duke economics phd application deadline

G-ECON-PHD - Economics - PhD

Degree designation.

Duke University offers a world-class doctoral program in economics, featuring a vibrant faculty of exceptional scholars and teachers along with superior research facilities. The faculty is dedicated to anchoring all teaching and research firmly in the core disciplines of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. The first year of the program lays the critical foundation necessary for later work in field courses and dissertation-level research.

Advanced study is offered in economic theory, macroeconomics, applied microeconomics (including industrial organization, labor economics, public economics, and development economics), econometrics, history of political economics, and certain fields outside the Economics Department such as finance. The standard time to completion of the PhD is five to six years.

Students preparing to enter these programs will find an undergraduate background in mathematics, engineering, computer science, statistics, or economics to be very helpful.

For additional information, visit the Economics PhD Program page.

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• M.A. Economics

The M.A. Economics (MAE) program is designed to give students a quantitative approach to economics with the flexibility to tailor the degree to fit their future goals. It offers comprehensive instruction in a wide range of areas within the discipline, including computational economics, economic analysis, and financial economics. Graduates of the program are adept in applied research and financial analysis, highly competitive on the finance sector job market, and ready for top Ph.D. programs.

The master’s program is designed to combine theoretical rigor in core areas of economics with exceptional flexibility in course requirements to encourage students to explore their academic interests. In addition to master’s-level courses, students frequently enroll in many doctoral level courses in economics, and in courses from other departments, including Political Science, Public Policy, Finance, Statistics, and Mathematics. The curriculum is intended to be completed in three or four semesters.

What Makes Our Program Different?

Students enrolled in our program have the flexibility to develop quantitative and computing skills across disciplines and departments at Duke, access to research and teaching assistantships, opportunities to enroll in PhD level courses, and more!

The MAE differences:

• Courses everywhere!  Our students develop their economics knowledge by means of rigorous graduate courses taken in our department, but they do not stop there. They are given the chance to enroll in advanced mathematics, statistics, and computer science courses, having them counted into MAE requirements. Many students will branch farther out to take graduate classes (subject to advisor approval) in the Sanford School of Public Policy or the Fuqua School of Business, among others.    
• Research Assistant (RA) opportunities:  Our program is designed to enhance research training among our students. Faculty in the Department of Economics regularly hire our MAE students to work as research assistants, enabling them to strengthen applied skills and tools. The quality of their preparation and work is recognized beyond our department. As evidence of this, several of our students land similar research positions in the Sanford School of Public Policy or the Fuqua School of Business, among others.    
• Teaching Assistant (TA) opportunities:  Very few master’s programs afford the opportunity for their students to work as teaching assistants. We are different. Many of our master’s courses have second-year MA students working as TA’s. This is not just a great opportunity to deepen the learning of materials. It also enables those applying to PhD programs, in particular international students, to signal their ability to communicate ideas in a clear and compelling way. These paid positions will also help you defray the cost of the program.  
• Diversity of student interests:  MAE students share a passion for economics, but their interests are wide in scope. Some pursue research intensive experiences, aiming to apply to doctoral degrees, others explore internships and industry opportunities. Some deepen their exposure to advanced economics, other attain more breadth by building up computer science, mathematics, or statistics skills. Some venture into finance, accounting, or strategy topics, engaging in PhD level courses at the Fuqua School of Business, others are drawn to public policy. Everyone has the opportunity to find and develop their interests.  
• Industry vs. PhD:  We value diversity of goals. Roughly 40% of MAE students go on to doctoral programs, though some in that group may work for a couple years before doing so. Other students begin or resume careers in government or private sector. We believe in letting you figure out your best fit through the richness of experiences provided by our program. Whatever you choose, you will be uniquely prepared for either industry or academic paths. Since our MAE is a STEM program, international students benefit from excellent conditions to pursue private sector jobs in the US.

Degree Requirements Summary

Requirements overview 2023.

