Master of Public and International Affairs

Gain the versatile skills to participate in international affairs—whether that’s at the UN or in war-torn conflict zones. The MPIA degree will prepare you for a career as a policymaker, diplomat, intelligence official, global business leader, nonprofit manager, or policy researcher.

Professional Skills

• Human security and rights
• Intelligence collection and analysis
• International relations and diplomacy
• International trade and finance

Area Studies Certificates

If you’re looking for an international career in a specific region of the world, you can enhance your master’s degree with a graduate certificate from the University Center for International Studies.

Specializations

• Africa
• Asia
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• European Union
• Global Studies
• Latin America
• Russia

Joint Degrees

You can pursue two graduate degrees simultaneously through our partnerships with other professional schools at the University of Pittsburgh and with two foreign universities. This approach reduces the number of credits needed for both degrees and helps shorten your time to graduation.

• MPIA/Law Degree (JD)
• MPIA/Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• MPIA/Master of Public Health (MPH)
• MPIA/Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• MPIA/Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS)
• MPIA/Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Joint degree through the University of Geneva in Switzerland or Kobe University in Japan

Hone passions into purpose and impact

We are a diverse community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni committed to making significant contributions to society through public service. As a part of the University of Pittsburgh, GSPIA is a leader in education, a pioneer in the research, and an engaged partner in our region and around the world. For more than 60 years, our legacy has inspired graduates to make public institutions better, advance the public interest, and realize a more equitable and inclusive society.

Why Choose GSPIA?

GSPIA 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 graduate schools that combines strong programs in domestic and international policy under one roof, giving you the opportunity to study fields as diverse as policy analysis, urban planning, international security, human rights, and environmental policy as part of the same degree.

As a GSPIA 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, Graduate School of Public Health, School of Social Work, and School of Information Science.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

GSPIA embraces the diversity of all members of our community, including those related to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disabilities, age, religion, political beliefs, socioeconomic status, geographic region, nationality, migrant/immigrant/refugee status, and veteran status. Our commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society starts with unwavering support for freedom of expression and by promoting an environment where robust and civil debate thrives.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Diversity Strategic Plan

The school’s strategic plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion serves as an overarching guide across major functions and activities. This includes engaging on diversity issues with key stakeholders, including our Board of Visitors, employers, and our extensive alumni network. Priorities for implementation are set annually.

Inclusive Curriculum Plan

GSPIA’s inclusive curriculum plan aims to ensure a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community where all can thrive. We believe in fostering world-class future leaders, recruiting diverse faculty, students, and staff, and furthering our standards for excellence in research, education, and engagement.

Diversity-focused Organizations

GSPIA's diversity-focused organizations are welcoming environments where work on diversity, social justice, equity, and inclusiveness lay the foundation for lasting change. These important initiatives promote a multicultural perspective and forge a positive community connection.

Our Mission

The mission of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) is to prepare students to make significant contributions to society through leadership in public service in government, nonprofit organizations, or the private sector. We accomplish this mission through quality teaching, rigorous research, and service to communities and constituencies—at the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct—domestically and around the world.