The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) offers a comprehensive academic pathway for students passionate about public service, policy analysis, and global affairs. From undergraduate programs to advanced graduate degrees, SPIA equips students with the knowledge and experience to make a meaningful impact in various sectors.
Undergraduate Opportunities: Build A Strong Foundation for Public Leadership
New for 2025, SPIA's undergraduate offerings are designed to introduce students to the complexities of public policy and international affairs. The Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy program offers a multidisciplinary curriculum that combines elements of political science, economics, and data analysis. Students can also pursue minors in Public Policy and Global Policy, as well as a Certificate in Nonprofit Management.
Through experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and community engagement projects, undergraduates gain practical skills that prepare them for real-world challenges. The Policy and Social Impact Fellows Program further enhances this experience by focusing on social justice and community engagement.
Graduate Programs: Advancing Expertise in Public and International Affairs
For those seeking to deepen their expertise and advance their careers, the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) offers a comprehensive suite of graduate programs designed to prepare students for leadership and make a lasting impact. SPIA’s offerings include four master’s degrees and a PhD program, each tailored to specific fields in public service, policy, and global affairs.
- Master of Public Administration (MPA) – Ideal for future public managers and nonprofit leaders, this program emphasizes budgeting, organizational leadership, policy analysis, and strategic planning for roles in government and the nonprofit sector.
- Master of Public & International Affairs (MPIA) – Focused on diplomacy, global security, and international political economy, the MPIA prepares students for careers in foreign policy, intelligence, or international development.
- Master of International Development (MID) – This degree centers on sustainable development, humanitarian response, and poverty alleviation, equipping graduates to work with global NGOs, development agencies, or research institutions.
- Master of Public Policy & Management (MPPM) – A flexible, executive-track program for mid-career professionals, the MPPM provides advanced training in public affairs, leadership, and data-driven decision-making.
- PhD in Public & International Affairs – Designed for scholars and researchers, this program emphasizes interdisciplinary study and rigorous research in public policy, governance, and international systems.
Each program provides access to concentrations and certificates. These include Cybersecurity, Policy & Law, Nonprofit Management, and Global Sustainable Development. This enables students to tailor their experience to align with their career objectives.
Seamless Transition: From Undergraduate to Graduate
At the School of Public and International Affairs, students benefit from a unified academic experience that supports growth across every stage of their education. The 4+1 Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degree program enables high-performing undergraduates to begin graduate coursework during their senior year, completing both a BA in Public Policy and a master’s degree in just five years.
This streamlined path offers early access to graduate courses, personalized advising, and continued mentorship from SPIA’s renowned faculty. Students can build strong relationships, deepen their expertise, and launch their careers more quickly—all within the same supportive academic environment.
Experiential Learning and Career Development
Learning at SPIA is grounded in real-world experience. Through immersive programs like the Pitt Washington Center, students study and intern in the nation’s capital, gaining firsthand exposure to policymaking and leadership in action.
SPIA’s Career Services team supports students at every step of their career journey. We offer one-on-one coaching, resume workshops, interview workshops, internship connections, and alumni networking events. These services help graduates succeed in government, nonprofits, international organizations, and the private sector.
Recognized Excellence
SPIA's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its rankings. For the second consecutive year, SPIA earned the #1 spot as the nation's top-ranked public affairs school among public institutions in the International Global Policy and Administration specialization. The school also ranked highly in two other specializations, Urban Policy (#16) and Public Policy Analysis (#31), with the overall rank remaining strong at #34 among public affairs schools nationwide.
Explore Your Path
LWhether you’re just beginning your undergraduate journey or preparing to advance your career through graduate study, the School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh offers the academic programs, mentorship, and real-world experience you need to lead in public and international affairs. Need more information? Please send us a request through our website.