(Students matriculating prior to Fall 2023: Please refer to the section below, Requirements Overview 2022 and Prior )

• ECON 601 Microeconomics
• ECON 605 Advanced Microeconomic Analysis
• ECON 620 Game Theory with Applications of Economics and Other Social Sciences
• ECON 664 Competitive Strategy and Industrial Organization
• ECON 701 Microeconomic Analysis I
• ECON 705 Microeconomic Analysis II
• ECON 885 Special Topics in Economic Theory, with approval
• ECON 602 Macroeconomic Theory
• ECON 606 Advanced Macroeconomics II
• ECON 624 International Trade
• ECON 652 Economic Growth
• ECON 702 Macroeconomic Analysis I
• ECON 706 Macroeconomic Analysis II
• Or approved substitutes
• ECON 608 Introduction to Econometrics
• ECON 612 Time Series Econometrics
• ECON 613 Applied Econometrics in Microeconomics
• ECON 623 Forecasting Financial Markets
• ECON 672 Empirical Methods in Financial Econometrics
• ECON 703 Econometrics I
• ECON 707 Econometrics II
• ECON 883 Special Topics in Econometrics, with approval
• At least ONE Capstone Course  (3 credits), with a grade of B or better. Capstone courses must include an individual and original research paper and cannot be used to fulfill any of the previous requirements.
• students may take either ECON 673/MATH 581 or ECON 671, but not both, for credit towards the degree;
• students may take either ECON 674/MATH 582 or ECON 678, but not both, for credit towards the degree;
• MATH 712 and 719: Multivariable Calculus must be pre-approved by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) of the MAE program for credit toward the degree.
• Internship  (optional)
• Responsible Conduct of Research  (RCR) training during orientation and 1 RCR forum
• (For international students)  English language proficiency courses , if required

Requirements Overview 2022 and Prior

• ECON 564 Competitive Strategy and Industrial Organization
• ECON 613 Applied Econometrics in Microeconomics (Counts towards the micro/macro requirement or the metrics requirement, but not both.)
• ECON 621 Non-Market Valuation
• ECON 656 International Monetary Economics
• ECON 668: Political Economics: Collective Decisions and Individual Values
• ECON 690 Special Topics in Economics: General Equilibrium Theory and Financial Markets
• ECON 690 Special Topics in Economics: Continuous Time Methods (Counts towards the micro/macro requirement or the metrics/compmethods/compsci/math/stats requirement, but not both.)
• ECON 881 Special Topics in Applied Microeconomics, with approval
• ECON 882 Special Topics in Macro International Finance, with approval
• ECON 672 Empirical Methods in Financial Econometrics (Note: This course was formerly ECON 690 Special Topics in Economics: Financial Econometrics.)
• ECON 690 Special Topics in Economics: Microeconometrics Tools
• Any of the econometrics courses listed above
• Any computational methods or cross-listed math course at the 600-level of above offered by the Department of Economics
• Courses in computer science, mathematics and statistics at the 500-level or above.  NOTE:  Starting in Fall 2020, students may take  either  ECON 673/MATH 581  or  ECON 671, but not both, for credit towards the degree. Also starting in Fall 2020, students may take  either  ECON 674/MATH 582  or  ECON 678, but not both, for credit towards the degree. 
• ONE Capstone Course  (3 credits), with a grade of B or better
• Responsible Conduct of Research  (RCR) Training during orientation and 1 RCR forum 2-hour course (either GS 711 or GS712)
• (For international students)  English language proficiency

It is the policy of The Graduate School that undergraduate courses (499 or lower) do not count towards the M.A. degree or a student's GPA. Courses that are cross-listed as both undergraduate- and graduate-level courses count towards the M.A. degree and a student's GPA only if they have a separate, more rigorous syllabus for graduate students. It is the student's responsibility to verify that this is the case before enrolling in any cross-listed courses.

Doctoral students enrolled at Duke University can pursue a master's degree en route to the Ph.D. without paying for an additional 30 units of graduate credit. ( Please note:  Ph.D. students who wish to receive more than one master's degree en route to the Ph.D. will incur additional tuition charges.) Sometimes doctoral students from other programs at the university wish to earn a master's degree in a different department or school, typically in a field related to the discipline of their Ph.D. For those who would like to pursue an M.A. Economics degree to supplement their Ph.D. in another program, the following steps are required:

• Students must meet with the director of M.A. studies, Assistant Professor  Nelson Sa , to discuss their academic plan for the M.A. Economics degree.
• Students must satisfy all of the M.A. program requirements for the degree in economics.
• Students must complete and submit  The Graduate School's application  to earn a M.A. degree in another discipline en route to the Ph.D. The application includes a rationale for the intellectual relationship between the two programs, a transcript, and two letters of recommendation from Duke faculty speaking to and supporting the relationship between the doctoral and M.A. Economics program. Students need to obtain the required approval signatures prior to submitting the application to the Graduate School.
• The application must be completed and submitted to the Graduate School well in advance of the  graduation deadline dates  in order for students to be formally approved. Once approved, they must apply to graduate as M.A. Economics students by deadline.
• After they have applied to graduate, students must  complete a portfolio  as their written M.A. Economics completion examination requirement. Please review information about portfolio requirements. The  M.A. program assistant  will notify students by email of semester portfolio deadline dates.
• Students must submit a list of courses to the director of M.A. studies indicating which courses will be completed to fulfill the M.A. program requirements. Courses on the list will be approved by the director of M.A. studies on a student-by-student basis and must form part of a coherent curriculum that fits with the student's area of concentration for the Ph.D.

