Welcome to the School of Policy and International Affairs

The Master of Arts in Global Policy program provides students with the analytical tools and professional skills necessary to deal with some of the most pressing global challenges. SPIA offers an interdisciplinary curriculum comprising various thematic and geographical courses, allowing students to cultivate an independent approach to political, social, economic, and environmental issues from varying perspectives.

Students may choose a concentration in either Environmental Policy, Security and Foreign Policy, Trade and Commerce, or Climate Policy. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about the School and the activities of its students and faculty.  For more information, please feel free to contact us.

Why Global Policy?

Masters in Global Policy

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COP 29 Blog

Recent Events

Conference attendees engaged in a roundtable discussion

New Article: “Who Speaks for Africa at COP? Power and Politics at the UN Climate Negotiations”

By pfandel
Posted in Uncategorized
Dr. Nick Micinski, SPIA alum Tori Markiewicz, and Praise P.T. Gandah (Midlands State University) co-authored an article recently published by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Titled, Who Speaks for Africa at COP? Power and Politics at the UN Climate Negotiations, the authors explore the dynamics surrounding Africa’s representation at the United Nations Framework Convention on […]
A group photo of faculty and students standing in front of a building

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2024!

By dmartin
Posted in Student News
SPIA students were honored along with over 500 others at the Graduate School Commencement on May 3rd. Before the Hooding Ceremony, students, faculty, family, and friends gathered at the mall for a toast recognizing the graduates. Pictured (left to right): Front row: Tyler-Ann Harris, Vitaliia Tomakhiv, Alan Chang, CAPT Jim Settele. Middle row: Guzalya Zakhirova, […]
Dr. Micinski and Victoria Markiewicz meet with the International Organization for Migration at their office in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Dr. Micinski and Victoria Markiewicz meet with the International Organization for Migration at their office in Harare, Zimbabwe.

By dmartin
Posted in Student News
SPIA student Victoria Markiewicz traveled to Harare, Zimbabwe with Dr. Nicholas Micinski, “look(ing) at the local implementation of global governance of climate migrants and cooperation between state and non-state actors on the ground to address these issues.” SPIA and The Robert and Judith Sturgis Family Foundation provided funding to support their research. Expedition Date: Summer […]
SPIA 578 team briefs US Institute of Peace

SPIA 578 Team Briefs US Institute of Peace: “Russian Malign Influence in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus: Recommendations for U.S. Government Strategy in the Post-Ukraine Invasion Context”

By dmartin
Posted in Student News
On May 2, 2023, members of SPIA’s Development in Practice research team presented their work to U.S. government contractors (MSI & DAI) and the United States Institute of Peace. Development in Practice is an annual course led by Dr. William B. Farrell, where SPIA students have the opportunity to address relevant issues in contemporary geopolitics […]

“To succeed in today’s global environment, students increasingly need to complement their academic and career learning with the international skills that allow them to understand and work with people from other countries. UMaine’s School of Policy and International Affairs performs a critical role by educating students to appreciate the importance of cross-cultural competence for their future.”

Ambassador (Ret.) Marcelle M. Wahba, President Emeritus of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, SPIA Advisory Board Member

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