Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
The mission of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) 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. This mission is accomplished through dedication to quality teaching that builds skills and commitments to the core values, challenges, and rewards of public service. It is supported through basic and applied research on timely issues of public management; international, regional, and urban affairs; and policymaking. The school and faculty are committed to making a difference in the world by drawing on diverse skills and knowledge to improve the performance of public and nonprofit organizations that contribute to free and just societies in the United States and abroad. To accomplish these ends, GSPIA teaches, conducts research, and performs public service in the following areas:
The management and administration of public and nonprofit agencies
The growth and sustainable development of urban metropolitan regions throughout the world
The economic and social development of newly independent and developing states
The emerging dynamics that are shaping today's international political economy
Threats to and issues in international security
The mission of GSPIA stresses the importance of democratic responsibilities and personal integrity in the management of human affairs as well as the professional qualifications required for managing constructive change. Students and faculty alike are required to:
Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct
Use critical thinking and problem solving skills in addressing public policy issues
Consider the international and intersectoral aspects of public affairs
Develop partnerships with others both internal and external to the University of Pittsburgh
GSPIA offers the following degree programs as well as several joint programs:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Master of Public and International Affairs (MPIA)
Master of International Development (MID)
Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Contact Information
- Office of Student Services
- Associate Director
- Suite 3601 Posvar Hall
- 412-648-7640
- Fax: 412-648-7641
- E-mail: gspia@pitt.edu
- www.gspia.pitt.edu
GSPIA admits persons who have demonstrated intellectual competence and high motivation in an academic and/or professional environment and who will enrich the quality of life in the school. Individuals from varied cultural, academic, and social backgrounds provide an exciting frame of reference for the stimulating exchanges so vital to a dynamic academic process. The following are required of all applicants: transcripts, application and fee, letters of recommendation, essays, and resume.
GSPIA also requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for all international applicants who are non-native speakers of English. Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, taken no more than three years prior to application, are required for doctoral admission, but are optional for admission to master’s degree programs.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Applicants must have a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based or 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, earned within the last two years. In addition to the general TOEFL, applicants will also be required to take the Test of Written English (TWE) and earn a minimum score of 4.5. MPPM applicants are expected to have TOEFL scores of 600 on the paper-based test or 250 on the computer-based equivalent. Students taking the IELTS must earn a minimum of 7.0 overall and on each of the four sections (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Official GRE scores—taken no more than three years prior to application—are required for doctoral admission, but are optional for admission to master's degree programs.
Minimum acceptable scores are 1030 for the combined verbal and quantitative tests and 4.5 on the analytical writing section. A minimum score of 500 is required for both the verbal and quantitative test.
Admission Prerequisites
Though not required for admission, applicants to GSPIA's master's programs are strongly encouraged to take courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics prior to enrolling in GSPIA. In addition, it is suggested that applicants have prior experience with statistical, spreadsheet, and presentation software packages. Students who have not had formal course work in the above may take preparatory courses offered in GSPIA or the University early in their programs.
Admission Deadlines
The following admission deadlines apply to individuals who do not wish to be considered for financial aid (those applicants who are interested in financial aid should see section on Financial Assistance below):
U.S. citizens applying for the MPA, MPIA, MID, and PhD (fall admissions
only) should apply by February 1 for the fall term and by October 1
for the spring term. For the MPPM program, U.S. citizens should apply
by February 1, if seeking financial aid or by May 1, if not; for the
fall term, by November 1 for the spring term, and by March 1 for the
summer term. International applicants applying for the MPA, MID, MPIA,
and PhD should apply by March 1 for the fall term and by August 1 for
the spring term. For the MPPM program, international applicants should
apply by February 1 for the fall and summer terms and by August 1 for
the spring term.
Applicants who wish to be considered for funding from the school must
submit all admission application materials
on or before February 1. Scholarships, fellowships,
and student employment are awarded to full-time
students admitted with full graduate status
in the school's master's and doctoral programs.
These annual awards, made to students admitted
in the fall of each academic year, are to be
applied to tuition and/or living expenses incurred
during the fall and spring terms. Financial
assistance is generally unavailable to students
who are admitted in the spring or summer terms.
Academic Standards
Students are in good academic standing when they earn acceptable grades
for graduate work and make normal progress
toward the degree. Specifically, full-time
students must earn a minimum of 9 credits per term with a minimum GPA
of 3.2 in all courses counting toward the degree, the school-wide core,
and degree courses. Part-time students are held to the same standards.