List of Acceptable Non-ECON Courses for M.A. En Route

The following list of non-ECON courses have been approved for the M.A. Economics en route to the Ph.D. Please keep in mind that, as noted above, all courses are subject to the approval of the director of M.A. studies; this list is meant to be suggestive only.

Faculty advisors assigned to MA students are responsible for assisting them in discovering and participating in appropriate channels of scholarly, professional, and disciplinary exchange; and for helping students develop the professional research, teaching, and networking skills that are required for a variety of career options, both within and outside academia. By doing this, advisors play a crucial role in the development and success of our graduate students, engaging with the next generation of researchers and scholars.

The advisor-advisee relationship is a cooperative partnership that should be based on mutual respect and acceptance of responsibilities. In this document, we describe the main responsibilities of advisors and students, as well as the channels available to resolve problems that can appear in this relationship.

Responsibilities for MA Advisors

An effective academic advisor has the following responsibilities:

• Have basic knowledge of MA program requirements and the Graduate School policies regarding academic milestones.
• Listen to and support an advisee’s scholarly and professional goals.
• Help the advisee develop a timeline for completing academic requirements and meeting professional goals. Take reasonable measures to ensure that this timeline is met.
• Communicate clearly and frequently with an advisee about expectations and responsibilities.
• Meet with an advisee to review progress, challenges, and goals.  Advisors should meet with their students at least once a semester, prior to registration. They should have at least one additional meeting with incoming students at the start of their first semester.
• Encourage openness about any challenges or difficulties that impact the graduate student experience and work with the advisee to resolve any challenges.
• Act as a liaison between the student and the Director of Graduate Studies and the department.
• Be aware of institutional resources that can provide support to advisees in times of academic, professional, and personal challenges and whom you, as an advisor, may consult for further guidance.
• Notify the Director of Graduate Studies if you know or suspect that your advisee is facing significant academic or personal challenges.

Responsibilities for Students

To be an effective advisee, students have the following responsibilities:

• Become familiar with the graduate program requirements and the Graduate School policies regarding academic milestones.
• Work with your advisor to develop a timeline for completing academic requirements and meeting professional goals.
• Devote an appropriate amount of time and energy toward achieving academic excellence and earning the advanced degree in a timely fashion.
• Take the initiative. Be proactive in finding answers to questions and in planning your future steps.
• Meet with their advisors once a semester, before registration. First-year students should also meet with their advisors at the start of their first semester.
• Be honest with your advisors. Alert them about any difficulties you may have about program requirements, normal progress, and performance expectations.
• Be willing to be mentored and open to feedback. Listen and respond appropriately to recommendations from advisors.
• Be mindful of time constraints and other demands imposed on faculty members and program staff.

Problem resolution

As with any other relationship, the advisor-advisee partnership may fail to function as expected. There may be multiple reasons for this. For example, the advisor or the advisee may repeatedly fail to satisfy the responsibilities described earlier; or the advisor and advisee may have a personal conflict that cannot be easily resolved.

These situations should be discussed first with the Director of Graduate Studies, and subsequently, and only if necessary, the Chair of the department. These department representatives will assist in mediating existing problems.

If the departmental efforts to resolve these problems are unsuccessful, students and faculty can refer to the Associate Dean or the Dean of the Graduate School for a formal resolution.

STEM Designation

This degree program classifies as STEM (CIP Code 45.0603: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics), and students in this program can apply for a  24-month STEM extension of F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) .

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Phd program, find your passion for research.

Duke Computer Science gives incoming students an opportunity to investigate a range of topics, research problems, and research groups before committing to an advisor in the first year. Funding from the department and Duke makes it possible to attend group meetings, seminars, classes and colloquia. Students may work on multiple problems simultaneously while finding the topic that will motivate them through their first project. Sharing this time of learning and investigation with others in the cohort helps create lasting collaborators and friends.

