The School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) at the University of Georgia once again ranks among the top tier Public Affairs Graduate Schools according to U.S. News & World Report. In the 2023-2024 rankings, SPIA is No. 7 in the nation for Public Affairs Graduate Programs.
SPIA has consistently ranked among the top ten public affairs programs for over two decades. In addition to the overall rankings, SPIA ranks third for the Public Management and Leadership specialty, third for Public Finance and Budgeting, and fourth for Local Government Management.
“SPIA faculty in public administration and policy continue to align their research and teaching with the pressing needs of partners at all levels of government,” declares SPIA Dean Matthew Auer. “The value of our training, scholarship, and public outreach work is reflected in SPIA’s rankings. I am particularly proud of the measurable impact SPIA has in partnership with local and state government, in the nonprofit arena, and in training the next generation of teachers and scholars in public affairs.”
Throughout the year, SPIA’s faculty, students, and alumni made headlines with their research and public service outreach work.
- Professor Katherine Willoughby was named an editor-in-chief of Public Administration Review.
- USAID awarded UGA $5 million for the implementation of a program entitled Higher Education Conservation Activity in the Republic of Liberia.
- According to new research, women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic filled significantly more prescriptions for opioid medications.
- Students helped gather housing data for the City of Lyons, a small rural community in Georgia.
- Research from the School of Public and International Affairs suggests many soda taxes might not be making much of an impact when it comes to improving diets and reducing sugar intake.
Additionally, SPIA continues to foster partnerships both locally and internationally. The Carl Vinson Institute of Government, which helped establish the MPA program in 1966, provides internship and leadership development opportunities for public administration students. The Global Leadership and Development Program, now housed in the Center for the Study of Global Issues, is continuing a 25-year partnership with the Government of South Korea that has yielded impactful academic programs, study abroad activities, long-term visits of guest scholars, research opportunities, and specialized trainings for government officials in both nations.
These relationships provide SPIA students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community partners with unique opportunities to engage with local and international government leaders both inside and outside of the classroom.
For more SPIA news, visit: https://spia.uga.edu/news-events/news/
