The mission of the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) is to prepare students to make substantive contributions to society through careers as managers, advisors, and policy analysts in government and nonprofit organizations in a multitude of geographic locations throughout the world. This mission is accomplished through dedication to quality teaching that builds skills and commitments to the core values, challenges, and rewards of public service. It is supported through basic and applied research on timely issues of public management; international, regional, and urban affairs; and policy making. The school and faculty are committed to making a difference in the world by drawing on diverse skills and knowledge to improve the performance of public and nonprofit organizations that contribute to free and just societies in the United States and abroad. To accomplish these ends, SPIA teaches, conducts research, and performs public service in the following areas:
- The management and administration of public and nonprofit agencies
- The growth and sustainable development of urban metropolitan regions throughout the world
- The economic and social development of newly independent and developing states
- The emerging dynamics that are shaping today’s international political economy
- Threats to and issues in international security
The mission of SPIA stresses the importance of democratic responsibilities and personal integrity in the management of human affairs as well as the professional qualifications required for managing constructive change. Students and faculty alike are required to:
- Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct
- Use critical thinking and problem solving skills in addressing public policy issues
- Consider the international and intersectoral aspects of public affairs
- Develop partnerships with others both internal and external to the University of Pittsburgh
Contact Information
Recuitment & Admissions Office
Suite 3601 Posvar Hall
412-648-7640
E-mail: SPIAUND@pitt.edu
www.spia.pitt.edu
Admission Prerequisites:
For current Pitt students, we strongly recommended that you take STAT 1200 or STAT 1000 or STAT 1100, as well as ECON 0100. Ideally, pre-public policy students will have also taken foundational courses PIA 0101 and PIA 0102 during your first and second year. For external transfers, we also recommend that you have taken the equivalent to these courses at your home institution. However, if you have not, you can still apply and take these courses while you are in the program. Use Pitt’s transfer tool to learn more about equivalent coursework.
Admission Qualifications:
The Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy is an upper-level degree program. Students will enroll in the Public Policy major after completing a minimum of 55 credits at the University of Pittsburgh or another accredited undergraduate institution, typically beginning their major coursework in the third year of college.
For admission to the BA in Public Policy, an applicant must complete 55 transferable credits from the University of Pittsburgh or other accredited undergraduate institution with a minimum of 2.5 GPA. General education requirements categories for current Pitt students are:
Writing / Communication
(9 credits total) |
- ENGCMP 0200: Freshman Writing Seminar (3 credits)
- Two additional intensive writing courses (6 credits)
One may be satisfied by PIA 0601: Ideas to Impact: Persuasive Communication for Public Policy
|
Algebra / Quantitative & Formal Reasoning
(up to 6 credits) |
- Algebra (3 credits)
Exceptions for a Math SAT score of 620 or higher, a Math ACT score of 27 or higher, or completion of a high school Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus course with a grade of B or higher
- Quantitative & Formal Reasoning (3 credits)
May be satisfied by STAT 0200, STAT 1000, or STAT 1100
|
Language
(up to 6 credits total) |
- Second language (6 credits)
Exemption with 3 years of the same language in high school with a B or higher each year
|
Diversity
(3 credits total) |
- Diversity (3 credits)
May be satisfied by PIA 1102: City of White Supremacy: Race, Space & Policy in American Cities
|
Humanities & Arts / Social Sciences / Natural Sciences
(27 credits total) |
- Literature (3 credits)
- Arts (3 credits)
- Creative Work (3 credits)
- Philosophical Thinking or Ethics (3 credits)
May be satisfied by PIA 0602: Ethics & Equity in Public Policy
- Social Science (3 credits)
May be satisfied by the ECON 0100 pre-requisite or another breadth requirement
- Historical Analysis (3 credits)
- Natural Sciences (9 credits)
We recommend public policy students take courses in geology, psychology, neuroscience or biology as potentially useful background for important public policy issues.
|
Global Awareness & Cultural Understanding
(9 credits total) |
- Global Issues (3 credits)
May be satisfied by PIA 0102: Global Challenges, Global Solutions: Introduction to Global Policy
- Geographic Region Specific (3 credits)
- Cross Cultural Analysis (3 credits)
|
How to Apply:
Current Pitt Students (any campus):
Applicants must complete the Upper-Level Transfer Application along with a 300-400 word personal statement introducing themselves to the admissions committee and share their professional goals and motivation for pursuing Public Policy degree from Pitt Public & International Affairs, as well as any experience or unique skills.
