Program Overview

Introduction to the Sanford School of Public Policy

The Sanford School of Public Policy is a vibrant, dynamic community of thinkers and doers who are dedicated to leaving the world a better place.

Undergraduate Program

The public policy major offers many exciting opportunities. We teach courses in a broad array of areas, including:

• Education and social policy
• Health and population
• Environment and energy
• International development
• Global governance and security
• Civil society
• Leadership and ethics

Rigorous coursework provides students skills in political and economic analysis, knowledge about how to lead people and organizations, and a strong ethical foundation for decision-making. As a liberal arts major, public policy studies teaches students to read critically, think analytically, and write concisely.

Director of Undergraduate Studies

Suzanne Katzenstein is the Director of Undergraduate Studies at the Sanford School. "The Public Policy program offers a vital platform for students to develop the analytical skills and ethical grounding needed to address complex societal challenges," Katzenstein said. She is passionate about working with undergraduates. In 2022, she received the Susan E. Tifft Teaching and Mentoring Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to teaching undergraduates and a deep commitment to the intellectual, professional, and personal development of undergraduate public policy students.

Featured Centers and Initiatives

The Sanford School features several centers and initiatives, including:

• DeWitt Wallace Center for Media and Democracy: Duke University’s hub for journalism and media studies
• Duke Program in American Grand Strategy: For Duke students interested in national security policymaking
• Hart Leadership Program: Helping students discover the power of leadership for public life
• Polis: Center for Politics: Committed to increasing our understanding of politics locally, nationally, and globally

Minors & Certificates

The Sanford School offers several minors and certificates, including:

• CHILD & FAMILY POLICY: Sponsored by the Center for Child and Family Policy, this certificate builds students’ knowledge of child and family issues and provides academic tools to engage in research that informs policy and practice
• JOURNALISM & MEDIA MINOR: This minor prepares students for careers in media policy, journalism, and related professions. Sponsored by the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media and Democracy
• Health Policy: Co-sponsored by the Margolis Institute for Health Policy, this certificate is for students interested in how policy relates to health care and its effect on the economy, society, governments, and the private sector

Exciting Opportunities

The Sanford School offers several exciting opportunities, including:

• Duke in DC: The Duke in DC program offers a unique and exciting opportunity to live, study, and work in the nation’s capital
• Duke in Glasgow: Study at one of Scotland's four ancient universities. Sponsored by the Sanford School and Duke's Global Education Office for Undergraduates

Student Experiences

Students who attend the Sanford School have a wide range of experiences, including:

• Working closely with professors in class, in organizations, and in research
• Engaging in real-world policy work
• Participating in programs such as Duke in DC and Duke in Glasgow
• Graduating with distinction or highest distinction by completing an honors thesis

Some notable student experiences include:

• Grace and Olivia Hayward, identical twins who were drawn to Sanford for education policy and appreciated the interdisciplinary nature of the coursework
• Anushri Saxena, who received Sanford's 2025 Best Thesis prize for her research into crisis pregnancy centers
• Jessica On, who learned and worked alongside Professor Deondra Rose in her courses and as an undergraduate fellow for Polis, Sanford’s Center for Politics

Recent Undergraduate Stories

Some recent undergraduate stories include:

• Student Voices: Attorney General Jeff Jackson Shines a Light on Communication, Leadership, and Public Service
• Duke Sanford Features Tech Policy Month
• Student Voices: Secretary Pete Buttigieg Outlined a Future Worth Believing In
• Sanford Celebrates the Class of 2025
• Class of 2025 Honors: Exploring the Big Questions
• 2025 Graduation Stories: Grace and Olivia Hayward
• 2025 Graduation Stories: Chloe Decker
• 2025 Graduation Stories: Anushri Saxena
• Student Voices: Bridging the Divide with Provost Gallimore & Richard Burr