Write a research proposal the first year and finish the research the second under the supervision of the chosen advisor and committee; present the research results to the committee and peers. Many students turn their RIP work into a conference paper and travel to present it.

Course work requirements are written to support the department's research philosophy. Pass up to four of the required six courses in the first two years to give time and space for immersing oneself in the chosen area.

Years three through five continue as the students go deeper and deeper into a research area and their intellectual community broadens to include collaborators from around the world. Starting in year three, the advisor funds the student's work, usually through research grants. The Preliminary exam that year is the opportunity for the student to present their research to date, to share work done by others on the topic, and to get feedback and direction for the Ph.D. from the committee, other faculty, and peers.

Most Ph.D students defend in years five and six. While Duke and the department guarantee funding through the fifth year, advisors and the department work with students to continue support for work that takes longer.

Teaching is a vital part of the Ph.D. experience. Students are required to TA for two semesters, although faculty are ready to work with students who want more involvement. The Graduate School's Certificate in College Teaching offers coursework, peer review, and evaluation of a teaching portfolio for those who want to teach. In addition, the Department awards a Certificates of Distinction in Teaching for graduating PhD students who have demonstrated excellence in and commitment to teaching and mentoring.

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M.A. in Analytical Political Economy

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 10-12
• Students: 14-18
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 20-30%
• Part time study available: No
• Application terms: Fall
• Application deadline: January 31

Timur Kuran Director of Graduate Studies Department of Economics Box 90097 Duke University Durham, NC  27708-0097

Director of Graduate Studies Department of Political Science Box 90204 Duke University Durham, NC 27708-0204

Email: [email protected]

Website:  https://econ.duke.edu/masters-programs/degree-programs/mape

Program Description

The Master's in Analytical Political Economy (MAPE) is a joint master’s program of the Departments of Economics and Political Science, necessitated by a growing interest in political economy and political science among young economists. These fields are converging, and policy economics—particularly macroeconomic and international trade policy—increasingly includes a strong political component.

Political economy examines the reciprocal relationships between politics and markets, both within and among countries, using a variety of analytical tools, including those of economics. Its concerns include interactions among economic and political development; cooperation and conflict among nations, groups, and individuals; the distribution of material resources and political power; the effects of political actors and institutions on economic outcomes; the causes and consequences of technological and structural change, growth, and globalization; and regulation.

The MAPE program offers a quantitatively rigorous curriculum rooted in economic and political theory, application, and analysis. Students have the opportunity to gain experience with economic and mathematical modeling along with a deep understanding of how and why policies are developed and implemented.

• Analytical Political Economy: Master's Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Analytical Political Economy: Master's Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Application Deadline:  January 31

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE General: Required
• Note: GMAT scores are  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

Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application) Applicants are required to complete a supplemental questionnaire. You can download a preview of this questionnaire from the Economics Department's website .

Writing Sample Applicants are recommended, but not required, to submit an original writing sample demonstrating academic and research capabilities.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees

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Earn your phd from duke university, phd admissions.

Duke University’s PhD in Public Policy program at Sanford offers candidates the chance to explore policy questions that have critical impact on society today, both globally and domestically.

The program spans about five years, with a requirement of 48 credits. We emphasize interdisciplinary study, mentorship and personal attention. 

6-8 students matriculate each year, and work closely with a mentor. 

Photo: Ajenai Clemmons PhD'21 with Professor Deondra Rose. Ajenai's research examines policing of African American and European Muslim communities.

Covid & GRE

We will not penalize applicants whose transcripts show Pass/No Pass or other similar grading options from Spring 2020.

GRE Scores are required and cannot be waived.

Our philosophy

We are interested in the potential of our graduate students to make significant, real world policy contributions, which is often not reflected in grades. We consider whether applicants pursued a rigorous curriculum relevant to their graduate or professional school plans. Academic records are considered wholistically alongside letters of recommendation, personal accomplishments, personal statements, and test scores.

FAQs on Applying to the PhD Program

Applicants to the PhD Program in Public Policy will be applying to the Duke Graduate School using its electronic application.  Please review the  Duke Graduate School Admissions Website  for detailed instructions on all application requirements .

Students may also apply for  joint degrees .

