BPhil International & Area Studies at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Philosophy in International and Area Studies, Global Studies track, is offered by the Honors College with the Global Studies Center. It is an interdisciplinary degree requiring 30 credits of coursework, three years of language study and an independent research thesis.

Faculty: University Honors College / Global Studies Center | Duration: 30 credits of coursework plus three years of language study | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

PS 0550 Introduction to Global Studies, a 3-credit methodology course, a 3-credit Global Studies capstone and 21 credits in one of five global concentrations (3.5 GPA or better in each), at least three courses in two departments outside the major. Also required: language proficiency (ACTFL intermediate-high for less commonly taught or advanced-low for commonly taught languages), at least 4 weeks in-country study abroad or internship, a publicly defended Honors thesis with a four-member committee, and a digital portfolio.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Students enroll in the Global Studies certificate in the first year and, by the end of the sophomore year, apply to the Honors College with the application approved by the Global Studies Center director; 3.5 GPA demonstrated; research question formulated.

First-year entry for Fall 2027 is open; the University operates on rolling admission with no set application deadline. Fall term begins August 23 and spring term begins January 10 for the admitted first-year cycle shown.

Transfer students may apply for fall, spring and summer terms (Swanson School of Engineering also lists Fall, Spring and Summer entry; Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Education and Pharmacy are Fall only).

First-year applicants apply with the University of Pittsburgh Application or the Common Application (neither is preferred); the application fee is $55. There is no set deadline (rolling admission). The STARS self-reported academic record is required for first-year applicants except international students.

The SAT/ACT is optional: the test-optional policy runs through fall 2028 for first-year and transfer applicants, including international and homeschool applicants. Proof of English proficiency is required from international students.

International first-year applicants for fall who complete their application before February 1 are automatically reviewed for international student scholarships; international undergraduate applicants must apply by April 1 for fall and summer entry and by October 1 for spring entry.

Transfer applications are on rolling admission in the Dietrich School, Business, General Studies and Public Health (recommended complete by July 30 for fall and December 1 for spring; international deadlines May 1 fall, October 1 spring, February 15 summer). Swanson Engineering: Fall July 30, Spring December 1, Summer April 1 (international May 1, October 1, February 15). Nursing: Fall April 1, Spring November 1 (international Fall April 1, Spring October 1). Computing and Information: Fall early March 1, final May 1 international and June 15 domestic, Spring October 1, Summer February 1. Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and Education programmes: Fall only, March 1 priority deadline. Pharmacy applies through PharmCAS.

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