What Degree Programs and Academic Paths Does UGA SPIA Offer?
The School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) at the University of Georgia offers three undergraduate degree programs, seven graduate degree programs, certificate programs, selective programs, and study away opportunities. SPIA is organized into three departments and several centers, and its stated focus is preparing students for careers in public life and for advanced study in international affairs, political science, and public administration and policy. The right path depends on whether you are entering as an undergraduate, pursuing a graduate credential, or adding a specialized certificate or experience to an existing program.
Undergraduate Degree Programs
SPIA offers three undergraduate degree programs, housed across its departments:
- Department of Public Administration & Policy — described by SPIA as where "leadership begins here."
- Department of Political Science — described as where "opportunity begins here."
- Department of International Affairs — described as where "engagement begins here."
SPIA states that its undergraduate students engage in active learning, including internships, study abroad experiences, and undergraduate research. The school also notes that its students are awarded prestigious scholarships and fellowships in the field, though specific award names and eligibility details are not listed on the page.
If you are choosing between these programs, the practical distinction is subject focus: public administration and policy leans toward governance and public-sector management, political science toward the study of political systems and behavior, and international affairs toward global and cross-border issues.
Graduate Degree Programs
SPIA offers seven graduate degree programs. The school describes them as nationally recognized and says they train future generations of teachers and scholars in international affairs, political science, and public administration and policy. Graduate study at SPIA is presented as preparation for both academic careers and professional roles in public life.
The page does not list the seven programs by name, so prospective applicants should confirm specific degree titles, concentrations, and admission requirements directly with SPIA before applying.
Certificate and Selective Programs
Beyond degree programs, SPIA lists:
- Certificate Programs — additional credentials that can typically be paired with a degree.
- Selective Programs — competitive or application-based opportunities within SPIA.
These are grouped under SPIA's "Start your Journey" section alongside undergraduate, graduate, and study away options. Because the page does not detail admission criteria or credit requirements for these programs, treat them as paths to investigate with an advisor rather than fixed add-ons.
Study Away Programs
SPIA offers study away programs, which the school frames as part of its commitment to experiential learning. These are presented as opportunities to bolster the student experience at the University of Georgia, alongside internships and undergraduate research.
If experiential learning is a priority for you, study away is one of the clearest ways SPIA structures that into its offerings — but specific destinations, durations, and eligibility rules are not provided on the page.
Departments and Centers
SPIA's academic paths sit within a broader structure of departments and centers:
| Unit | Stated focus |
|---|---|
| Department of Public Administration & Policy | Leadership begins here |
| Department of Political Science | Opportunity begins here |
| Department of International Affairs | Engagement begins here |
| Center for the Study of Global Issues (GLOBIS) | Global impact begins here |
| SPIA Survey Research Center | Knowledge begins here |
| Benson-Bertsch Center for International Trade & Security (CITS) | A better future begins here |
These units indicate where research and applied work happen, and they can shape which faculty, projects, and courses are available to you within a given degree.
How to Decide Which Path Fits
Use these questions to narrow your options:
- What level are you entering at? Undergraduate, graduate, certificate, or a selective/study away add-on.
- Which subject area matches your goal? Public administration and policy, political science, or international affairs.
- Do you want an applied or research-heavy experience? SPIA emphasizes experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement across its programs.
- Do you want to add a credential or experience? Certificate programs and study away options let you extend a degree.
SPIA's own framing is that it prepares students for "good citizenship and careers in public life," so if your goal is public service, policy work, or academic study in these fields, the school's structure is built around that outcome.
What to Verify Before Applying
The SPIA page confirms the existence and general shape of these programs but does not provide:
- The names of the seven graduate degree programs
- Admission requirements or deadlines
- Tuition, fees, or funding details
- Specific certificate requirements
- Study away destinations or eligibility rules
For any of these, check SPIA's individual program pages or contact the school directly. The page also includes "Apply Now" and "Give Now" links, indicating an active admissions and development process, but no pricing or login information is stated.