You are different from your peers. You want a meaningful career – one that
makes it possible for you to leave your mark on the world and improve the
lives of others. At the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and
International Affairs (GSPIA), we understand your passion, and invite you to
join the nearly 8,000 graduates who have honed their skills and launched
rewarding careers in public service from our classrooms.
For more than 50 years, GSPIA has provided some of the nation’s most
comprehensive programs for students seeking influential careers at the local,
national, and international levels. The breadth and depth of the School’s
curriculum, along with its cosmopolitan community of accomplished faculty,
staff, students, and alumni, make GSPIA one of the most respected schools
of its type worldwide.
GSPIA helps students transform their passions into purposeful action. As part of the University of Pittsburgh, we are a leader in education, a pioneer in research and a partner in regional development — and draw upon the resources of one of the oldest, most recognized institutions of higher education in the United States.
GSPIA offers a truly comprehensive education with academic programs in public administration, international affairs, and international
development. GSPIA’s 37 full-time and dozens of adjunct faculty members bring real-world
experience into the classroom, and our research centers and institutes allow students to delve into complex political, economic, and ethical issues.
Students may shape a master’s degree program with one of nine majors or pursue a doctoral degree (Doctor of Philosophy) in public and international affairs. Students may also earn joint degrees in law, business, social work, information sciences, or public health at the University of Pittsburgh.
Degree Programs
Master of Public Administration (MPA) Majors:• Public and Nonprofit Management
• Urban and Regional Affairs • Policy Research and Analysis Master of Public and
International Affairs (MPIA) Majors:
• Security and Intelligence Studies
• Human Security
• International Political Economy Master of International Development
(MID) Majors:
• Development Planning and Environmental Sustainability • Human Security
• Nongovernmental Organizations and Civil Society Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Fields: • International Affairs • International Development • Public Policy and Management
Mid-Career
Program
Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM)
Certificate
Programs
Area studies certificates through the University Center for International Studies (UCIS): • African Studies
• Asian Studies • East European Studies • European Union Studies • Latin American Studies • Latin American Social and Public Policy
• Russian Studies • West European Studies • Global Studies, with concentrations in:
n Changing Identities in a
Global World
n Communication,
Technology, and Society
n Conflict and Conflict
Resolution
n Global Health
n Globalized Economy and
Global Governance
n Sustainable Development
Joint Degrees
GSPIA’s MID, MPA, and MPIA degrees may be combined with the following:• Juris Doctor • Master of Business Administration (MID and MPIA only) • Master of Public Health • Master of Science in Information Science • Master of Social Work
Research Centers
and Institutes
GSPIA also offers students opportunities to engage in scholarly research, publishing, symposia, and high-profile lecture series through the School’s many research centers, institutes, and initiatives:• Center for Disaster Management • Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership • Center for Metropolitan Studies • Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies • Ford Institute for Human Security
• The Roscoe Robinson Jr. Memorial Lecture Series • The Philanthropy Forum • International Political Economy Colloquium • Pittsburgh International Trade and Development Seminar Series
Programs at a glance
/
Public administration is a field practiced at the intersection of the government, nonprofit, and private
sectors. GSPIA’s MPA program trains managers to balance the needs of each community with its
resources, promoting neighborhood development, effective local government, ethical leadership, and
responsible business practices. Students acquire an incredibly diverse and flexible set of professional
skills appropriate for careers in nonprofit agencies, government offices, and private businesses worldwide.
The 48-credit MPA degree is designed to advance the core value of social equity fundamental to today’s
public management. GSPIA’s programs in urban affairs and nonprofit management are consistently
ranked among the very best in the country. Additionally, GSPIA’s Center for Metropolitan Studies and
the Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing
students to work directly with local governments and nonprofit leaders.
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
“In every career you will have unexpected challenges –
and opportunities.
GSPIA
prepared me well for both my
first professional role as a management trainee and for
my current position as COO of one of the nation’s busiest
and most important transportation centers in the country.”
