Master of Public and International Affairs at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The Master of Public and International Affairs is a multidisciplinary programme preparing students for careers as policymakers, diplomats, intelligence officials, global business leaders, nonprofit managers or policy researchers. It emphasizes practical skills for participating in international policy processes.

Faculty: School of Public and International Affairs | Department: Master of Public and International Affairs | Duration: As few as 36 credit hours, completed in three full-time terms (students enrolled before Fall 2025 follow a 48-credit plan) | Intake: Fall and Spring terms | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

The curriculum pairs traditional courses on international economics and international relations theory with practical courses on intelligence collection and analysis, international security, diplomacy, international finance and professionalization. Concentrations: Human Security, International Political Economy, and Security & Intelligence Studies. Joint degrees: JD, MBA, MPH, MSIS, MSW and a joint degree with Kobe University in Japan; area studies certificates are available.

Career pathways

Class of 2024 employment: 19% federal government, 10% local/state government, 42% nonprofit/NGO, 29% private.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

School of Public and International Affairs graduate admissions (master's programmes): online application via GradCAS; resume or CV; personal essay (5,000 characters) on motivation for public and international affairs, skills contributed and fit with SPIA; optional additional essay; unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended (official final transcript after admission); two letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors; non-refundable $50 application fee (waivers case by case). GRE and GMAT are optional and not required. International applicants: TOEFL minimum 80 iBT (90 or above strongly preferred; on the new 1-6 scale from January 21, 2026 the minimum is 4.0 overall and in every subscore), IELTS 6.5 overall and in each subsection, or Duolingo English Test 120; exempt with a degree from a regionally accredited US institution or citizenship of certain English-speaking countries. Deadlines: Fall (US citizens and permanent residents) first priority February 1, second April 15, third June 1; Spring November 1; international applicants January 15 (Fall) and August 1 (Spring).

Requirements published at faculty level.

Domestic applicants: USD 27,412 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, School of Public and International Affairs, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 49,272 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, School of Public and International Affairs, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Entry terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) and deadlines are set by each school or department; the University's graduate catalog lists Fall, Spring and Summer terms for new graduate students.

Graduate and professional applications are made online to the school or department of intended study, with deadlines set by each school or department; official English-test results are required from applicants from countries where English is not the official language.

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