Student life and opportunities at the School of Public and International Affairs
The world needs people who can analyze complex problems, communicate effectively, and make informed decisions. Students at the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) at the University of Georgia develop those skills through nationally recognized programs, hands-on learning opportunities, internships, research experiences, and close connections with faculty. Along the way, they gain the knowledge and professional experience needed to succeed in graduate school, public service, nonprofit leadership, business, law, and beyond.
SPIA is home to nationally recognized programs in political science, international affairs, and public administration and policy. Our students study everything from elections, courts, political theory, public policy, and local government to diplomacy, human rights, national security, nonprofit leadership, and law.
Students regularly participate in internships, legislative programs, research projects, study away experiences, simulations, policy discussions, and professional networking opportunities. Many describe their coursework as a launching point for experiences outside the classroom, helping them connect what they learn in class to real-world challenges.
So, what is the SPIA student experience really like? Let’s hear from our students.
You’ll Learn by Doing
The lecture is just the beginning.
Through simulations, research projects, experiential learning opportunities, and hands-on coursework, students apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world issues and challenges.
Suggested blogs:
- How Coursework Has Prepared Me
- Active Learning in SPIA
- National Security Decision-Making: A 1-Credit Course That Became My Favorite Course I’ve Ever Taken
Internships Become Part of Your Education
One of the biggest advantages of a SPIA degree is the opportunity to gain real-world experience before graduation. Whether in Athens, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., or abroad, internships help students explore careers, build professional networks, and put their skills into practice.
Suggested blogs:
- Navigating Internships
- Don’t Be Afraid to Call: Securing Summer Internships
- Finding My Path Through SPIA: Reflections from My Fall Internship
- Learn About Your Community Through Interning in Your State
- Navigating Congressional Internships
- How to Make the Most of Your Summer in DC
You’ll Find Opportunities You Didn’t Know Existed
One of the most exciting parts of SPIA is discovering opportunities beyond the classroom. From undergraduate research and leadership programs to human rights initiatives and national security experiences, students often find new interests, skills, and career paths they never expected to pursue.
Suggested blogs:
- The Security Leadership Program: An Introduction to Excellence
- The GLOBIS Human Rights Lab
- The Women, Peace, and Security Anniversary Symposium
- The SPIA Undergraduate Research Colloquium
- Declaration Day at UGA
- What Should I Major In?
You’ll Join a Community
A large university can feel smaller when you find your people. Through student organizations, ambassador programs, and faculty mentorship, SPIA students build lasting relationships while developing leadership skills and professional connections.
Suggested blogs:
- Ways to Get Involved in SPIA
- Becoming a SPIA Ambassador
- The True Greatness of SPIA
- My Time on the UGA Model United Nations Team
- Getting the Most Out of SPIA – Building Relationships with Professors
You’ll Have Opportunities to Travel
Some of the most memorable learning experiences happen beyond campus. SPIA study away programs allow students to explore new places, engage with different cultures, and gain firsthand experience with the global issues they study in class.
Suggested blogs:
You’ll Explore Career Paths Early
SPIA helps students start thinking about their future long before graduation. Through internships, networking opportunities, career-focused programs, and exposure to professionals in the field, students can explore different paths and gain a clearer sense of where they want to go next.
Suggested blogs:
- Careers in SPIA (and outside of it too!)
- Creating a Space in Public Service Communications
- Why Every SPIA Student Should Consider the PAC Program
- Reflecting on a Day at the Capitol and the Georgia Legislative Outlook
- Sine Die!
Need more advice? Feel free to reach out to a SPIA Ambassador or keep an eye on our blog for more posts!
