The University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) and Franklin College of Arts and Sciences have launched a new Undergraduate Certificate in Religion and Politics, a multidisciplinary program designed to help students better understand how faith and governance intersect across the globe. Drawing from both humanistic and social scientific perspectives, the program explores how religious ideas influence political behavior and how political systems, in turn, shape religious life.
“Each week brings stories connecting religion and politics: Supreme Court cases, political pronouncements, conflicts shaped by competing faith traditions,” said SPIA Dean Matthew Auer. “Religion infuses politics; politics shapes religious institutions. The new certificate prepares students for a world where these forces persistently shape public life.”
Religious beliefs and institutions influence everything from voting behavior and judicial decisions to international relations and humanitarian work. The certificate will help students interpret these dynamics and develop what scholars increasingly describe as “religious literacy,” strengthening their ability to engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives in political and civic contexts.
Thus, graduates of the certificate will be well prepared for careers in fields such as politics, public service, law, diplomacy, nonprofit leadership, journalism, and community engagement.
Faculty from SPIA and Franklin collaborated to create the certificate, building on existing strengths across departments and offering new opportunities for cross-disciplinary study and research. The curriculum emphasizes both domestic and international perspectives, reflecting the growing global importance of religion in public affairs. Students will examine topics such as religious nationalism, freedom of religion and judicial decisions, global religious movements, religion and violent conflict, and the role of religion in American politics.
Student demand for the program is already high. In a 2025 survey of UGA undergraduates, more than 93 percent of respondents agreed that a certificate in Religion and Politics would be a valuable addition to their academic experience.
“As a student with majors in both SPIA and the Department of Religion, I’m deeply excited about this certificate program,” said rising sophomore Cole Jones. “I’ve been interested for a long time in how politics and religion intersect, especially as it relates to the Deep South and the Bible Belt. I’m hopeful that this certificate will open the door for more of my classmates to explore the subjects that I love and give us all a new lens to explore our ideas.”
The certificate requires 15 credit hours drawn from a curated list of courses across RELI, POLS, and INTL prefixes, ensuring a truly multidisciplinary experience. Students also have the option to complete a faculty-guided internship, applying their knowledge in settings such as government agencies, nonprofits, media organizations, or faith-based institutions.
The Religion and Politics certificate addresses a fundamental reality: religion continues to shape political life in the United States and worldwide. Through SPIA and Franklin’s collaboration, UGA equips students to understand these dynamics and navigate their implications for governance and leadership.
