Most undergraduate admissions to the University of Pittsburgh’s Pittsburgh campus are handled by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. This section details the general requirements and procedures for admissions to the University through that office and also provides admissions information for prospective students whose applications are not handled by that office. Some schools and programs require supplemental application materials or admission requirements in addition to those requested by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Those requirements are listed within the Schools and Academic Programs section of this bulletin.
The admissions information in this section is subject to change at any time. It is intended to serve only as a general source of information.
Pittsburgh Campus Freshman Admissions
Prospective students who have not earned college credits since graduating from high school with a diploma or GED should consult this section for information on admission to the University of Pittsburgh.
Admissions Contact Information
University of Pittsburgh
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
4227 Fifth Ave., Alumni Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260-6601
412-624-PITT
412-624-7488
oafa@pitt.edu
www.oafa.pitt.edu
High School Preparation
Freshman applicants to the University of Pittsburgh should have completed a minimum of 15 units of credit in college preparatory courses. Flexibility exists within this requirement, however:
- Swanson School of Engineering applicants should have completed four units of mathematics-algebra I, algebra II, plane geometry, and trigonometry/pre-calculus-as well as a unit each of chemistry and physics.
- School of Nursing applicants must have 19 units, with three units of laboratory science, including one year of chemistry with a lab, and four units of mathematics.
- School of Pharmacy applicants seeking conditional admission must have completed one year of high school biology with laboratory, chemistry with laboratory, math through trigonometry (pre-calculus), and either a second-level biology course, second-level chemistry course, or physics.
- Arts and Sciences applicants should have completed three years of mathematics (including algebra I, geometry, and algebra II or trigonometry), three years of science (with labs), and three years of a single second language with a C average or better (or make up the deficit with one year of college-level study).
- College of Business Administration applicants should have completed four units of mathematics, including algebra I and II and geometry, and another math course such as trigonometry, pre-calculus, or calculus in their senior year, as well as two years of a lab science.
Application Procedures
Students seeking admission to the University of Pittsburgh must complete and send the following to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid: the Freshman Application form (students may also apply online at www.oafa.pitt.edu), an official high school transcript, SAT I or ACT results, and the $45 application fee. The personal essay, included with the Freshman Application form, is optional but strongly recommended for scholarship candidates and for students who wish to be reviewed on more than their high school records and SAT/ACT results. Likewise, letters of recommendation are optional but recommended. Note: International applicants must apply online and will find complete application instructions and the online application available at www.oafa.pitt.edu
Exceptions: Applicants to the Dental Hygiene Program, and students seeking special or non-degree status should see the application procedures outlined under their respective admissions sections (Dental Hygiene Program-School of Dental Medicine Admissions, and Special and Non-Degree Status).
Application Deadlines
The University of Pittsburgh practices a rolling admissions policy, meaning there is not a specific deadline by which prospective students must apply. Applicants are considered and informed of admission decisions on a first-come, first-served basis. However, applicants who want to be reviewed for merit scholarships must submit applications by January 15. See Academic Merit Scholarships.
Note: International students must apply by:
- March 1: for fall and summer term admission
- October 1: for spring term admission
Early Admission
High school students wanting to enter college one year early, prior to completing the senior year, may apply as juniors for early admission to some schools. Contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid for more information.
Academic Merit Scholarships
Applicants who are U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens are automatically considered for academic merit scholarships if their applications and all supporting materials are received by January 15. The University awards hundreds of academic scholarships, all of which are renewable for three years after the freshman year, provided the student maintains a 3.00 grade point average and satisfactory academic progress and is enrolled full-time. The scholarships offered include:
- Chancellor’s Nominee Scholarships: $2,000-$10,000 paid (all schools).
- Chancellor’s Scholarships: full tuition, room, and board paid. A number of students interviewed for but not receiving the Chancellor’s Scholarship will be awarded full-tuition scholarships.
- Adena Johnson Davis Nursing Scholarship: full tuition, room, and board paid.
- Honors Tuition Scholarships: award-full tuition paid (all schools).
- Helen Faison Scholarships: full tuition, room, and board paid (Arts and Sciences).
- Honors Challenge Scholarships: full tuition paid (all schools).
- Engineering Honors Scholarships: $2,000-$4,000.
- Fessenden-Trott Engineering Honors Scholarship: $9,000.
- Donald M. Henderson Engineering Scholarships: full tuition, room, and board paid.
- Robert R. Lavelle Business Scholarship: full tuition, room, and board paid.