Ernesto Butcher ’71, Chief Operating Officer, The Port Authority of NY and NJ
MPA majors:
Public and Nonprofit Managementfosters an understanding of the unique issues facing nonprofit and government organizations. This major develops advanced skills for governing efficiently, and allocating resources in ways that do the most good. Students learn the core principles of organizational behavior and general management, building such skills as: • Human resource management
• Financial management and planning
• Analytical techniques useful for promoting organizational effectiveness and efficiency
Urban and Regional Affairsprepares students to manage public and nonprofit organizations serving metropolitan regions, and to utilize spatial analysis, technical skills, and regional problem-solving applications to improve the lives of those living in cities and towns. Graduates qualify for a variety of professional positions as advisors, speechwriters, community development specialists, budget officials, regional policy analysts, and city managers.
Students tackle the complex issues facing urban areas, learning how to: • Develop economic plans
• Sustain links between the public and private sectors • Deliver regional services
• Promote community development • Govern ethically and effectively • Sustain local environments
Policy Research and Analysis builds quantitative, economic, political, and organizational skills and integrates knowledge from multiple scholarly disciplines and professional fields. Students in this major will develop the skills necessary to make informed, effective policy decisions as government officials or policy consultants and advisors.
Graduates are employed in a range of professions in the U.S. and abroad as researchers in universities and think tanks, statisticians, polling analysts, financial budget analysts in a variety of agencies, public program evaluators, and legislative aides.
MID students promote respect for human life and human rights, often working behind the scenes
to bring real improvements to the human condition through hands-on careers in public service.
They work face-to-face with underprivileged and vulnerable populations, in the front offices of aid
agencies, and in international organizations dedicated to protecting those who need help most.
The 48-credit MID degree is designed to prepare students to make a difference locally, nationally,
and globally by emphasizing intellectual rigor and practical skills. Students study development
theoretically, but also learn concrete technical and managerial skills necessary to work in organizations
that promote equality in the developing world. Graduates exit the program prepared for professional
work in the United Nations, public aid agencies, and charities of all sizes. Often, they pursue work
in the private sector, research groups, and prominent nongovernmental organizations.
Master of International Development (MID)
“
GSPIA
gave me a wider perspective, a better ability
to understand the bigger picture of the complex,
multi-stakeholder environment of development.”
Ehaab Abdou ’04, Managing Director of Nahdet El Mahrousa, Cairo, Egypt
MID majors:
Development Planning and Environmental Sustainability builds competency in global economics, sustainable development, and grassroots project planning. Students learn to balance the economic needs of local communities with the imperatives of environmental health, becoming informed, responsible leaders.
In addition to taking general courses in development planning and economics, students are invited to study specific regional issues. The University of Pittsburgh offers exceptional academic resources on Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the former Soviet bloc. Students may study the unique issues affecting those regions
—
from foreign aid to democratization.Nongovernmental Organizations and Civil Society focuses on policy issues and management skills relevant to the rapidly growing NGO sector. NGOs increasingly work with (and sometimes in place of) governments to provide important social services in times of need. From coordinating vaccination programs to distributing relief supplies after a hurricane or flood, the nonprofit sector plays a critical role in world development, and even students who pursue careers in government must be prepared to work with NGOs.
GSPIA faculty members are known for their international experience with NGOs and are committed to introducing students to the skills and professional networks that enable them to advance their careers both locally and worldwide.
Human Security is one of the most innovative, forward-thinking disciplines in international affairs today, covering a wide spectrum of issues critical to the safety of civilian populations worldwide. GSPIA’s major in Human Security is one of the first programs of its kind in the United States. Students study threats to individuals from nongovernmental and nonmilitary sources such as crime, natural disaster, or civil war. The major approaches the study of human rights in the context of development and internationally recognized economic and social rights, such as the right to food, health, and education. Graduates are prepared for careers in the United Nations, think tanks, nongovernmental organizations, and government agencies that focus on human welfare around the globe.
In addition to their course work, students can work with faculty through the Ford Institute for Human Security, which conducts research that focuses on transnational threats to human rights and the well-being of civilian populations.
From the halls of the European Union to the streets of war-torn conflict zones, the modern
international system is in a state of rapid flux that demands versatile, well-educated professionals.
The 48-credit MPIA degree is a multidisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers
of influence in the international arena — as government policy makers, diplomats, intelligence
officials, global business leaders, nonprofit managers, and policy researchers. The program emphasizes
practical knowledge necessary to participate in the world policy process and shape its future.
