Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs ranks fourth among graduate schools of public affairs, according to the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings.
SPIA also has three highly ranked specialty programs: in public finance and budgeting, UGA is ranked second, moving up from fifth place in the 2012 rankings; the public management administration program is ranked second; and the public policy analysis program is ranked 18th.
“The School of Public and International Affairs is extremely proud of the Master of Public Administration program where the faculty members have demonstrated worldwide impact through their research and where the graduates are among the most accomplished and influential alumni serving in the public and nonprofit sectors,” said Stefanie A. Lindquist dean and Arch Professor of Public and International Affairs.
At the core of SPIA’s reputation in public affairs is its Master of Public Administration degree program, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In addition, the MPA program was recognized Wednesday on both the House and Senate floors of the Georgia General Assembly for 50 years of positive impact from local to global.
“This is truly a special place and it is only appropriate that our work continues to be recognized as among the best of the best,” said Bradley E. Wright, head of the public administration and policy department. “It is a real honor to work with such an elite group of faculty, staff and students!”
Recent accolades also include a 2014 study in the Journal of Public Affairs Education in which the faculty of the public administration program placed No. 1 for international scholarly output based on quality and productivity. Research conducted by the program’s faculty addresses a variety of issues that provide key insights into the development of public policies and services provided by governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations, as well as the management of those critical organizations.
In celebration of 50 years, SPIA and the department of public administration and policy will host a weekend celebration on April 15 and 16. For more information, see padp.uga.edu/MPA_50th.
