University of Pittsburgh
Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
Franklin & Marshall College
Department of Government
To: Students interested in graduate school
From: Dean Hammer
About: University of Pittsburgh (Graduate School of Public and International Affairs)
The following is information about the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (University of Pittsburgh). Much of it is based on a conversation with Martin Staniland, acting Dean of the program. I will be placing this information and supporting information in an advising file.
The Program: The GSPIA offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA), a Master of Public and International Affairs (MPIA), a Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP), Master of Arts in Administration of Justice, and a doctoral program.
Pittsburgh location, removed from Washington, DC, puts the program at a disadvantage for competing for graduate students. This is particularly true for the international affairs program. The GSPIA has sought to compensate for this through internships, by seeking to develop connections into Washington, DC, and by emphasizing that students develop competencies in particular niches (such as international transportation and international crime enforcement).
Students are finding jobs who have developed particular skills (particularly computer and public administration skills) and who have interests in niche areas (such as international crime). Jobs in international affairs are primarily in branches that are attached to larger agencies (e.g., jobs in international aviation that are part of the Dept. of Transportation). Those students who have only a vague idea of what they want to do, or take a series of general courses that do not provide specific skills, tend to do less well.
Student Preparation:
1) Public Service. The Program takes seriously its mission of public service. To that end, they are interested in people who have demonstrated a commitment to public service.
2) Employment. Though it is possible for students to go directly into the program from college, Prof. Staniland emphasized that there are real advantages for the student to work for a year or two first. This will help give the student focus for the program.
3) Foreign Language proficiency. Students who are interested in international relations or international development should have, or should acquire, foreign language proficiency. This is not essential, but will be to the advantage of the student.
Admissions Data:
Admission to the program is not highly competitive. No GRE’s are required.
Writing a Statement of Purpose:
This program, like all programs, will ask students to write a statement of purpose. What follows are some tips:
1) The statement should be authentic. Don’t try to "conjure" what others wants to hear. Instead, focus on giving them a sense of what is distinctive about you.
2) Focus on the mission of program, which is a commitment to public service. They are interested in ways in which you have demonstrated a commitment to public service.
3) Talk about any experiences that might have shaped you, including evidence of resilience, leadership, or management in difficult times.
4) You should show focus in your goals and objectives. This is the importance of working for a while.
Letters of Recommendation:
It is important that you do not use outdated letters for references, particularly since you will have gained valuable work experience before applying to graduate school. It is important that you talk with faculty members who may be writing reference letters. Give them a sense of what you have been doing, what experiences you have had, and what sort of goals and objectives you have. This will be important so that the faculty member can emphasize personal aspects in the recommendation.
