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The Freshman/Sophomore Guarantee

The University of Pittsburgh is a member of the Association of American Universities, which includes the top 62 research institutions in North America. It is also one of the top recipients of National Institutes of Health research dollars and is affiliated with the internationally renowned University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). For outstanding freshman applicants, the University offers a limited number of freshman guarantees to some of its most competitive graduate and professional programs.

During your undergraduate career at one of Pitt’s regional campuses, as you complete the academic course work related to your guarantee program, there also will be plenty of out-of-the-classroom learning opportunities available to you that will allow you to complement your course work with experiential learning in the form of volunteer work, internships, and/or undergraduate research. The cities where our regional campuses are located offer many such opportunities. You are encouraged to take full advantage of them as you plan your undergraduate career.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Specialized Master of Science Guarantee Katz Graduate School of Business Guarantees

  • Be in top 10% of high school graduating class and score 1410 or higher on SAT (combined Critical Reading and Math) or 30 ACT Composite score.
  • Students who do not attend high schools that rank but who have an “A” average in high school.
  • Earn a BS degree in Business Management as a full-time undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
  • Earn a cumulative GPA at the University of Pittsburgh of at least 3.50.
  • For enrollment in the MBA program, you must achieve a score of 640 on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) within three years prior to enrollment, have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience, and participate in a successful interview by the MBA admissions team. Students must apply to the full-time or Professional (part-time) MBA program after graduation from CBA.
  • The GMAT is waived for the MS program in Accounting. Students must apply to this MS program during their senior year in CBA or after graduation from CBA.
  • The offer of guaranteed admission for the MBA or one of the Specialized MS programs remains in effect for five year after graduation from Pitt.
  • More information about the Katz Graduate School of Business.

Business Guarantee for Regional Campus Students

  • Apply for first-year admission to a Pitt regional campus.
  • Be in the top 10% of your high school graduating class and score 1410 or higher on the SAT (combined Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) or a 30 ACT Composite score.
  • If your high school does not rank, you should have an overall “A” average.
  • You should be taking a rigorous curriculum that includes some of the most challenging courses at your high school, including Honors, AP, and/or IB coursework if available.
  • Earn a degree as a full-time student at a University of Pittsburgh regional campus. If you graduate as a business major from a regional campus, you are exempt from the Quantitative GPA requirement below.  If you graduate with a non-business major, you will need to meet the *Quantitative GPA requirement. Quantitative course are those taken in mathematics, statistics, economics, accounting, or finance.
  • Admission to the Katz School’s full-time or Professional (part-time) MBA or one of the MS programs is guaranteed provided that you have been selected for the business guarantee and meeting the following requirements:
  MS Programs Professional MBA Full-time MBA
Cumulative GPA 3.25 or higher 3.25 or higher 3.50 or higher

*Quantitative GPA

*Only required for guarantee recipients who are Pitt non-business majors
 

 3.0 GPA in a minimum of 6 credit hours of quantitative courses that include either statistics or calculus 3.0 GPA in a minimum of 6 credit hours of quantitative courses that include either statistics or calculus 3.25 quantitative GPA in a minimum of 12 credit hours of quantitative courses that include either statistics or calculus
GMAT Waived if GPA requirements are achieved Waived if GPA requirements are achieved 640
Post-Bachelor’s professional work experience Not required 2 years 2 years
Successful admissions interview Waived if GPA requirement is achieved Not required Required

 

  • The offer of guaranteed admission for the MBA or one of the MS programs remains in effect for five years after graduation from Pitt thereby allowing you to apply during the final year of your undergraduate studies with the option to defer your enrollment for up to five years or to apply within five years of your graduation.
  • More information on the Katz Graduate School of Business.

Communication Science Disorders (speech pathology/audiology) Guarantee School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

  • Rank in the top 10 percent of high school graduating class and achieve a 1410 SAT (combined Critical Reading and Math) or 30 ACT Composite score.
  • Have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.6 or higher when applying to the Communication Science major at the beginning of the spring semester of sophomore year.
  • While completing the bachelor degree at a regional campus in Communication Science at Pitt, students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.6 or higher and have a GPA of 3.75 or higher in the core pre-requisite communication science and disorders (CSD) courses at the time of application. Achieve minimum scores at the 50th percentile on the verbal and quantitative sections and a score of 3.5 or better on the analytical writing section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  • Complete the CSD Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) process as required.
  • More information about the CSD graduate program.

School of Dental Medicine Guarantee

  • Rank in the top 10 percent of high school class with 1470 SAT (combined Critical Reading and Math) or 32 ACT Composite score, or better.
  • Maintain an overall GPA of 3.75 with a Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (BCPM) GPA of 3.65 as an undergraduate.
  • Complete the undergraduate degree within four years.
  • Continue to gain dental related experiences during their undergraduate years.
  • Seek research opportunities in a related field.
  • Seek opportunities for community service.
  • Successfully complete the prerequisite courses for admission to the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.
  • Provide the Dental Office of Admissions with a CV & official transcript at the completion of the junior year, meeting all deadlines established for students.
  • Meet with the Admissions Committee at the end of the junior year to confirm that all expectations have been met including: satisfactory academic achievement, general foundational science knowledge base, understanding of the field of dentistry, & demonstration of communication skills.
  • More information about the School of Dental Medicine.
  • International students are not eligible for this guarantee.

