MSIS-GSPIA Joint Degree Program

The Department of Informatics and Networked Systems offers a joint degree program with Pitt's internationally-recognized program, the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). The allows graduate students to gain a strong foundation in data management and market-relevant technological competencies, as well as to prepare for leadership roles in public service in government, nonprofit organizations, or the private sector. Graduates of the joint degree program will have earned both the MSIS and one of the GSPIA graduate degrees!

The MSIS portion of this joint degree comprises 30 credits of graduate coursework in Information Science and Telecommunications (course descriptions here):

1. Ramp-up Classes:

  • CMPINF 2100 DATA-CENTRIC COMPUTING
  • INFSCI 2500 DATA STRUCTURES
  • INFSCI 2020 MATHEMATICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE

These courses can be waived if the student has taken coursework in Python/JAVA, Discrete Math, and/or Data Structures. If any or all of these courses are waived, the student will take additional elective courses from the list below. If the student hasn't yet completed this coursework (for college credit from an accredited university), then these courses would count towards graduation from the joint degree program. Any Ramp-up courses should be taken prior to completing the first term of MSIS study, as these courses will give you the foundation you need for more intermediate and advanced courses.

2. Five Core Courses (required for all MS students). Will not be waived.

  • INFSCI 2150 - Information Security and Privacy
  • INFSCI 2300 - Human Information Processing
  • INFSCI 2591 - Algorithm Design
  • INFSCI 2710 - Database Management
  • TELCOM 2310 - Applications of Networks

3. Two electives* from the list of recommended electives below

  • INFSCI 2160 DATA MINING
  • INFSCI 2410 INTRODUCTION TO NEURAL NETWORKS
  • INFSCI 2415 INFORMATION VISUALIZATION
  • INFSCI 2430 SOCIAL COMPUTING
  • INFSCI 2595 MACHINE LEARNING
  • INFSCI 2801 GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)

*Students may select other elective courses, with advisor approval.

Students in the MSIS-GSPIA Joint Degree program must follow all policies and procedures for the regular MSIS program. This includes grading policies and GPA requirements as described in our catalog.