Graduate School Guarantees
Outstanding freshman applicants who are U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens and indicate certain professional programs (including business, communication science, dental medicine, dietetics, education, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, public health, public and international affairs, and social work) as their intended field of study on the Freshman Application will automatically be reviewed for guaranteed admission into that professional program. Early application is recommended as spaces are limited.
Enrollment Fee/Tuition Deposit
Once accepted, students must reserve their positions in the upcoming class by submitting a nontransferable, nonrefundable $300 enrollment fee (a combined $200 tuition deposit and a $100 PittStart fee) by May 1 for the fall term. Residence hall accommodations on the Pittsburgh campus are guaranteed to freshmen admitted for the fall term who pay the deposit by May 1, for three full years from the time admission is offered. After that they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Deferred Admission
The University does not offer deferred admission for a subsequent term to admitted students not enrolling for the term of their admission. Students wishing to have their applications re-reviewed for another term may submit a request in writing to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Applications and supporting documentation for the prior academic cycle of fall, spring, and summer are only retained until early October of the next cycle. After that, students who wish to be re-reviewed for admission must submit a new application and supporting credentials.
Admitted freshman students who defer enrollment to attend classes at another institution must file a transfer application.
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Regional Campus Admissions
Listed below is the contact information for the admissions offices of the University of Pittsburgh’s four regional campuses. Contact the regional campuses for more information on their particular requirements:
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
300 Campus Dr.
Bradford, PA 16701-2898
814-362-7555
1-800-872-1787
Fax: 814-362-5150
admissions@upb.pitt.edu
www.upb.pitt.edu
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
Office of Admissions
Rossetti House
150 Finoli Dr.
Greensburg, PA 15601-5898
724-836-9880
Fax: 724-836-7471
upgadmit@pitt.edu
www.upg.pitt.edu
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Office of Admissions
157 Blackington Hall
450 Schoolhouse Rd.
Johnstown, PA 15904
814-269-7050
1-800-765-4875
Fax: 814-269-7044
upjadmit@pitt.edu
www.upj.pitt.edu
University of Pittsburgh at Titusville
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
504 E. Main St.
P.O. Box 287
Titusville, PA 16354
814-827-4509
1-888-878-0462
Fax: 814-827-4519
uptadm@pitt.edu
www.upt.pitt.edu/
Transfer Student Admissions
Prospective students who are high school graduates and have attended postsecondary institutions, colleges, or universities (except those who took college classes while in high school and are considered freshmen with advanced standing) apply for admission as transfer students through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Transfers between University of Pittsburgh schools or campuses are handled through the school or campus.
Application Procedures
Degree-seeking transfer students who wish to be considered for admission to the University of Pittsburgh must complete and send the Transfer Application form (students may also apply online at www.oafa.pitt.edu), an official high school transcript, an official transcript from each postsecondary institution attended (whether or not it is intended that all courses will be counted toward a degree at the University of Pittsburgh), an SAT I or ACT score if either test was taken, and the $45 application fee. Consult the University of Pittsburgh Guide and Application for Transfer Students (available from the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid) for more information or look online at www.oafa.pitt.edu.
Exceptions: RN to BSN applicants to the School of Nursing, applicants to the Dental Hygiene Program, and students seeking special or non-degree status should see the application procedures outlined under their respective admissions sections (School of Nursing-RN Options Program, PharmD Program, Dental Hygiene Program-School of Dental Medicine Admissions, and Special and Non-Degree Status).
NOTE: International students must apply online at www.oafa.pitt.edu, “Applying” “International Students.”
Admission Deadlines
The University of Pittsburgh practices a rolling admissions policy, meaning there is not a specific deadline by which transfer students must apply. Applicants are considered and informed of admission decisions on a first-come, firstserved basis. The following schools practice rolling admission for all three terms, except where noted: Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, College of Business Administration, Swanson School of Engineering, College of General Studies, School of Nursing (fall and spring term admission only) and the School of Social Work (fall and spring term admission only). However, there are several schools and programs that have definitive deadlines by which applications must be submitted for consideration. These deadlines are subject to change and can be verified on the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid Web site at www.oafa.pitt.edu.
- School of Information Sciences deadlines are August 1 for the fall term, November 1 for the spring term, and April 1 for the summer term.
- School of Education Health and Physical Activity applicants must apply by February 1 (fall term admission only). Applied Developmental Psychology applicants must apply by March 15 for fall term (fall term admission only).
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences admits students only in the fall term. Application deadlines are as follows: Applicants to programs in Athletic Training, Clinical Dietetics/Nutrition, and Rehabilitation Science should submit a complete application by March 15. Programs in Communication Science, Emergency Medicine, and Health Information Management practice a rolling admission, but early application is recommended. Students should apply in the second semester of their sophomore year. All admissions requirements must be completed prior to enrollment.
