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About the School

The School of Public and International Affairs was created in 2001 from the department of political science at the Franklin College at the University of Georgia. Now a distinct unit within UGA, the School is led by Dean Thomas P. Lauth, a nationally known scholar in the field of public affairs. The School prepares undergraduate students for good citizenship and careers in public life, and trains future generations of teachers and scholars in the fields of international affairs, political science, and public administration and policy.

Degree Programs

  • International Affairs: A.B., M.I.P
  • Political Science: A.B., M.A., and Ph.D.
  • Public Administration: M.P.A. (ranked 4th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report) and Ph.D.
  • Criminal Justice Studies: A.B. (co-offered with the Franklin College)

Research Centers

The internationally renowned Center for International Trade and Security (CITS) analyzes international export controls for weapons of mass destruction as well as provides research and training to U.S. and foreign officials to prevent the spread of these weapons.  There are many opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student involvement at CITS.

The Center for the Study of Global Issues (GLOBIS) organizes study abroad experiences to Verona, Italy, Kyoto, Japan, and Stellenbosch, South Africa. GLOBIS also administers the certificate program in Global Studies available to any UGA undergraduate.

Student Profile

  • 1,510 Undergraduate Students:
  • 735 Political Science majors
  • 775 International Affairs majors
  • 250 Graduate Students in Political Science and Public Administration
  • Over 11,000 alumni
  • Two Rhodes Scholars in 2008

Faculty Profile

  • 50 Full-time Faculty Members