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Skills for Success
Interdisciplinary Studies
Serve through Scholarship
Fostering Leadership
VT SPIA offers experiential learning, study abroad, and training programs for students of all ages and stages in their careers to continually cultivate their vision and impact change.
Experiential Learning
Our programs span the study of public administration and policy, urban affairs and regional planning, government, and international affairs. We also offer undergraduate degrees in Smart & Sustainable Cities and in Environmental Policy & Planning, the first of their kind in the nation.
Dedicated Research
VT SPIA leads several interdisciplinary research efforts. Faculty and students dedicate their scholarship to help address complex, pressing issues, such as the refugee crisis, affordable housing, and sustainability practices.
News and Stories Spotlight
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Experts discuss factors driving beef prices so high , articleAmericans shopping for ground beef, New York strips, or sirloin in 2025 are paying for their love of beef through extreme sticker shock as prices continue to skyrocket. Agribusiness expert Mario Ortez Amador and economic expert David Bieri discuss the reasons for the rising prices and what it will take for them to abate.
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Experts available: Texas floods and fallout, Netanyahu in Washington, measles, tourism shortfall, and more , articleVirginia Tech experts are available to discuss issues around the flooding in Texas, Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington, rising measles cases, Elon Musk's intent to form a new political party, the U.S. tourism shortfall, and more.
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Diplomacy Lab gives students a voice in U.S. foreign affairs , articleIn addition to expanding the State Department's research base, the program allows students to contribute to the policymaking process. Key findings could become official U.S. foreign policy.
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Experts available: Iran airstrikes, presidential powers, extreme heat impacts, keeping pets safe, and more , articleVirginia Tech experts are available to discuss items in the news, including U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites, the extent of presidential war powers, impacts of extreme heat on power consumption, pets, and lawns, and more.
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Experts available: Air travel concerns, AI scams, papal conclave begins this week, and more , articleThe Virginia Tech media relations office has the following experts available for interviews this week surrounding issues in the news including., air travel anxiety, AI-enhanced scams, the conclave, and more. To schedule an interview, please contact mediarelations@vt.edu.
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'Curious Conversations' podcast: David Bieri talks about making sense of economic climates , articleBieri discussed the complexities of understanding economic climates, the role of government in providing certainty, and the interplay between economics and humanity.