School of Education Master of Education (M.Ed.) or Master of Teaching (MAT) Guarantees Education Programs

  • Indicate Pre-Education on admissions application.
  • Earn a 3.5 grade point average in high school and a minimum 1310 SAT (combined Critical Reading and Math) or 28 ACT Composite score.
  • Maintain a 3.25 grade point average as a full-time undergraduate student at Pitt (individual instances where a student’s grade point average falls below 3.25 will be reviewed by the Dean of the School of Education).
  • Attend a School of Education Teacher Education Information Session.
  • Declare the specific teacher education program by the end of the junior year. Please note that international students are only eligible to obtain certification in a foreign language content area, as applicable and available.
  • Complete all prerequisite courses for the teacher education specialty area.
  • Candidates in foreign language must also attain a rating of at least Advanced Low on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) examination administered by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
  • Show evidence of substantial experience working or volunteering with children or adolescents as a teacher, tutor, camp counselor, etc.
  • More information about the teacher certification programs in the Graduate School of Education.
  • For any additional questions about becoming a teacher at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education please contact Wes Vaina, Director of Admissions and Enrollment, wvaina@pitt.edu, 412-648-7362.

Swanson School of Engineering Graduate Program Guarantee

  • Indicate Pre-Engineering as your intended field of study on the admissions application.
  • Achieve a minimum SAT score of 1510 (combined Critical Reading and Math) or 33 ACT.
  • Be in the top 5 percent of your high school graduating class or have an equivalent grade point average (GPA).
  • Complete relocation to the Pittsburgh campus Swanson School of Engineering after accruing 34 credits at a regional campus in the required pre-requisite courses with a 2.75 GPA for all graduate programs except Bioengineering; for Bioengineering, a 3.5 is required.
  • Complete an undergraduate degree in the Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better.
  • For more information about graduate engineering programs, go to https://engineering.pitt.edu/

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Health Informatics Graduate Guarantee

  • Complete an undergraduate degree (no specific degree required) at Pitt with overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
  • Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C.
  • Review information about the Health Information Systems graduate program.

Master of Science in Information Science Guarantee

  • Only first-year students can be considered for the guarantee. 
  • Achieve a minimum SAT score of 700 (Math) or a minimum score of 30 on the Math section of the ACT.
  • Indicate an intended field of study of Information Systems or Information Technology on your undergraduate application to a Pitt regional campus and select “Information Sciences” from the Guaranteed Admission Program drop-down box on the application.
  • Complete relocation to the Pittsburgh campus School of Computing and Information after accruing at least 24 credits at a regional campus in the required pre-requisite courses (as defined on the school’s website) with a 3.00 cumulative GPA or greater.
  • Complete the Bachelor of Science in Information Science (BSIS) Program within the School of Computing and Information. Completion of the BSIS program and enrollment in the MSIS program must occur within five calendar years of this notification.
  • Maintain a 3.25 QPA while in the BSIS program with no grade (throughout your college career) lower than a C.
  • Review information on the School of Computing and Information website.

Graduate Programs in Law Guarantee

  • Indicate Pre-Law on admissions application.
  • Be in top 10 percent of high school graduating class with a 1360 SAT (combined Evidenced Based Reading and Writing and Math) or 29 ACT test result.
  • While enrolled full-time at a regional campus, maintain a 3.5 grade point average.
  • Complete an undergraduate degree at a regional campus.
  • At point of application to law school, satisfy a standard character review and attain a 160 LSAT result.
  • Note: For students not eligible for a freshman guarantee, working toward early admission to the School of Law after three years of study in arts and sciences or applying through our early decision program may be a desirable alternative.
  • For information about the School of Law, go to https://law.pitt.edu/.

The Coordinated Master in Nutrition & Dietetics (BS/MS) Guarantee

  • Complete the prerequisites for nutrition and dietetics Coordinated BS/MS application at Pitt with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 or higher.
  • Demonstrate evidence of profession-related work and volunteer experience.
  • Complete the SHRS Application process as required.
  • More information about the Nutrition and Dietetics graduate program.

Occupational Therapy Guarantee - School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

  • Complete an undergraduate degree at Pitt with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.6 or higher.
  • Complete all prerequisite courses required for admission to the OTD program with a minimum grade of B and prerequisite GPA of 3.6 or higher.
  • Achieve minimum scores at the 50th percentile on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  • Complete the OT Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) process (including experience hours, references, personal statement, and essay questions) by October 1st of the year applying for admission.
  • More information about the OTD program.

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree – School of Pharmacy

PittPharmacy is personalizing education to prepare each student for the healthcare of the future. The school is a leader in innovative education, experiential learning, and research. It is ranked 9th among schools of pharmacy by U.S. News and World Report. Students selected for the GAP will have a reserved seat in the School of Pharmacy after their sophomore year (second pre-pharmacy year).

