Where Future Leaders Find Their Path
From internships and study abroad experiences to undergraduate research and nationally recognized graduate programs, SPIA prepares students to tackle today’s most pressing public challenges.
The nation and the world require scholars & students ready to face the pressing policy & governance issues of our time.
SPIA prepares undergraduate and graduate 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.
Our commitment to experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement ensures that graduates are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing world and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
Departments & Centers
Start your Journey
Find the right path for you career trajectory. From undergraduate degrees to study away programs, SPIA offers countless opportunities to bolster your student experience at the University of Georgia.
SPIA students are awarded the most prestigious scholarships and fellowships in the field.
The students at the UGA School of Public and International Affairs are a dynamic and driven group, united by their passion for understanding and shaping the world around them. They are leaders, critical thinkers, and change-makers, dedicated to making a difference in their communities and beyond. With a commitment to excellence and a strong sense of civic responsibility, the students at SPIA embody the values of public service and global citizenship.
SPIA students are awarded the most prestigious scholarships and fellowships in the field.
The students at the UGA School of Public and International Affairs are a dynamic and driven group, united by their passion for understanding and shaping the world around them. They are leaders, critical thinkers, and change-makers, dedicated to making a difference in their communities and beyond. With a commitment to excellence and a strong sense of civic responsibility, the students at SPIA embody the values of public service and global citizenship.
U.S. News and World Report named SPIA the #5 Public Affairs Graduate Program in the nation.
UGA is a leader in educating and inspiring students for managerial and analytical careers in public service. Through instruction by leading scholars, engagement with policy and management problems in the field, and service opportunities within the community, MPA students are prepared for professional careers in government and the non-profit sector, advancing the values of ethics, accountability, and inclusion in democratic governance.
U.S. News and World Report named SPIA the #5 Public Affairs Graduate Program in the nation.
UGA is a leader in educating and inspiring students for managerial and analytical careers in public service. Through instruction by leading scholars, engagement with policy and management problems in the field, and service opportunities within the community, MPA students are prepared for professional careers in government and the non-profit sector, advancing the values of ethics, accountability, and inclusion in democratic governance.
Our faculty are world-renowned scholars, winning research and teaching award across campus and their disciplines, as well as external grants and serving in editorial positions at top peer-reviewed journals.
SPIA’s faculty are leaders in their fields, consistently publishing groundbreaking research in every major journal of political science, international affairs, and public administration. They have earned prestigious research and teaching awards from institutions across the globe, reflecting their commitment to academic excellence and impactful scholarship. By bringing their cutting-edge insights and real-world experience into the classroom, they provide students with an unparalleled education that prepares them to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Our faculty are world-renowned scholars, winning research and teaching award across campus and their disciplines, as well as external grants and serving in editorial positions at top peer-reviewed journals.
SPIA’s faculty are leaders in their fields, consistently publishing groundbreaking research in every major journal of political science, international affairs, and public administration. They have earned prestigious research and teaching awards from institutions across the globe, reflecting their commitment to academic excellence and impactful scholarship. By bringing their cutting-edge insights and real-world experience into the classroom, they provide students with an unparalleled education that prepares them to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to the world.
The Latest News from SPIA
Apr 2026
SPIA Ranked Among Top Public Affairs Schools
The School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Georgia continues to rank among the leading institutions for public service education, earning top marks in both national and
Aug 2026
Emily Bell Named Director of UGA’s Master of Public Administration Program
For Emily Bell, some of the most rewarding moments happen outside of the formal classroom, when students discover how their interests, skills, and passions can be transformed into meaningful public
Aug 2026
Advancing UGA’s Public Mission Through Peace Science
New SPIA faculty member Idean Salehyan brings the Peace Science Society to UGA while working to connect research, policy, and public understanding. Why does a conflict halfway around the world
Jul 2026
Does court-ordered community service work?
For decades, court-ordered community service has been used as an alternative to incarceration. The intention is to reduce costs, provide restitution to the community and support individual rehabilitation. But does
Join us for an Event
Sep 10
All Day
Sep 17
Public Administration & Policy PhD Program Information Session
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Sep 17
Public Administration & Policy PhD Program Information Session
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Leading the field in public service excellence. Join the widely acclaimed School of Public & International Affairs.
