Capstones
Capstone courses are immersive, experiential learning opportunities offering students a culminating experience applying their knowledge and skills to real world issues — typically in partnership with external organizations and partners. With faculty guidance, students work in teams to collect and analyze data, review and assess policies, gather input from stakeholders, and produce professional quality reports and presentations.
Recent capstone partners include:
- Alliance for Refugee Youth Support and Education
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
- Women and Girls Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania
- World Affairs Council Pittsburgh
Working Groups
Working groups are a faculty supervised but student-led research activities housed in GSPIA’s centers and institutes. Faculty, students, and affiliates are actively engaged in research on different issues with the goal of informing and influencing analysts, policymakers, and scholars, as well as the public. These groups are a terrific opportunity for students to develop research experience and subject matter expertise.
Languages
Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships
The University Center for International Studies (UCIS) at the University of Pittsburgh is authorized by the federal government to offer Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships for US citizens who plan to study a number of critical-need languages. Eligible languages may vary from year to year. The FLAS requires an application and is open to prospective students as well as continuing students. Prospective students interested in applying for a FLAS should contact GSPIA in advance if they would like to be nominated. GSPIA’s internal application deadline for FLAS candidates is normally January 15 each year.
Learning Abroad
GSPIA has several international programs and partnerships that offer you the chance to temporarily relocate your learning for a valuable hands-on experience. Opportunities are available to study abroad for a regular academic term or a summer — or for an entire year or more, as a part of a double-degree program.
- Kobe, Japan
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In this program, you’ll receive a certificate in international development and Asian affairs from the Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies at Kobe University, while completing a master’s degree from GSPIA.
- Seoul, Korea
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Through this program, you can earn credits toward your GSPIA degree by taking courses in the Graduate School of Public Administration and the Graduate School of International Studies at Seoul National University. Coursework can be completed in English or Korean.
- Paris, France
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This program allows you to earn credits toward your GSPIA degree by taking courses at the Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris (in French), or at its English-language wing, the Paris School of International Affairs.
- Bogotá , Colombia
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This program enables you to earn credits toward your GSPIA degree by taking courses at the University of the Andes, one of Latin America’s leading institutions. Coursework is in Spanish.
- Nanjing, China
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In this program, you can earn credits toward your GSPIA degree by taking courses at Nanjing University School of Public Management. Coursework is in Chinese.
- Madrid, Spain
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Through this program, you can earn credits toward your GSPIA degree by taking courses at the School of Global and Public Affairs at IE University. Coursework is in English.
Program availability is subject to change.
