GSPIA Receives High Rankings from U.S. News & World Report

December 16, 2021

The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs has again been ranked as one of the top public affairs graduate programs in the country in the U.S. News and World Report’s newest rankings.   

This year GSPIA’s rank held strong at No. 38, placing it in the top 15 percent of public affairs schools across the country. GSPIA has retained its strong position in the top 15% of public affairs schools. Among public institutions, GSPIA ranks in the top 25.

In addition, GSPIA ranked in key specialty areas. It remained in the No. 1 spot among public universities and No. 7 overall in the specialty rankings for International/Global Policy and Administration. This distinction is given to programs that educate students for a career in policymaking, global business or other international-focused fields. 

This year GSPIA is tied at No. 14 among publics and No. 22 overall in the specialty rankings for Urban Policy. Programs ranked in urban policy educate students in fields such as urban planning, community development and policy analysis. 

GSPIA is a professional school with a diverse community of faculty, staff, students and alumni, offering master’s degrees in Public and International Affairs, International Development, Public Administration, Public Policy and Management, and PhD in International Affairs. The school benefits tremendously from its position in a top-ranked public research university – the University of Pittsburgh ranked No. 19 among public institutions in the 2020 U.S. News rankings. 

“We’re so pleased to receive this recognition from our peers.  For our top-ranked International/Global Policy and Administration area, it is especially wonderful to be acknowledged for our depth of expertise in security and intelligence studies, international political economy, human security, and international public management," said GSPIA Dean Carissa Schively Slotterback.

Founded in 1958, the school continues its commitment to educate leaders that make an impact both locally and globally by supporting students as they hone their passions, build their skills and expertise, and launch careers that advance the public good.  

“GSPIA is in excellent company within the broader community of public affairs schools. We are eager to continue working with colleagues across the country in continuing to advance innovations in public affairs education, research, and engagement," said Slotterback.

The U.S. News 2022 rankings of public affairs programs, completed in early 2021, are based solely on peer assessment surveys sent to deans, directors, and department chairs representing 285 master’s programs in public affairs and administration. Two surveys were sent to each school. The response rate was 63.6 percent. To view a full list of graduate schools of public affairs, visit U.S. News & World Report.