The Department of Political Science was founded in 1941 as part of UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and transferred to the new School of Public and International Affairs in 2001. The department claims an award-winning faculty and an extensive alumni network through Georgia and the nation.

Known for the quality of their research, the faculty have published in all major political science journals and with leading university presses, have consistently ranked among the most productive in the nation, and have authored several widely used texts. Department faculty have won every major teaching award offered by the University and several Lilly Teaching Fellowships.

With offices in Baldwin Hall, the Political Science Department includes 22 faculty members, 650 undergraduate students, and 32 graduate students.

Contact Us

Got questions? Send us an email and we’ll get back to you with answers as soon as possible! You can also contact us at 706-542-2057. For academic advisement questions, please call 706-542-1633.

Contact information for the Department of Political Science is listed below. For information relating to the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) including the Dean’s office, development, alumni relations, public relations and media inquiries and IT support, please email spia@uga.edu.

MAILING ADDRESS

Department of Political Science
School of Public and International Affairs
The University of Georgia
180 Baldwin Hall
Athens, GA 30602

Physical Address:
355 South Jackson Street
Athens, GA 30602

Main Office: 706-542-2057
Graduate Advisor: 706-542-2948

Fax: 706-542-4421

DEPARTMENT HEAD OFFICE

Scott Ainsworth
Professor and Interim Department Head
180B Baldwin Hall
sainswor@uga.edu
706-542-2057

Jenny Claire Carey
Accountant
180E Baldwin Hall
jccarey@uga.edu
706-542-9849

Wendi Finch
Administrative Associate II
180 Baldwin Hall
wendif@uga.edu
706-542-2057

Kristin Taylor
Administrative Specialist I
180F Baldwin Hall
kam3@uga.edu
706-542-9295

ACADEMIC ADVISING & CAREER CONSULTING

Michael Lynch
Graduate Coordinator
mlynch@uga.edu
409 Baldwin Hall
Office: 706-583-2057

Emily Smith
Graduate Program Academic Advisor III
egrace@uga.edu
180D Baldwin Hall & 312 Candler Hall
Office: 706-542-2057

Paul Welch
Director of Undergraduate Student Services
texan@uga.edu
103 Candler Hall
Phone: 706-542-0096
Fax: 706-583-0095

Kate Templeton
Career Consultant
krefvem@uga.edu
Phone: 706-542-3375
Clark Howell Hall

Student Organizations
Graduate Student Association at the School of Public & International Affairs (SPIA GSA)

The Graduate Student Association at the School of Public & International Affairs (SPIA GSA) is primarily concerned with the interests and representation of graduate students across all departments at SPIA. We are a collective of students from Political Science, International Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration who are invested in collaboration across departments. Our activities include bringing in experts to share with all students and faculty at SPIA, surveying student interests and elevating graduate student voices in SPIA decision-making processes, and organizing social events to promote inclusivity at SPIA.

Contact: spiagsa@gmail.com