Founded by Hugh Henry Brackenridge as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is the oldest continuously chartered institution of higher education in the U.S. west of the Allegheny Mountains. It became the University of Pittsburgh in 1908. The university is a member of the Association of American Universities and is recognized for its strong emphasis on research and community engagement.
| Acronym | UP |
| Nickname | Panthers |
| Motto / Slogan | Veritas et Virtus |
| Colour | Navy Blue and Gold |
| Mascot | Panther; costumed mascot named |
| Founded | 1787 |
| Location | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Address | 4200 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15260 |
The University of Pittsburgh, founded in 1787, is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. As one of the nation's distinguished comprehensive universities, the resources of the University constitute an invaluable asset for the intellectual, economic, and social enrichment of Pennsylvania, while the international prestige of the University enhances the image of Pennsylvania throughout the world.
With a focus on world-class research and academic excellence, the University of Pittsburgh equips students with real-world skills to become impactful leaders. A top-ranked public institution in Pennsylvania and a member of the Association of American Universities, Pitt is known for innovation, collaboration, and turning ambitious ideas into reality — proving that “It’s Possible at Pitt.”
Recognized for excellence and value, the University is the No. 1 public institution in the Northeast. At Pitt, the best in the field will mentor you. Premier internship, research, and extracurricular opportunities are at your doorstep. As a result, Pitt students outperform their peers in employment rates, higher levels of satisfaction in their work, and overall well-being.
By supporting and expanding a multidisciplinary community of scholars, innovators and problem solvers, Pitt empowers them to pursue big ideas, collaborate creatively and maximize the impact of their scholarly work in our communities and around the world.
Pitt people are developing cures and therapies for diseases, working with communities to battle the opioid epidemic, supporting small businesses, and building the future of advanced manufacturing—among many other contributions.
UNDERGRADUATE:
POSTGRADUATE:
You can find the requirements for undergraduate students on this page.
Personal Statements
Entry requirements vary by program. View the program page for the requirements.
UNDERGRADUATE:
POSTGRADUATE:
Email: [email protected]
Phone : +1 (412) 624-7488, +1 (412) 624-7120
Institutional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Programmatic Accreditations: Various programs are accredited by specialized accrediting agencies, including:
Previously, Gabel served as president of the University of Minnesota System and Twin Cities campus, where she launched the system’s first strategic plan, catalyzing record philanthropic investment and next-generation health sciences education and strengthening the regional agro-food economy. Her previous leadership roles include executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of South Carolina; business dean at the University of Missouri; and faculty positions at Georgia State University and Florida State University, where she was the DeSantis Professor of Legal Studies and chair of the Department of Risk Management and Insurance, Real Estate and Legal Studies.
Prior to this role, McCarthy served as vice provost for undergraduate studies, focusing on enhancing the academic experience of Pitt’s undergraduates. This work included developing and facilitating programs to improve student satisfaction and retention, student success, and the overall learning environment (quality of programs, dissemination of opportunities, undergraduate advising and mentoring, and diversity of perspectives and people). In addition, he and his team coordinated the review of programs and policies affecting undergraduate education and collaborated with University committees, including the Provost’s Advisory Committee on Undergraduate Programs and the Enrollment Management Steering Committee.
She joined Pitt in fall 2022 as dean of students and was promoted to associate vice provost and dean of students in 2023. In those roles, Panzella was integral in implementing a division-wide reorganization for Student Affairs to create departments, programs and services meeting the needs of a new generation of students and in collaborating with the Office of the Provost on data-driven academic initiatives. Student-centered work is at the forefront of her portfolio.
Pinkney serves as a key adviser to Chancellor ... read more
Pinkney brings decades of experience in a range of fiscal and operational roles, combining expert knowledge and strategic focus. He holds a long-standing commitment to students and shared governance; is well versed in collaborating with governance boards, presenting executive-level financial and operational data to internal and external stakeholders; and has a robust track record of effective advocacy and experience with capital construction planning, strategy and execution.
He directs the Pitt Research unit, which supports the full breadth of the University’s research enterprise — from pursuing and securing funding, through ensuring adherence to the highest standards of research conduct, to building collaborations that lead to successful commercialization.
Since his arrival in 2017, Rutenbar has launched several initiatives, including the Pitt Momentum Funds, which support large-scale team science, and Pitt Big Proposal Bootcamp, which educates faculty about the unique logistics of securing center/institute-scale external support. He has rebuilt and modernized key components of the University’s policy ecosystem, including the conflict of interest and intellectual property policies.
Founded in 1787 as the Pittsburgh Academy, Pitt is one of the nation's oldest institutions of higher education. Pitt people defeated polio, unlocked the secrets of DNA, led the world in organ transplantation, and pioneered TV and heavier-than-air flight.
Today, the Univers... read more
Founded by Hugh Henry Brackenridge as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is among a select group of universities and colleges established in the 18th century in the United States. It is the oldest continuously chartered institution of learning in the U.S., west of the Allegheny Mountains. The school began as a preparatory school, presumably in a log cabin, in Western Pennsylvania, then a frontier. The academy possibly grew out of a school that was active before the charter was granted, perhaps as early as 1770. Brackenridge obtained a charter for the school from the state legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that was passed by the assembly on February 28, 1787, just ten weeks before the opening of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The school was soon teaching the rudiments of the "sacred six" of the Scottish universities, as founder Brackenridge was Scottish. A brick building was erected in 1790 on the south side of Third Street and Cherry Alley for the Pittsburgh Academy. The small two-story brick building, with a gable facing the alley, contained three rooms: one below and two above.