Penn State School of International Affairs
Advance Your Global Career
The School of International Affairs helps prepare students for career success in the fields of policy, diplomacy, security, development, and more. Become a global leader at SIA!
![SIA students at the annual DC career trip](/assets/uploads/images/_860x640_crop_center-center_80_none/UNFPA_2students_1920px.jpg)
Flexibility at its finest.
Penn State School of International Affairs (SIA) gives you the power and flexibility to customize your program options. This will allow you to focus on what's most important to you and your career.
Tell Me More![SIA student Jordan Grandy spoke as part of the Indonesian delegation at the USAWC simulation.](/assets/uploads/images/_860x640_crop_center-center_80_none/AWC_simulation_Jordan_Grandy_web.jpeg)
Learn by doing
Engage in role-playing simulations, briefings, negotiations, mock trials, drafting project proposals, and more.
At SIA you will gain expertise in contemporary global issues while learning the fundamentals of international relations that will shape the world for decades to come.
Learn About Experiential Opportunities![SIA professors Jett and Ransom interacting with a student](/assets/uploads/images/_860x640_crop_center-center_80_none/Dec_2019_celebration_Jett_Ransom_2400px.jpg)
Grow your network
Internationally recognized scholars and seasoned former officials comprise our faculty of engaging and passionate educators.
Their connections become your connections.
Meet Your FacultyRequest Information
![Tiara Barnes](/assets/uploads/images/_680x680_crop_center-center_80_none/Tiara_Barnes_headshot_HQ.jpg)
“What I liked most is that SIA provided me with core international affairs courses in the first year, and then in the second year I was able to create my own concentration and take classes best suited for my professional aspirations.”
Tiara Barnes, Class of 2017, Communications Specialist, USAID Bureau for Policy, Planning, and Learning
SIA At a Glance
Class of 2026
40
Students
14
U.S. States
12
Countries
21
Languages
25
Undergraduate Majors
1
Clarke Fellow
1
Payne Fellow
1
Pickering Fellow
![](/assets/uploads/hero-images/_2400xAUTO_fit_center-center_80_none/world_flags.jpg)
SIA News
More News![China Vietnam - photo from article](/assets/uploads/news/_680x506_crop_center-center_80_none/China-Vietnam-8-1739314250.jpg)
February 12, 2025
Amb. Jett's new piece in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: America First should not mean America Always Alone
![picture from article](/assets/uploads/news/_680x506_crop_center-center_80_none/90.webp)
January 30, 2025
TUNE IN: Dr. Sophia McClennen going live on NPR Jan. 30 to discuss politics & humor
![Dennis Jett](/assets/uploads/news/_680x506_crop_center-center_80_none/dennis_jett20resize_8.jpg)
January 24, 2025
Amb. Jett publishes article on deprofessionalizing the State Department
![Ambassador Dennis Jett](/assets/uploads/news/_680x506_crop_center-center_80_none/dennis_jett_headshot_1920x1080.jpg)
January 16, 2025
Amb. Jett quoted in Reuters about Trump team asking 3 senior diplomats to resign
Events
More Events![Gary Hoover](/assets/uploads/images/_680xAUTO_fit_center-center_80_none/Gary-Hoover-Web.jpg)
Feb
19
Ladder or Lottery? The Economics of the Social Contract
Date & Time: February 19, 2025 | 04:00 PM – 05:15 PM
Location: Greg Sutliff Auditorium, Lewis Katz Building
-
SIA student lunch and roundtable with Dr. Hoover
Date & Time: February 19, 2025 from 12:45 PM–01:45 PM
Location: 336 Lewis Katz Building
-
One Voice, One Vision: Civil Rights Forum
Date & Time: February 28, 2025 from 09:30 AM–04:00 PM
Location: Greg Sutliff Auditorium, Lewis Katz Building