Our interdisciplinary PhD program will equip you with the skills, tools, and knowledge to assess and conduct cutting-edge academic research in public affairs, with a domestic or global lens. Working closely with faculty advisors, our PhD students conduct research on a wide variety of critical topics, ranging from protests and policing at the local level to nuclear deterrence and immigration policy at the global level. Our graduates have gone on to tenure-track jobs at excellent universities in the US and abroad, roles in the federal government, and high-level positions in nonprofit organizations.

To apply to the PhD program, you must have a bachelor’s degree; however, we strongly encourage that students complete a relevant master’s degree prior to joining our program – either in public and international affairs or in one of the social sciences. Once you’re accepted, you must complete 67 hours of coursework and a six-credit dissertation. If you have earned a master’s degree, as many as 30 credits from that degree may be applied to your total credit requirement for our program (or 36 credits if your master’s degree was earned at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at Pitt).

Undergraduate transcripts are an important factor in the admissions decision, but they are not the only factor. To be competitive for admission, students should have at least a 3.2 overall average. To be competitive for merit scholarships, applicants normally need at least a 3.5. The admissions committee also considers the GPA within the major, the GPA within the last two years, any extenuating circumstances, the length of time since graduating from college, the rigor of the undergraduate program, and other factors.

Because our admissions process is holistic, applicants with weaker GPAs can be considered for admission if they have exceptionally strong credentials in other areas, such as work experience. The GRE is optional for all master’s degree applicants and doctoral applicants. If you’re applying for a master’s program, you may submit your GRE or GMAT score as supplemental material, but this is not required. If you’re applying to the PhD program, you may submit a GMAT score as supplemental material, but this is not required.

Most students who are accepted for our doctoral program are awarded four years of funding. This allows you to complete your required coursework and your doctoral dissertation. Typically, students receive graduate student assistantships (GSAs) or teaching assistantships (TAs), which provide salary, tuition, fees, and medical insurance. If you have an assistantship, you’re required to work 20 hours per week as assigned by the associate dean.