University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Reviews

"I thought the program could have used better development as it was a newer program at the University and I felt there could be more organization, mentors, and overall guidance for the students."

"It was an amazing college. The faculty were so helpful and cared about me."

"At Katz Graduate School of Business you have the opportunity to mold your education around your future career goals. From taking electives that better suit you aspirations to taking advantage of the many networking programs, Katz prepares student for all aspects of their future career. By recognizing the importance of group projects and interactions beyond the classroom, Katz prepares students to face the world. Nonetheless, students must prepare themselves to face a competitive and fast-paced environment. While professors make time for their students one-on-one, class size remains rather large."

"I will be a second-year graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. I study International Development, and I have been incredibly fortunate to learn in a receptive and warm environment where I feel that my professors and the staff are deeply committed to my development as a professional. The coursework is varied and interesting, and there are many opportunities for multi-institutional study through other universities based in Pittsburgh such as the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University. There are few cons that I can readily pull out of this program but when pressed, I would have to say that I'm not entirely fond of many courses' focus on group. Being that this is a professional program, this focus toward collaboration is oriented toward prepping students to be ready to work with groups in situations that are not always ideal."

"No Financial Aid available as graduate student. Location is not technically on main campus, is somewhat hard to access. Cost of living is very affordable for a city with much to do. Great faculty that are very experienced, knowledgeable, and accessible to students. Class is the most diverse class to date."

"The speech-language pathology program at the University of Pittsburgh is outstanding and will prepare you for the field in many ways. The teachers are available and committed to the students. Also, there are a wide range of clinical opportunities and supervisors who dedicate a lot of time to prepare the students. Pittsburgh is gorgeous (minus the weather) and very affordable. A con of the program is that there are very few opportunities for financial aid/scholarships."

"The faculty are very personable and truly want each student to succeed. They also challenge students rise to occasions and have them work for what they want."

"My graduate program is very selective, so it was a huge honor to get in. The staff is absolutely wonderful in every interaction I've had with them. They are very honest and up front. They want you to succeed. You can't go wrong with an education from Pitt."

"I am able to get a Master's Degree of Social Work in the 11th ranked school in the nation. Having this degree will allow me to work with the population of my choice, which is medical social work especially chronic pain patients. I want to implement social workers into chronic pain practices. However, I am approximately $45,000 in debt from my undergraduate education and can play on being around $30,000 more after I graduate."

"I felt that PITT had a good environment and was very conducive to learning. When I had first started as a Freshman, I had wanted to go into the field of medicine but quickly found out that it wasn't for me. I remember the counselors at PITT being helpful and guiding me towards a path that was more suited for my skill-set and I haven't turned back since."

"A major con is that I am in the graduate environmental engineering program and I feel that there are no courses offered that are relevant to this topic. A pro within my program is that I have had a teacher that actually seemed to care if the students are learning the material."

"The program is very researched focus which is a benefit. However, if you are not under a T32, you are not treated as a valuable student. You are used in other areas that are not research intensive, such as teaching or grad assistance. I love teaching so this was not an issue but my academic career lacked in opportunities for research. This is a problem especially as a PhD student. But if a student is solely researched focus, there is a huge issue in teaching opportunities. The program needs to have students become experienced in both teaching & research."

"The graduate programs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing are demanding in terms of workload and critical thinking, but worth it in terms of the exposure, experiences, and collaborations you build. Definitely worth the value!"

"The Pitt program is challenging and intense, but you'll get all the support you need from faculty, staff, and fellow grad students. Living in pittsburgh is wonderful(minus the winter)- there's plenty to do, the cost of living is reasonable, and housing options are plentiful and comfortable."

"A rich learning environment with expert faculty. The students are supportive but there is a healthy level of competition."

"The clinical experiences/rotations are limited by the University excluding the second largest hospital system in the area due to political tensions between the university's medical system insurance company and the other hospital system. The school collaborates with their own medical system and none other which limits the diversity and quality of clinicals."

"As a minority nurse, my experience at Pitt has been quite different than my white counterparts. Though I would agree that my overall education at Pitt has been good, I would also share that learning experiences are always what you make them. One can always develop perseverance, wisdom, strength, and grace in a trying experience. It is my observation that Pitt has a long way to go with regards to diversity, cultural competency and sensitivity. I am the only African American in my program and 9/10 times in my classroom. I find myself often distracted and discouraged by the lack of minorities portrayed positively in class presentations, lecture slides. and learning materials, and hurt by the inappropriate and insensitive comments instructors make about patients or communities they serve. Intentionally or unintentionally, instructors/ authority figures promote and reinforce stereotypes and bias to open-minded, developing students. It's very frustrating and saddening. There are systems/rules/practices in place that are really not supportive, open, or conducive to students of different cultures, backgrounds, upbringing, and perspectives. Though I understand the need to standardize or make black and white the education provided, I often feel restricted and as though there is a reluctance or resistance to open-mindedness or recognition of the gray. When it comes to my concerns as a minority student, I do not feel like I am heard or acknowledged, and I do not feel like my difference is appreciated. I believe that by attempting to ignore the fact that I am different, that Pitt erroneously thinks that they are being supportive and accepting of differences. However, being a minority student here has not been a great struggle, it has elucidated the grave conservatism and reactionary mindset of this great institution. Though Pitt’s prestige and networking is excellent, I would NOT recommend this institution to a loved one. For me, my program’s lack of support, diversity, open-mindedness, and acknowledgement or interest to change it’s very antiquate ways was not conducive to true growth. To survive, I have found myself needing to keep my head down and mouth shut about injustices because there is no true forum to address these concerns. To attempt to do so, you’ll be thrown underneath a bus, figuratively. That has been my experience. I, unfortunately, continue to witness prejudice, bias, and cultural incompetence and Insensitivity. There is no liaison, student advocate, or forum/space to address or discuss these taboo issues. There are a few minority faculty members who will provide a wonderful moral support for minority students. However, it is my understanding and observation that these issues of prejudice and cultural insensitivity permeates faculty to faculty relationships, not just faculty to student relationships. My advice for other minority students is to simply take heed. You will face many unnecessary challenges and struggle at this predominantly white institution, due to a lack of diversity in faculty, students, and thinking. These issues are not solely ingrained in some faculty, but they are condoned and supported by an overall restrictive and conservative institution."

"Overall a wonderful program! I am currently completing my clinical rotations and have learned invaluable information for my chosen PA profession. Cost of any graduate program is high, including this one. The location is 10 miles from main campus which at first I thought was going to be a con, however it is much better in terms of parking and avoiding traffic. Would highly recommend if considering PA school!"

"Overall good program. What you put in is what you get out. You can do the bare minimum and easily get an MSW. You have the opportunity to network and get the most from professors and networking opportunities but this is based on student involvement and participation."

"Excellent quality of education with a fantastic academic environment necessary to pursue quality graduate work."