Imagine a world where your ideas have the power to shape policies that drive positive societal change. Now picture yourself at the forefront of addressing global challenges, crafting solutions that bridge divides and uplift communities. At Pitt Public and International Affairs, our new Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy will help you make an impact.
This program is uniquely designed for those who are passionate about public and international affairs, offering a comprehensive curriculum that spans the globe. Our pathway allows you to dive deep into the world of policy and graduate ahead of your peers, fully equipped to navigate and influence the intricate landscapes of both the public and private sectors.
As part of a prestigious research university, you will benefit from unparalleled cross-disciplinary collaboration. Engage with experts in energy, governance, security and nonprofits to develop a holistic understanding of how policy shapes and is shaped by various sectors. Our distinguished faculty bring decades of experience and are dedicated to mentoring the next generation of leaders.
The current generation faces unprecedented challenges, and we recognize the urgency to act. Our program is tailored to students who are driven by a desire to make a difference. Here, you won't just learn about policy—you'll be empowered to create it.
With a Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy from Pitt, you can step confidently into impactful roles or even be ready for graduate school. Your education here is more than a degree; it's a catalyst for change. You will join a community of alumni who have shaped policies around the world, contributing to a future that is just, equitable, and sustainable.
Public Policy Major – Plan of Study
The plan below assumes completion of at least 55 undergraduate credits, including most general education requirements from the Deitrich School of Arts & Sciences. Please refer to the Public Policy Major General Education Requirements worksheet for more details. When you're ready, you may download the Program Roadmap and begin planning your courses.
Total Major Credits (excluding the ECON and STAT pre-requisites): 42 credits
*At least 120 credits are required for graduation with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy.
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Pre-Requisite Courses (7 credits)
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- The Public Policy major requires two requisites: a statistics course (STAT 0200 or STAT 1000 or STAT 1100) and an economics course (ECON 0100) - a total of 7 pre-requisite credits.
- Ideally, pre-public policy students will have also taken foundational courses PIA 0101, and PIA 0102 during their freshman and sophomore years.
Pre-Requisite Courses Credits ECON 0100: Introduction to Microeconomic Theory 3 STAT 0200: Basic Applied Statistics
or
STAT 1000: Applied Statistical Methods
or
STAT 1100: Statistics and Probability for Business Management4 -
Required Courses (21 credits)
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Students must take all the courses listed below.
Required Major Courses Credits PIA 0101: How Public Policy Works: Foundations of Public Policy
Recommended to take before declaring Public Policy major3 PIA 0102: Global Challenges, Global Solutions: Introduction to Global Policy
Recommended to take before declaring Public Policy major3 PIA 0201: Skills for Policy Research & Analysis 3 PIA 0601(W): Ideas to Impact: Persuasive Communication for Policymakers 3 PIA 0602: Ethics and Equity in Public Policy 3 PIA 0700: Applied Data Analysis for Public Policy 3 PIA 1003: Public Policy Capstone 3 -
Elective Courses (12 credits)
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Students will select 4 elective courses. The list below is not a comprehensive list, but rather a sampling of courses.
PIA 1102: City of White Supremacy: Race, Space, and Policy in American Cities
PIA 1105: Law, Politics, and Policy
PIA 1103: International Business and Politics
PIA 1104: Violent Politics & Policy Responses
PIA 1106: The War of Drugs
PIA 1107: Global Perspectives on Labor Migration: Economics, Politics & Policy
PIA 0501: Foundations of the Nonprofit Sector
PIA 0401: Resource Development: Grant Writing, Fundraising & Social Entrepreneurship
PIA 1104: Money & Missions: Finance & Nonprofits
PIA 0202: Program Design and Evaluation
PIA 1109: State and Local Government, Politics, and Policy
PIA 0301: Ideas to Action: Influencing Public Policy
PIA 1004: Nonprofit Management Capstone
PIA 1001: Internship Seminar -
Breadth Requirements (minimum of 9 credits)
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Students must complete a breadth field of study outside of PIA to emphasize the intersections of public policy with other disciplines. This may be satisfied in the following ways:
- Completion of an approved minor or certificate.
- Completion of a dual degree (e.g. additional major in political science)
- Completion of an approved 9-credit related area (e.g. regional focus; language training; relevant study abroad; cognate discipline such as political science, economics, history, sociology, urban studies, public health, or social work)
Download the complete Plan of Study >>
If you have any additional questions or would like to set up an appointment, please email gspia-undergrad@pitt.edu.