<p>UGA is unique in that the international affairs department is a separate entity- it’s not a subsection of political science or some weird amalgamation of anthropology and other subjects. SPIA as a whole also boasts excellent faculty including a number of real superstars in their fields as well as many promising up-and-coming professors. There’s a lot of research going on that professors are happy to let undergrads get involved with. Outside of class, there’s a thriving political scene with all the major parties having strong organizations on campus and lots of local politicians showing up. They had a major conference on the Carter Presidency last year that a number of undergrads in the honors program got to present at.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the university administration hasn’t been able to keep up with SPIA’s growing popularity. Although some efforts to limit enrollment have been successful, they’ve been arbitrary and classes are still full beyond the normal limits while too many upper level classes are being taught by grad students or non-tenure track professors. We’re working to change it, but in light of the upcoming budget cuts across the board for the state of Georgia, things are likely to get worse before they get better. </p>
<p>In short, SPIA is an amazing school- it’s just overcrowded and takes more effort to navigate than any other school at UGA. But I’d say the educational experience is worth it, and hopefully the situation will improve.</p>