The University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) has earned distinguished recognition in newly released international rankings, reinforcing its reputation as a global leader in public service research and education.
SPIA’s public administration program advanced eight places in the 2025 ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS), securing a top ten position worldwide. UGA is also recognized as the highest-ranked public U.S. institution in the field.
“These rankings validate SPIA’s commitment to rigorous research, high-quality teaching, and impactful public service,” said Dean Matthew Auer. “Our continued progress in global and national rankings reflects the remarkable dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni.”
The GRAS rankings evaluate approximately 2,000 institutions in more than 100 countries and use indicators such as faculty quality, research output, impact, and international collaboration to produce a list of rankings across 57 academic subjects.
Leading the Field for Three Decades
For thirty years, SPIA’s public affairs program has occupied top-tier placement in U.S. News and World Report rankings.
In 2025, SPIA tied for seventh among public affairs programs in the United States. Among specialty rankings, SPIA is second in Public Management and Leadership, third in Public Finance and Budgeting, and fifth in Local Government Management.
“The Department of Public Administration and Policy is gratified at the high national and international rankings of our School and programs,” said Ed Kellough, head of the department of public administration and policy. “Our stellar reputation reflects the visibility and impact of our faculty and their prominence as producers of cutting-edge research in public management and policy.”
As SPIA continues to maintain its top-ten rankings, it also approaches a significant milestone: the 25th anniversary of the school and the 60th anniversary of the creation of the MPA program. These are occasions to reflect on how far SPIA has come in shaping public service education. SPIA looks forward to marking these important milestones and to preparing students for the many more decades of public sector leadership.
Political Science: Rising Global and National Standing
Political Science at UGA has also made notable progress internationally, moving from the 51–75 range in previous years to number 37 globally in the 2025 GRAS rankings. This improvement highlights SPIA’s growing visibility and influence in the discipline.
Nationally, UGA’s Political Science graduate program is ranked 38th in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, demonstrating consistent strength and competitiveness among peer institutions.
About UGA SPIA
The School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Georgia prepares leaders for public service through rigorous academic programs, innovative research, and meaningful civic engagement. SPIA comprises departments of Public Administration & Policy, Political Science and International Affairs and is recognized for its interdisciplinary, real-world approach to public service education.
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