In addition to completing the Graduate School requirements, applicants must also:

• Designate a disciplinary concentration. After selecting “Public Policy Studies – PhD” in the “Proposed Department/Program and Highest Degree Sought,” the next section of the application is “Intended Special Field.” Choose one: economics, political science, psychology or sociology. 
• Submit a resume (not to exceed two printed pages)
• Submit a Statement of Purpose and Educational Objectives
• Submit a writing sample of no more than 20 pages, demonstrating academic or professional research. Add this to “additional documents.”  

Please utilize this essay to discuss your goals in relation to Duke University. We are interested in your academic and professional experience, your intended course of study (including a disciplinary concentration and policy area focus) and your longer-term career objectives.

Yes. Please see our section on financial aid  for funding and fellowship opportunities.

Explore the  Graduate School's admission statistics for Public Policy candidates  for information on scores, career outcomes and other data.

Most applicants wait until admission decisions are made before visiting our campus.

Personal interviews are conducted in February for a select group of students as part of the admissions process.

No, you may only apply to one of the programs.

Please contact the  Public Policy PhD Program Coordinator  with any questions.

Browse the Sanford faculty directory . Contact individuals whose research aligns with your interests.

Duke's University Program in Environmental Policy (UPEP) PhD is a 5-year program for intense research training, combining disciplinary specialization in economics or political science with an emphasis on understanding policy settings and the precise nature of the problem we hope to solve with policy.

UPEP applicants should apply directly to the  Duke Graduate School . More information on PhD Applications can be found on the  PhD Admissions  page. All doctoral students must enter the program in the fall semester. We welcome applicants from diverse academic, cultural, socioeconomic, and professional backgrounds. Approximately 3-5 students are projected to enter the program each fall, for a total of 20-25 students enrolled at any given time.

Admission to the UPEP program is extremely competitive, with less than 10 percent of applicants typically offered admission. Applicants should have a record of high academic achievement and the potential to become leading researchers on environmental policy issues. Although the program’s admissions committee evaluates applicants from a comprehensive standpoint, successful applicants will likely have:

• High GPA and GRE scores.
• Personalized letters of recommendation that attest to the applicant’s scholarly ability.
• Research interests that overlap those of one or more UPEP faculty members.
• A personal statement that explains the applicant’s interest in pursuing an Environmental Policy PhD at Duke and preferred disciplinary concentration.
• Clearly specify the preferred concentration in the personal statement. Adequate preparation for PhD-level training in either economics or political science is an important consideration in admissions. 

No, but your chances of admission will increase if your application indicates that you have identified one or more faculty members in the Nicholas or Sanford schools whose research interests are similar to yours.  You are welcome to communicate with faculty members before you apply, but please note that they cannot tell you whether you will be admitted.  Admission decisions are made by the Duke Graduate School, as advised by the UPEP admissions committee, not by individual faculty members.

Will I be assigned an advisor if I am admitted?

Yes.  You will be assigned an advisor when you are admitted. 

Can I change my advisor?

Yes.  Contact the UPEP Director of Graduate Studies.

Can I work with only my advisor as a teaching assistant (TA), a research assistant (RA), or on my dissertation research?

No.  TA assignments are made independently of advisor assignments, although you will likely serve as a TA for your advisor at least once.  RAships depend on funding availability.  You can serve as an RA for either your advisor or another faculty member.  UPEP students form dissertation committees consistent with Duke Graduate School rules, and members of the committee other than your advisor often play a large role in supervising aspects of the research.

Special Programs

Md/phd program.

Pursue a joint degree in medicine, through Duke’ s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). This program seeks to train leaders in academic medicine, who will combine clinical and research careers. Successful applicants receive funding to pay for both their medical school and PhD training. Applicants must apply to both the PhD and the MSTP program.

Ph.D. Fellowship in Media and Philanthropy

The Center for Strategic Philanthropy and Civil Society and the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media and Democracy provide support for a pre-doctoral fellowship in the Ph.D. program of the Sanford School of Public Policy. This position is designed to further research and inform practice on questions at the intersection of the media, philanthropy, and democracy in the U.S.

UPEP Program in Environmental Policy

Duke's University Program in Environmental Policy (UPEP) PhD is a 5-year program for intense research training, combining disciplinary specialization in economics or political science with an emphasis on understanding policy settings and the precise nature of the problem we hope to solve with policy. 

Questions or Clarifications?

