![SIA students during the Army War College simulation](/assets/uploads/hero-images/_1920x900_crop_center-center_80_none/AWC_simulation_Chinese_delegation_2.jpg)
Why Penn State SIA
Don't just see the world — change it.
The Penn State School of International Affairs is your best choice for pursuing a career in international affairs, including foreign service, nonprofit organizations, teaching, and research.
Penn State Fast Facts
Top 6%
Ranking Among All Universities Worldwide
#16
U.S. Institution for International Student Enrollment
9,000+
International Students at University Park
Top 10%
Worldwide in Employer Reputation & Employment Outcomes
#4
Best Colleges for 1st-Generation College Students
775,000+
Penn State Alumni
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The School of International Affairs is a small community within a large, well-resourced campus.
Becoming a part of Penn State University gives you access to:
- A wide choice of elective courses from top-ranked programs in engineering, business, science, agriculture, and education, among others
- Fourteen Penn State graduate school disciplines ranking among the top 10 in the nation
- The Big Ten library system
- Global corporate recruiters
- Thousands of clubs and organizations with broad opportunities to get involved on campus
- Built-in networking opportunities thanks to the largest alumni association in the world
Join us, and be fully prepared to solve complex international, economic, political, and scientific issues while considering the cultural, historical, and legal factors that shape them.
![SIA students in the Lewis Katz Building](/assets/uploads/images/_680x506_crop_center-center_80_none/SIA_students_globe_map_mezz.jpg)
Global Community, Central Location
State College is a vibrant college town is surrounded by natural beauty with the amenities of an urban environment.
![Student looking at graduate program booklet](/assets/uploads/hero-images/_680x506_crop_center-center_80_none/Channalyn_viewbook_table.jpg)
Flexible Degree Options
No matter your interests, you can build a degree that fits your academic and career goals.
![SIA Professor Ransom with students](/assets/uploads/images/_680x506_crop_center-center_80_none/SIA_donuts_Ransom_2_students_1920px_2022-11-16-213207_niov.jpg)
Elite Faculty
Work with distinguished scholars at a major research university.
![SIA annual crisis simulation with U.S. Army War College](/assets/uploads/hero-images/_680x506_crop_center-center_80_none/AWC_sim_2018_hero_EDIT.jpg)
Experiential Learning
Gain expertise in contemporary global issues while learning the fundamentals of international relations.
![Student sunglasses reflecting the Taj Mahal in India.](/assets/uploads/hero-images/_680x506_crop_center-center_80_none/sunglasses-copy.jpg)
Education Abroad
You want to see the world. We can help you get there.
![Penn State SIA students working together in the Law Library](/assets/uploads/hero-images/_680x506_crop_center-center_80_none/Penn-State-SIA-Students-In-Law-Library.png)
APSIA Member
Graduates of APSIA schools dedicate their professional lives to changing the world.
Request Information
![Old Main](/assets/uploads/images/_860x640_crop_center-center_80_none/OldMainSpring2020_2400px.jpg)
University Park Virtual Tour
Use this self-guided virtual tour to explore Penn State's University Park campus. Student tour guides will show you iconic Penn State landmarks, classrooms, athletic facilities, and much more.
Launch the University Park Virtual Tour![Katz Building at night](/assets/uploads/images/_860x640_crop_center-center_80_none/Katz_Building_night_crop_2400px.jpg)
Lewis Katz Building Virtual Tour
The Lewis Katz Building opened for classes in 2008 and is the home of the School of International Affairs. The building features state-of-the-art classrooms, study rooms, the H. Laddie Montague, Jr. Library, and the Apfelbaum Courtroom.
Launch the Lewis Katz Building Virtual Tour