The Sanford School of Public Policy and its Duke Center for International Development (DCID) welcome and recognize veterans and military-affiliated students, faculty and staff. Below are a variety of resources for the Sanford community. Please contact us if you have questions or would like more information. We are here to help!
Groups and Resources
Sanford Veteran’s Association
The purpose of Sanford Veterans Association (SVA) is to facilitate fellowship, professional development, networking and admissions support. The SVA is a student group that provides resources, networking, and transition support to active-duty military and veterans at Sanford. We are here to help answer questions about your transition and student life at Sanford.
I have relished the opportunity to learn and expand my understanding on a litany of issues at Sanford.
The professors do a great job of pushing their students to expand how they think about and frame policy problems. Through classes and engagement with accomplished professors and national security professionals on both nascent and exigent current events, I have grown tremendously in my approach to problem solving.
Duke Veterans Resources
The Division of Student Affairs is available to assist Duke military students with a rich educational experience and resources throughout the Duke and Durham community. Learn more here.
Programs and Executive Education courses
Master of international Development Policy (MIDP) Program
Our mid-career Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) program offers students outstanding preparation for dynamic careers focused on pressing international development issues. The program offers opportunities for veterans, full-time active-duty personnel and part-time active-duty military.
MIDP allows students the chance to take advantage of the best of Duke. Active-Duty Military and Veterans can build on their experience by selecting from several areas of focus. Popular areas include: Peace and Conflict Resolution and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
American Grand Strategy Program
AGS is preparing the next generation of strategists by studying past generations and interacting with current strategic leaders. The program is building a research community of faculty, graduate students and undergraduates who are committed to deepening their understanding of America’s role in the world – past, present and future. With prominent speakers, field trips, simulations, battlefield staff rides, and other experiential learning opportunities, AGS emphasizes active learning.
“Sanford is an excellent learning environment for veterans. The admissions team works hard to assemble balanced cohorts, and classroom environments are supportive and engaging. My studies at Sanford have truly broadened my perspective, and prepared me for continued public service.”
- Army Major Matt Buchanan (MPP ’20), currently on active duty assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment
“I spent the last few years raising two wonderful boys, working for a startup called Seachange Technologies, starting a charity with my wife called Equity Before Birth that focuses on black maternal health, and of course my degree at Duke. The opportunity to work with world class educators and the world class students that were in my cohort has been life changing. Coming from a military way of life where international opinions are second to the United States opinion, I am honored to see the counter culture to that bringing all of our nations together to study together and learn from each other. It is just remarkable. Every aspect of my education at Duke and in Sanford has shaped my life and my perspectives towards the world and the people in it. Thank you for taking the time to teach and mentor me."
Director of Business Development, Seachange Technologies