However, they are expected to do so while carrying less than 9 credits
per term. Full- or part-time students admitted with provisional status
must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 in all courses counting
toward the degree in their first 12 credits.
Students receiving school-based funding are held to higher standards.
Masters students must earn, after two terms, 24 credits and a cumulative
GPA of 3.5. Doctoral students must earn 24 credits and a cumulative
GPA of 3.6.
Probation
Students are automatically placed on academic probation when they
fail to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 and
earn the appropriate number of credits for
their status. Students are also placed on
academic probation automatically if they receive
two G grades in one term and/or earn a grade
of U, C- or lower.
Dismissal
Students who fail to correct the deficiencies of their academic probation within a specified time period (normally one term) are subject to dismissal. Should a recommendation to dismiss be made by the division director, students may appeal the decision to the associate dean.
For additional information on academic standards and procedures, students are referred to GSPIA's Handbook of Academic Policies and Procedures for Master's Degree Programs, GSPIA's Doctoral Studies Handbook, and the University's Guidelines on Academic Integrity: Student and Faculty Obligations and Hearing Procedures.
Advising and Placement
Academic Advising: Each student is assigned a faculty advisor based on, whenever possible, the compatibility of student and faculty academic interests. Faculty advisors assure that students, through proper course selection, can make productive use of the resources of the school and the University during their period of residence. In addition, faculty advisors are responsible for counseling their advisees about career opportunities in the student's area of study; for counseling advisees who have been placed on probation; and for approving the advisee's school-wide required and elective courses, proposed thesis or dissertation topics, and supervised internships. Advisors and students monitor academic progress and identify areas where corrective action on the part of students may be required. It is essential, therefore, that students consult periodically with their advisors. Unless students subsequently request a change, faculty members originally assigned will continue as advisors throughout the students' program of study. If, however, a change in faculty advisor is requested, students must obtain the signed approval of the new advisors.
Professional Development and Career Planning: GSPIA places great emphasis on assisting students in determining the best and most appropriate positions available. In addition to faculty advisors, the school provides resources and guidance for students throughout their course of study as they devise strategies to identify professional opportunities. Among the many services offered through the Office of Career Services are individual career advising, internship and job search assistance, and a series of career-related workshops and special events. Extensive reference materials on jobs, fellowships, and internships are made available in a variety of ways, including Career Notes, a biweekly electronic publication listed on the Career Services Web site. Workshops cover such topics as resume preparation, job search strategies, negotiation skills, researching companies, and using technology in securing employment. Special events include Foreign Service information sessions, mock interviews for the Presidential Management Internship Program, a career information fair, and interactive meetings with alumni, foundations, and agency representatives on campus and in Washington, D.C.
Master's Degree Requirements
The following section details general requirements for all master's candidates in GSPIA. For more program-specific requirements, see the relevant program under Program Descriptions.
MPA, MPIA, and MID Programs
A minimum of 48 credits is required for the completion of the Master of Public Administration (MPA), the Master of Public and International Affairs (MPIA), and the Master of International Development (MID) degrees. All students are to complete the following 12-credit requirement unless exempted through examination or prior academic or professional experience:
| PIA 2007 |
Quantitative Methods (A placement examination
for this course is encouraged for students
with prior college-level course work
in statistics.) |
| Or |
|
| PIA 2001 |
Quantitative Methods 2 (Prerequisite:
PIA 2007 Quantitative Methods or successful
placement examination score in PIA
2007) |
| PIA 2008 |
Economics for Public Affairs (This requirement
can be met by having earned a B or
better grade in microeconomics or macroeconomics
at the undergraduate level.) |
| PIA 2009 |
Policy Analysis (Prerequisite: PIA 2007 Quantitative Methods) |
| PIA 2096 |
Capstone Seminar (This 3-credit seminar is taken near the end of the program, after the student has completed the above core courses and earned at least 24 credits.) |
| PIA 2098 |
Internship (A professional non-credit internship placement is usually taken in the summer between the first and second term in residence, unless waived.) |
MPPM Program
As part of the requirements for the Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM), the school's executive management degree program, students must complete a minimum of 30 credits. Included in the 30 credit minimum are the following courses:
| MPPM Foundation Courses (select one for 3 credits) |
| PIA 2850 |
Public Service Skills and Competencies in the 21st Century |
| PIA 2300 |
Global Governance |
| PIA 2501 |
Issues in Development Management and Policy |
 |
|
| MPPM Core Courses (select two for 6 credits) |
| PIA 2008 |
Economics for Public Affairs |
| PIA 2117 |
Public Program Evaluation or |
| PIA 2290 |
Topics in Public Administration: Analytical Techniques or |
| PIA 2177 |
Analytical Techniques in Public and Nonprofit Management |
|
|
| Specialization Courses (select six courses for 18 credits) |
| PIA 2896 |
MPPM Policy Seminar (3 credits) |
Major and Degree Options
GSPIA offers the following degrees wholly within the school:
- Master of Public Administration (MPA), including majors in:
- Policy Research and Analysis
- Public and Nonprofit Management
- Urban and Regional Affairs
- Master of Public and International Affairs (MPIA), including majors in:
- Global Political Economy
- Security and Intelligence Studies
- Master of International Development (MID), including majors in:
- NGOs and Civil Society
- Development Planning and Environmental Sustainability
-
- Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Dual degrees in MPA/MPIA, MPA/MID, or MPIA/MID
GSPIA also offers joint degree programs in conjunction with the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, the School of Law, the School of Information Sciences, the Graduate School of Public Health, and the School of Social Work. Through these combined degrees, the exceptional resources of the University are available for extended professional training, allowing students to receive two degrees in a shorter period than would normally be required if they were to pursue the two separately.
