The mission of GSPIA (Graduate School of Public and International Affairs) is to prepare students to make substantive contributions to society through careers as managers, advisors, and policy analysts in government and nonprofit organizations in a multitude of geographic locations throughout the world.

Through dedication to quality teaching that builds skills and commitments to the core values, GSPIA students work to improve public and nonprofit organizations that contribute to free and just societies in the United States and abroad.

To accomplish these goals, GSPIA teaches, conducts research and performs public service in the following areas:

• Management and administration of public and nonprofit agencies 
• Growth and sustainable development of urban metropolitan regions throughout the world 
• Economic and social development of newly independent and developing states 
• Emerging dynamics that are shaping today's international political economy 
• Threats to and issues in international security