Understand the world. And shape the future.

Created in 2006, the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) provides a vibrant and innovative platform for understanding, exploring and engaging with issues of leadership and public affairs-from our Raleigh campus to the halls of the North Carolina General Assembly, the power centers of Washington and decision-making forums across the globe.

The School encompasses the academic, professional, and practical activities of the political science and public administration departments, the international studies graduate program, the leadership in the public sector undergraduate program and the public safety leadership initiative, to bring a new focus and a new level of energy to the issues and institutions that shape our world. Housed within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at NC State University, SPIA's varied programs and departments marry theory and practice through teaching, research, and real-world application. We serve more than 1,000 majors and graduate students through our undergraduate, graduate, and training programs. Meet one of our faculty researchers.