University of Georgia

Overview

The International Affairs Minor in the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) offers students a foundational understanding of global political dynamics, international relations, and comparative politics. This program is designed to complement various major fields of study, equipping students with the analytical tools necessary to navigate and influence the complex landscape of global affairs. The minor consists of five courses including 4000-level international affairs courses.

Program Highlights

In today’s interconnected world, a solid grasp of international affairs is invaluable. Integrating this minor with your major can:

  • Enhance Global Awareness: Develop a nuanced understanding of international systems, cultures, and political structures.
  • Diversify Skill Sets: Augment critical thinking, research, and analytical skills applicable to various professions.
  • Increase Employability: Stand out in the job market with specialized knowledge pertinent to many industries.

Questions about the minor?

Contact Paul Welch at [email protected] or 706.542.4114.

Departmental Requirements
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The International Affairs Minor requires the completion of five courses (15 credit hours):

  • INTL 3200 – Introduction to International Relations: Explores the theories and practices that define interactions between nations.
  • INTL 3300 – Introduction to Comparative Politics: Examines political systems, processes, and policies across different countries.
  • Elective Courses: Choose three additional INTL courses at the 4000-level to tailor the minor to your interests. These include any 4000-level INTL courses, including those offered on study abroad programs, research-intensive courses, and graded internship courses.
Life After the Degree
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A minor in International Affairs can open doors to numerous career paths, including:

  • Diplomacy and Foreign Service
  • International Business
  • Non-Governments Organizations (NGO’s)
  • Journalism and Media
  • Law and Policy Analysis

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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by Caroline Paczkowski At the University of Georgia, a new wave of teaching is redefining the classroom experience. Professors are setting aside traditional lectures to embrace active learning, an approach

August 2025 MPA Student of the Month: Nishat Sial

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August 2025 MPA Student of the Month: Nishat Sial

Nishat is a Master of Public Administration student in her final semester. She received her Bachelors of Arts in English and a minor in health administration and policy from UGA

UGA center named for prominent alumnus, faculty member

Aug 2025

UGA center named for prominent alumnus, faculty member

The University of Georgia’s Center for International Trade and Security, a global leader in strategic trade and international security education, has been named the Benson-Bertsch Center for International Trade and Security.

Jul 2025

Kaufman Publishes Realizing Equality in Policy

Edited by Dr. Alexander Kaufman, Professor of Political Science, Realizing Equality in Policy explores the pervasive issue of economic and social inequality that has shaped global economies in recent decades.

Join us for an Event

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Aug 21
SPIA Involvement Fair

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sep 18
PADP September Networking Coffee Hour

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Sep 19
Constitution Day 2025

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM