The School of Public and International Affairs 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: AB, MIP, MA, and PhD
  • Political Science: AB, BS, MA, and PhD
  • Public Administration: MPA (ranked 4th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report) and PhD
  • Criminal Justice Studies: AB (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.
  • Minors: International Human Rights & Security, Political Science, International Affairs,  Public Policy & Management
  • Certificates: Certificate in Data Analytics in Public Policy, Public Affairs Professional Certificate in Applied Politics, Certificate in Global Studies

STUDENT AND SCHOOL PROFILE

  • 1500 Undergraduate Students
  • 840 Political Science Majors
  • 805 International Affairs Majors
  • 288 Graduate Students
  • Over 20,700 Alumni

FACULTY PROFILE

  • 70 Full-time Faculty Members
  • Seven recipients of the Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professorship
  • Six recipients of the Richard B. Russell Undergraduate Teaching Award
  • Three recipients of the Honoratus Medal for Outstanding Teaching
  • Eight Lilly Teaching Fellows

*Updated: April 2025

The Latest News from SPIA

Sean Manning Named 2025 Scoville Peace Fellow
June 2025 MPA Student of the Month: Rhiannon Eades