Security and Intelligence Studies

The Security and Intelligence Studies program at the University of Pittsburgh offers students a comprehensive understanding of the complex fields of national security, intelligence analysis, and strategic policy. This interdisciplinary program combines coursework in political science, history, international relations, and law to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills required to address contemporary security challenges. Students will examine topics such as intelligence gathering and analysis, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, covert operations, and diplomatic strategies. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical considerations, and practical application, preparing graduates for careers in government agencies, intelligence organizations, military services, law enforcement, and private security firms. Through a combination of rigorous classroom instruction, focused research, and experiential learning opportunities—including internships with security agencies—students gain real-world insights into the operational and policy aspects of security and intelligence. The program also encourages the development of analytical writing, communication, and problem-solving skills vital for success in high-stakes environments. Faculty members are experts in the fields of national security, intelligence operations, and foreign policy, providing mentorship and insights aligned with current global security issues. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue advanced studies or enter the workforce with a nuanced understanding of the security landscape, prepared to contribute effectively to national and international security efforts. With its strong academic foundation and dedicated professional network, the Security and Intelligence Studies program at the University of Pittsburgh offers a distinguished educational experience for students committed to safeguarding global security and fostering stability worldwide.

• PIA 2129 - LAW AND CIVIL SECURITY
• PIA 2303 - SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE STUDIES (required)
• PIA 2308 – COVERT ACTION IN WORLD POLITICS
• PIA 2317/3317 – LAWS OF WAR
• PIA 2323 – INTELLIGENCE PERSPECTIVES ON THE COLD WAR ERA
• PIA 2327 - TERRORISM AND COUNTER TERRORISM
• PIA 2328 - ETHICS AND NATIONAL SECURITY
• PIA 2346 - INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN INTELLIGENCE
• PIA 2347 – GLOBAL HOT SPOTS
• PIA 2352 - STRATEGY AND POLICY
• PIA 2359 - ETHNIC CONFLICT AND CIVIL WAR
• PIA 2374 - THEORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
• PIA 2379 - INTRODUCTION TO CYBER CRIMES
• PIA 2387 - NATO AND ALLIANCE MANAGEMENT
• PIA 2426 – SPECIAL INTELLIGENCE TOPICS
• PIA 2602 - NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEFENSE TRANSFORMATION DC SEMESTER
• PIA 2603 - AFRICAN CONFLICTS: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES DC SEMESTER
• PIA 2604 - GEOPOLITICS OF SOUTH ASIA DC SEMESTER
• PIA 2607 - STATE CRAFT AND SMART POWER IN THE DIGITAL ERA DC SEMESTER
• PIA 2715 - GIS FOR PUBLIC POLICY
• PIA 2096 – CAPSTONE SEMINAR: Governance and Trafficking in Central America (if not used toward core)

Requirements

Online Application. Complete and submit the online application in its entirety. All application materials can be submitted electronically using the online system, with the exception of academic transcripts. 

Application Fee. The non-refundable $50 application fee may be paid by check or credit card. You will be prompted to pay the fee at the end of the online application process. The application fee is waived for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, AmeriCorps Volunteers, Truman Scholars, Pickering Fellows, Coro Fellows, Rangel Fellows, McNair Fellows, Teach for America alumni, City Year alumni, Payne Fellows, Catholic Volunteer Network alumni, and veterans/active duty members of the US Armed Forces.

Early Application Discount: Prospective students who submit a complete online application for fall-term admission by December 31 of the previous year pay a reduced application fee of $25.
 
Résumé. All applicants should upload a current résumé/curriculum vitae, showing relevant awards, academic achievements, full- and part-time job experience, internships, and volunteer work. 

Personal Essay. Introduce yourself to the admissions committee. Discuss your professional goals and why you feel a GSPIA degree can help you attain them. Describe your background, interests, and motivation for pursuing graduate work in public & international affairs. There is a 5,000 character limit (approximately two double-spaced, typed pages).

