Hello, 

Welcome to the Department of Political Science & International Affairs (PSIA) news site. I am glad you are interested in the many opportunities here at the University of North Georgia.

The Political Science & International Affairs department seeks to promote academic excellence and innovation across our many programs. We currently have over five hundred students enrolled in our various degree programs.

Our department offers students a variety of degree options — Associates; Bachelors; Masters —  across many concentrations. Courses are offered in the areas of American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, security studies and public administration.

The Political Science BS degree focuses on the study of government and political processes, institutions, and behavior. Students can choose to complete their degree with their choice of minor program or complete a concentration in American politics or pre-law. There are also a number of internship options for all majors.

The International Affairs BA degree offers students the opportunity for in-depth study on one of four regions of the world: East Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North Africa & Middle East. This degree program provides the opportunity to study and intern internationally.

The Strategic and Security Studies BA degree seeks to prepare the next generation of Army and civilian leaders in understanding and navigating America’s future strategic challenges. Students choose from among seven areas of concentration: Cyber-Security, Geo-spatial Intelligence, History, Intelligence, International Affairs, Language and Military Science.

The department also offers minors in both International Affairs, Political Science, and Public Administration & Public Service. While you can start your degree at any of the five campuses of UNG, certain degrees are unique to a particular campus. If you are interested in a particular degree we offer, make sure to contact us so we can advise you regarding your progression in the major and beyond.

The Department of Political Science & International Affairs was an early adopter of online programs and was ranked #2 by SR Education Group in national 2017 rankings for value and affordability of Political Science degrees, and #1 for on-line Masters degrees. SR Education Group, an education publisher founded in 2004, said, “This set of rankings represents schools across the nation that are making an effort to provide economical options for students.” In fall 2016 the department began offering a fully online Associate in Arts, Core Curriculum – Political Science pathway. In conjunction with UNG Online and eCore, the pathway offers students the opportunity to complete all required courses in Area F (which are offered by the department on a two-year rotation). The AA degree is also offered on the Gainesville campus.

I am excited to announce that students can earn their Bachelor of Science in Political Science completely online. We have had online programs at the associate- and graduate-levels but the fall semester of 2020 was the very first time we offered a complete undergraduate course of study online. The program is open to first-year students (traditional freshmen) and is a great option for students to join our PSIA family. 

Apart from the undergraduate degrees, the department also offers two fully on-line Masters degrees. The online Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) degree started in the fall semester of 2009. The MAIA is designed to impart an advanced understanding of world politics and further a student’s academic and professional career through a strong theoretical and analytical understanding of issues that drive the international system. The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program transitioned online in fall 2017. The program features a curriculum designed to enhance theoretical and practical skills in the areas of public policy and public administration. All courses in our graduate programs are developed and taught by full-time faculty members who hold terminal degrees and have active research agendas.

These programs are supported by thirty-one faculty members across UNG’s five campuses. Our diverse faculty is dedicated to supporting your academic growth via research and practicum opportunities. Thanks again for your interest in PSIA.

If you are interested in finding out more about our programs, please check out our website at:

https://ung.edu/political-science-international-affairs/
Or contact us at: (706) 864-1628.

Sincerely,

Craig Greathouse, Ph.D.
Department Head, Political Science & International Affairs
University of North Georgia