University of Pittsburgh, School of Public and International Affairs

Real-World Experience: Shaping Tomorrow’s Global Problem Solvers

The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public and International Affairs does more than just educate students — it prepares them to lead in a world that demands bold solutions. “Our programs give students a competitive edge by combining rigorous, forward-thinking coursework with hands-on, real-world experience,” explains Luke Condra, associate dean and associate professor.

Condra credits the school’s innovative curriculum, designed to go beyond theory. “Whether it’s analyzing policy frameworks, mastering data-driven decision-making, or developing actionable solutions, our students graduate not just knowing how to navigate complex societal challenges, but how to solve them,” Condra says.

Students work on projects that have real impact, whether through working groups, Capstone courses, or partnerships with government agencies and nonprofits. “The challenges of our time — climate change, global security, economic inequality — demand leaders who are ready to act,” Condra says. “At Pitt, we train leaders and problem solvers.”

A key advantage of studying at Pitt’s School of Public and International Affairs is the ability to tailor the education to a student’s ambitions. They offer three distinct master’s programs — Public Administration (MPA), Public and International Affairs (MPIA), and International Development (MID) — each designed to equip students with expertise and practical skills. Within these programs, students further refine their focus by choosing from a range of specialized concentrations that align with their passions. This level of customization ensures that graduates enter the workforce ready to tackle the challenges that matter most to them and to the world.

Learning also extends beyond the classroom through renowned research centers and institutes. Whether it’s advancing critical discussions on human security, intelligence studies, or ethical and responsible leadership, students benefit from direct engagement with experts and practitioners shaping the field.

“Our centers create opportunities for students to participate in working groups, policy simulations, and real-world problem-solving alongside leading scholars and professionals,” Condra says. “Through partnerships with influential agencies and organizations like the FBI and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), students gain insider access to networks, resources, and career-shaping experiences.”

Within six months of graduation, 96 percent of graduates find jobs or go on to pursue additional education. They are in positions making a difference every day — proving that a degree from Pitt delivers results. From driving global development at the World Bank to leading strategic initiatives at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), graduates take on big challenges.

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featured course: Russian Foreign Policy

Examine themes of change and continuity in the conduct of Russia’s foreign affairs in this graduate course taught by national security and foreign policy expert Drew Peterson, formerly with the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the White House.

“My favorite part was the simulation, which focused on the Russia-Ukraine war and examined potential outcomes of international negotiations, including issues related to nuclear weapons, territorial disputes, and military strategies,” says Eleanor Forshaw, an MPIA student in the class.

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University of Pittsburgh, School of Public and International Affairs
https://www.spia.pitt.edu
[email protected]
412-648-7640