Additional Information for Undergraduate Students
- Cross Registration for Pitt Undergrads
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Want to know what it’s really like to be a GSPIA student? Nothing beats taking an actual GSPIA class. University of Pittsburgh undergraduates who want to challenge themselves by taking a graduate-level course are welcome to enroll in a GSPIA class. Be sure to talk to your undergraduate advisor to confirm that the class makes sense for your career and interests, and contact gspia@pitt.edu for a permission number that will allow you to register.
- 4+1 Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree for Pitt Undergrads
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Can’t wait to start your career in public and international affairs? Highly motivated Pitt undergraduates can apply to their MPA, MPIA, or MID early during their third (junior) year of college, and graduate with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a total of five years.
Save Time! Earn both degrees in five years instead of the usual six. Save Money! You will pay undergraduate tuition for your first four years, and your undergraduate financial aid will typically apply. You will pay graduate tuition in year five, and may be eligible for graduate financial aid.Interested in applying? First, talk to your undergraduate advisor to make sure you are eligible, and make an appointment with a GSPIA admissions counselor to discuss the program (gspia@pitt.edu). Submit a complete application by February 1 of your junior year, and be sure to check the box to indicate that you are applying for the 4+1 accelerated program. One of your two letters of recommendation must be written by Susan Crain in the Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office, confirming that you are eligible for the program.
This program is open to you if you are a student in the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences or College of General Studies, have completed at least 96 credits, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better. Any major is appropriate. You should be finished with virtually all of your gen ed and major requirements, leaving only your electives.
If accepted, you will spend your fourth (senior) year taking your first 24 master's level credits while finishing any remaining undergraduate requirements (ideally no more than 3-6 credits). At the end of year four, you will graduate with your bachelor’s degree on schedule. In year five, you will finish your remaining credits and graduate with your master’s degree.
- Pitt 2 Pitt Scholarships for University of Pittsburgh Alumni
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The Pitt2Pitt Scholarship helps University of Pittsburgh graduating seniors complete a Pitt master's degree or certificate program.
To be eligible to apply for a Pitt2Pitt scholarship, the applicant must have received a bachelor’s, graduate and/or professional degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and be in good academic, disciplinary and financial standing with the University. Applicants who are simultaneously enrolled in more than one academic program that is eligible for the Pitt2Pitt Scholarship may only receive a maximum of one Pitt2Pitt Scholarship per term. More details can be found here.
- Guaranteed Admission for Pitt Undergraduates
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Exceptionally talented high school students who apply and are accepted to the University of Pittsburgh as undergraduates may be offered guaranteed admission to the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, provided that they enroll and graduate from Pitt with their bachelor’s degree. To be awarded the guarantee, students must also select Public & International Affairs Guarantee or indicate interest in social science majors following that campus’ instructions. If you are a high school student interested in this program, please contact the undergraduate admissions office on your respective Pitt campus to learn about their application process.
Pittsburgh Campus – https://admissions.pitt.edu/guaranteed-admissions-programs/
Greensburg Campus – https://www.greensburg.pitt.edu/admissions
Bradford Campus – https://www.upb.pitt.edu/admissions-aidIf you were offered guaranteed admission to the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs as high school student, your guarantee will apply as long as you meet the terms outline in your original letter. To maintain your guaranteed admission, you must:
Complete your Bachelor's degree at Pitt Achieve a 3.5 or higher overall GPA Demonstrate a commitment to drive meaningful change through internships, volunteer, and/or work experience in the fields of public and international affairs Apply using the admissions application on GRADCAS within 3 years of graduation.
- Undergraduate Public Service Major (College of General Studies)
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The University of Pittsburgh College of General Studies offers a major in public service. GSPIA provides many of the faculty for this program. This is an excellent opportunity for Pitt undergraduates who are interested in nonprofit management and leadership. If you are interested in majoring in public service as an undergraduate, please contact the College of General Studies.