University of Pittsburgh School of Public & International Affairs

University of Pittsburgh School of Public & International Affairs Be a leader that shapes the world you want. Undergrad BA in Public Policy, minors in Public & Global Policy, certificate in Nonprofit Management.

Master's in Public Administration/Policy, International Affairs & International Development. We are a diverse community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni committed to making significant contributions to society through public service. As a part of the University of Pittsburgh, GSPIA is a leader in education, a pioneer in research, and an engaged partner in our region and around the world. Fo

r more than 60 years, our legacy has inspired graduates to make public institutions better, advance public interest, and realize a more equitable and inclusive society.

After nearly six years at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public and International Affairs, Dean Carissa Slotterb...
06/04/2026

After nearly six years at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public and International Affairs, Dean Carissa Slotterback is preparing for her next chapter.

She is stepping down from her role at Pitt to become dean of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at Arizona State University. During her tenure, she helped guide our school through a period of growth and transformation, including academic innovation, expanded opportunities for students, and the evolution from GSPIA to SPIA.

We are grateful for her commitment to public service education, and we wish her all the best in what's next.

Read more: https://www.pittwire.pitt.edu/features-articles/2026/06/04/dean-slotterback-steps-down.

Big ideas. Important questions. Research that shapes practice.Later this week, SPIA faculty and PhD researchers are head...
06/02/2026

Big ideas. Important questions. Research that shapes practice.

Later this week, SPIA faculty and PhD researchers are headed to Washington, D.C., for the 2026 Public Management Research Conference (PMRC), to share research and contribute to conversations that help shape the future of public service and public institutions.

Whether examining how organizations perform, how policies are implemented, or how governments can better serve communities, these scholars are helping move the field forward.

What happens when a yearlong conversation about democracy crosses an ocean?For four SPIA master’s students, it led to Wi...
05/29/2026

What happens when a yearlong conversation about democracy crosses an ocean?

For four SPIA master’s students, it led to Windsor and London, where they connected with scholars, policymakers, and peers through a transatlantic working group focused on democracy, authoritarianism, and institutional resilience.

It’s the kind of globally connected learning that stays with you long after graduation.

Read the full story: https://www.spia.pitt.edu/news/yearlong-democracy-exchange-lands-spia-students-uk.

Last year, prospective student Wyatt Ruzanic visited SPIA to explore our Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy program.Now, ...
05/26/2026

Last year, prospective student Wyatt Ruzanic visited SPIA to explore our Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy program.

Now, he’s officially committed to Pitt as a pre-public policy student in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, with plans to graduate from SPIA in 2030.

In this Q&A, he reflects on what first sparked his interest in public policy, the issues he hopes to help address someday, and why Pitt felt like the right fit.

As Pitt’s application opens again on August 1, his story feels like a reminder that sometimes a college search becomes something bigger: finding the place where your interests, values, and future start connecting in a real way.

Read the story here: https://www.spia.pitt.edu/news/future-public-policy-student-reflects-why-he-chose-spia.

A big congratulations to Alison Bonebrake Esquea (MPA '99) on being named to the Board of Directors for National Council...
05/18/2026

A big congratulations to Alison Bonebrake Esquea (MPA '99) on being named to the Board of Directors for National Council on Aging.

Her work across federal policy, government accountability, and health care advocacy continues to shape conversations that matter nationally. We’re especially proud to know her not only as a distinguished alumna, but also as a longtime member of SPIA’s Board of Visitors. Excited to see her leadership continue in this new role.

SPIA’s next chapter is taking shape inside Posvar Hall.Beginning this summer, the School of Public and International Aff...
05/14/2026

SPIA’s next chapter is taking shape inside Posvar Hall.

Beginning this summer, the School of Public and International Affairs will undergo a major renovation designed to better reflect the way our community learns, collaborates, and leads today — and where we’re headed next.

For alumni, students, faculty, staff, and partners who have walked these halls over the years, this transformation is about more than updated space. It’s about creating an environment that matches the energy and ambition of the SPIA community.

Read more about what’s ahead: https://www.spia.pitt.edu/news/new-space-future-spia.

Faculty Spotlight: Dean Carissa Slotterback recently spoke on a panel at the University of Pittsburgh's conference, The ...
05/13/2026

Faculty Spotlight: Dean Carissa Slotterback recently spoke on a panel at the University of Pittsburgh's conference, The Future(s) of International and Area Studies: Challenges, Opportunities, Goals, hosted by Pitt Global. The conversation brought together deans from leading institutions to discuss the evolving future of international and public affairs education.

A room full of applause, proud smiles, and graduates ready for what’s next. 🎓SPIA’s Spring 2026 Commencement brought tog...
05/08/2026

A room full of applause, proud smiles, and graduates ready for what’s next. 🎓

SPIA’s Spring 2026 Commencement brought together students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to celebrate a milestone years in the making and the impact this class is ready to have on the world ahead.

Take a look back at the celebration:
https://www.spia.pitt.edu/news/celebrating-spring-2026-commencement.

SPIA in D.C.! 🏛️ After kicking off the week recognizing the impact of public service, we wanted to share what the days l...
05/07/2026

SPIA in D.C.! 🏛️

After kicking off the week recognizing the impact of public service, we wanted to share what the days looked like for our students in real time. This week included agency visits, alumni conversations, career exploration, networking moments, and a chance to experience the work up close across Washington.

It’s Public Service Recognition Week and SPIA students are spending it in Washington, D.C. for our annual career trip!Th...
05/06/2026

It’s Public Service Recognition Week and SPIA students are spending it in Washington, D.C. for our annual career trip!

They are stepping into the spaces where public service happens every day—visiting agencies, meeting with alumni, asking questions, and making connections.

Whether they just crossed the graduation stage or completed their first year, they are using this experience to explore what their future in public service could look like.

And to the SPIA alumni taking time to share advice, experiences, and honest conversations along the way: thank you! 💙💛

Address

Posvar Hall
Pittsburgh, PA
15260

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when University of Pittsburgh School of Public & International Affairs posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The University

Send a message to University of Pittsburgh School of Public & International Affairs:

Shortcuts

Share

Category