Start Your Journey at SPIA

Pitt's School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) is one of the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive schools of public and international affairs in the United States. It is one of the few schools that combines strong programs in domestic and international policy under one roof, giving you the opportunity to study fields like public policy, urban planning, international security, human rights, and environmental policy as part of the same degree.

As an undergraduate student, you will join a program built for changemakers. With an emphasis on leadership and real-world experience, you will learn how to shape solutions that impact communities and influence policy at every level.

As a graduate student, you will have the freedom to take classes in Pitt’s highly regarded departments of political science, economics, history, and sociology (among other disciplines), participate in the work of the University Center for Social and Urban Research, and pursue joint degrees with Pitt’s School of Law, Katz Graduate School of Business, School of Public Health, School of Social Work, and School of Information Science.

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Academic Experience

Find a fit to match your passion for service with our distinct programs in public and international affairs, public administration, and international development. Then, pair a concentration that will help bring maximum impact to your future work.

Explore your options
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Research Centers & Initiatives

Multiple research centers and initiatives allow you to work with faculty members on innovative research, shaping the future of public service at the local, national, and international level.

Centers & Initiatives
Washington DC
Washington, D.C. Office

SPIA’s Washington, D.C. Program gives you the opportunity to live, learn, and pursue internships in the nation’s capital. We offer fall, spring, and summer courses in Washington D.C. and boasts more than 1,000 alumni in the area.

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Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is one of the world’s most vibrant, cosmopolitan cities – and as more than 8,000 GSPIA alumni have already discovered, it’s an ideal place to study public and international affairs.

Public transportation on buses and subways is free with a Pitt student ID. It can also get you free or deeply discounted admission to local museums, art galleries, and theater shows!

Discover Pittsburgh

Most Livable City

Most Livable City Noted a Most Livable City by Forbes and The Economist.

180 miles of trails

180 miles of trails The Allegheny County Parks offer over 180 miles of trails throughout the nine parks.

#5 in the Best American Riverfronts

#5 in the Best American Riverfronts Downtown riverfronts have been named the #5 in the Best American Riverfronts list by USA Today's 10 Best poll.

#1 among the hottest job markets in the U.S.

#1 among the hottest job markets in the U.S. Last year, Glassdoor named Pittsburgh #1 among the hottest job markets in the U.S.

Cost of Living 13% Below National Average

Cost of Living 13% Below National Average Cost of living in Pittsburgh is 13% below the national average, according to Forbes.

Third among “America’s Top 25 Potential 15-Minute Cities"

Third among “America’s Top 25 Potential 15-Minute Cities" A new report from moveBuddha ranks Pittsburgh third among “America’s Top 25 Potential 15-Minute Cities.” The 15-Minute City is defined as a place where a family’s daily and weekly needs are located within a 15-minute walk or bike ride.
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Why Pitt?

Area Studies Centers

Pitt is widely known for its expertise in regional studies, with nationally recognized centers of African Studies Asian Studies, European Studies, Latin American Studies, and Russian/East European Studies, and Global Studies. Many of these are designated as National Resource Centers by the U.S. Department of Education. Both the Latin American Studies Association and the European Union Studies Association are headquartered on our campus.

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