Ready to Learn Something New?

There’s always something more to learn where progress is always in progress. Here’s a sampling of the newest certificates and programs at Pitt.

Does your school or department at Pitt have new offerings to share? Email pittwire [at] pitt.edu (subject: New%20academic%20offerings)  to tell us about it.

Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business

18-Month Signature MBA

The Katz School’s Signature MBA has been redesigned as an 18-month cohort experience that provides time for a summer internship and includes an intensive integrated learning capstone experience during the final semester, while enabling students to rejoin the workforce four months earlier than a traditional two-year MBA program.

Dual MBAs within Katz

Adding to the Katz joint degree MBA programs in collaboration with other Pitt schools, new Katz Dual Degree MBA/MS programs allow students to obtain two graduate business degrees by pairing an MBA with a Katz Master of Science degree in Finance, Management Information Systems, Marketing Science or Supply Chain Management. Each two-year program is designed to be completed in 21 months with time for a summer internship and an integrated learning capstone experience.

Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

Law, Criminal Justice and Society Major

The Law, Criminal Justice and Society major, offered jointly between the Dietrich School and the College of General Studies, equips students to pursue advanced degrees in law and social science, and to succeed as professionals and advocates in the justice-oriented professions and organizations that serve American society’s diverse and dynamic communities.

Students will examine the workings of the criminal justice system in the broader context of society and the legal system. The core curriculum fosters comprehension and critical analysis of the legal system, criminological theory, criminal justice institutions, criminal law and social inequality. Students also will complete six credits of professional skills and a capstone course on ethics in criminal justice.

Major in Museum Studies

The Department of History of Art and Architecture’s Museum Studies program positions students for a wide range of careers in the cultural and non-profit sectors.

Founded as a single course over a decade ago, Pitt’s Museum Studies program has grown into an innovative, hands-on major, with a minor option, that sets students up for success in a range of cultural sector careers. Students in this program learn about the histories and politics of museology and develop the critical and theoretical tools to grapple with the ethical complexities of collecting and preserving works of art, visual and material culture. 

Sport Studies Certificate

The Sport Studies Certificate offers students the opportunity to engage, learn and think critically about sport as part of the human experience from multidisciplinary approaches. Students also learn how sport shapes economies, politics, world history, health, science and social life.

This 18-credit certificate enhances students’ understanding of sport—its evolution, complexities and potential—and better prepares them for working in a sport-related field, such as sports media, sport for development, coaching and marketing.

School of Education

Master’s Programs

Two master’s programs in the School of Education begin this fall:

The MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, offered fully online, is designed for K-12 teachers who are in the early stages of their careers. The 30-credit program provides advanced training in instructional methods with a special emphasis on equity, literacy and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).

For Pennsylvania teachers, the program provides three valuable career credentials: It meets Act 48 continuing education requirements, provides a Pennsylvania Department of Education STEM endorsement and confers a master’s degree.

The MEd in PreK-12 Special Education provides a pathway for people from all academic backgrounds—even those outside education—the opportunity to become a special education teacher. The 33-credit program is open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree. It fulfills the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education for all grade levels: pre-kindergarten, elementary school, middle school and high school. Through the comprehensive curriculum, students will learn how to effectively teach children with disabilities.

STEAM Education Certificate

The School of Education’s 12-credit STEAM Education certificate covers instructional design, transdisciplinary learning approaches, assessment and implementation of the STEAM curriculum. Current Pennsylvania teacher license holders who complete this asynchronous online program are eligible for the Pennsylvania Department of Education's STEM Endorsement. The program has rolling admissions and students can begin at any time.

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Two new SHRS programs are available this fall:

Accelerated MS in Athletic Training Program 

The SHRS undergraduate Athletic Training program is transitioning from a BS to an accelerated Master of Science in Athletic Training degree program beginning in fall 2021.

Hybrid Master of Rehabilitation Technology Program

The SHRS Master of Rehabilitation Technology program is now being offered online in hybrid form. The MRT program trains students to become certified Assistive Technology Professionals who are qualified to help fill the approximately 300 job vacancies for ATPs in the U.S. and thousands more worldwide.

School of Law

International Business Law and Dispute Resolute Online Graduate Certificate

Pitt Law’s International Business Law and Dispute Resolute Online Graduate Certificate Program is focused on the ever-growing area of cross-border business transactions and the disputes that may arise out of them. The certificate is designed for foreign-qualified lawyers seeking a U.S. credential, as well as U.S. business professionals and paralegals who work closely with lawyers on international business transactions. 

The 10-month accelerated program consists of five 8-week-long 3-credit courses, offered online in asynchronous mode to allow working professionals to learn at their own pace.

School of Social Work

12-Month Advanced Standing Program

The School of Social Work will offer a 12-month advanced standing program starting in fall 2021. Qualified students can now receive up to 21 credits—up to 15 class credits and up to six field education credits—toward the 60-credit MSW program.

Students with full advanced standing can complete their MSW program with a minimum of 39 credits, with full-time enrollment options for both 12-month (fall, spring, summer) and 16-month (fall, spring, fall) options.

“Students can complete their undergrad and graduate degrees in 5 years. It is savings of both time and tuition,” said Associate Dean for Student Success Keith Caldwell. “We know that graduate school is a significant commitment, and we’re excited that this additional option will provide more students with the opportunity to achieve their goal of an MSW degree.”

University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

UPG Special Education Major

Pitt-Greensburg has added a Special Education major to its education program. Beginning in fall 2021, students can earn a full double certification in Early Childhood and Special Education by adding just one additional semester.

In addition, psychology students will be able to add a Special Education major with certification in just one extra semester, giving them an edge on working with students with disabilities in school settings.

UPG Information Technology Concentrations

Pitt-Greensburg’s Information Technology program now offers two concentrations. Students can choose from a cyber security or an administration track.