The MPIA curriculum includes traditional courses on world history, economics, and international
relations theory, along with hands-on courses on intelligence collection and analysis, alliance
management, negotiation, statecraft, and international finance. Graduates are ready for careers of
influence in a globalized world.
Master of Public and International Affairs (MPIA)
“
GSPIA
taught me the lessons and skills I needed to be competitive.
And I made some lifelong friends along the way.”
Daniel Flaherty ’99, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Intelligence and Research –
now serving as Representative to the Staff of the President’s Daily Intelligence Brief
MPIA majors:
Security and Intelligence Studies examines new and recurring threats to national and international security, including:
• War and military conflict • Transnational organized crime • Terrorism • Weapons of mass destruction • Diplomacy and foreign policy
SIS graduates often find internships and jobs at some of the most influential places in the world, including NATO headquarters, the United Nations, the U.S. Department of State, the Central Intelligence Agency, and defense intelligence services. Many also pursue meaningful analytical careers at policy think tanks, and throughout the private sector. SIS students can work jointly with faculty at GSPIA’s Ridgway Center for International Security Studies, which conducts cutting-edge research on terrorism, nuclear weapons proliferation, and other relevant issues.
Human Security is one of the first programs of its kind in the United States. It focuses on a wide range of threats to the security of individuals, including:
• Civil wars • Natural disasters • Threats to public health • Social inequality
The major stresses the development of peace-keeping and peace-building skills. It takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of human security issues, researching all factors that contribute to conflicts that jeopardize human life. Course work encompasses human rights and the rule of law, civil security, violence, and economic instability. Graduates may work in the United States or abroad, focusing on the improvement of the human condition in the face of both man-made and naturally occurring perils.
In addition, students may work with faculty through the Ford Institute for Human Security, which conducts research on transnational threats to the human rights of civilian populations. Recent projects have examined the recruitment of child soldiers, human trafficking in the Balkans, and immigration.
International Political Economy is the study of the interaction between economic and political processes in the international arena. The IPE major examines the sources and implications of international economic change, and the policies that governments and international organizations make to respond to economic forces. Among other topics, students examine:
• International trade • International financial policy • International regulatory policy
The IPE major covers a broad range of interests, allowing students to explore regional economic integration around the world, the work of nongovernmental organizations, and the role of women in developing countries. Graduates are prepared for roles in branches of government concerned with international economic relations, as well as in multinational corporations or other
Special Admissions Requirements:
Candidates for the MPPM program must have at least five years of full-time, post-baccalaureate work experience beyond entry-level, preferably in managerial, human resources, or budgetary positions.
The 30-credit MPPM is GSPIA’s accelerated program for students already established in their careers.
For more than 10 years, mid-career professionals have chosen the MPPM program to update their
skills and knowledge base so that they can be more effective in their current positions or move upward
in their organizations. The MPPM program also offers the opportunity to explore different career
paths for those looking to extend their community service experiences as volunteers and nonprofit board
members. And for others, the program offers the opportunity to get intellectually re-engaged with new
ideas and experiences after a long career in one profession or sector. All students share an intense desire
to enrich their lives and expand their social and professional networks through the learning experience.
The MPPM Program can be done full-time or part-time.
Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM)
“Students have the opportunity to work closely with representatives
from a new coalition of urban governments addressing issues affecting
the core of our region.”
David Miller,Director of the Center for Metropolitan Studies with the Mayor of Pittsburgh, Luke Ravenstahl
The Doctor of Philosophy degree in public and international affairs emphasizes interdisciplinary
research and applied analysis of public policy issues. Fields of study include international affairs,
international development, and public policy and management. Graduates acquire the skills, tools,
and knowledge necessary to conduct research in highly competitive environments such as think tanks,
nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations, and academic institutions. Graduates are prepared to
teach, conduct research, or work in a policy environment.
PhD students take advantage of the extensive resources within GSPIA, as well as resources within the
University of Pittsburgh’s highly regarded departments of political science, economics, history, and
other related disciplines. Students must successfully complete 72 credits of course work as well as the
six-credit dissertation. Students who have earned a master’s degree may apply for as many as 30 credits
of advanced standing (36 credits if the master’s degree was earned at GSPIA).
