Still have questions?
You can email the MIDP team here: midpinfo@duke.edu
MIDP FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: MIDP
Admissions
The priority deadline for fall admission is January 5. Only applications received before that deadline are eligible for scholarship consideration. After January 5, applications are considered on a rolling basis, based on candidate qualifications and space available. We encourage all candidates to apply as soon as possible.
MIDP accepts a limited number of applications for spring admission through partner universities. The deadline for those applications is October 1.
The MIDP program requires at least five years of experience related to international development and/or policy.
No, admissions interviews are not required.
The most valuable recommendations come from the people who know your professional skills and abilities and who can write specifically about them. We encourage you to submit at least one recommendation from someone who knows you well in your current position and can speak to your professional performance, such as a current supervisor or director. In addition, people who have known your work in past positions are valuable recommenders. If you have recently been a student, a reference from a former professor who knows your academic work well is helpful.
We require all evaluation forms and recommendation letters to be uploaded and completed online. We regret that we cannot process applications until we have received all of the recommendations.
Non-native English speakers are required to submit English language test scores. Please keep in mind that scores are valid for only two years. Minimum scores of 90 on the TOEFL IBT, 7.0 on the IETLS, 115 on Duolingo or 64 on the PTE are required.
You can check the status of your own application through your Slate login.
We typically deliver admission decisions via online notification in mid-March.
Be sure to take at least one course in microeconomics and one in macroeconomics, this knowledge will give you a stronger foundation for the program. You must also have at least three years of experience in a development-related field, though this can include volunteering, internships, and professional work experience.
Living Here
While the United States is still largely a car dependent culture, there is a wide variety of public transportation options available to Duke students. You can learn more about the public transportation system and how Duke students are eligible for a free bus pass on the Duke Student Affairs website.
Duke has extremely limited on-campus housing for graduate students, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority for housing assignment will be awarded to graduate students who arrive from abroad on student visa status and who are attending school outside of their home country for the first time. On-campus housing is not available for visiting scholars. Most MIDP students rent off-campus housing. For more information on Duke’s on-campus housing options, please visit the Housing website.
In addition to the MIDP staff, Duke University has a variety of resources available to international students. Visa Services has full-time staff available to help with any visa-related matters that may arise while you are here. International House has a wide range of services available to international students, including housing information, rides to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get your driver’s license, an English Conversation Club, and much more.
Duke does require that all students meet its immunization requirements. Proof of immunizations must be submitted to the university before you arrive on campus.
International students must purchase Duke’s Student Health Insurance. Families should also have health insurance.
Academics
There are several optional areas of focus that students can select to help focus their studies. These include Applied Economics, Development Management and Governance, Environmental Policy, Law and Development, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Social Policy, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In addition, students can work with their advisors to find elective courses in their areas of interest, such as agriculture, business, technology, etc.
Classes are held throughout the day, with morning classes beginning at 8:30 a.m. and evening classes typically finishing by 7:00 p.m. Most classes are held Monday through Thursday.
When students first arrive, they will be assigned a faculty advisor who is familiar with their professional interests and can help guide them in creating a study plan. Later students will also be assigned a Master’s Project advisor, who will help them complete their Master’s Project research. In addition, students will have access to professional development advising to help them find summer internships, craft their resumes, and seek out career opportunities.
The MIDP’s accelerated 30 credit degree program(one-year) requires 30 credits and the two-year degree requires 48 credits.
Yes, Duke University has inter-institutional agreements with North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. However, you cannot take more classes outside your home institution per semester than you are taking at Duke. For example, if you are taking two classes at Duke, then you may take up to two classes at another university. If you are taking one class at Duke, then you may take only one class at another university.
The program’s curriculum and course sequence requires full-time, on-campus study. Part-time study may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The DCID Summer Academic Institute is a four-week program providing incoming MIDP students with academic English writing and communication lessons. The institute is $3,000 and will be charged to your fall semester billing.
