public policy and government relations professional, Madeline Wade Quasney's career has spanned Capitol Hill, political advocacy, and strategic consulting. Since graduating from Duke Sanford's Master of Public Policy (MPP) program in 2017, she has helped organizations navigate complex policy questions and advance practical solutions, with a particular focus on climate, conservation, and public lands. Madeline's career shows how policy expertise, coalition-building, and steady, incremental work can create meaningful progress at a time when national challenges often feel difficult to influence.

Madeline's story is featured in the latest Sanford Memo—your Sanford alumni newsletter. See this month's Memo and learn about upcoming alumni events and opportunities: https://duke.is/Alumni-Memo

Want to put your strongest application forward for Duke Sanford’s Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) prog...
09/05/2026

Want to put your strongest application forward for Duke Sanford’s Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) program?

Join our director of MIDP admissions on Sept. 8 for a virtual session covering each component of the application, including transcripts, resumes, recommendations, essays and optional materials. You’ll also learn what the admissions committee looks for, how to highlight your experiences effectively, and common mistakes to avoid. The session will conclude with a live Q&A.

Register today: https://applygp.duke.edu/register/Tips&Tricks

09/03/2026

"The current trade war brewing between Canada and the United States risks upending and transforming the relationship between the two countries and tells us something about where U.S. foreign policy might be going next.”
–Dr. Susan Colbourn, Associate Research Professor at the Duke Sanford School of Public Policy and Associate Director of the Duke Program in American Grand Strategy

Dr. Colbourn shares her expertise as a diplomatic and international historian and answers questions of U.S.-Canada trade, history, and political strategy.

What it's like to sharpen your policy writing skills at Duke Sanford? How can a strong statement of purpose help your gr...
08/29/2026

What it's like to sharpen your policy writing skills at Duke Sanford? How can a strong statement of purpose help your graduate school application stand out?

Join our upcoming interactive webinar on writing for public policy audiences and learn how effective policy writing differs from academic and professional writing. We'll also go over how to write a compelling statement of purpose for your application to our Master of Public Policy (MPP) or Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) programs that connects and highlights your goals, experiences and potential for impact.

💻 MIDP & MPP: Public Policy Writing and Graduate Admissions Essay Tips
🗓️ Tuesday, Sept. 1, 8:30–9:30 a.m. EDT
🔗 Register for the link: https://applygp.duke.edu/register/pubpolwritingwebinar

Fall 2026 Master of Public Affairs residency ✔️ Our newest MPA cohort experienced a Duke Sanford residency in person fo...
08/27/2026

Fall 2026 Master of Public Affairs residency ✔️

Our newest MPA cohort experienced a Duke Sanford residency in person for the first time, while members of the inaugural cohort returned to campus for their final residency before they graduate.

From coursework and an offsite day at Durham City Hall to a keynote conversation with former U.S. Rep. David Price, the week connected students with faculty, local government leaders and one another.

Thank you to the faculty, staff, speakers and community partners who helped make our students’ residency experience a memorable one!

Read about the residency: https://sanford.duke.edu/story/two-mpa-cohorts-come-together-week-learning-connection-and-public-service/

08/26/2026

Duke Sanford School of Public Policy’s new dean JR DeShazo launches a new project - 250 days and an exploration of what makes Sanford special.

recently partnered with the Duke Nashville alumni chapter to volunteer at PENCIL's school supply store. Duke alumni an...
08/26/2026

recently partnered with the Duke Nashville alumni chapter to volunteer at PENCIL's school supply store. Duke alumni and friends stocked shelves, counted donated school supplies, and organized supplies for teachers to use in their classrooms. To all those who joined us, thank you!

08/25/2026

What makes the Duke Sanford Master of Public Policy experience stand out? Rigorous policy training, opportunities to explore what you care about, and a community of people who help expand your perspective, challenge your thinking, and prepare you to make a bigger impact.

At Sanford, you'll build the quantitative and analytical skills employers demand while learning from faculty across disciplines, exploring courses throughout Duke, and connecting with a community that supports you long after graduation.

Hear directly from MPP students and faculty about what makes the Sanford experience unique.

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