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
“To be a successful student, you need to
be intellectually curious about your
environment. I challenge my students to
ask not only ‘what is’; but ‘why it is’.”
Nita Rudra, Associate Professor, Global Political EconomyJoint Degree Options: Juris Doctor
Master of Business Administration (MPIA and MID only) Master of Public Health
Master of Science in Information Science Master of Social Work
International Organizations MBA with University of Geneva, Switzerland African Studies Program
(www.ucis.pitt.edu/africa)
• Graduate Certificate in African Studies Asian Studies Center
(www.ucis.pitt.edu/asc)
• Graduate Certificate in Asian Studies (with or without language component)
European Union Center of Excellence/ European Studies Center
(www.ucis.pitt.edu/euce)
• Graduate Certificate in European Union Studies • Graduate Certificate in West European Studies
Center for Latin American Studies (www.ucis.pitt.edu/clas)
• Graduate Certificate in Latin American Studies • Graduate Certificate in Latin American Social and
Public Policy
Center for Russian and East European Studies (www.ucis.pitt.edu/crees)
• Graduate Certificate in East European Studies • Graduate Certificate in Russian Studies Global Studies Center
(www.ucis.pitt.edu/global)
• Graduate Certificate in Global Studies
c
erTificaTeP
roGramSGSPIA students have the option to enhance their degrees by earning a certificate from any of the
University of Pittsburgh’s world-renowned regional studies centers. Certificates normally require
proficiency in a relevant foreign language, a final research paper, and five or six courses on regional
issues. It is normally possible to complete a master’s degree and a certificate in just two years.
All of the centers sponsor active graduate student organizations, lectures, symposia, travel
opportunities, and competitive fellowship assistance for graduate students. Three centers - Global
Studies, Latin American Studies, and Russian/East European Studies – have been designated National
Resource Centers by the US Department of Education (a distinction given only to the top 10-15
programs of their kind nationwide). As a result, they receive federal funding and are able to offer
prestigious government fellowships.
Joint Degrees
GSPIA’s MID, MPA, and MPIA students may choose to pursue a joint degree with the University of
Geneva in Switzerland, or with any one of five other schools at the University of Pittsburgh — the
Graduate School of Public Health, the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, and the Schools of
Information Science, Law, and Social Work. Joint degrees may be earned in less time than would be
required if the degrees were completed separately.
GSPIA’s Washington Connection has three components: a new center offering services to GSPIA
students and alumni, a semester-long program of study, and a network of alumni in scores of offices
throughout the nation’s capital.
GSPIA’s Washington Connection
Services
GSPIA’S WASHINGTON CENTER – 2025 M STREET NW
GSPIA’s office in the new University of Pittsburgh Washington Center is located just a short walk from Dupont Circle. A full-time GSPIA staff member in D.C. works to put current GSPIA students into contact with alumni throughout the nation’s capital. The Washington Center features videoconferencing capabilities that connect D.C.-based staff, adjunct faculty, and alumni with the GSPIA office complex in Pittsburgh. GSPIA students may apply to work in the Washington Center while studying or conducting research in D.C.
Study
THE WASHINGTON, D.C. SEMESTER
The Washington, D.C. Semester program provides GSPIA students with an opportunity to spend a fall semester attending classes in the nation’s capital. Many students also fulfill their internship requirement in a government agency, a nonprofit organization, or a corporation while in D.C. The Washington program is offered in partnership with Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver.
Search
THE GSPIA ALUMNI NETWORK IN D.C.
More than 1,000 GSPIA alumni are employed in Washington, D.C. and nearly half of GSPIA students take their first job there after graduation. Faculty and staff both in Pittsburgh and at the Washington Center assist students in making connections to many prominent D.C. alumni who can facilitate the search for internships and jobs.
University of Geneva www.iomba.ch
Earn an International Organizations MBA in Geneva, Switzerland
In this unique joint -degree program, students can earn a master’s degree from GSPIA as well as an IO-MBA from the University of Geneva (Switzerland) in 28 months. Participants pursue an internship in Geneva’s thriving multilateral diplomatic community. Coursework is in English.
