Academics

Joint Degree Program

Joint Degree Programs at SPIA, University of Pittsburgh

Accelerate your career by earning two graduate degrees in less time.

At the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh, you have the unique opportunity to earn two graduate degrees through our joint-degree partnerships. These streamlined programs enable you to complete both degrees faster and with fewer total credits than pursuing them separately. These programs are created to set you apart for leadership roles in government, nonprofits, business, global affairs, and beyond.

Why Choose a Joint Degree?

Earn two respected degrees (for example: MPA + MBA, MPIA + JD, etc.)
Shorter time to graduation: most combinations take 3 years (JD combo takes 4).
Reduced credit load: you complete 36 SPIA credits plus partner-school credits instead of full separate programs.
Broad skill set: Combines public-service training with professional disciplines (law, business, information science, public health, social work).
Enhanced career outcomes: Graduates are equipped for leadership where policy, management and cross-sector collaboration meet.

How To Apply

To apply to a joint degree program, you must apply separately to the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) and to the partner school. Admissions decisions are made independently. If you are admitted to both programs, you may pursue the joint degree. You may apply to both degrees simultaneously. Students who are already enrolled in a partner program may apply to SPIA before completing their first 24 credits in the partner school. Students who are already enrolled at SPIA may apply to a partner school before completing their first 24 credits.

Eligibility and Requirements

Applicants must be admitted to both SPIA and the partner school.
Full-time enrollment is required; part-time enrollment is not eligible for most options.
There are no joint-degree options for PhD students.
Students already enrolled in one program may apply to the other before completing their first 24 credits in their initial program.

Ready for the Next Step?

Request information or apply to SPIA now. Visit the partner-school page for respective admissions requirements and deadlines below.

Juris Doctor

Combine the study of law and policy to prepare to work in the judicial or executive branches of government, international law firms, or in public and nonprofit agencies at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

Master of Business Administration

Prepare for a career in international finance, government financial regulation, or multinational corporations with this joint degree with University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business. This program is for MPIA and MID students only.

Master of Public Health

Prepare to be a leader in public health policy and to learn how health is linked to social, political, and economic problems at home and abroad with this joint degree with University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.

Master of Social Work

Prepare for service in urban nonprofit and government organizations, to shape community development policy, and to advocate for human rights worldwide with this joint degree with University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.

Study health policy and the science behind it to prepare for a career at medical relief agencies, nonprofits, and government authorities battling health issues worldwide.

Master of Science in Information Science

Prepare for a career in the public or nonprofit sector by combining the study of public and information technology management with this joint degree with University of Pittsburgh School of Information Science.

Master of Science in Quantitative Economics

Data analytics has rapidly established itself as a core competency across virtually all facets of society. This is particularly true in the policy space, where practitioners and advocates alike have adopted a new-found focus on “evidence-based” approaches. Data analytics are at the core of these approaches and drive demand for students who understand both policy and analytics.

At Pitt, you can pursue two graduate degrees simultaneously through the joint Master of Quantitative Economics/Master of Public Administration program between the Department of Economics and the School of Public and International Affairs. This streamlined, 2 ½ years joint degree program is built for students seeking training in public policy, public administration, and data analytics. It is ideally suited for students looking to enter mid-career positions as policy/data analysts in both the public and private sectors.

Students complete all of the typical requirements for the MQE program. Students will also complete all the required SPIA MPA coursework, except for 3 quantitative courses whose content is replaced by the quantitative training in the MQE classes. Joint degree students also have the number of required MPA elective courses reduced by one relative to the normal MPA degree. Finally, joint degree students will be able to choose whether to do their capstone project through the MQE program or through the MPA program.

Kobe University Joint Degrees

Combine your SPIA degree with a Master of International Affairs, Master of Laws, Master of Economics, or Master of Political Science to prepare for a career in service internationally. Classes are taught in English.