MA Global Policy ProgramLearn More and Apply Today

WELCOME to the School of Policy & International Affairs (SPIA) website! 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, consisting of a wide array of thematic and geographical courses, which allows 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.

Lives of Ukrainian soldiers explored in SPIA student’s new documentaryUMaine News profiles MA Global Policy student Vita Tomakhiv who recently filmed a documentary titled, "The Dimension of War: those who hold the Independence of Ukraine." During the project, Tomakhiv interviewed four Ukrainian soldiers serving on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Dr. Micinski and Victoria Markiewicz meet with the International Organization for Migration at their office in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Field Research Report: Climate Migration in ZimbabweSPIA 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 2023 Funding Support: Sturgis Expedition Fund
SPIA 578 team briefs US Institute of Peace
Team SPI 578 Report (pdf): "Russian Malign Influence in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus: Recommendations for U.S. Government Strategy in the Post-Ukraine Invasion Context"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 through research and presentations to external audiences in the development and security realms.
"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