School of Public and International Affairs

SPIA—the Nexus of Theory and Action. We forge big ideas that foster public impact. We partner with students, communities, and governments to inspire innovative ideas and action, build trust and engagement in democratic governance nationally and globally, and champion the pursuit of human progress centered on equity and justice.

SPIA’s programming is expansive with undergraduate degrees in Political Science, International Affairs, Law & Society, and later this year, Cyber Strategy and Policy, along with certificates in International Human Rights; War, Peace and Security; Legal Studies; and Cybersecurity. Our graduate program boasts an outstanding PhD, MA, and a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) and two certificates.

Our faculty have recently won book awards in Religion and Politics, are internationally recognized for their research innovation and regularly work directly with local, state, national, and international governments and community partners. Our students win university awards, scholarships, go on to Law and Graduate schools, and great careers in many fields. 

To read SPIA student, faculty, and alumni personal stories, click on the SPIA Spotlights link below.  If you're an alumni or friend of SPIA, please click on Alumni and Friends link for UC resources and events available to you.


SPIA Social

Addresses

Location:
School of Public and International Affairs
2800 Clifton Avenue
Clifton Court Hall (CCH), 5th Floor (Suites 5110-5149)
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0375

Mailing Address:
University of Cincinnati
ML-0375/ Docks N1-N7
Campus Receiving
5121 Fishwick Dr
Final Delivery SPIA (0375) - Attn: Faculty OR Staff name + Office Number 
Cincinnati, OH 45216   United States

General Inquiries

ContactSPIA@uc.edu 
513-556-3300

Degree Program or Curriculum Questions?

Undergraduate Questions:
Clifton Court Hall (CCH), Room 5114A
SPIA-UG@uc.edu
513-556-3320

Graduate Questions:
Clifton Court Hall (CCH), Room 5110
SPIA-Grad@uc.edu
513-556-4440


Department Spotlight

1

From political science to insurance underwriting

October 22, 2025

A career in insurance wasn’t in the cards for Max Roberts when he started his political science degree at UC, but that was where he landed. “I originally thought I’d pursue law or public policy,” said Roberts. “Political science gave me a strong foundation in critical analysis and communication, skills that turned out to be surprisingly relevant in the insurance world.”

2

Beshear, DeWine talk bipartisanship in Cincinnati

October 22, 2025

The University of Cincinnati's Portman Center for Policy Solutions played host to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear for a moderated talk about the benefits of bipartisanship.

3

UC hosts governors for bipartisan conversation

October 10, 2025

The University of Cincinnati welcomes Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear for a conversation on policy and leadership. The discussion, titled "Across the River and Across the Aisle," will be moderated by former U.S. Sen. Rob Portman and is being sponsored by the Portman Center for Policy Solutions.