External Transfer Students:
Please complete the Undergraduate Application for Admissions through Pitt’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. A supplemental application is not required.
High School Students:
Submit an application to the University of Pittsburgh through Pitt’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. On that application, select “Pre-Public and International Affairs” or “Pre-Public Policy” as your intended major.
*Note: You will begin as a student in Pitt’s Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences. In the Spring term of your second year, complete the Upper Level Transfer Application to officially declare a major in public policy.
BA in Public Policy - Plan of Study
The BA in Public Policy assumes completion of at least 55 undergraduate credits, including most general education requirements from the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences. Refer to the General Education Requirements for more details.
Total Major Credits (excluding the ECON and STAT pre-requisites): 42 credits
At least 120 credits are required for graduation with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Public Policy.
Readmission
If a student wishes to return to SPIA and complete the degree after being dismissed or made inactive for any reason, the student must file a complete application for readmission (and fulfill all current application requirements). Readmission is not guaranteed, nor does it necessarily reinstate the student to the status enjoyed prior to being dismissed/becoming inactive. To be readmitted, the student must demonstrate proper preparation to meet all current admission and degree requirements. If curriculum and/or policies have changed since a student’s prior term of enrollment, the student will be held to the new set of requirements and standards. Readmission is automatic, however, for students who receive prior approval for a formal leave of absence. Leaves of absence may not exceed 12 months.
The following students must apply for readmission through SPIA. SPIA students who have not enrolled for three consecutive terms (one calendar year) and SPIA students who have completed their suspension periods and wish to continue their studies.
Students who are returning after completing their suspension period will be reinstated on probation.
Statute of Limitations
There is a six-year statute of limitations on returning to SPIA to resume a degree. If a student terminates their enrollment for any reason prior to graduating, or becomes inactive for any reason, that student must re-enroll at SPIA within six years of the final term of enrollment to resume progress toward the degree. After six years have passed, any credits a student has previously earned can no longer be applied toward a SPIA degree.
All of the credits required for a degree, whether earned in residence or transferred from another institution, must have been earned within 12 years prior to the date on which the degree is awarded. However, when given evidence that the previous courses still provide adequate preparation for the courses yet to be taken and still represent a reasonable part of the total academic program, this limitation my be waived. In such cases, the waiver is for a specific period during which the program must be completed. Under exceptional circumstances a candidate may apply for an extension of the statute of limitations. The request must be approved by the academic advisor and submitted to the associate dean for final action. Each student who requests an extension of the statute of limitations must be prepared to demonstrate proper preparation for the completion of all current degree requirements.
Registration
Registering for Classes
After being admitted to SPIA, students may register for courses with their academic advisor. The overall form and content of the student’s program of study is the responsibility of SPIA. To carry out this responsibility, each student is assigned an academic advisor who, in consultation with the student, reviews the designated plan of study.
Students registering for the first time are advised to complete registration well before the beginning of the term to avoid both late fees and closed classes. The first day of classes is typically the last day for new students to register, without fees for late registration. New students are required to meet with their academic advisor to schedule their classes for the first semester. Continuing students are assigned registration appointments from the University Registrar. Appointments are based upon credits earned and can be viewed by logging into the Student Center through my.pitt.edu. Once registered, students may view their class schedules online.
Normal Credit Load
A normal credit load is 12 to 18 credits per academic term (e.g. fall and spring). Students should complete a minimum of 15 credits per term in order to graduate within two years. No SPIA student is permitted to register for more than 18 credits in a term without permission from the student’s academic advisor. Students who receive approval to register for more than 18 credits will be billed for each additional credit that exceeds their full-time tuition rate.
Registration Status at Graduation
Students are required to register for at least one credit during the 12-month period preceding graduation and must be registered for the term in which they plan to graduate.