If a student, once enrolled in the University, wishes to participate in a joint program, the student must be admitted in the second degree program within the student's first year of graduate study or prior to earning 24 credits in his or her first program.
MBA/MPIA or MBA/MID
The joint degree with the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business prepares MPIA students to work in the increasingly global economy. It provides students with the administrative, managerial, and financial skills necessary for business as well as an understanding of international economic, political, and cultural aspects that define the international business environment. Students earn both an MBA and the MPIA degrees. This joint degree program can be completed in three years.
JD/MPIA, JD/MPA, or JD/MID
The School of Law offers rigorous training for students preparing for a professional career that combines law with public policy and management. Students completing the program receive the Juris Doctor degree and the MPIA or MPA from GSPIA. The two degrees can be completed in four years.
MSW/MID or MSW/MPA
GSPIA and the School of Social Work enable students to prepare for careers in social service delivery, nonprofit management, and social policy. Students receive a Master of Social Work and either the MPA or the MPIA from GSPIA. The two degrees can be completed in three years.
MIS/MPIA, MIS/MPA, or MIS/MID
GSPIA also offers a joint degree program with the School of Information
Sciences. Because GSPIA degree programs contain
12 elective credits, by judicious selection
of these courses, students are able to complete
an MPA, MPIA, or MID degree and a Master of
Information Science (MIS) degree with only
one or two extra terms of course work. Graduates
of this combined program are offered positions
as designers and managers of information systems
in public, private, and nonprofit areas in
the United States and abroad.
MPH/MPA or MPH/MID
The joint degree program with the Graduate School of Public Health is designed for students who are interested in health issues in less developed societies. With changes in the structure, management, and financing of governmental and voluntary organizations that provide public health services, trained professionals are needed to manage these dramatic changes. Some of the changes include the increasing use of managed care models to provide physical and behavioral services; privatizing health services; strengthening community support for de-institutionalized mentally ill and developmentally impaired individuals; using more sophisticated information systems and for monitoring and evaluating patient outcomes. Students participating in this joint program earn both an MPA or MID and the Master of Public Health in health services administration.
Special Academic Opportunities/Programs
GSPIA offers a variety of academic programs to complement the degree programs offered, including area studies, exchange programs, and research and travel grants.
Area Studies
GSPIA students are encouraged to participate in area studies programs, offered through the University Center for International Studies, that include Asian Studies, the Center for Western European Studies, and the European Union Center, the Center for Latin American Studies, the Center for Russian and East European Studies, and Global Studies. For further information, see UCIS's section of this bulletin.
Exchange Programs
Many GSPIA students choose to enrich their experience by attending universities abroad for a portion of their course of study. They may earn up to 12 credits toward the degrees of Master of Public Administration or Master of Public and International Affairs. The School of Public Administration of the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Institute for Social Studies at The Hague, and the Universities of Sussex and Wales in Great Britain have entered into agreement with GSPIA, establishing reciprocal programs of student exchange. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the extensive study abroad opportunities available through the University's Study Abroad Office. (Students may contact the office in room 802 of the William Pitt Union by calling 412-648-7413.)
Research and Travel Grants
Budget permitting, each year the Office of the Dean and the school's academic divisions make available small grants to students. Uses for these grants can include attending professional development conferences, presenting papers, and supporting internships and study abroad activities.
Program Descriptions
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