  • A separate application is not necessary for consideration. When you submit your undergraduate application for admission, you can either select “Pre-Pharmacy” as your Intended Field of Study in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, or select “Pharmacy” in the Guaranteed Admissions Program dropdown box on the Application for Undergraduate Admissions. Only freshmen can be considered for the guarantee.
  • To be selected for the PharmD Guaranteed Admissions Program, students should have an SAT score of 1330 or higher with a SAT Math score of 660 or higher, or a 29 ACT Composite score.
  • Students offered the Pharmacy Guaranteed Admissions Program must earn the following in the pre-professional courses at the University of Pittsburgh:
    • A letter grade of a C or better in all pre-professional courses with no repeated courses
    • A 3.25 or greater overall GPA in the pre-professional courses
    • A 3.25 or greater GPA in the required Math and Science courses at the University of Pittsburgh (AP credits may be acceptable).
  • To exercise the Pharmacy Guarantee, all applicants must:
    • Submit the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) scores
    • Submit a completed PharmCAS application
    • Participate in a satisfactory interview prior to School of Pharmacy admission
  • For more information on the PharmD program.

Physical Therapy Guarantee - School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

  • Rank in the top 10 percent of high school graduating class and achieve a 1410 SAT (combined Critical Reading and Math) or 30 ACT Composite score.
  • Maintain a 3.5 or better science and overall grade point average (GPA) while enrolled in an undergraduate program at Pitt.
  • Complete all prerequisite coursework required for admission to the DPT program.
  • Achieve minimum scores at the 50th percentile on the verbal and quantitative sections and a score of 3.5 or better on the analytical writing section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  • Demonstrate evidence of adequate exposure to the field of physical therapy.
  • Complete the PT Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) process as required.
  • More information about the DPT program.
  • International students are not eligible for this guarantee.

Physician Assistant Guarantee—School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

  • Be in the top 10% of high school graduating class.
  • Achieve a combined SAT Math & Critical Reading (verbal) score of 1450 (32 ACT Composite score).
  • Students offered the guarantee must complete their undergraduate degree at Pitt in four years.
  • Students offered the guarantee must earn an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher and a science GPA of 3.5 or higher at Pitt; complete the prerequisite courses and requirements for the PA Program; and meet with a PA Studies faculty or staff member at least once a year providing proof of GPA and courses taken.
  • Up to 5 guarantees will be offered each year.
  • More information about the Physician Assistant program.
  • International students are not eligible for this guarantee.

Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) Guarantee

  • Be in top 10 percent of high school graduating class with a 1360 SAT (combined Critical Reading and Math) or 29 ACT Composite score.
  • Maintain a minimum 3.5 grade point average while satisfying the minimum course work requirements for Arts and Sciences.
  • Achieve minimum scores of 154 each on the verbal and quantitative sections, and a score of 4.0 or above on the analytical writing section, of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  • Demonstrate a commitment to public service through internships, volunteer, and/or work experience in the fields of public and international affairs.
  • Apply to the Master of Public Administration, Master of Public & International Affairs, or Master of International Development programs. The offer of guaranteed admission remains in effect for three years after graduation from Arts & Sciences with a bachelor’s degree.
  • More information about GSPIA

Graduate School of Public Health (Pitt Public Health) Guarantee

  • Apply to a regional campus.
  • Be in the top 10% of high school graduating class, with at least a 1300 SAT (combined Critical Reading and Math) or 29 ACT Composite score.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better at the University of Pittsburgh regional campus, and complete prerequisite course requirements.
  • Complete an undergraduate degree at a regional campus.
  • Achieve minimum scores of 155 (70th percentile) on the verbal section, 152 (60th percentile) on the quantitative section, and a score of 3.5 or better on the analytical writing section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  • Apply to a participating Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Science (MS) program at Pitt Public Health.
  • For information about Pitt Public Health, go to www.publichealth.pitt.edu.

Graduate School of Public Health (Pitt Public Health) Sophomore Guarantee

  • Enrolled, achieve, and maintain at least a 3.3 overall GPA while at the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford.
  • Receive satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE): for Pitt Public Health, GRE scores must be at least 155 (70th percentile) on the Verbal section, 152 (60th percentile) on the Quantitative section, and 3.5 on the Analytical Writing section.
  • Complete an undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford.
  • Complete the prerequisite courses listed at http://www.publichealth.pitt.edu/requirements.

School of Social Work Guarantee

  • Earn a 3.5 grade point average in high school with a 1270 SAT (combined Critical Reading and Math) or 26 ACT Composite score.
  • More information about the School of Social Work.
  • Complete your undergraduate degree at a regional campus with a minimum of a 3.0 QPA
  • Have completed no less than 30 credits in both liberal arts and social sciences and a 3-credit course in statistics.
  • Complete the application to the Masters of Social Work program.
  • International students are not eligible for this guarantee.

Other Affiliations and Articulations

  • Pre-dental agreement with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
  • Pre-medicine agreement with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
  • Pre-optometry agreement with the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University.
  • Pre-pharmacy agreement with the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.