Social Work, MPIA/MSW

Joint Degree Programs with the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

Master of Social Work/Master of Public Administration
Master of Social Work/Master of Public and International Affairs
MSW/Master of International Development

Three unique joint degree programs are offered by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, through its COSA concentration, and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. These joint programs provide students with a broad professional education to prepare them for eventual service in urban non-profit and government organizations, community development policy, and social and urban planning. They provide experienced students with opportunities to expand their knowledge base and enable other students to develop more marketable professional skills than are usually acquired through single-degree programs. Students in these joint programs earn a Master of Social Work from the School of Social Work and a Master of Public Administration, Master of Public and International Affairs or a Master of International Development from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.

Students must be admitted to both programs in order to qualify for admission to the joint degree program. Degree candidates must meet the minimum foundation, concentration, and specialized requirements of both schools, except where substitutions are appropriate and approved by the faculty advisors. Depending upon which joint degree program the student elects, the total number of credits required for graduation ranges from 72 to 88 credits. For most students, this means that individual programs can be completed within six to seven terms of full-time residency. Students electing to terminate the joint degree program before its completion must complete all the work required by the respective schools for either degree in order to receive that degree separately.

Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

Complex and emerging issues influence us, our towns, our countries, and our world: Fair housing. Economic and community development. Environmental sustainability. Emergency preparedness. Disaster response. Human rights. International security.

We live in a world both illuminated by great hope and darkened by great conflict. Make a difference and take the lead. Prepare yourself with a comprehensive education from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh.

Your academic options begin with GSPIA’s integrated academic structure of three distinct master’s degree programs offering eight different majors. Click on the links below to learn more about GSPIA’s academic programs and related learning and research opportunities at GSPIA and the University of Pittsburgh. And-as always-we’re ready to answer any questions you may have! Contact the Office of Student Services at 412-648-7640 or by email, gspia@pitt.edu.

The easiest way to apply to the Master’s Degree in Social Work Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work is to use our online application.

Students who prefer to apply through the mail may contact:

Mary Ohmer
COSA Chair and Associate Professor
University of Pittsburgh
School of Social Work
2204 Cathedral of Learning
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 624-8214
E-mail: mlo51@pitt.edu

University of Pittsburgh
Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
Office of Admissions 
3601 Posvar
Pittsburgh, PA 15260 
412-648-7640 
www.gspia.pitt.edu