Duke University, Center for International Development

The Program in International Development Policy (PIDP) at the Duke University Center for International Development (DCID) is designed for mid-career professionals seeking to dedicate their careers to policy making and public service in developing countries and countries in transition. The PIDP provides interdisciplinary training in policy analysis on issues related to long term social and economic development. In contrast to most graduate programs in the development field, the PIDP is structured to cross the boundaries of academic, technical, managerial, and professional training. Upon successful completion of the program, PIDP Fellows will receive a Master of Arts degree or Certificate in International Development Policy. Participants in the Program —known as PIDP Fellows— represent diverse nationalities, academic interests, and professional backgrounds. Most are citizens of developing and transition countries and worked for their government, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and research institutions. Others are citizens of developed nations who are committed to assisting developing countries through their service in foreign assistance agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, or other development institutions. Economists, urban planners, environmental activists, engineers, lawyers, agronomists, educators, legislators, diplomats, researchers, and other professionals from the public and private sector have all taken part in the PIDP. After completing the program, Fellows have served both in their home countries and in international agencies at senior levels as public officials, policy analysts, independent researchers, and leaders of non-governmental organizations. Recognizing that real world decision makers require training that enhances their ability to solve policy problems, the PIDP takes an interdisciplinary approach. Through participation in small, core seminars focusing on development- related topics, PIDP Fellows receive a firm grounding in development theory and policy analysis. The flexible program design allows Fellows to choose graduate-level course electives in any department and to undertake independent research related to their individual interests. Simultaneously, Fellows work together to develop recommendations for policy design and implementation drawing on the latest approaches explored in the seminars and workshops with faculty, practitioners, and other experts.