University of Georgia

Teaching, Research, and Public Service

The School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) at the University of Georgia is home to a faculty deeply committed to research excellence, engaged teaching, and real-world impact. Across our three academic departments—Political Science, International Affairs, and Public Administration & Policy—our faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized scholars, educators, and practitioners. Their work addresses some of the most pressing challenges in governance, policy, and global affairs, while also shaping the next generation of public leaders.

Faculty Directory Areas of Expertise

Top-Ranked Programs. World-Class Faculty. Real-World Impact.

Our faculty are leading researchers and award-winning teachers, with expertise spanning American politics, international relations, law and courts, political theory, public management, and global policy. SPIA is consistently ranked among the top programs in the nation, and faculty regularly publish in top journals, lead major research initiatives, and serve in key professional roles, including with NASPAA and the National Academy of Public Administration. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, hands-on research opportunities, and strong professional networks through SPIA’s academic programs and affiliated centers, including the Benson-Bertsch Center for International Trade & Security (BBCITS) and the Center for the Study of Global Issues (GLOBIS).

Departments & Centers

Top-Ranked Programs. World-Class Faculty. Real-World Impact.

Our faculty are leading researchers and award-winning teachers, with expertise spanning American politics, international relations, law and courts, political theory, public management, and global policy. SPIA is consistently ranked among the top programs in the nation, and faculty regularly publish in top journals, lead major research initiatives, and serve in key professional roles, including with NASPAA and the National Academy of Public Administration. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, hands-on research opportunities, and strong professional networks through SPIA’s academic programs and affiliated centers, including the Benson-Bertsch Center for International Trade & Security (BBCITS) and the Center for the Study of Global Issues (GLOBIS).

Departments & Centers

70 faculty members across three departments

Over 150 awards for teaching and research excellence

SPIA PhDs placed at top universities worldwide

Hire a SPIA PhD

SPIA in the headlines:

Georgia Democrat gains traction in special election for state Senate seat in deeply GOP district

ABC News

People Are Volunteering Less

Atlanta First News

How does compulsory voting work?

BBC

Georgia at a tipping point

New York Times

Discover our Graduate Programs

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Science & International Affairs
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Science & International Affairs
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration & Policy
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration & Policy
Master of International Policy (MIP)
Master of International Policy (MIP)
Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science & International Affairs
Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science & International Affairs
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Double Dawgs
Double Dawgs

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

Sep 2025

UGA SPIA at APSA 2025

This week, faculty and students from the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) are making a powerful impact at the 2025 American Political Science Association (APSA)

Sep 2025

What Congress Wants You to See: The Hidden Story Behind Roll Call Votes 

by Caroline Paczkowski What if the data we use to understand Congress— you know, those neat, numbered roll call votes shown on the screen on C-SPAN—were telling us more about

September 2025 MPA Student of the Month: Richard Kertscher

Sep 2025

September 2025 MPA Student of the Month: Richard Kertscher

Richard is a Master of Public Administration student in his final semester. He received his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from UGA in 2024. During his undergraduate career, Richard became

Join us for an Event

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Sep 22
MPA Program Informational Webinar

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Sep 25
PADP PhD Webinar

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Sep 25
PADP PhD Webinar

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM