Thinking About Graduate School?
Consider Early Admission Options at Pitt.
If you have a 3.5 GPA or higher and are planning to pursue graduate study at the University of Pittsburgh, you might be eligible for an early admission option. This allows you to start your graduate classes early and apply up to 24 graduate credits toward your undergraduate degree as free electives.
Graduate Programs That Offer Early Admission with CGS
These accelerated pathways allow eligible CGS students to begin graduate study while completing their undergraduate degree.
SPIA 4+1 Accelerated Program
Pitt undergraduates can get a head start on a master’s degree at SPIA while finishing their bachelor’s degree.
Public Health Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program
Pitt undergraduates can apply to accelerated bachelor’s/master’s programs that allow students to complete both degrees in about five years.
Master of Studies in Law Early Option
Law, Criminal Justice, and Society (LCJS) majors can pair their bachelor’s degree with a Master of Studies in Law from Pitt’s School of Law.
What You Need to Know
- You must be a strong graduate school candidate and be admitted to the Pitt graduate program. Admissions requirements vary—check directly with the graduate school you’re interested in.
- You need to complete at least 96 undergraduate credits, including all of your general education and major requirements (and no G grades), before starting your graduate classes.
- If you’re in a professional undergraduate major and planning to enter a professional graduate program, there’s a limit on how many professional credits you can apply—talk with your advisor about this early.
- You must take at least 24 credits of graduate-level courses and earn a B or better in each course. These credits will also count toward your graduate degree.
- You can apply fewer than 24 graduate credits toward your undergraduate degree if you’ve already completed some electives.
Important:
Talk to your CGS advisor as soon as possible if you’re interested in this option. They can help you understand the process and make sure you’re on track.
Check with the Financial Aid Office. Becoming a graduate student early may impact your financial aid. It’s your responsibility to confirm.
Graduating from CGS
- You’ll apply to graduate from CGS after you’ve finished the first 24 credits of your graduate program.
- You must have at least 120 total credits to earn your bachelor’s degree.
- You’ll graduate with a B.A. or B.S. based on your CGS major, and your transcript will include a note that your degree was awarded in combination with a Pitt graduate program.
- Your undergraduate GPA will be based only on your CGS coursework. Your graduate courses won’t count toward your undergraduate GPA.