Public Policy PhD

Program Code: G-PPS-PHD
Degree Designation: Doctor of Philosophy
Department: School of Public Policy
Website: sanford.duke.edu/academics/doctoral-program

PhD programs follow the policies outlined in The Graduate School Bulletin.

Program Summary

The PhD in public policy is a research-based, interdisciplinary social science degree. Graduates of the program are prepared for academic careers and professional positions in research, consulting firms, or public agencies.

The program requires a two-course sequence in theories of political economy and coursework in three other social science disciplines. Students designate a disciplinary concentration in economics, political science, psychology, or sociology, as well as a policy focus, such as social policy, globalization and development, or health policy.

Financial Aid

Duke University and the Sanford School of Public Policy are committed to supporting public policy PhD students for five years through a combination of scholarships, fellowships, research or teaching assistantships, and stipends, provided that students maintain satisfactory progress in the program.

For more information about financial support for PhD students at Duke, visit gradschool.duke.edu/financial-support.

For more information about Duke University Graduate School Fellowships, visit gradschool.duke.edu/financial-support/find-funding.

In addition to those awards available through the university, applicants are urged to compete for national and foundation awards available for graduate study. A website maintained by Duke’s Office of Research Support lists awards available from a variety of federal and private sources, as well as awards funded by the university. External awards, which are prestigious and a valuable acknowledgement of a student’s intellectual project and promise typically replace departmental or Graduate School awards. Visit the Office of Research Support website for detailed information about external financial awards researchinitiatives.duke.edu/funding-search-tools.

Faculty

The Sanford School’s Public Policy PhD faculty members represent diverse disciplinary backgrounds and numerous research interests. The Public Policy PhD Program faculty consists of all members of the graduate faculty of Duke University with primary or secondary appointments in the Sanford School of Public Policy as well as members of the graduate faculties in the departments of political science, economics, sociology and other relevant departments, and of the faculties of the Nicholas School of the Environment, The Fuqua School of Business, Duke Law School, and other professional schools.