Public Policy

    PhD in Public Policy at Duke University

    PhD in Public Policy at Duke University

    The Public Policy is a PhD degree offered by Duke University at its main campus in Durham , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 5 years to complete. Students study at the university's main campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from January 10, 2027.

    About PhD in Public Policy

    The Ph.D. in Public Policy is an interdisciplinary social science degree. Graduates of the program are prepared for academic positions in public policy, public administration, policy-oriented schools, social science departments, and for professional positions in domestic and international public agencies and research organizations. The program aims to matriculate 6-8 students per year, enabling each student to receive individual faculty attention in courses and in research. The core of the program is research mentoring with one or more faculty members, as the student becomes expert in an area of inquiry. Initially, the student's research is closely tied to that of faculty members but, by the dissertation, the student becomes an independent scholar. 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, sociology, or psychology 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 directly to the University Program in Environmental Policy, but may enroll in Public Policy Ph.D. courses.

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Public Policy at Duke University

    Entry Requirements

    • Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
    • Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
    • Statement of Purpose: Required (See departmental guidance below)
    • Résumé: Required
    • GRE Scores: GRE General Required (GMAT not accepted)
    • English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English
      *test waiver may apply for some applicants
    • GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 7
    • TOEFLMin 90

    English Program Requirements

    If your first language is not English, you must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, or the Duolingo English Test.

    Fee Information

    Application Fee 95
    PhD in Public Policy at Duke University
    Duke University
    Duke University
    United States of America

    United States of America, Durham

    WhatsApp student consultation with YouApply