Programs for New Students
In this section:
The School of Arts and Sciences offers programs and support for new students, whether they are freshmen, high school students getting an early start on their college careers, or students transferring from another school at the University of Pittsburgh or from another university.
Freshman Programs
The School of Arts and Sciences Office of Freshman Programs makes the transition to college life as smooth as possible by offering the following courses and programs designed for intellectual engagement, organizational and study skills, social activities, and peer interaction. Please visit the Office of Freshman Programs or call 412-624-6828 with questions.
Introduction to the Arts and Sciences
Introduction to the Arts and Sciences (IAS) is a one-credit academic orientation course that is at the core of the Arts and Sciences freshman experience. The course introduces students to the University's extensive library system, academic resources, academic integrity guidelines, and assists students in planning for their future. Students register at their PittStart session.
Freshman Seminar
The Freshman Seminar is a four-credit course that combines Introduction to the Arts and Sciences with the required freshman writing course, Seminar in Composition. Students choose a Freshman Seminar based on interest in a theme that is offered. Students register at their PittStart session.
Learning Communities
Learning Communities are a fantastic opportunity to enroll in thematic blocks of freshman-level courses with a peer group. Each Learning Community includes the one-credit Introduction to the Arts and Sciences and other courses that fulfill degree requirements (a total of seven to nine credits). Trips to cultural events in the city, special lectures, study group options, and social events give students great chances to connect with peers and faculty, succeed in school, and find out what's happening in Pittsburgh. Deposit-paid freshmen will receive information and online registration instructions in the mail early in May. More
Freshman Lectures
First term students are invited to wonderfully engaging and interesting lectures by leading faculty. Freshman Lectures show firsthand the value of a liberal arts education by showcasing some of the most interesting ideas in the arts and sciences today. Students find out about lectures in their IAS class or from the Office of Freshman Programs.
Freshman Events
Freshman Events are free social programs for freshmen. Students get out into the city on fun, educational, structured outings. Events include such trips as dinner and a movie, lunch and a play, or coffee and dessert before a concert. Students find out about Freshman Events in their IAS class or from the Office of Freshman Programs.
Programs for Pre-Freshmen
If you were admitted to the School of Arts and Sciences and have paid a tuition deposit, we welcome you to "get your feet wet" by enrolling in summer sessions prior to arriving for the fall term. Pre-freshmen who wish to take summer classes need to register for an early PittStart session in May or June where they may register for summer classes with their assigned academic advisor. Academic advisors will assist them in choosing pre-freshman summer courses that are appropriate for their level and interest and will inform them about applying for some of our summer benefits, such as free parking. Browse our summer sessions information and summer course offerings at www.summer.pitt.edu.
Programs for High School Students
The School of Arts and Sciences College in High School program (CHS) offers qualified high school students the opportunity to earn college credit for courses taught right in their own high schools by trained instructors. Students can enroll in courses on calculus, chemistry, physics, statistics, computer programming, French, and Latin. High school instructors have been certified as part-time faculty by the appropriate School of Arts and Sciences department, and exams are monitored by the respective University departments. To find out more about the CHS program, visit College in High School.
Another opportunity for high school students is the School of Arts and Sciences Accelerated High School program (AHS), which offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to participate in college courses on the Pittsburgh campus. Credits earned through AHS courses are transferable to other colleges and universities. AHS students may enroll in summer sessions and receive free parking during their summer enrollment.
Programs and Information for Transfer Students
If you are a transfer student, you may have some questions and concerns upon your arrival at Pitt. The Transfer Student Program, part of the Academic Resource Center, assists transfer students in making the adjustment to the University of Pittsburgh. Transfer Student Program services include one-on-one appointments with the Transfer Student Coordinator regarding your questions or concerns, information about campus resources and policies, and opportunities to network with University faculty and staff. A one-credit course entitled Transfer Student Focus (ARTSC 0107) provides an introduction to important services and programs at the University, including the University library system, internships, career development, and how to make the most of your education. For more information, please call 412-648-7920 to speak with the Transfer Student Program Coordinator.
Transfer students receive, via U.S. Postal mail, a written evaluation of their previous course work that indicates the equivalent Pitt courses for which advanced standing credits have been awarded. Previous coursework that is equivalent to School of Arts and Sciences coursework will be matched to degree requirements where appropriate. If you think that a previous course should meet a major requirement, you may petition the department to review that course to apply toward the requirement. If you think that a previous course should meet a General Education Requirement, please call 412-624-6480 and make an appointment with an assistant dean. At least half the credits required for a major must be earned while in residence in the School of Arts and Sciences. This requirement also applies to students who transfer from a University of Pittsburgh regional campus. Please note that courses, not grades, are transferred. Transfer credit does not factor into your overall GPA.
Student Records evaluates courses from other colleges and universities for transfer credit according to the bulleted guidelines below. Please contact Student Records in 140 Thackeray Hall (412-624-6776) with any questions about your transfer credit evaluation. Please note: All transfer credits are subject to reevaluation if you transfer from the School of Arts and Sciences to another undergraduate school within the University of Pittsburgh.
- Students must have earned a C or better. Courses that have reasonable counterparts within the Arts and Sciences curriculum are eligible for transfer.
- Non-Arts and Sciences credit is granted when there is no comparable Arts and Sciences course, but there is an equivalent course in another undergraduate school at Pitt. Only 18 non-Arts and Sciences credits count toward an Arts and Sciences degree.
- When requested, students are responsible for supplying descriptions of courses taken elsewhere. A course description may include a course description from the other university's catalog or a syllabus.
- A maximum of 60 credits will be accepted from community colleges and two-year junior colleges. A maximum of 90 credits will be accepted from four-year institutions. At least 50 percent of the credits required in the major must be earned in the School of Arts and Sciences in order to meet graduation requirements.
- The number of credits granted for a course cannot exceed the number on the transcript of the school where the course was taken or the number earned in the corresponding course in Arts and Sciences. If the student attended school on a quarter system, his or her credits will be converted into semester credits. A quarter credit is equal to two-thirds of a semester credit. For example:
- Five quarter system credits = three semester credits
- Three quarter system credits = two semester credits
The School of Arts and Sciences accepts credits, but not grades, for transfer. Courses accepted for transfer will count as credits toward graduation but will not be calculated into your overall GPA at the University of Pittsburgh.