University of Georgia

Ready to Shape Your Future? Start Your Journey with SPIA Today

The School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) at the University of Georgia offers a variety of majors designed to prepare you for a meaningful career in politics, global affairs, policy analysis, and more. Our majors include: the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, which focuses on political theory and governance; the Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs, which explores global politics and international relations; and the Bachelor of Science in Political Science, which emphasizes research methods and data analysis in political systems. Each major provides a unique pathway to a career in public service, international diplomacy, policy analysis, and more.

Whether you’re passionate about understanding government structures, tackling global issues, or working with data to analyze political trends, SPIA provides a robust foundation to help you succeed. Take a few minutes to answer the questions below, and let us help you find the path that’s right for you.

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Lead with purpose

Choosing a major in the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) sets you on a path to a rewarding and impactful career. Our graduates go on to shape the future of public policy, international relations, political analysis, and more, with many finding success in government, nonprofits, global organizations, and the private sector. At SPIA, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience needed to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change in communities around the world. With access to a diverse range of faculty experts, internships, and networking opportunities, SPIA offers you the tools and connections to turn your passion into a career that makes a difference. Choose SPIA and prepare to lead with purpose.

Lead with purpose

Choosing a major in the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) sets you on a path to a rewarding and impactful career. Our graduates go on to shape the future of public policy, international relations, political analysis, and more, with many finding success in government, nonprofits, global organizations, and the private sector. At SPIA, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience needed to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change in communities around the world. With access to a diverse range of faculty experts, internships, and networking opportunities, SPIA offers you the tools and connections to turn your passion into a career that makes a difference. Choose SPIA and prepare to lead with purpose.

Selective Programs

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Undergraduate Research

Double Dawgs

Discover our Undergraduate Degrees and Programs

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science
Bachelor of Arts (AB) in International Affairs
Bachelor of Arts (AB) in International Affairs
Bachelor of Arts (AB) in Political Science
Bachelor of Arts (AB) in Political Science
Certificate Programs
Certificate Programs
Minors and Areas of Emphasis
Minors and Areas of Emphasis
Double Dawgs
Double Dawgs
Scholarships graphic, 7 rhodes scholars, 8 truman scholars, 3 schwarzman scholars, 3 flickering fellows, 36 boren scholars

Award-Winning SPIA Students

Students at SPIA have consistently earned prestigious scholarships and fellowships that recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to public service. Recent recipients include Rhodes, Scoville, Truman, Fulbright, and Boren Scholars, as well as Rangel and Pickering Fellows—testaments to SPIA’s strong emphasis on global engagement, public policy, and international affairs. These awards not only reflect the caliber of our students but also open doors to advanced study, international experiences, and influential careers in government, diplomacy, and beyond.

Check out our videos below

Award-Winning SPIA Students

Students at SPIA have consistently earned prestigious scholarships and fellowships that recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to public service. Recent recipients include Rhodes, Scoville, Truman, Fulbright, and Boren Scholars, as well as Rangel and Pickering Fellows—testaments to SPIA’s strong emphasis on global engagement, public policy, and international affairs. These awards not only reflect the caliber of our students but also open doors to advanced study, international experiences, and influential careers in government, diplomacy, and beyond.

Check out our videos below

Scholarships graphic, 7 rhodes scholars, 8 truman scholars, 3 schwarzman scholars, 3 flickering fellows, 36 boren scholars
UGA SPIA Career Opportunities

Career opportunities are limitless with a degree from SPIA. Our students are equipped to enter the workforce with the knowledge, skills, and resources to grow their careers into the government leaders of tomorrow.

Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs

Your Path to Making an Impact Starts Here

No matter which path you choose, the School of Public and International Affairs is dedicated to helping you succeed and make a lasting impact in your chosen field. With a strong foundation in political science, international affairs, and data analysis, SPIA equips you with the skills and experiences needed to excel in a dynamic, global career. Take the next step toward shaping your future—explore our majors, connect with our faculty, and discover how SPIA can help you turn your passion into a meaningful career.

Contact an Advisor

Department Contact

Paul Welch
Paul Welch

He/Him

School of Public & International Affairs
Director of Student Affairs

202 Herty Drive, room 103

Office: 706-542-4114

Fax: 706-583-0095

Office Hours:

Office Hours:
Monday thru Friday, 1 to 2 pm and by appointment via SAGE

The Latest News from SPIA

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SPIA selected for national Service to Service initiative

Nov 2025

SPIA selected for national Service to Service initiative

The University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs has been selected to join the Service to Service initiative. This program, sponsored by the Volcker Alliance and We the

Jan 2026

UGA at SPSA Conference 2026

The School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) is proud to showcase the outstanding scholarship of our faculty and students at the 2026 Southern Political Science Association (SPSA) Annual Conference.

January 2026 MPA Student of the Month: Rakib Avi

Jan 2026

January 2026 MPA Student of the Month: Rakib Avi

Avi has spent more than a decade working at the crossroads of social innovation, technology, policy, and communications as part of the leadership team at BRAC, one of the largest

Dec 2025

The Politics of Perception: How Women’s Inclusion Shapes Trust in Government

In 1992, Senator Dianne Feinstein famously quipped, “Two percent may be good enough for milk, but it is not good enough for the United States Senate.” Her words captured a

Join us for an Event

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Jan 23
MPA Program Informational Webinar

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Jan 23
Declaration Day

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Feb 23
MPA Program Informational Webinar

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM