University of Pittsburgh
- Academics

RT
Currently attending or alumni?
Review this school!
Are you interested
in this school?
Saving your decision
Yes
Maybe
No

We will attempt to notify this
school of your interest.

This school has been saved to your schools list.

This school has been removed from your recommended schools list.

For your next recommendation, check out .

University of Pittsburgh - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.85

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Full-Time Student Population 24,077
Part-Time Student Population 4,251
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 1,659
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 730
Total FT Faculty 4,844
Faculty with Terminal Degree 94%
Average Faculty Salary $83,601
Full-Time Retention Rate 92%
Graduation Rate 78%
Programs/Majors Offered 157
Average Course Load 15 credits (5 courses)
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? Yes
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 43%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 41%
  • 50 or More Students: 15%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

The University of Pittsburgh is over 16,000 students strong, which can seem like a scary number, at first. In reality, what you get in classes isn’t a reflection of this size. Some classes are large, especially the introductory classes that you have to take for the first year or two, yet once you get heavily focused on your major, the whole university seems to shrink. Variety is the spice of life, and one of the great things about a liberal arts school is that you will find just enough variety to allow you to go in any direction you choose. From a strong medical program based on UMPC’s massive resources, to a well-known business program, to a distinguished philosophy department, Pitt has plenty of options for any sort of education you’re looking for. Although some programs are stronger than others, and some are smaller (and therefore more personal), Pitt can meet the needs of nearly any student.

Professors and teaching assistants are known for being approachable. The rule at Pitt is that you can find help in any subject—you just have to be willing to go after it. In many cases, you’ll find the best professors teaching the highest level courses. Students have complained that some courses, (particularly those in science-related fields), are staffed with foreign teaching assistants that are difficult to understand; while this can sometimes make classes more difficult, there are always other resources available. As the years go by, and the standards for entrance get higher, Pitt is becoming more and more distinguished. The University’s strong academic programs are only getting stronger, and students can rest assured that the hard work of earning a degree will pay off.

See how you stack up against students who were accepted to this school . . .And calculate your chances!Register to get started

Pitt Student ReviewsWhat's This?

Sort by:

Loading...

Academics at University of Pittsburgh

russianhitman

Neuroscience '15

4.6
A

Professors Available for Extra Help

Most professors that I have come across have been really good regarding their office hours. Classes are tough so this comes as a big help.

May 29, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Academics at University of Pittsburgh

laurlaur16

Neuroscience '14

4.6
A

As a Neuroscience Major..

I've taken my fair share of science courses, and being in a major in which the most prominent goal is med school, my classes and the people in them are extremely competitive. All the professor's have seemed to be aware of this and take teaching and helping us achieve our personal goals seriously. It's been great knowing that the professors actually want their students to succeed.

May 11, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Academics at University of Pittsburgh

JessV93

Developmental and Child Psychology '15

4.6
A

Tough but Fair

The variety of courses Pitt offers are incredible (last semester I took a class on vampires!). The curriculum is tough, and the professors expect a lot from their students but that is how they understand who deserves to be there and who really doesn't care about their education. They are ALWAYS available to offer help though, and provide you with the resources to succeed (such as the math center, the writing center, or personal tutors). It's not easy but if it was- it wouldn't be worth your time.

May 08, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate
User rating for University of Pittsburgh - Academics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 81 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: Yes
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: Yes
Recreational/Avocational: Yes
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit and/or placement for scores of 4 or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 5, 6, or 7
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • College of Business Administration
  • College of General Studies
  • School of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Education
  • School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
  • School of Information Sciences
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Social Work
  • Swanson School of Engineering
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Certificate
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management: 2%
  • Foundations of Education: 2%
  • Psychology: 2%
  • Social Work: 1%
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Best Places to Study
  • Cathedral Lawn
  • Cathedral of Learning Commons
  • Hillman Library
  • Residence hall lounges
  • Schenley Plaza
Did You Know?
  • The University of Pittsburgh's Posvar Hall is built on the site of the old Forbes Field, where the Pirates used to play. Babe Ruth hit the last two homeruns of his career at that field, and in commemoration, the home plate is still in the floor of the building. Students slide across home plate for luck, especially during midterms and finals!
  • Pitt requires you to meet with your academic advisor at least twice a term to make sure that you're on top of things.
  • If you're struggling with classes, Pitt has multiple tutoring groups, mentoring groups, and a Writing Center to help you with any problems you may have. Also, at various times throughout the week, TAs set up help desks at tables in the Cathedral, so anyone who has a question or a problem in that particular subject can feel free to walk up and ask!

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Courtney Vock
Hometown
Pittsburgh, PA
Major
Creative Non-Fiction Writing

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

Buy the eBook "University of Pittsburgh 2012: Off The Record"
Download a FREE Printable Summary (PDF)