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 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:

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

Assistant Director

Suite 3601 Posvar Hall

412-648-7640

Fax: 412-648-7641

E-mail: gspia@pitt.edu

www.gspia.pitt.edu

Admissions

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)

International applicants must have a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based,  213 on the computer-based, or 80 on the internet-based TOEFL. Scores must be earned within two years of the date of intended enrollment. MPPM applicants are expected to have TOEFL scores of 600 on the paper-based, 250 on the computer-based or 100 on the internet-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 of applicants to the MID, MPA, MPIA, and PhD programs.

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.

It is desirable, but not mandatory, that PhD applicants have an earned master’s degree in public and international affairs or a degree in one of the social sciences and work experience prior to undertaking doctoral study.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a degree that is equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree.  Applicants are expected to have a B+ or better average (3.2 GPA) in their work to date. 

Doctoral applicants are only eligible for admission to full-time status.

Application Fee

The application fee is US$50, which must be paid online with a Visa or MasterCard.  International applicants can pay the fee with an international money order of check drawn on a U.S. bank and mailed under separate cover. Please contact the Office of Student Services for more information.  Application fees are non-refundable; however fellows of the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Coro, Pickering, Rangel programs are eligible for application fee waivers.

Admission Deadlines

GSPIA does not consider applications on a rolling basis. International students are strongly encouraged to submit application materials at least one month prior to the stated deadlines.

U.S. Citizens

MPA, MPIA, and  MID: Fall- February 1; Spring–November 1

MPPM: Fall-June 1, Spring, November 1, Summer-March 1

PhD: Fall only- February 1

Non-Degree: Fall – August 1; Spring – December 1

International Applicants

MPA, MPIA, and MID: January 15; Spring – August 1

MPPM: Fall – January 15; Spring – August 1: Summer–March 1
(MPPM applicants seeking full-time status who wish to be considered for school-based funding must observe the February 1 deadline.)

PhD: January 15

School-Based Funding

Full-time students admitted with full graduate status in the school's master's and doctoral programs are considered for merit-based funding in the form of full or partial scholarships, fellowships, and student employment. 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 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 cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all 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 3.0 in all courses 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 or I 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 student be dismissed, 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 Handbook of Academic Policies and Procedures for the Doctor of Philosophy, 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 Services: 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 Connections, GSPIA’s online career management system for students and alumni. Workshops cover such topics as resume preparation, job search strategies, negotiation skills, networking, and using technology in securing employment. Special events include Foreign Service information sessions, mock interviews for the Presidential Management Fellowship Program, an internship fair, and networking events 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:

MPPM Program

As part of the requirements for the Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM), the school's accelerated management degree program for mid-career professionals, students must complete a minimum of 30 credits. Included in the 30 credit minimum are the following courses:

MPPM Foundation Courses (select two for 6 credits)
PIA 2008	Economic for Public Affairs
PIA 2000	Administration of Public Affairs
OR
PIA 2300	Global Governance
OR
PIA 2501	Issues in Development Management and Policy
MPPM Core Courses (select two for 6 credits)
PIA 2117	Public Program Evaluation or
OR
PIA 2177	Analytical Techniques in Public and Nonprofit Management
	Students are strongly encouraged to complete PIA 2007: Quantitative Methods prior to enrolling in PIA 2117
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
  Human Security

• Master of International Development (MID), including majors in:

  Non-Governmental Organizations and Civil Society
  Development Planning and Environmental Sustainability
  Human Security

• 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. Students must complete three terms of full-time residency in GSPIA while enrolled in the joint degree 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, MID, or MPA from GSPIA. The two degrees can be completed in four years.

MSW/MID, MSW/MPA, or MSW/MPIA

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, MID, or the MPIA from GSPIA. The two degrees can be completed in three years.

MSIS/MPIA, MSIS/MPA, or MSIS/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 (MSIS) 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/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 MID and the Master of Public Health in Behavioral and Community Health Services.

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, African 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' section of this bulletin.

Exchange Programs

Many GSPIA students may 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 MPA, MID, or MPIA. The Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies at Kobe University in Japan, the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Geneva in Switzerland, Science Po in Paris, the School of Public Administration of the Gertulio 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 or by emailing to abroad@pitt.edu.)

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. These grants are awarded through a highly competitive selection process.

Program Descriptions

Master of International Development (MID)

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Master of Public and International Affairs (MPIA)

Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM)

Doctor of Philosophy in Public and International Affairs

Graduate School of Public and International Affairs Faculty