Inactive Status
A student who has not registered for at least one credit during two consecutive terms (including the summer term), without receiving prior written approval for a leave of absence, will be transferred automatically to inactive status. Such students must file an application for readmission to SPIA (application fee required) before being permitted to register again. Students on inactive status cannot apply to graduate; are not eligible to use University facilities and should not expect to receive counseling from the faculty or active supervision by their advisor and committee. If readmitted, students are subject to any curriculum changes and all new policies and procedures.
Adding and Dropping Courses
A registered student may add and drop courses only during the add/drop period. The dates for the add/drop period are listed in the University’s Schedule of Classes and on the University’s Academic Calendar online. Students who no longer wish to remain enrolled in a course after the add/drop period has ended may withdraw from the course or resign from the University. See Monitored Withdrawal from a Course or Resigning from the University.
Monitored Withdrawal from a Course
After the add/drop period has ended, students may withdraw from a course that they no longer wish to attend by completing a Monitored Withdrawal Request form in SPIA for SPIA courses or from the school offering the course. The grade W will appear on the student’s grade report and transcript. There is no financial adjustment to students’ tuition or fee obligations involved in withdrawing from courses, but withdrawing may jeopardize satisfactory academic progress. There is a deadline for monitored withdrawal each semester, published in the university’s academic calendar. If a student has not submitted a Monitored Withdrawal Form by that deadline, they must finish the remainder of the class and receive a final grade.
Resigning from the University for a Specific Term
If students decide to drop all their courses after the add/drop period has ended, they must resign from the University for that term.
Before 60% of the term has passed, students may resign by contacting the Student Appeals Office. Students have several options. They may resign in person, by email, or by calling (412) 624-7585, where students may leave a message 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. An R grade will appear on the student’s academic transcript. Tuition is prorated from the date of the student’s notification to the Student Appeals Office of the student’s desire to resign, unless 60 percent of the term has been completed, in which case there is no refund.
After 60% of the term or session has passed, students who wish to terminate their registration may process withdrawal from all classes only with the permission of the Associate Dean. If the reason for withdrawal is medical or psychological in nature, the academic advisor may consult with the director of Student Health Services prior to deciding. There is no financial adjustment associated with this procedure, which results in the assignment of W grades for the courses.
Students who stop attending a course or courses and do not initiate add/drop, withdrawal, or resignation procedures, or who withdraws from a course without authorization, will be assigned an F grade and will incur financial obligations.
Leave of Absence
Under special conditions, undergraduate students may be granted a leave of absence. A maximum leave of two terms may be granted to undergraduate students. The length and rationale for the leave of absence must be stated in advance and approved by the academic advisor. If approved, the time of the leave shall not count against the total time allowed for the degree being sought by the students. Readmission following an approved leave of absence is a formality.
Students who take an unapproved leave of absence may, at the discretion of the Associate Dean, be readmitted to the school, but must finish their degree requirements within the statute of limitations set by their original matriculation.
Substituting Non-SPIA Courses for Core and Degree Requirements
Core courses and required courses for the bachelor’s in public policy are considered by the school as essential to the study of public policy. Accordingly, students are required to take these courses in SPIA. In exceptional cases, and on a case-by-case basis, students may be permitted to substitute comparable courses offered in other Schools and departments, provided they obtain prior approval from the Associate Dean and their SPIA academic advisor.
Blocks and Holds on Registration
The University may withhold registration and add/drop services from students for financial, academic, or disciplinary reasons.
Academic Advising Holds Policy
Access to student services including registration and receipt of grades may be delayed for several reasons ranging from financial liability to missing data. Further information on this policy is available online at https://www.policy.pitt.edu/sites/default/files/Policies/Academic/Policy_AC_62.pdf
Independent Study
Students may register for individualized course work or guided research under the direct supervision of a SPIA faculty member. Students are eligible to register for independent study (PIA 1097) if the following conditions are met: student has completed at least 15 SPIA credits; the student must be in good academic standing and making normal progress toward the degree; and a summary study or research design must be submitted in writing by the students and signed by the faculty member supervisor. Independent Study credits will count as an elective course, they may not substitute for a required course. Undergraduate students are permitted to take a maximum of three SPIA total credits via independent study before graduating.
Major Requirements
All students are required to complete the Public Policy major, in addition to general education requirements, in order to graduate from SPIA. Students must complete the major with a 2.00 GPA, and half of the credits earned for the major must be earned at the University of Pittsburgh main campus. Students declare their major by filling out an upper-level transfer application at https://ulta.pitt.edu/ to transfer into the School of Public and International Affairs. Students normally apply during their fourth term of full-time study.
