Colleges University of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh www.pitt.edu

University of Pittsburgh is a public institution that was founded in 1787. Its campus size is 146 acres, located in the Oakland neighborhood, which is only three miles from bustling downtown Pittsburgh. The city is home to powerhouse professional sports teams, and dozens of unique cultural centers, like the Andy Warhol Museum and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Pitt students get free admission to these and other select museums throughout the school year. Because Pittsburgh is bordered by three rivers, kayaking, sailing, and fishing opportunities are plentiful. City buses stop frequently on campus, and students can ride public transportation into the city for free with school ID. Freshmen do not have to live on campus. Students in Arts and Sciences majors can earn hands-on credits in internships, research, and teaching with the help of the university’s Office of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. The University is also well known for its focus on going green.

Academics

University of Pittsburgh is composed of 17 undergraduate and graduate schools and colleges at its urban Pittsburgh campus, including its highly ranked School of Medicine, School of Education, and Swanson School of Engineering. Undergraduate degrees include Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Philosophy, plus certificate programs, graduate level master’s, professional, and doctoral degrees. The University is a member of the Association of American Universities and is classified among R1 Doctoral Universities—Very High Research Activities. The student-faculty ratio at University of Pittsburgh is 13:1, and the school has 42% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. Popular majors include Business, Engineering, and Health Professions.

Special Highlights

Main Campus. The University of Pittsburgh’s main campus, including its centerpiece 42-story Cathedral of Learning, falls within the Oakland Civic Center/Schenley Farms National Historic District. The campus has been noted for its impressive architecture, and contains an eclectic mix of architecture that includes Greek revival, Neogothic, Italian Renaissance, and modern. It has been termed “a theme park of replica buildings, representing the architecture of the past speaking to the present.” The campus has won multiple Green Star Awards from the Professional Grounds Management Society. The campus is adjacent to Schenley Plaza, the main branch of the Carnegie Public Library, the Carnegie Museums of Natural History and Art, and the Carnegie Music Hall, as well as portions of Carnegie Mellon University.

Big Idea Center. As a Pitt student, you will join a broad community that is interested in innovation. You will be challenged to push yourself beyond your limits, and you will achieve more than you think is possible. The Big Idea Center has dedicated entrepreneurs in residence to provide individual coaching and mentorship. Students will participate in competitions and have numerous networking opportunities with professionals. Innovation & Entrepreneurship: I+E Explore programs are geared towards students of all levels and disciplines who are interested in innovation and entrepreneurship but may not have a startup idea. Events will provide students with opportunities to learn about innovation and entrepreneurship topics by participating in fun, hands-on, no-pressure activities throughout the year outside of our signature events, such as Big Idea Blitz or the Big Idea Competition.

School Mission & Unique Qualities

University of Pittsburgh’s mission is to provide high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and sciences and professional fields to support the professions that respond to the needs of the nation and the world. Students engage in research, artistic, and scholarly activities that advance learning through the extension of the frontiers of knowledge and creative endeavor. The University features an Outside the Classroom Curriculum (OCC) that includes a structured series of extracurricular programs and experiences designed to complement students’ academic studies and help develop personal attributes and professional skills. Students who complete the OCC requirements receive an OCC “transcript” and a green cord of distinction to wear at commencement.

Student Reviews…

“Pittsburgh has a gorgeous campus and I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. However, the dining halls are not very good and wait times make it difficult at times. The housing process is easy as a freshman but difficult afterward. Overall, the school pride is great; we have nice architecture, fun sports, and plenty of green space for sunny days.”