The School of Politics and International Affairs offers students the opportunity to experience a comprehensive curriculum and internship experience, setting you up for future success in international affairs, public policy, practical politics or academia.
Students have the opportunity to study American and international politics, constitutional theory, and political philosophy--learning from nationally and internationally recognized faculty. Interdisciplinary opportunities allow undergraduate students to double major or participate in an international study-away program. Masters-level students in Political Science can complete the degree online from anywhere in the world.
Online & Campus-Based Degree Programs
Student Experiences
Award-Winning Programs
Students from the University of Illinois Springfield have won awards through their leadership in the Model Illinois Government (MIG) program. UIS Students learn the inner workings of Illinois government by participating first hand in a simulated legislative process.
The Model United Nations Club (MUN) gives students interested in international politics the ability to participate in a simulation of the United Nations General Assembly while earning course credit.
Working in State Government
Opportunities for experiential learning are available to both undergraduate and graduates on the local, state, and federal level, as well as internationally.
Graduate students participating in the Illinois Legislative Staff Intern Program (ILSIP) have helped shape public policy in Illinois for over 60 years.
Teaching internships are also available for graduate students.
International Study Opportunities
The School for Politics and International Affairs prides itself in offering students the opportunity to incorporate an international learning experience into its degree programs.
Students in our programs have had the opportunity to travel internationally, to study internationally (in person or online) and to participate in an international internship (in person or online).
Learn more about our Study Away Programs at UIS.
Our Faculty
The UIS School of Politics and International Affairs hosts an incredible faculty that has achieved national and international recognition. Check out our SPIA Podcast series to learn more about our faculty and their areas of expertise.
Featured Alumni
Amy Palo, MA, Political Science '21, teaches 10th and 11th grade history at Cornell High School and a dual-enrollment Government and Politics course for seniors in partnership with Robert Morris University. She was among 18 educators awarded the 2024-25 Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching to the United Kingdom. She will spend four months at the University of Glasgow researching civics and humanities education in the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence.
Support the School of Politics & International Affairs
Your gift helps build and sustain resources for the success of students in the School of Politics and International Affairs at UIS. This support advances the availability of research funds, class projects, experiential learning opportunities and professional development.