Note: Transfer students receive an evaluation of their previous course work indicating the equivalent University of Pittsburgh courses for which transfer credits have been awarded. Equivalent Dietrich School and School of Public and International Affairs courses will meet the requirements for the major and general education requirements where appropriate. Students who believe that a previous course not equivalent to a Dietrich School or School of Public and International Affairs course should meet a requirement for a major may petition the department to review that course.
Minors and Certificates
Minors and certificates are earned in addition to a major. Students must complete minors and certificates with a 2.00 GPA, and half of the credits earned for the minor or certificate must be earned at the University of Pittsburgh main campus. Students may overlap with a course to fulfill requirements between a major, a minor, and/or a certificate. Students who complete an approved minor or certificate will have it listed on their transcript, provided that the minor or certificate is indicated on the application for graduation.
Dual Degrees
SPIA students may choose to simultaneously pursue more than one undergraduate degree, either within the Dietrich School (i.e., both a BA and a BS) or in another undergraduate school of the University. Earning two degrees requires the completion of the curriculum requirements of both schools and 120 total credits.
General Education Requirements
All students graduating from SPIA must satisfy general education requirements detailed in the General Education document. Students select from a range of approved courses to meet these requirements. SPIA’s general education requirements largely align with Dietrich’s requirements.
Credential Overlap and Overlapping Credit Within SPIA
Up to six credits may be overlapped between a SPIA & non-SPIA program (major, certificate & minor, etc).
The academic advisement report (AAR) will not be able to catch excessive overlap; advisors and students will need to continue to monitor overlapping credits.
For further detail on University requirements on credential overlap, see Credential Overlap, https://www.provost.pitt.edu/credential-overlap.
Credit Policies
Advanced Placement (AP) Credits
See the AP credit section of the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid Web site.
Summer Courses Taken Elsewhere
SPIA students in good academic standing (cumulative GPA of at least 2.00) may attend a summer or special session of another accredited institution in order to supplement their program, provided they receive prior approval from their SPIA academic advisor. Students must request prior approval from their SPIA academic advisor. Students must provide relevant course descriptions & syllabi to their SPIA academic advisor. A maximum of two courses (no more than 8 credits) may be taken in a single period of enrollment elsewhere.
Advanced Standing and Evaluation of Transfer Credits
Previous coursework for transfer students is evaluated by the SPIA academic advisor with respect to general education requirements. As well, SPIA advising liaises with Departments and Programs to ascertain transfer credit for major-specific course requirements. Before initial registration, all students who have accepted their offer of admission will have access to an Academic Advisement Report that illustrates the requirements that they have satisfied, and which requirements remain to be satisfied in order to complete their degree.
After receiving SPIA evaluation of transfer credits, a student may petition for a re-evaluation of courses within the first two terms after matriculation into the School. A student must submit all petitions to transfer or substitute courses taken prior to enrollment at the same time. SPIA academic advising will confer with the associate dean to evaluate the merit of these petitions.
Transfer credits are subject to the following conditions:
- Courses that have a reasonable counterpart in the curricula of the various Schools/Departments of the University of Pittsburgh are eligible for transfer. Courses must be passed with a satisfactory grade (minimum of C or equivalent). Courses taken on a satisfactory/no credit (or similar nomenclature) grading system will only be transferred if the passing grade is equivalent to a C or better. Transfer course grades are recorded as T grades and are not used in computing a student’s GPA, determining academic standing, or determining eligibility for graduation honors. Transfer credits must be in compliance with the University’s Academic Regulations and may not be a repetition of any course previously taken (passed or failed) at the University of Pittsburgh.
- An official transcript of all courses taken at other institutions prior to joining the University of Pittsburgh must be submitted at the time of application, whether or not it is intended that such courses be counted toward the degree. No transfer credits will be posted to a University of Pittsburgh transcript without an official transcript from the originating institution.
- No more than 90 credits may be transferred from a four-year institution, and no more than 60 credits may be transferred from a two-year institution with a combined total of no more than 90 transfer credits posted to a student’s transcript. No transfer credits will be transferred to a student’s record during or after the term in which they exceed a total of 90 earned credits.