Anna Gassman-Pines

Professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy

Anna Gassman-Pines is a professor of public policy and psychology and neuroscience at Duke University. She is also a Faculty Affiliate of Duke’s Center for Child and Family Policy. Gassman-Pines received her BA with distinction in Psychology from Yale University and PhD in Community and Developmental Psychology from New York University. Her research focuses on low-wage work, family life and the effects of welfare and employment policy on child and maternal well-being in low-income families. Her research has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, American Psychological Association, National Head Start Association, and National Institute of Mental Health, and various private foundations.

PhD Handbook

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A Community that Cares

Hear fourth-year PhD candidate Marayna Martinez talk about her experience at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University.

ECONOMICS MASTER'S PROGRAMS

Frequently asked questions.

The Graduate School and the Department of Economics requires Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test scores from all applicants.

HOW TO SUBMIT

GRE scores: Ask Educational Testing Service to send an official copy of the scores to The Graduate School. Use institution code 5156. You do not need a department code. If ETS requires a department code, select any one of the department codes listed on its site. Regardless of the department code entered, the scores will come to The Graduate School as long as you use institution code 5156.  Be sure to alert us if the name on your application is different from the name on your score report.

SCORE REQUIREMENTS

The scores must not be more than five years old from July 1 of the application year. For example, if you submit your application between August 2014 and January 2015, your score report must be dated July 1, 2009, or later.

We do not accept expired scores, personal copies of scores, or attested or notarized score reports.

Some departments require a GRE subject test score. To determine if your department requires a GRE subject test score, see the department listing in the Departments and Programs section of The Graduate School website.

Even though the GRE scoring scale changed in 2011, you do not need to retake the test on the new scale unless your current scores are more than five years old.

Be sure to take the GRE in time for official scores to reach The Graduate School by the application deadline.

We realize that the GRE scores of international students, particularly those whose first language is not English, may be affected by language and cultural differences. This is taken into consideration when applications are evaluated.

For GRE registration forms and more information on the test, visit the GRE Website or contact:

Educational Testing Service PO Box 6000 Princeton, NJ 08541-6000 USA

(866) 473-4373 (USA) or (609) 771-7670 (outside the US)

• Transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores
• Writing Samples
• Supplemental Questionnaire

The Department of Population Health Sciences develops critically-thinking, creative, and collaborative research scientists that are passionate about improving healthcare for all. The doctoral program equips students with the knowledge and tools they will need to research and work alongside health systems, government agencies, non-profits, industry, and others pursuing improved health of populations.

Admission Deadlines

Application Deadline : The application for 2023-2024 admissions  to the Population Health Sciences PhD program has opened, and will close on November 30, 2023.

Successful applicants will find a close fit with a departmental  faculty  advisor who shares their research interests. The DPHS Education leadership team identifies potential matches early in the admissions process, so those offered admission to the program can be assured of a strong match with a faculty advisor. 

Also, please note that the  online degree application requires you to identify potential mentors from our department. You will have an opportunity to contact these potential mentors after you hear whether you have been accepted to the doctoral degree program.  

Some guidance on how to identify those faculty members. 

• What excites you in your research field? 
• What is a productive area that fits your values and your career plans? 
• Who is engaged in research that is complementary to your interests?

About the PhD in Population Health Sciences

The Duke PopHealth PhD program prepares researchers to formulate important research questions, design studies to answer them, organize resources to carry out relevant studies, and analyze the results to contribute scientific and policy insights. Our coursework, experiential learning, and professional development help prepare PhD students to be leaders in the population health field.

Our faculty are world-renowned for their expertise and strengths in the following areas:

• Health Measurement. Learn more
• Implementation Science. Learn more
• Health Policy
• Health Services Research
• Health Economics

Why Choose Duke for a PhD in Population Health Sciences?

The department, which is part of the Duke University School of Medicine, offers Ph.D. candidates a unique and rich setting in which to acquire that foundation and then use it to complete their studies and dissertation research. Ph.D. students can:

Access Duke's  PopHealth DataShare , which provides access and consultation to large data sets from federal and state government sources as well as a private insurer

Tap into Duke PopHealth’s partnerships with world-class institutions like  Duke Cancer Institute ,  Duke Clinical Research Institute ,  Duke Global Health Institute , and  Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy

Connect with Duke PopHealth’s  Center for Health Measurement , the  BASE Lab ,  QualCore , and  INTERACT  (Implementation Science Research Collaborative) – which each offer specialized research support.

Enjoy proximity to Duke Health, which provides most of the health care in Durham County. Students can also connect with the Durham Veterans Administration Medical Center and  ADAPT Center .