Duke University’s PhD in Public Policy program at Sanford offers candidates the chance to explore policy questions that have critical impact on society today, both globally and domestically.
The program spans about five years, with a requirement of 48 credits. We emphasize interdisciplinary study, mentorship and personal attention.
6-8 students matriculate each year, and work closely with a mentor.
Photo: Ajenai Clemmons PhD'21 with Professor Deondra Rose. Ajenai's research examines policing of African American and European Muslim communities.
We will not penalize applicants whose transcripts show Pass/No Pass or other similar grading options from Spring 2020.
GRE Scores are required and cannot be waived.
We are interested in the potential of our graduate students to make significant, real world policy contributions, which is often not reflected in grades. We consider whether applicants pursued a rigorous curriculum relevant to their graduate or professional school plans. Academic records are considered wholistically alongside letters of recommendation, personal accomplishments, personal statements, and test scores.
Applicants to the PhD Program in Public Policy will be applying to the Duke Graduate School using its electronic application. Please review the Duke Graduate School Admissions Website for detailed instructions on all application requirements.
Students may also apply for joint degrees.
Are there any additional requirements?In addition to completing the Graduate School requirements, applicants must also:
Please utilize this essay to discuss your goals in relation to Duke University. We are interested in your academic and professional experience, your intended course of study (including a disciplinary concentration and policy area focus) and your longer-term career objectives.
Do you provide funding?Yes. Please see our section on financial aid for funding and fellowship opportunities.
What are typical test scores/GPAS for admitted students?Explore the Graduate School's admission statistics for Public Policy candidates for information on scores, career outcomes and other data.
Should I come visit?Most applicants wait until admission decisions are made before visiting our campus.
Do you conduct personal interviews?Personal interviews are conducted in February for a select group of students as part of the admissions process.
May I apply for both the MPP program and the PhD program at the same time?No, you may only apply to one of the programs.
What if I have questions? Who should I contact regarding professors with whom I am interested in studying?Browse the Sanford faculty directory. Contact individuals whose research aligns with your interests.
What is the UPEP Program?Duke's University Program in Environmental Policy (UPEP) PhD is a 5-year program for intense research training, combining disciplinary specialization in economics or political science with an emphasis on understanding policy settings and the precise nature of the problem we hope to solve with policy.
How do I apply to the UPEP program?UPEP applicants should apply directly to the Duke Graduate School. More information on PhD Applications can be found on the PhD Admissions page. All doctoral students must enter the program in the fall semester. We welcome applicants from diverse academic, cultural, socioeconomic, and professional backgrounds. Approximately 3-5 students are projected to enter the program each fall, for a total of 20-25 students enrolled at any given time.
How competitive is UPEP admissions?Admission to the UPEP program is extremely competitive, with less than 10 percent of applicants typically offered admission. Applicants should have a record of high academic achievement and the potential to become leading researchers on environmental policy issues. Although the program’s admissions committee evaluates applicants from a comprehensive standpoint, successful applicants will likely have:
No, but your chances of admission will increase if your application indicates that you have identified one or more faculty members in the Nicholas or Sanford schools whose research interests are similar to yours. You are welcome to communicate with faculty members before you apply, but please note that they cannot tell you whether you will be admitted. Admission decisions are made by the Duke Graduate School, as advised by the UPEP admissions committee, not by individual faculty members.
Will I be assigned an advisor if I am admitted?
Yes. You will be assigned an advisor when you are admitted.
Can I change my advisor?
Yes. Contact the UPEP Director of Graduate Studies.
Can I work with only my advisor as a teaching assistant (TA), a research assistant (RA), or on my dissertation research?
No. TA assignments are made independently of advisor assignments, although you will likely serve as a TA for your advisor at least once. RAships depend on funding availability. You can serve as an RA for either your advisor or another faculty member. UPEP students form dissertation committees consistent with Duke Graduate School rules, and members of the committee other than your advisor often play a large role in supervising aspects of the research.
Pursue a joint degree in medicine, through Duke’ s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). This program seeks to train leaders in academic medicine, who will combine clinical and research careers. Successful applicants receive funding to pay for both their medical school and PhD training. Applicants must apply to both the PhD and the MSTP program.
The Center for Strategic Philanthropy and Civil Society and the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media and Democracy provide support for a pre-doctoral fellowship in the Ph.D. program of the Sanford School of Public Policy. This position is designed to further research and inform practice on questions at the intersection of the media, philanthropy, and democracy in the U.S.
Duke's University Program in Environmental Policy (UPEP) PhD is a 5-year program for intense research training, combining disciplinary specialization in economics or political science with an emphasis on understanding policy settings and the precise nature of the problem we hope to solve with policy.