- The number of credits granted for a course cannot exceed the number on the transcript from the institution where they were earned nor exceed the number to be earned in the corresponding course at the University of Pittsburgh. Credits earned on the quarter system will be converted into semester credits. A quarter credit is equal to two-thirds of a semester credit (e.g., five quarter-system credits equal three semester credits, and three quarter-system credits equal two semester credits). Converted credits are rounded down to the nearest half.
- If a course is repeated for which advanced standing credit (AP test credit or other) has been granted, the advanced standing credit is canceled. This is monitored once per academic year and it is the student’s responsibility to discuss course repeats - including those equivalent to advanced standing credit - with their advisor.
- Current students may also transfer in summer or special session credits from another institution with documented approval from SPIA’s academic advisor. These credits must follow the regulations listed above, and an official transcript must be submitted as soon as the course grade is available.
For further detail on University requirements on advanced standing credits, see Advance Standing Credits at https://www.provost.pitt.edu/academic-standing-undergraduate-students.
Global Experience & Credit Policy
- SPIA students are encouraged to engage in global experiences. Students may pursue as many experiences as allowed by the Global Experiences Office. However, the maximum total of credits that may be applied to an undergraduate degree is bound by program or School limits of S/NC credits. Any credits earned during study abroad programs with the satisfactory/no credit (S/NC) grading option or appearing on the Pitt transcript as such will calculate into the S/NC credit limits.
- Completion of any global experience fulfills the “Global Awareness and Cross-Cultural Understanding” requirement within the the general education requirements. This is in addition to fulfillment of other requirements (general education or major) as pre-approved by the student’s SPIA academic advisor, and/or the Dean’s Office.
- Before students undertake a global experience, they must coordinate with and apply to a program through the Global Experiences Office. If admitted, students are required to engage in additional conversations with their SPIA academic advisor in order to complete the course approval, enrollment, and credit transcription processes.
Grading and Recording
Grading Policy
Under no circumstances will any grade of U, G, I, D or F be counted among the minimum total number of credits required for the degree major required courses.
Course Repeat Policy
Students earning a failing grade of C- or lower in a required course will be required to repeat that course.
Course repetitions are subject to the University’s defined limitations:
- A sequenced course may not be repeated for credit if the student passes a higher sequence course with a C or better grade.
- No course may be repeated at any other institution and have that grade accepted as a replacement for the original grade earned at the University of Pittsburgh
- The original course and grade remain on the transcript; however, the grade and credits originally earned are not counted in the calculation of the GPA. The grade earned by repeating a course is used instead of the grade originally earned.
- W, R, or N grades reported for the repeated course will not be identified as a course repeat, and therefore the original grade earned will continue to be counted in the GPA. Incomplete grades (G) are not identified as repeated courses until the course work is completed.
- Students are only permitted to repeat each course a maximum of twice.
- Any grade earned in the repeated course will be posted to the academic record even if it is lower than the original grade. The repeated course must be the same in which the original grade was earned.
Students may not earn duplicate credit for courses that substantially duplicate the content of courses taken previously. For example, duplicate credit cannot be earned for the following:
- Both a regular version of a course and an honors version of that course.
- Courses that are cross listed with a course the student has already taken.
- Courses taken under a newly assigned course number if already taken under an old course number.
- Certain specific courses that duplicate material.
In all cases, it is the responsibility of the student to ensure their repeat course grades have been updated with the “Repeated - Excluded from GPA” flag on their academic record and that all credits have been calculated correctly. This process is not automatic and will not go into effect unless the student submits the Course Repeat Form. If the form is not submitted, both grades received will continue to factor into the student’s overall GPA. If a student repeats a course and earns a lower final grade, the student may not submit a Course Repeat Form, and both grades will continue to factor into the student’s overall GPA. Students should discuss repeat courses with their advisor at the beginning and end of the term of repeated enrollment. Course repeat forms must be submitted to the student’s SPIA academic advisor to affect grade replacement.
For further detail on Universtiy requirements on course repeats, see Course Repeat at https://www.provost.pitt.edu/course-repeat.
