The School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech is a professional school of public policy, planning, and international affairs located at the College of Architecture and Urban Studies. The SPIA community encompasses outstanding faculty, deeply-committed staff, loyal alumni, and remarkable students. We are committed to solving local, national, and global issues through analytical rigor, an interdisciplinary lens, applied learning, and thoughtful problem-solving. SPIA is the home of the Center for Public Administration & Policy (CPAP), Urban Affairs and Planning (UAP), and Government and International Affairs (GIA). In addition to these three graduate programs, we offer two undergraduate degrees in Smart & Sustainable Cities and in Environmental Policy & Planning, as well as study abroad and experiential-learning opportunities. The Institute for Policy & Governance, a research/policy outlet, supplements our tapestry of programs. SPIA is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB), and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

SPIA offers a wide range of MA, Ph.D., and graduate certificates with classes in Blacksburg, the Washington Metropolitan Area, and Richmond. From our three unique learning locations, students are able to pursue their degrees part-time or full-time, benefitting from a flexible curriculum. They are also able to take full advantage of the enormous resources of Virginia Tech as a global university and leading research institution. No matter whether you are aspiring to a career in local or federal government, private industry, or the nonprofit sector, we have the ability to help you prepare and lead.