- All transfer pharmacy students, including international students, must file an application through PharmCAS, a Web-based application service (www.pharmcas.org), submitting scores on the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) (see www.pcatweb.info for more information). Applicants must also submit a School of Pharmacy Supplemental Application. Instructions for completing the Supplemental Application are on the School of Pharmacy Web site at www.pharmacy.pitt.edu.
NOTE: International applicants must apply by the deadlines specified or the specific program deadline, whichever comes first.
The online international student application and application instructions are different from the instructions above and are available at www.oafa.pitt.edu.
- March 1: summer term admission (transfers only)
- April 1: fall term admission-freshmen
- May 1: fall term admission -transfers
- October 15: spring term admission
Articulation Agreements and Transfer Credit Guide Summaries
The University of Pittsburgh has formal articulation agreements with various higher education institutions throughout the state of Pennsylvania to facilitate the transfer of students from one institution to the other as they pursue their educational goals. For a comprehensive list of articulation agreements and their specific requirements, click here .
In addition to those formal articulation agreements, The Pitt Connection Transfer Guide System was developed by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to provide prospective transfer students with the most comprehensive, current, and thorough pre-transfer advising possible. The Pitt Connection allows our future students to explore many options at their community college with the assurance that what they are taking will fit nicely into their degree programs at the University of Pittsburgh and allow them to pursue their academic goals with direction. The various undergraduate units at the University regularly review the course offerings at each of the five local community colleges (Butler County Community College, Community College of Allegheny County, Community College of Beaver County, Harrisburg Area Community College, and Westmoreland County Community College) and evaluate the transferability of these courses. The results are then published in five Pitt Connection Transfer Guides, one for each of the above-mentioned community colleges. Students at the community college who consult the guides can register for their classes with confidence that, if they complete their coursework with grades of “C” or better, then the courses will help them progress toward their undergraduate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. The Pitt Connection Transfer Guides are also available at the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
The College of General Studies also has transfer manuals for the Community College of Allegheny County, Butler County Community College, Community College of Beaver County, Harrisburg Area Community College, and Westmoreland County Community College. See “Prospective Students” at www.cgs.pitt.org for more information.
Contact the relevant schools and programs for further details.
Transfer Scholarships
Transfer scholarships are available to College of General Studies students who are U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. Degree-seeking applicants are automatically reviewed for eligibility. These annual scholarships range in value from $600 to $2,500. The scholarships are offered through: the CGS Alumni Endowment Scholarship Fund including John O. Bolvin and Anne E. Levenson scholarships, The Brackmann and Saalbach Family Endowed Scholarship, Joan C. Dash Scholarship, Bruce P. McGough Scholarship, Tom R. Slone Scholarship (designated for students who are active in the Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentoring organization), and the Grace C. Stewart Fund. Awarding of these scholarships is handled through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
Evaluation of Transfer Credits
Credits earned at another accredited institution are evaluated by the admitting school, which determines the number of advanced standing credits the transfer student will be awarded and the distribution of these credits in relation to the school’s degree requirements and University policy. See the appropriate school’s information in this bulletin.
Deferred Admission
The University does not offer deferred admission for a subsequent term to admitted students not enrolling for the term of their admission. However, students wishing to have their applications re-reviewed for another term may submit a request in writing to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Applications and supporting documentation for the prior academic cycle of fall, spring, and summer are only retained until early October of the next cycle. After that, students who wish to be re-reviewed for admission must submit a new application and supporting credentials.
Admitted students who enrolled at another institution must file a new transfer application with supporting credentials.
Readmission
Students who previously attended the University of Pittsburgh then attended other institutions and wish to return to the University are considered transfer students and must reapply following the guidelines for transfer students. The admitting school will evaluate the credits previously earned at the University of Pittsburgh along with credits earned elsewhere to determine the number of credits the transfer student will be allowed. Acceptable credits from institutions other than Pitt will appear on the student transcript as advanced standing credits and will not count in the GPA calculation. Credits earned at the University of Pittsburgh will appear as term entries on the student transcript, and courses accepted toward the degree will be used when calculating the student’s GPA.
Former University of Pittsburgh students who have not attended another institution may be reinstated through the dean’s office of the school in which they were previously enrolled.
Dental Hygiene Program-School of Dental Medicine Admissions
The School of Dental Medicine offers a two-year (six consecutive terms) Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. The program is designed to fulfill the professional and academic requirements of the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Completion of the program prepares the student for licensure as a dental hygienist in most states.
