Public Policy Studies
Ph.D. Program: http://www.pubpol.duke.edu/graduate/phd
MPP Program: http://www.pubpol.duke.edu/graduate/mpp
General Information
Degrees offered:
Ph.D., MPP
Faculty working with students:
42 primary appointments, 19 secondary appointments, adjunct and visiting
Entering Students: 55 (MPP); 5-7 Ph.D.
Students receiving Financial Aid:
99%
Deadline for Fall 2009 Application: December 31
Spring Application:
no
Part time study available:
no
Test required:
GRE General
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 poilcy 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 admission 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 courseowrk 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.
Ph.D. Program Description
The Ph.D. in Public Policy is an applied, interdisciplinary social science degree. Graduates of the program are prepared for academic positions in public policy, public administration, and policy-oriented schools, and for professional positions in domestic and international public agencies, research organizations, and policy consulting firms. The program aims to matriculate 5-7 students per year, enabling each student to receive individual faculty attention in courses and in research.
The program requires a two-course sequence in theories of public policy, and coursework in three other social science disciplines. Students designate both a disciplinary concentration such as economics, political science or sociology in which they take a minimum of five courses, and a policy focus, such as social policy, globalization and development, health policy, or other policy area. Students interested in environmental policy should apply to the Ph.D. program in Environment, but may enroll in Public Policy Ph.D. courses.
Other Requirements for the Ph.D. Program
A resume (not to exceed two printed pages) should be uploaded with the online electronic application.
A writing sample of no more than 20 pages (nonreturnable) should be sent directly to the Public Policy Studies Department (not to the Graduate Enrollment Services Office - this is the only exception to the general rule that all documents that are part of an application must be sent to the Graduate Enrollment Services Office.) The applicant's name should appear on each page in the top right corner.
MPP Program Description
This professional program consisting of a small and select entering class of about 55 students offers a broad-based foundation in analytic and managerial methods with applications to real-world situations. Graduates are trained to find creative and effective solutions to public problems, combining the skills and perspectives of both the social and management sciences. They are prepared to think strategically, analyze rigorously, communicate clearly, negotiate effectively, and manage fairly. Many graduates pursue careers in the public sector, including federal, state and local levels both domestically and internationally. But the skills taught are equally useful in nonprofit organizations, think tanks, consulting firms, and private companies. A balanced core curriculum is offered that includes economics, quantitative methods, politics, ethics, and management. The Global Public Policy Concentration prepares students to see beyond national boundaries, to think globally and act locally, nationally, and internationally. The concentration in Social Policy provides students a vehicle to become expert in the content, context, and methods of analysis of welfare, education, crime, childcare, and inequity issues. The Health Policy concentration capitalizes on the Duke resources in the health field, including a campus-wide Global Health Initiative, the Health Sector Manager Program at the Fuqua School of Business, and our Center for Health Policy, Law and Management. Electives are available in a variety of policy areas, including international development, environment, children and families, and education. Joint MPP degrees are available with law, business, environment, and medical programs. To view the MPP program brochure (PDF format), click here.
Other Requirements for the MPP Program
Resume (not to exceed two printed pages), which should be uploaded with the online electronic application. Previous coursework in statistics and micro-economics strongly suggested prior to application submission. Substantive post-undergraduate work experience of three years or longer recommended.