Changing Grades
The instructor of a course may change a student’s grade by Change of Grade request online at my.pitt.edu. All grade changes should be processed no later than one year after the initial grade is assessed. There may be reasons that justify a later change of grade, but they must be articulated in writing to the Associate Dean. Changes in I grades are exempt from this policy. The Associate Dean or their designee must approve a change before it is honored by the University Registrar.
Records
Transcripts
An academic transcript serves as a permanent record of a student’s academic progress. The transcript is a cumulative record of the student’s GPA, as well as a record of the department, title, and grade for each course in which the student was enrolled. Students may request an official transcript that bears the seal and the signature of the University Registrar in Thackeray Hall. Upon graduation, the transcript reflects a student’s degree and date; major; and, if applicable, certificate or minor.
Grade Report
At the end of each term, a grade report is prepared by the Office of the University Registrar. This report shows credits carried, the grade received in each course, and the quality points earned. Shortly after the term ends, students can access their grades online via the Student Center at my.pitt.edu.
Graduation
Graduation Process
Students must file an electronic application for graduation in my.pitt.edu in the term in which graduation is expected by the posted deadline. Graduation is not an automatic process. All students must apply to graduate and should begin this process early. Generally, students should complete the following steps and allow themselves adequate time to adjust their course enrollment before their anticipated graduation term. Although degrees are conferred at commencement, the official audit (certification) of degree completion occurs several weeks after the ceremony. Neither walking in the Commencement Ceremony nor being named in the Commencement Program is an official indication of graduation. Similarly, reading a student’s name at SPIA’s Graduation Ceremony does not indicate that the student has met graduation requirements.
Graduation Credit Requirements
Students must earn at least 120-degree credits with a minimum 2.00 GPA. In addition, students must achieve a 2.00 GPA both in the major and in the minor or certificate. Within 120 credits, students must fulfill SPIA’s curriculum requirements, which include General Education Requirements and requirements for a major, minor, or certificate. Furthermore, students must earn at least half of the credits for their major(s), minor(s), and certificates(s) and the final 30 credits toward the SPIA degree while enrolled as a SPIA student.
Enrollment Status at Graduation
Students should be active and registered in the term in which they are to graduate; in exceptional circumstances, students who complete all the degree requirements at the end of a term but graduate in the next term may petition their academic advisor for a waiver of this registration requirement. The requirement that a student be on active status cannot be waived.
Graduation Certification
Graduation certification is the process run by advisors and staff to ensure students have met all graduation requirements. This process is finalized after grades are posted for the term in question. Students who are concerned about their graduation eligibility should first review their academic advisement report (AAR) and then meet with their academic advisor.
Academic Honors
Graduating SPIA students who have attained an outstanding scholastic record and have completed at least 60 letter-graded credits at the University of Pittsburgh graduate with honors. All coursework completed at the University for a letter grade is calculated in the grade point average. University honors are awarded in the following levels of distinction according to grade point average at graduation: Summa Cum Laude: 3.75, Magna Cum Laude: 3.50, Cum Laude: 3.25
Probation, Suspension, and Dismissal
Academic Standing
In addition to those University-wide regulations and standards detailed in the section,https://www.provost.pitt.edu/academic-standing-undergraduate-students, each student in SPIA is expected to be familiar with these school-wide regulations and academic standards.
Good Academic Standing
Once admitted to SPIA, students must maintain acceptable academic standards as a condition of their right to continue their SPIA studies. Students are expected to make normal progress toward the completion of their degrees and maintain a minimum cumulative and/or current grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Academic Notice
A student is automatically placed on academic probation when any of the following occurs: (1) The student fails to maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative or [LC1] current (term) GPA in all courses; (2) The student fails to earn a minimum of 12 credits per term if full-time or 6 credits per term if part-time; (3) The student earns two G or I grades in one term, or maintains two G or I grades at any one time; or (3) The student earns a grade of U, F, or D.
Academic Notice & Eligibility for Financial Aid
The Office of Admissions & Financial Aid (OAFA) monitors financial aid eligibility. Students on academic notice should contact OAFA for more information.
Academic Dismissal
Full-time students admitted with full undergraduate status are dismissed from SPIA if after 1 term of probation if they do not meet their probation requirements. Students admitted with full status may appeal their dismissal in writing directly to the Associate Dean, who will consider the case and may grant the appeal under extraordinary circumstances. Readmission is not guaranteed for any dismissed student.
