The University of Pittsburgh was founded by Hugh Henry Brackenridge in 1787 as Pittsburgh Academy. Commonly referred to as Pitt, it has been credited for the development of the first polio vaccine. Today, it is an independent, doctoral research university which is internationally recognized for its learning and research programs. It has been a state-related university since 1966.
Included in the university’s program offerings are high-quality online programs provided through Pitt Online. Pitt Online offers online graduate professional programs at par with their on-campus counterparts. Online programs include the MEd in English and Communication, MEd in Elementary Education, MSN Clinical Nurse Leader, Post-Master’s Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Graduate Gerontology Certificate, and the Management Essentials Online. Online students are given access to the same resources available to on-campus students including orientation, advising, library, bookstore and faculty resources.
Prospective students seeking admission to the university can take advantage of scheduled virtual open house dates to obtain relevant information about the online programs offered, financial aid options and tuition costs. They can also take the online self-assessment quiz to determine personal suitability of online education. Applications are accepted online. Each graduate and professional school in the university provides its own application information thus admissions requirements may vary.
Qualified online students are provided access to various financial awards such as grants, scholarships and loans. Tuition rates and mandatory fees vary and are specific to student level and residency. The total cost is also affected by attendance modes. Part-time students are given tuition rates based on per credit hour format.
The University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It occupies 64th place in the 2011 US News and World Report Ranking among Tier I Universities in the National Universities Category.
