Duke University - Sanford School of Public Policy

About this program

Our two-year professional Master of Public Policy (MPP) prepares students for leadership roles in various levels of government, non-profit organizations and corporations in domestic and international locations. To maximize the personal attention each student receives, we target an enrolling class of 65-80students per year. We are committed to providing merit-based scholarships, and most of our students receive fellowships ranging from partial to full tuition.

The MPP program requires full-time enrollment, and students typically possess 2-6 years of post-undergraduate work experience prior to enrollment. Dual-degrees with Duke or UNC schools are available in law (JD) and business (MBA), as well as with Duke's school of environment (MEM) and medical school (MD).

Year partnership began: None
Fellowships awarded per year (average): 15

Application requirements

College transcripts, GRE scores, 3 Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement, Video Essay (Strongly Recommended), Resume, Peace Corp Description of Service (DOS)

Admissions process

Check the box indicating "Coverdell Fellow" on the application
Indicate your Peace Corps service dates, country, and description of service on your resume.
Upload a copy of your Description of Service (DOS) within the online application.
If you have not yet received the DOS, you should submit it no later than 14 business days after it is available.

We do not offer application fee waivers for Paul D. Coverdell Fellows applicants but do offer guaranteed tuition fellowships for accepted Peace Corps alumni.

Degrees awarded

Master's of Public Policy

Benefits and opportunities

	In-state	Out-of-state
Tuition and fees	$99,546	$99,546
Value of fellowship	$28,000	$28,000
Net cost	$71,546	$71,546

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $18,000

Cost savings details

Tuition Scholarship + 10-hour per week assistantship/community service internship

Internship

Below is a sample of Durham community service organizations that provide opportunities to Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows. Please use this list as a starting point to find organizations that match with your experience and interests. At the start of the Fall Semester, arrange to meet with Career Services to find a community service placement that is meaningful to you.

Clean Energy Durham
Durham Habitat for Humanity Durham Literacy Center Durham Public Schools Durham Rescue Mission
El Centro Hispano
Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association
Emily Krzyzewski Family Life Center
Eno River Association
Girls Rock
NC Housing for New Hope
John Avery Boys and Girls Club
Ronald McDonald House SEEDS
Self-Help
Southern Coalition for Social Justice Stop Hunger
World Relief

Other opportunities

$28,000 is the minimum guaranteed fellowship package 2-year MPP students will receive. This amount is often much higher based on merit and may range up to full-tuition.