Admissions Contact Information
University of Pittsburgh
School of Dental Medicine
Dental Hygiene Program
B-82 Salk Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261-1937
412-648-8432
hygieneadmissions@pitt.edu
www.dental.pitt.edu/students/dental-hygiene-program
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Dental Hygiene Program must fulfill the following criteria before applying: have a high school diploma, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at all academic institutions, have a minimum SAT I combined math and verbal score of 1200 or ACT score of 24, have successfully completed chemistry and biology courses with laboratory components, and have successfully completed a college-level English composition course and a college-level introduction to sociology course.
Application Procedures
Applicants to the Dental Hygiene Program must submit the following items to the School of Dental Medicine by December 15 for early decision review: a completed Dental Hygiene Program application, including the Personal Essay; three professional references; transcripts from all academic institutions attended; 15 hours of job shadowing with a practicing dental hygienist; and SAT I/ACT scores. Once the application materials have been received, the qualified applicant will be invited to attend a mandatory Applicant Seminar and participate in a personal interview with the admissions committee.
Students who complete this program also have the option of completing a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene offered by the College of General Studies (see the College of General Studies listing in the Schools and Academic Programs section of this bulletin for information on BS degree completion option).
School of Nursing-RN Options (Early admissions To MSN Or DNP
The University of Pittsburgh RN Options (Early Admission to the MSN or DNP program) curriculum is designed for registered nurses, who obtained their initial nursing education through either a CCNE, NLN or ACEN accredited associate degree program or diploma program and want to purse undergraduate education with early admission to a graduate nursing program. Courses are taught by nursing leaders who are experts in their field. Faculty serves as educators, role models and mentors for their students. The RN Options curriculum builds upon the individual professional nurse’s strengths and experiences to expand professional knowledge and practice skills.
Applicants should apply using the online application https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=up-nurs
Contact Information
University of Pittsburgh
School of Nursing
239 Victoria Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
1-888-747-0794 or 412-624-4586
sao50@pitt.edu
www.nursing.pitt.edu
Admission Requirements and Application Procedures
RN-Option applicants must be graduates of a CCNE or NLN accredited associate degree program or diploma school of nursing; have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above in previous academic work; possess a valid registered Nurse License (all admitted students must obtain a PA license); complete the RN Option online application, including uploading of an essay and current resume; and submit three letters of professional recommendation from professionals and/or professors who know you well, which may be submitted online or mailed in a sealed envelope to:
University of Pittsburgh
School of Nursing
3500 Victoria St.
239 Victoria Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
Academic transcripts should be mailed directly from the graduating institution to the above address. For more information, please call 1-888-747-0794 or 412-624-4586 or e-mail sao50@pitt.edu.
Application Deadlines and Other Information
Course offerings are flexible and students may begin coursework in any term (fall/spring/summer). Upon finishing the first 84 of 96 credits in the RN Options track, students must select to complete their remaining requirements in the selected MSN or DNP program or complete the BSN curriculum.
Students who pursue early admission to the MSN or DNP track must: 1) take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) 2) provide the necessary documentation for admission to the desired major or area of concentration and 3) complete the remaining 36 credits of which 24 will be at the graduate level. Full and part-time schedules are available.
School of Nursing - Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program
The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN is designed to enable individuals with a Baccalaureate Degree in another discipline the ability to earn a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) in three consecutive full-time terms.
Contact Information
University of Pittsburgh
School of Nursing
239 Victoria Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
1-888-747-0794
sao50@pitt.edu
http://www.nursing.pitt.edu
Admission Requirements and Application Procedures
The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN requires an applicant to complete 36 prerequisite credits. These courses may be taken at any college or university. Courses from other institutions must be evaluated as equivalent to University of Pittsburgh courses, (Coursework taken at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing prior to admission may be taken as a non-degree seeking student.)
Required prerequisites include:
| Course |
Credits |
| General and Biological Chemistry *+(includes a lab) |
4 |
| English Composition (scientific/technical) |
3 |
| Human Growth & Development + (birth to death) |
3 |
| Psychology |
3 |
| Sociology |
3 |
| Statistics (descriptive, probability, & inferential) |
3 |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology *+ (includes a lab) |
6 - 8 |
| Human Genetics *+ |
3 |
| Microbiology *+ (includes a lab) |
4 |
| Pathophysiology |
4 |
*Should have been completed within the past eight years
+Should have achieved a grade of “B-” or better
Application Deadlines and Other Information
Early submission of an application is recommended. New classes begin in the Fall, Spring and Summer term. Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN applications are reviewed, and admission decisions made, based on the application deadlines: Fall Term — February 15/June 1; Spring Term—June 1/October 1; Summer Term—October 1/February 15.
