Dear Students, Parents, Alumni, Friends, and Visitors,
Welcome!
For 25 years the Department of International Affairs (IA) at UGA has trained exceptional students to tackle the most extraordinary challenges facing our world. From the United Nations to the White House, from the boardroom of multinational corporations to the field offices of international nonprofits, our graduates make a significant impact around the globe every single day. This is truly an incredible place, and we’re glad you’re here.
IA students can choose from a variety of degrees including a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs, two master’s degrees (Master of International Policy and Master of Arts in Political Science and International Affairs), and a Ph.D. in Political Science and International Affairs. We are also home to a Minor in International Affairs and a Minor in Human Rights and Security.
The success of our students is simply astounding. We have hosted more Rhodes, Truman and Fulbright Scholars than any other major on campus. Roughly 98% of students in the Class of 2024 secured employment or further education within six months of their graduation. And those that entered the workforce did so in a meaningful way, putting their international-focused training into action. Recent graduates have found excellent positions at places like UPS, KPMG, Deloitte, as well as every major foreign policy and intelligence agency in the U.S. Government. Others have continued their studies at some of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.
Students in our graduate programs, especially the Master of International Policy program, have earned coveted positions throughout the national security enterprise, including at many U.S. national laboratories. Multiple graduates from the program have won the Presidential Management Fellowship and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Graduate Fellowship.
Our Ph.D. students have been remarkably successful, landing tenure-track positions at research and liberal arts institutions around the world, as well as prestigious thinktanks, nonprofits and major corporations.
The success of our students would not be possible without the incredible care and devotion demonstrated by our world-renowned faculty. Professors in the Department of International Affairs have received national and international research awards, and are highly sought-after experts on a variety of topics. Our department has long valued instruction just as much as research productivity, and our faculty have also received numerous teaching and mentorship awards. Their commitment to the students is evident in the vibrant classroom environment. Our Department is now 100% active learning, with simulations and real-life professional experiences part of every undergraduate class.
With the growing list of challenges faced by the United States and the international community, we need people who understand conflict, cooperation, trade and investment, development, migration, the environment, and many other complicated subjects. The faculty and students of the Department of International Affairs understand these challenges and more. This is perhaps the most exciting and fruitful time in decades to enter an international career, and this is the place to do it.
The last 25 years of the Department of International Affairs is an incredible success story. The next 25 years will be even better. Please contact me at [email protected] if I can help you connect to any of our phenomenal programs or faculty.
Go Dawgs!
Justin Conrad
Professor and Head of the Department of International Affairs
NOTE: If you have questions regarding visa and immigration issues, please contact UGA’s Office of Global Engagement.
