University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Explore Graduate School

Attending graduate school is a major decision and big investment. Explore all of your options before choosing the school that is suited for you. It’s also important to realize the timeline that graduate school involves.

Pitt-Johnstown has a strong commitment to educating undergraduate students preparing for careers in medicine and health-related sciences. Approximately 20% of Pitt-Johnstown students are in degree programs in preparation for employment or further graduate study in nursing, medicine, rehabilitation, optometry, dentistry, podiatry, or veterinary medicine.

If you're planning to apply to graduate school, it's best to start early—it will increase your odds of being admitted. Many graduate programs have rolling admissions, which means applications are evaluated as they arrive (rather than all at once after the final deadline).

Beginning your graduate school search

These options should be considered one year before enrollment:

  • Define your professional goals and determine what you want to study
  • Research institutions and programs of interest
  • Request published materials from the schools to review requirements and deadlines
  • Research the required admission tests
  • Think about your financing options

Preparing application materials 

These options should be considered 11 months before enrollment:

  • Read the application process to understand every part of the application
  • Finalize your list of schools to which you want to apply
  • Draft your statement of purpose and required essays
  • Obtain letters of recommendation
  • Take your admission exams
  • Request official transcripts
  • Complete an application form
  • Gather information on financial aid resources

Finalizing the writing components 

These options should be done 10 months before enrollment:

  • Letters of recommendation 
  • Complete all application forms
  • Continue financial planning

Meet submission deadlines 

These options should be done nine months before enrollment:

  • Submit your applications
  • Follow-up to confirm receipt of your applications
  • Prepare financial statements for individual school applications

Graduate School Resources

Contact

Office of Career and Professional Services
G-52 Student Union
Phone: 814-269-7123
Email: jcareers@pitt.edu   
Schedule an Appointment with a Career Coach