The 15-credit Global Policy minor offers students a comprehensive understanding of global policy issues alongside essential analytical tools for tackling complex global challenges. With a focus on practical application, students are empowered to craft policy memos, leverage data for informed decision-making, and engage directly with industry practitioners. students deepen their knowledge and acquire practical skills vital for actively contributing to global issue resolution.
In pursuing the Global Policy minor, students will gain insight into global policy issues and develop crucial analytical skills for comprehending and addressing complex global problems. The minor emphasizes practical skills, engaging students in activities such as crafting policy memos, utilizing data for decision-making, and connecting with practitioners in the field. Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate and design international policy to address complex global challenges.
Potential Career Pathways:
Graduates with a minor in Global Policy are prepared for various career pathways, including:
- Security and intelligence analysis for government agencies or private firms
- Policy analysis and research for global think tanks, research, and advocacy organizations
- Diplomatic and foreign policy roles
- Roles in global education, health, and environmental initiatives/organizations
request more information or declare A Minor
Requirements for the Global Policy Minor
- For the Global Policy Minor, you must complete all the minor course requirements at the University of Pittsburgh and earn a 2.0 or better GPA.
- Courses used for a minor cannot overlap with courses used for a major, a different minor, or a certificate. If a cross-listed course (e.g., ADMJ 1400/LEGLST1140 Introduction to Criminal Law) has been taken for the student’s major, it may not be double-counted towards the minor or vice versa. A cross-listed course in two different departments or programs is considered the same course.
- A minor must be completed in conjunction with an undergraduate degree and cannot be pursued alone or added to your plan after graduation.
- A student must be admitted into the minor by GSPIA undergraduate advisor. This is to address any possible limitations in class selection and course overlaps.
- Declare early! This should be done as soon as you have started taking courses towards the minor.
Required Courses: 3 credits
PIA 0102 -- Global Challenges, Global Solutions
Electives: 12 credits
Students will choose 4 electives. Three of these electives must come from GSPIA or a GSPIA-approved study abroad experience. Students may fulfill up to 3 credits toward the electives based on additional relevant course work from other units, with approval, including language coursework, study abroad, policy-related courses, regionally focused courses, or other skills-based course.
Globally focused elective options: Emphasis on understanding global issues, international politics, and cross-border challenges.
PIA 1103 -- International Politics and Business
PIA 1104 -- Violent Politics & Policy Responses
PIA 1106 -- The War on Drugs
PIA 1107 -- Global Perspectives on Labor Migration: Economics, Politics, & Policy
Skills based elective options: Emphasis on developing practical skills for polict research, analysis, program design, and evaluation.
PIA 0201 -- Skills for Policy Research and Analysis
PIA 0202 -- Program Design and Evaluation
PIA 0501 -- Foundations of the Nonprofit Sector
PIA 1003 -- Public Policy Capstone
PIA 1001 -- Internship Seminar**
**The instructor must approve all internships and a permission number is required to enroll. PIA 1001 is an optional elective. Students who elect this course must complete the 3 credit course requirements within one (1) term.
Total: 15 credits
If you have questions or would like to set up an appointment, please email gspia-undergrad@pitt.edu.