Welcome to the School of Policy and International Affairs

The Master of Arts in Global Policy program provides students with the analytical tools and professional skills necessary to deal with some of the most pressing global challenges. SPIA offers an interdisciplinary curriculum comprising various thematic and geographical courses, allowing students to cultivate an independent approach to political, social, economic, and environmental issues from varying perspectives.

Students may choose a concentration in either Environmental Policy, Security and Foreign Policy, Trade and Commerce, or Climate Policy. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about the School and the activities of its students and faculty.  For more information, please feel free to contact us.

Why Global Policy?

“Without SPIA’s financial assistance and fellowship, I would not have been able to join the program as an international student. I would not have interned with the United Nations, nor become the international civil servant I am today at the UN World Food Programme. In short, I would not have lived the meaningful and fulfilling personal, academic, and professional life that I now cherish. Because of SPIA’s fellowship program, I have become the person I once only dreamed of being — and for that, I am profoundly thankful: then, today, and with every passing day.”

Hamdane Bordji ’15, Startegic Partnerships Officer at United Nations
World Food Programme, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Masters in Global Policy

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COP 29 Blog

Recent Events

New Article: India’s Middle East Tight-Rope Walk

By pfandel
Posted in News
Incoming SPIA student Tyler Lissy recently wrote “India’s Middle East Tight-Rope Walk,” published online by the distinguished national security/foreign policy publication The National Interest. Tyler is a Motwani-Jadeja US-India Fellow at the Pacific Forum, researching India’s defense modernization and US-India strategic cooperation. He graduated from Dickinson College in 2025 as a 4+1 student with SPIA […]
Conference attendees engaged in a roundtable discussion

New Article: “Who Speaks for Africa at COP? Power and Politics at the UN Climate Negotiations”

By pfandel
Posted in Uncategorized
Dr. Nick Micinski, SPIA alum Tori Markiewicz, and Praise P.T. Gandah (Midlands State University) co-authored an article recently published by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Titled, Who Speaks for Africa at COP? Power and Politics at the UN Climate Negotiations, the authors explore the dynamics surrounding Africa’s representation at the United Nations Framework Convention on […]
A group photo of faculty and students standing in front of a building

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2024!

By dmartin
Posted in Student News
SPIA students were honored along with over 500 others at the Graduate School Commencement on May 3rd. Before the Hooding Ceremony, students, faculty, family, and friends gathered at the mall for a toast recognizing the graduates. Pictured (left to right): Front row: Tyler-Ann Harris, Vitaliia Tomakhiv, Alan Chang, CAPT Jim Settele. Middle row: Guzalya Zakhirova, […]
Dr. Micinski and Victoria Markiewicz meet with the International Organization for Migration at their office in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Dr. Micinski and Victoria Markiewicz meet with the International Organization for Migration at their office in Harare, Zimbabwe.

By dmartin
Posted in Student News
SPIA student Victoria Markiewicz traveled to Harare, Zimbabwe with Dr. Nicholas Micinski, “look(ing) at the local implementation of global governance of climate migrants and cooperation between state and non-state actors on the ground to address these issues.” SPIA and The Robert and Judith Sturgis Family Foundation provided funding to support their research. Expedition Date: Summer […]

“The world has become an increasingly hostile place where angry words and heinous deeds feed the headlines every day. But I never lose hope because SPIA students still believe with ALL their hearts that a better world is not only desirable but required. Supporting a SPIA fellowship is a powerful way for you to help shape a student’s promising global future. By sponsoring young energetic fresh minds that are dedicated to innovation and global outreach, you yourself become a part of the SPIA’s vision of a more equitable and peaceful world. It’s the best investment you will ever make.”

Ambassador Pamela A. White (Ret.), Former U.S. Ambassador to Haiti and The Gambia; Co-Chair of SPIA Advisory Board

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