The Child Policy Research Certificate offers Duke undergraduates a chance to explore child and family policy issues through interdisciplinary study, while working closely with faculty members to conduct original research on real-world policy issues.
This certificate is designed to teach students how to:
- Analyze issues facing children, families, and society
- Apply analytical skills to study these issues with empirical rigor
- Engage in research that informs policy and practice
The certificate program draws on the expertise of Duke faculty to gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing today’s children and families. Through this certificate, students could pursue such topics as social and economic inequalities in education; gang violence in communities; the economic costs of childhood obesity; maltreatment of young children; and adolescent substance abuse. By combining courses in psychology, public policy, sociology, economics, and education, students can create a program of study to prepare them for a diverse range of careers.
Requirements
Successful completion of six (6) courses from the following categories will lead to a Certificate in Child Policy Research:
- Three (3) required core courses
- One (1) methodology course
- Two (2) electives from departments such as psychology and neuroscience, public policy, sociology, economics and education
Course Details
- Child Policy Research (cornerstone - ChildPol 250S/PubPol 242S)
- Research Independent Study or Honors Thesis (ChildPol 393 or equivalent in another department with permission from certificate director) List of Past Projects
- Multidisciplinary Approaches to Contemporary Children’s Issues (capstone - ChildPol 495S/PubPol 420S *only offered in the spring*)
Congratulations, Class of 2024 Graduates!
"Thanks to the certificate program, I was able to meet wonderful people who shared my passion for child and family policy. This experience helped shape my plans for after graduation."
Samantha Rubalcava, Certificate graduate '24 (public policy major, economics minor)
“The certificate program taught me so much, not just about children and families but also how to communicate effectively with researchers, policymakers, and community members.”
Gracie Blackburn, Certificate graduate '24 (history major, creative writing minor)
“I've been very fortunate to both study and work within Child Policy Research, gaining wonderful mentors and friends along the way. I'm excited to pursue a career in healthcare with a greater understanding of the transformative impact that policy has on the lives of children and families.”
Molly Carson, Certificate graduate '23 (neuroscience major, chemistry minor)
“I loved my time in the CPR Certificate program at Duke. I was able to take some of my favorite classes while enjoying the benefits of a small cohort. The independent study and capstone course were the perfect culmination of my experience.”
Brynn Meyercord, Certificate graduate '23 (public policy major, global health minor)
"The Child Policy Research certificate gave me the opportunity to study the intersection of my interests within my major, policy issues that impact children and families, and with research. I am grateful for my professors, classes, and peers that made this program a highlight of my academic experience at Duke."
Noor Sandhu, Certificate graduate '21 (sociology major)