Application information and other materials are located on the web at http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/academics/accelerated.jsp.
Prospective students must apply online to the School of Nursing at: https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=up-nurs.
School of Pharmacy PharmD Program
Transfer students, both within the Pitt system and from other colleges and universities, applying for admission to the School of Pharmacy must: (1) file an online PharmCAS application with all supporting credentials by the deadline (the online PharmCAS application is available at http:// www.pharmcas.org); and (2) submit a School of Pharmacy Supplemental Application by the deadline specified in the online instructions. For more information on deadlines, online applications, admission calendar, and application instructions, please visit the school’s “Admission Process” Web site at http://www.pages.pharmacy.pitt.edu/pharmdhandbook/the-pharmd-student-handbook/admissions/admissions-process/.
Transfer Within University Schools and Regional Campuses
Transfer between Schools
Students enrolled in an undergraduate school of the University who wish to transfer to another undergraduate school at the University should contact the school in which they are currently enrolled to request a transfer of their records. The student’s records will be evaluated by the receiving school, which will then notify the student of acceptance or rejection.
Transfer between Campuses
Students enrolled in one campus of the University who wish to transfer to another campus of the University should contact the school at the campus in which they are currently enrolled to request a transfer of their records. The receiving schools will evaluate the records and notify students of acceptance or rejection.
Reinstatement
Students who have left the University for one calendar year or more (whether of their own volition or as a result of a suspension) and who wish to continue their studies must apply for reinstatement through the school to which they were previously admitted.
Second-degree Candidates
Previous Degree Earned Elsewhere
Students who have earned a previous undergraduate degree from an institution other than the University of Pittsburgh and wish to earn a second degree are treated as transfer students and must apply through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. (See Transfer Student Admissions.)
Previous Degree Earned at the University of Pittsburgh
Students who have earned an undergraduate degree from a school or campus of the University of Pittsburgh and who now wish to earn another bachelor’s degree should apply as second-degree students directly through the desired school. This process may vary with some upper-level division schools.
Each school determines the number of previously earned credits that will apply. A minimum of 30 new credits must be earned to receive a second degree. In addition to those general rules, schools may have other requirements.
Special and NonDegree Admissions
College in High School
The College in High School Program, offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, offers qualified area high school students the opportunity to earn college credits from the University during their regular school day. Courses in chemistry, communication, computer science, French, Latin, mathematics, physics, and statistics are offered. There is a registration process and fee for this program. For further information, contact the College in High School office at 412624-6789 or online at www.as.pitt.edu/undergraduate/offices/chsp/index.html.
Postbaccalaureate Students
Some of the schools at the University will allow students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree to take courses at the University as nondegree students. Students should contact the appropriate school for information about admission requirements.
Students interested in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences or the College of General Studies should contact the College of General Studies, 412-624-6600, 407 Cathedral of Learning; College of Business Administration students should contact 412-383-9600, 2100 Sennott Square; Swanson School of Engineering students should contact the Engineering Administration Office 412-624-9800, 253 Benedum Hall.
NOTE: International applicants should file an online international student application available at the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid Web site: www.oafa.pitt.edu
Guest/Visiting Students
Guest students are those who are seeking a degree at another university but want to take courses at the University of Pittsburgh for credit with the expectation that the credits will transfer back to the student’s home institution. Guest students must be in good academic standing and generally must apply at least a few weeks before the start of a given term. Contact the appropriate school for other admission requirements. Admission for the fall and spring terms is handled through the school. Summer admission for visiting students is handled through the College of General Studies.
NOTE: International applicants should file an online international student application available at the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid website: www.oafa.pitt.edu
Accelerated High School Students
Qualified high school students in junior or senior year may be eligible to take one or two undergraduate courses each fall, spring, or summer term on the University campus while continuing their high school education. Students cannot take courses at the University that are available to them through their high school curricula. Contact the College in High School Office at 412-624-6789 or 412-624-7428 for admission information or visit online at www.as.pitt.edu/undergraduate and select “High School Students.”
Summer Visiting Students
Students who are seeking a degree at another university but want to take courses at the University of Pittsburgh for credit during the summer should apply through the College of General Studies (CGS). Contact CGS at 412-624-6600; visit the office at 407 Cathedral of Learning, or visit the Web site at www.summer.pitt.edu for more information.
EXCEPTION: International students
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