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The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Computing and Information (SCI) stands out for its breadth and depth, offering everything — from undergraduate majors to Master’s and Doctoral degrees in computer science, intelligent systems programmes, and various other 21st century topics. However, what truly sets this division apart is that across programmes, it remains grounded in its overall vision: shaping a better digital future for communities locally and globally.
SCI’s commitment to producing well-rounded, impact-driven graduates is evident in its exceptional learning environment. Its campus is located in Pittsburgh, which, apart from being one of the US’s most livable cities, is home to a booming tech and medical industry where students have various opportunities for growth and professional development.
To ensure learners gain the confidence required to fully leverage the opportunities that surround them, the department prioritises small class sizes with a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This emphasis on personalised attention means you’ll build strong connections with expert professors who know your name and care about your success.
Nothing less is expected of a well-ranked university. The University of Pittsburgh is one of Pennsylvania’s top public universities and a member of the Association of American Universities. SCI emulates this success, ranking #25 out of 473 programmes in the most recent PhDs.org evaluation and #34 out of 128 in the National Research Council (NRC) evaluation. Prestige proves its commitment to delivering a high-quality education that equips graduates for successful careers.
Through experiential learning, SCI students develop creative solutions, collaborate effectively, and gain valuable insights from experts. Source: University of Pittsburgh
Hands-on learning is central to the SCI experience. Students are encouraged to move beyond the classroom and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. For example, you can join the iServe programme, apply for internships, or participate in immersive longer-term work experiences through graduate Co-op or Field Experience credits. These experiences will help you grow your expertise in your chosen field while building professional connections locally and internationally. In particular, the Co-op programme is fairly unique at the graduate level, and even as an international student you can alternate between full-time work and academic studies over one or two semesters through this opportunity.
To further broaden students’ horizons, SCI offers various extracurricular learning opportunities, such as hackathons, industry visits, and competitions. The full lineup of experiential learning opportunities can be found here.
SCI’s degrees challenge students with increasingly complex problems to succeed in the technological world. Source: University of Pittsburgh
These experiences perfectly complement the department’s industry-relevant degrees, like the accredited Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS). The US News & World Report ranked it #11 in Information Systems, while College Factual ranked it #16 in the US and #1 in Pennsylvania.
Taught by expert faculty, the programme will equip you with the skills to model and design systems. You could even choose a specialisation that best matches your career goals: General, Big Data Analytics, Database and Web Systems, Geoinformatics, Human Centered Computing, Security Assured Information Systems, and Telecommunications and Distributed Systems.
All pathways promote learning by doing, which, according to faculty member Angela E.B. Stewart, “is a great way to have a deeper understanding of the societal impact of technology.”
“I’ve had students working in Pitt’s Community Engagement Centres and Master’s students participating in research,” explains Stewart. “These experiences prepare students to work with real people and real data.”
Another standout programme is the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS). Accredited by the American Library Association since 1924, today, it ranks #17 in Best Library and Information Studies Programmes, #9 in Archives and Preservation, and #14 in Digital Librarianship, according to the US News & World Report.
“Technology evolves rapidly, and the skills needed to navigate this ecosystem must be adaptable and socially responsible,” explains Assistant Professor Aakash Gautam. “My courses integrate this perspective, enabling students to grasp both the potential and limitations of technology in addressing complex societal issues.”
SCI’s Design Methods Sequence, along with its network of museums and libraries, further supports the programme’s experiential approach. In the Public Infrastructures, Technology Design, and Social Change course, for example, students work with local institutions on various projects, like privacy promotion in public spaces.
The MLIS encourages community involvement, too. “Two of my undergraduate students, are designing a web application that promotes digital literacy among returning community members,” says Gautam.
“They’ve recently presented their work at the Pennsylvania Capitol. Our graduates always gain real-world experience, global perspectives, and valuable interdisciplinary skills needed for success in the industry.”
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