University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Reviews of Master's in Public Policy

  • 14 Reviews
  • Pittsburgh (PA)
  • Annual Tuition: $43,504
0% of 14 students said this degree improved their career prospects
86% of 14 students said they would recommend this program to others
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Reviews - Master's in Public Policy

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Jay
  • Reviewed: 1/11/2023
  • Degree: Public Policy
"Overall just a poor experience. I wish I would have taken time to research more grad schools. Many of the teachers were not interested in teaching. The advisors were rude and callous. The price tag was way too high for what I received. If you do go to this school make sure you have funding."
Courtney Horvat
  • Reviewed: 1/26/2015
  • Degree: Public Policy
"Thus far, the faculty and staff at GSPIA have been nothing but helpful and very accessible, and for that I am very appreciative. The program itself is quite expensive, however, nationally ranked. I just wish there were more opportunities for funding outside of federal financial aid. The in-school scholarship and grant opportunities are few. Other than that, I do really love Pitt. I completed my undergrad here and am happy to be back."
Itha Cao
  • Reviewed: 11/20/2014
  • Degree: Public Policy
"The pros of this program are that it prepares you to work on your writing skills for policy papers. It also teaches you how to skim and prioritize your workload, readings, etc. The cons are that I am not really sure what hard skills I learned, and how a lot of the course material will help me find a job in the future. In addition, the school's administration is difficult to work with for cross-registration with other programs, and making undergraduate degrees count towards requirements. A lot of courses seem to promise a lot, but turn out to be disappointing. Classes are smaller than in undergrad, so there is more attention for students, but this can be bad if professors dislike you."
Alissa Shawl
  • Reviewed: 10/11/2014
  • Degree: Public Policy
"For the most part, I am really enjoying my time at the Graduate School of Public & International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh. If I could make a suggestion, I would wish that the program is becomes more practical, rather than theoretical as to better prepare students for career life."
Azra Hafizovic
  • Reviewed: 8/5/2014
  • Degree: Public Policy
"The professors and staff at GSPIA are great and helpful. Career services is constantly updating students with new opportunities."
Christopher Gursky
  • Reviewed: 6/15/2014
  • Degree: Public Policy
"One of the biggest benefits of this graduate program is that it gives the students the opportunity to network with other students, faculty and various professionals that are brought in by the school. The extracurricular experience is wonderful and truly helps in career building beyond what you learn in the classroom. A disadvantage to this is that part time students are limited in their ability to attend the extra functions, however the school is very responsive to this concern and is addressing it immediately, much to the relief of the part time students."
Corey Diehl
  • Reviewed: 6/4/2014
  • Degree: Public Policy
"Pro: Respected program (GSPIA), affordable city, career opportunities present Con: As as student who has yet to have a full semester of experience within the program it is not possible for me to have a quality position on cons."
Sarah Angel Markwardt
  • Reviewed: 11/5/2013
  • Degree: Public Policy
"At GSPIA, students are provided with an incredible amount of resources. Besides normal class periods, nearly every day, a guest speaker gives a lecture for a student organization or center (i.e. Urban Studies Center, African Studies Center, Ford Institute for Human Security...) Pittsburgh is an affordable city with lots to offer for students, especially those studying management in Public Administration or Non-Profits. GSPIA helps students connect to internships throughout the city and abroad through many organizational and alumni connections. The workload is heavy, but you will learn so much if you take advantage of your time there."
Sarah Angel Markwardt
  • Reviewed: 8/28/2013
  • Degree: Public Policy
"GSPIA is a competitive program in a great location. Both faculty and students have served in the governments and non-profit sectors of countries throughout the world, weaving a terrific network of alums. There are not many scholarships available through the school, but the University's Certificate programs are a great resource academically and financially."
Kimberly Goody
  • Reviewed: 5/24/2013
  • Degree: Public Policy
"There needs to be more aid or scholarships available to students to defer the cost. Pittsburgh is a relatively inexpensive city to live and as a result makes the school more affordable."
Elyce Nollette
  • Reviewed: 12/24/2012
  • Degree: Public Policy
"The graduate program has wonderful access to a variety of courses across graduate programs within the University of Pittsburgh and allows flexibility with electives. Enrollment officers and academic advisers are very supportive and eager to help facilitate students in achieving their goals. One thing that can be improved upon is the introduction of new students to the services offered by the graduate program and the University as a whole."
Susan Tart
  • Reviewed: 12/21/2012
  • Degree: Public Policy
"The school is very committed to its students and is equipped with excellent facilities and smart classrooms. However, many students are quite young, so naturally the network opportunities are less advanced. If you have work experience, you will be at an advantage for scholarship funding."
Jessica Mullins
  • Reviewed: 12/2/2012
  • Degree: Public Policy
"Variety of programs mixed together, diversity of student population, and good cost of living. Out of state tuition is high, few scholarships, some of the courses are not as good as they could be."
Emily Pontarelli
  • Reviewed: 12/1/2012
  • Degree: Public Policy
"Pros: Pittsburgh is a great city to go to graduate school, it is affordable and has plenty of opportunity especially in the areas of nonprofits. Cons: A lot of required classes that are not tailored to specific majors."