Second Essay (PhD applicants only – not required for master’s or non-degree candidates). Identify the broad topic and research questions you envision as the focus of your doctoral dissertation research, as well as the methodologies you intend to use. There is a 5,000 character limit (approximately two double-spaced, typed pages).

Optional Essay. If there are any special circumstances you would like the admissions committee to consider, highlight them in the optional essay. Use this essay to include any information that you feel is important, but that you were not able to include elsewhere on the application. There is no penalty for leaving this blank.

GRE or GMAT Scores (not required for MPPM and non-degree applicants). All applicants to the MPA, MPIA, MID, and PhD programs must have taken the GRE or GMAT within five years of the date of their application. It is not necessary to take both exams; either test score may be submitted. Official score reports must be sent directly from the testing agency to GSPIA. (GRE test takers can order score reports online at www.gre.org. GMAT test takers can order reports at www.mba.com). Copies of your own score report are not acceptable. GSPIA’s institutional code is for the GRE 2574.

Exceptions: Students applying to GSPIA’s joint-degree program with the University of Pittsburgh School of Law may substitute an LSAT score in lieu of the GRE.

TOEFL/IELTS Scores (international students only). International applicants must submit either the TOEFL or the IELTS. Contact Educational Testing Services directly to request that an official score report be sent to GSPIA. The minimum TOEFL score required for admission is 80 on the Internet-based test, although 90 or above is strongly preferred. The minimum IELTS score required for admission is 7.0 (overall, and in each of the subsections). GSPIA’s institutional code is 2574.

Exceptions: International students who completed a degree at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States are not required to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score. Students from certain English-speaking countries are also exempt (see this link for a list of exempt countries). All US citizens and permanent residents are exempt.  

Academic Transcripts.  When completing the online application, you will be asked to upload copies of official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended, whether or not you earned a degree. You should upload a scanned copy of an official transcript generated by your university’s registrar’s office. Self-reported transcripts, student grade reports, or copies of unofficial transcripts are not acceptable. 

It is not necessary to submit hard copies of your transcripts at the time of application, as long as your scanned copies have uploaded successfully. If you are admitted, you will then be required to submit final, official transcripts directly from your university’s registrar’s office to GSPIA. The official copy must exactly match the scanned copy that you submitted at the time of application. 

If you do not have access to technology that will allow you to submit a scanned copy of your transcript at the time of application, you may submit an official copy instead. The official copy must be sent by mail directly from your university’s registrar’s office to GSPIA (3601 Posvar Hall; Pittsburgh, PA 15260). 

Two Letters of Recommendation. Letters should be written by professors who have taught you or supervisors who have overseen your work, either professionally or in a volunteer capacity. If you graduated from college less than three years ago, at least one, if not both, of your letters should be from professors. Letters written by friends, family members, work colleagues, or anyone who has not taught or supervised you are not acceptable. 

All letters must be submitted online. When you complete the online application, you will be prompted to enter the names and email addresses of your recommenders. The system will automatically send them an email explaining how they can upload their letters.

Scholarships

• Global Education
• GSPIA-Based Funding
• University-Based Funding

The Security and Intelligence Studies program at the University of Pittsburgh offers students a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare them for careers in national security, intelligence analysis, homeland security, and related fields. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skills, equipping students with the knowledge necessary to analyze, interpret, and respond to security threats in a dynamic global environment. Students explore topics such as intelligence collection and analysis, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, law enforcement, regional security issues, and the political and legal aspects of security policy. The program is structured to include coursework, internships, and research opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and develop professional networks within the security community. The university collaborates with government agencies, security organizations, and international partners to provide real-world insights and practical training. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue careers in government agencies such as the CIA, FBI, DHS, as well as private sector security firms, think tanks, and international organizations. The program may also offer specializations or tracks allowing students to focus on specific regions or security issues. Faculty members are experienced professionals and researchers in the fields of security studies, intelligence, and policy analysis, providing mentorship and expertise to students. In addition to coursework, students may have access to seminars, conferences, and certification programs that enhance their knowledge and employability in the competitive security landscape. Overall, the Security and Intelligence Studies program at the University of Pittsburgh aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical considerations necessary for addressing complex security challenges worldwide.