Université Libre de Bruxelles http://jsis.washington.edu/euc/brussels/ Spend the Summer Studying the EU in Brussels, Belgium
In the summer between their first and second years at GSPIA, students can pursue an internship in Brussels while studying EU policies and interacting with EU officials at the Free University of Brussels (ULB). This is an English-language-based program. Kobe University
www.gsics.kobe-u.ac.jp
Earn a Joint Degree in Kobe, Japan
While completing their master’s degrees at GSPIA, students can study international development and Asian affairs at the Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies at Kobe University. Students may spend one term in Japan taking classes toward their GSPIA degrees, or earn a joint degree from Kobe University after two or three terms in Japan. Coursework is in English.
Nanjing University www.nju.edu.cn
Spend a Term Studying Public Management in Nanjing, People’s Republic of China Students can earn credits toward their GSPIA degrees by taking courses at Nanjing University’s School of Government. Coursework is in the Chinese language.
Seoul National University http://gspa.snu.ac.kr/eng/index.jsp
Spend a Term Studying Public Administration and/ or International Studies in Seoul, Korea
Students can earn credits toward their GSPIA degrees by taking courses in the Graduate School of Public Administration and/or the Graduate School of International Studies at Seoul National University. Coursework is in the Korean language with some courses in English.
Australian National University http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au
Spend a Term Studying International Affairs in Canberra, Australia
Students can earn credits toward their GSPIA degrees by taking courses in the Department of International Relations, College of Asia and the Pacific, ANU. As the national capital of Australia, Canberra offers exceptional access to government and diplomatic institutions.
GSPIA Programs Abroad
GSPIA has developed a number of international partnerships that offer students the opportunity
to study abroad for a regular academic term, during the summer, or—in a joint degree program
—for an entire year or more.
Eligibility: Most of these study abroad programs are open to all full-time GSPIA master’s and doctoral students. In all cases, GSPIA must nominate the student for the foreign exchange program. If accepted, the student normally goes abroad after completing one full year at GSPIA.
Funding: In many cases, GSPIA is able to offer financial support to students participating in these overseas partnerships. Funding for airfare and travel expenses is available on a competitive basis. Most (but not all) programs allow students to pay tuition to the University of Pittsburgh rather than to the host university overseas, so costs are usually comparable to studying in Pittsburgh, and US citizens are normally eligible for federal student loans.
Pittsburgh is a living laboratory for public service — and with its low cost of living and extensive
professional opportunities, it is an ideal place to be a graduate student. In two consecutive studies
(2007 and 2009), The Economist ranked Pittsburgh as the “most livable city” in the United States,
in recognition of its low crime rate, the quality of its cultural scene, and its affordability for young
professionals. The Places Rated Almanac came to a similar conclusion, naming Pittsburgh America’s
“most livable city” in 2007.
The city is home to nearly 3,000 registered nonprofit organizations, including many internationally-
focused NGOs like Global Links, which matches surplus medical equipment to sites in Latin America.
130 municipalities offer professional opportunities to GSPIA students, as do the dozens of government
agencies like the Department of Defense, U.S. Commercial Service, Federal Reserve, and Federal Bureau
of Investigation, which have a significant local presence. The prestigious RAND (Research and
Development) Corporation maintains an office within walking distance of GSPIA, and many GSPIA
faculty and students collaborate with RAND scholars on social research. Moreover, the city is within
a half-day’s drive (about four hours) from Washington, DC.
Pittsburgh is also one of the four largest college towns in the country–home to more than 29
universities and 125,000 students. Through the local consortium, GSPIA students may take graduate
classes at neighboring universities for no additional tuition. A Pitt student ID entitles students to ride
city buses and subways for free, and provides free or steeply discounted admission to dozens of local
museums, theaters, and art galleries. The University of Pittsburgh campus is located in the city’s
vibrant Oakland neighborhood, a cultural hub that neighbors one of the largest and most beautiful
urban parks on the east coast.
Talk to a GSPIA graduate enrollment counselor about your
interests and expectations. We’ll find the right program and
options to help you achieve your goals.
University of Pittsburgh
Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
3601 Wesley W. Posvar Hall 230 South Bouquet Street Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Phone: 412.648.7640 Fax: 412.648.7641 Email: gspia@pitt.edu www.gspia.pitt.edu
