University of Georgia

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 28 faculty members, 1000+ undergraduate students, and 31 graduate students.

Contact Us
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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 [email protected].

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: 706-542-6198

Fax: 706-542-4421

DEPARTMENT HEAD OFFICE

Susan Haire
Professor and Department Head
180B Baldwin Hall
[email protected]
706-542-2057

Wendi Finch
Administrative Specialist I and Office Manager
180 Baldwin Hall
[email protected]
706-542-2057

Edward Boney
Curriculum and Enrollment Coordinator
180F Baldwin Hall
[email protected]
706-542-9295

ACADEMIC ADVISING & CAREER CONSULTING

Geoffrey Sheagley
Director of Graduate Studies
[email protected]
305E Baldwin Hall
Office: 706-542-4252

Ashley Tiller
Graduate Program Administrator
[email protected]
180D Baldwin Hall
Office: 706-542-6198

Paul Welch
Director of Undergraduate Student Services
[email protected]
103 Candler Hall
Phone: 706-542-0096
Fax: 706-583-0095

Student Organizations
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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: [email protected] 

The Latest News from SPIA

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Innovative Classrooms, Lasting Impact: Active Learning at UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs

Mar 2025

Innovative Classrooms, Lasting Impact: Active Learning at UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs

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

Georgia’s pre-K program boosts kindergarten readiness

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Georgia’s pre-K program boosts kindergarten readiness

Children who attend school-based sites in Georgia’s universal pre-K program start kindergarten better prepared than their peers who do not attend any Georgia pre-K, according to a new study from the University of

Professor advances the future of security research, leadership at UGA

Apr 2025

Professor advances the future of security research, leadership at UGA

Justin Conrad’s path into international security was shaped by a deep curiosity of world affairs and a commitment to understanding conflict. “I’ve always been fascinated by how the world works —

SPIA Maintains Top-Ten Ranking for Over Two Decades

Apr 2025

SPIA Maintains Top-Ten Ranking for Over Two Decades

The University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) has once again earned recognition among the nation’s best, tying for seventh in the 2025 U.S. News & World

Join us for an Event

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Apr 23
Dunn Lecture

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Apr 25
2025 PADP Spring Banquet

6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Apr 28
Spring Semester 2025 – Last Day of Classes

All Day