Information sessions
An information session is a great place to get started in your journey or ask questions about our programs. You'll learn how our graduate and undergraduate programs are structured, what admissions is looking for, and what life as a SPIA student actually looks like— all before you commit to an application. Check out our upcoming dates and register below. No dates listed? Our calendars are updated regularly, please check back soon!
Graduate Programs
In-Person Information Sessions
Virtual Information Sessions
Tuesday, October 13th - Virtual Information Session: MPPM, 12:00 pm EST
Tuesday, November 17th - Virtual Information Session: MPA/MPIA/MID, 6:00 pm EST
Undergraduate Programs
In-Person Information Sessions
Virtual Information Sessions
Wednesday, November 4th - Undergraduate Virtual Information Session, 4:30- 5:30 pm EST
Wednesday, December 2nd - Undergraduate Virtual Information Session, 4:30- 5:30 pm EST
Register for any graduate or undergraduate information session here
Program Panels
Already know which program you're considering? Our virtual program panels connect you directly with your program director, so you can ask detailed questions about coursework, faculty, and career paths for that specific degree. Check out upcoming panel dates and register below!
Monday, October 19th - MPIA/MID Virtual Program Panel with Dr. Ryan Grauer, 5-5:30 pm EST
Wednesday, October 21st - MPA/MPPM Virtual Program Panel with Dr. Gary Hollibaugh, 6-6:30 pm EST
Wednesday, November 4th - PhD Virtual Program Panel with Dr. Huafang Li, 6-6:30 pm EST
Register for any program panel here
Additional Pitt Information Sessions
The Graduate Studies team in Pitt's Office of the Provost regularly offers programming designed to support prospective graduate and professional students. These workshops cover essential topics including the application process, graduate housing, and financing your education and may be a helpful tool for any student interested in graduate programs at Pitt.
Tuesday, October 13th - Applying to Grad School, 12:00 pm
Thinking about graduate school but not sure where to start? This workshop will guide you through the essential steps of preparing a competitive application, from crafting strong personal statements to choosing recommendations and preparing for interviews. We'll cover transcripts, funding opportunities, and how to make your application stand out. Whether you're early in the exploration phase or ready to apply, this session will provide actionable tips and resources to support your journey to grad school.
Presented by Dr. Peter Levins, National Fellowships Advisor, David C. Frederick Honors College and Lesha Greene, Director of National Scholarships and Post-Graduation Success, David C. Frederick Honors College.
Tuesday, November 10th - Funding Graduate School: Financial Aid and Financial Wellness, 12:00 pm
Thinking about grad school and wondering how to pay for it? This workshop walks prospective and incoming graduate students through the essentials of financing their degree—and staying financially healthy while they're at it. We'll cover the graduate financial aid landscape, including federal loans, assistantships and fellowships, and recent changes to Grad PLUS loan borrowing limits that every incoming student should understand before enrolling. We'll also explore Pitt-specific funding opportunities, like the Pitt2Pitt scholarship for Pitt alumni continuing their education here.
Beyond aid, we'll talk financial wellness: budgeting on a graduate stipend, managing debt strategically, and building habits now that set you up for long-term financial stability. Whether you're weighing offers or just starting to explore your options, you'll leave with a clearer picture of what graduate school will cost, how to fund it, and how to manage it with confidence.
Presented by Tom Damski, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and Joel Philistin, Director of the Financial Wellness Program, Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
Learn more about upcoming events and register on the Graduate Studies website.