Advising
Academic Advising
Each undergraduate student in SPIA is assigned an academic advisor to help guide them through from admission to graduation. Students are expected to meet with their advisor at least once per semester to ensure progress towards graduation.
Academic Advisors collaborate with students to develop a plan for student success by providing assistance with the following:
- All coursework scheduled should be approved by the academic advisor;
- Choosing classes, registration including add/drop, leaves of absence, and withdrawals;
- Discussions regarding academic expectations and performance;
- Assist with tracking progress towards graduation;
- Clarification of all academic policies and procedures (i.e., grading policies, graduation requirements, etc);
- A reliable source of information about university and school resources.
Career Advising
SPIA undergraduate students have access to a dedicated career advisor on the SPIA career development team. Students should meet with a SPIA career advisor once a term.
SPIA’s Career Development team focus on pathways for a career by the following:
- Provide access to Career Launch to explore job opportunities
- Provide resources for career development such as resume reviews, mock interviews, negotiation preparation.
- Provide networking opportunities through events including professional development workshops, alumni career panels, and employer information sessions.
- Provide a document library enabling the student to download professional development resources, such as resume and interviewing guides.
- SPIA undergraduates continue to receive support through the University of Pittsburgh Career Center. SPIA Career Development advisors work closely with the Pitt career Center.
Students have the following responsibilities in relation to academic and career advising:
- Students are expected to be proactive in learning the components of the curriculum, including all course requirements and milestones, and to seek out resources beyond their academic advisor to understand and make decisions about the curriculum.
- Students are expected to take responsibility for their personal, academic, and career decisions.
- Students are expected to utilize the student support services of the University to enhance their educational experience.
- Students are expected to perform the following in order to select courses and make informed decisions regarding degree progress:
- Refer to the academic calendar to meet necessary deadlines, including add/drop and withdrawal deadlines, and final exam schedules;
- Navigate all aspects of PeopleSoft, the student registration system.
- Students are expected to meet all deadlines for applying for graduation and external certifications.
Faculty
Lisa S. Alfredson, Professor, PhD, London School of Economics
Luke Condra, Assistant Professor, PhD, Stanford University
George W. Dougherty, Assistant Professor, PhD, University of Georgia
Nicola Foote, Professor, PhD, University College London
Muge Kokten Finkel, Assistant Professor, PhD, University of Virginia
Shanti Gamper-Rabindra, Associate Professor, Phd, Massachusetts Insitute of Technology
Ryan Grauer, Assistant Professor, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
Melinda Haas, Assistant Professor, JD, PhD, University of Pennsylvania Law School, Princeton University
Gary Hollibaugh, Assistant Professor, PhD, University of Rochester
Daniel Jones, Assistant Professor, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
Michael Kenney, Associate Professor, PhD, University of Florida
So Jin Lee, PhD, Duke University
Michael Lewin, Senior Lecturer, PhD, Johns Hopkins University
Huafang Li, Assistant Professor, PhD, Rutgers University
Siyao Li, Assistant Professor, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
Sera Linardi, Assistant Professor, PhD, California Institute of Technology
Jennifer B. Murtazashvili, Assistant Professor, PhD, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Ilia Murtazashvili, Assistant Professor, PhD, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Lisa Nelson, Associate Professor, PhD, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Erica Owen, Assistant Professor, PhD, University of Minnesota
Andrea Pena-Vasquez, PhD, University of Notre Dame
Zoila Ponce de Leon, PhD, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Marcela Gonzalez Rivas, Assistant Professor, PhD, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Kay Shimizu, Assistant Professor, PhD, Stanford University
Carissa Schively Slotterback, Dean and Professor, PhD, Florida State University
Nuno Themudo, Associate Professor, PhD, London School of Economics
Kimberly Turner, Assistant Professor, PhD, Southern Ilinois University, Carbondale
Jeremy Weber, Assistant Professor, Phd, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Part-time and Visiting Faculty
Kathleen Buechel, Senior Lecturer, MA, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Julie Santucci, Senior Lecturer, MA, University of Arizona
Nicholas Croce, Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor, PhD, Syracuse University
Program and Course Offerings
