Thursday, February 27th, 2025 – Sunday, March 2nd, 2025
Arrival and Departure days may vary by Department
By Invitation Only for Prospective PhD students
We’re excited to welcome you to a special Ph.D. recruitment event - Our Spring Campus Visit - hosted by the Swanson School of Engineering (SSoE) at the University of Pittsburgh. This program, in collaboration with the Office of Graduate Education, our 6 departments*, and current graduate student volunteers, is designed for invited Ph.D. applicants for the Fall 2025 term.
The 2025 Spring Visit gives you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the engineering department of interest and the city you may soon call home. You’ll have the chance to meet with faculty, connect with current students, and explore our state-of-the-art facilities and beautiful campus.
Most Ph.D. applicants for the Fall 2025 term, who have either been admitted or are strong candidates for admission and are currently residing in the U.S., are being considered for this exclusive 'invitation-only' event.
Below you will find a welcome message from our Associate Dean for Graduate Education – Dr. Robert S. Parker – as well as a general agenda for the weekend and other helpful resources. Not only will you have the chance to explore Pitt's picturesque campus, but you will experience the iconic Acrisure Stadium - home of the Pitt Panthers & Steelers.
To make your visit as seamless as possible, the SSoE Office of Graduate Education provides your round-trip airfare or mileage to Pittsburgh, lodging, meals while on campus, and emergency travel expenses. Make sure to leave a little extra room in your suitcase—we’ve got some exciting Pitt giveaways waiting for you during visit weekend! We look forward to welcoming you and helping you get to know the incredible opportunities awaiting you at the Swanson School of Engineering!
*Please note that the Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Department is hosting a separate Spring Visit Weekend for prospective PhD Students. Please contact the Dept. directly with any questions via firstname.lastname@example.org.
Hail to Pitt! Embark on Your Engineering Journey at the University of Pittsburgh
On behalf of the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, it is my distinct pleasure to invite you to our vibrant campus and to the city of Pittsburgh! We are thrilled you are considering Pitt for your graduate education and research pursuits.
At the Swanson School, we are dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Our graduate programs are designed to challenge and inspire you, equipping you with the tools to tackle the world’s most pressing engineering challenges. We are immensely proud of our diverse and dynamic community of students, faculty, and researchers, and we are confident that you will find a home here among fellow pioneers and problem-solvers.
At Pitt, we are proud to be ranked among the top 10 schools nationwide in National Science Foundation (NSF) funding, a reflection of our commitment to pioneering research that shapes industries and improves lives. As a PhD student, you will have access to world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a collaborative research environment where transformative ideas come to life. Explore the Pitt Research Annual Report to discover how it's possible at Pitt.
We know that graduate education is about more than research — it’s about preparing for a dynamic, impactful career. That’s why SSoE offers the Office of Experiential Learning and Professional Engagement (ELPE) to support graduate students in their career quest. From internships and networking to career planning, we provide personalized guidance and resources for industry internships, networking, and long-term career planning as well as connections to campus resources supporting careers in academia and entrepreneurship. For those pursuing innovation, Pitt's Innovation Institute offers startup accelerators, mentorship, and commercialization support to help turn ideas into real-world impact.
Building connections within a supportive community is central to your graduate experience. The Engineering Graduate Student Organization (EGSO), alongside our Department Graduate Student Associations, helps you forge relationships with peers across disciplines, creating a strong social and professional network. EGSO hosts a range of events designed to enhance your time at Pitt, fostering friendships and collaboration outside the lab and classroom.
During your visit, we encourage you to engage directly with potential principal investigators (PI) and prospective lab groups. Mentorship is at the heart of the SsoE graduate experience. To enhance these relationships, we offer innovative mentor and mentee training programs led by Dr. April Dukes, who collaborates with the Engineering Education Research Center (EERC) and serves as a certified facilitator with the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL). These resources are designed to help you build meaningful, productive mentoring relationships that will support your growth as both a researcher and a professional.
We understand that choosing the right graduate program is a significant decision, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our faculty, staff, and student ambassadors are eager to assist and ensure your time with us is as enriching and informative as possible. Once again, welcome to the University of Pittsburgh! We are honored to have you consider joining our esteemed graduate engineering programs, and we look forward to getting to know you better during your visit.
Safe travels and see you soon!
Dr. Robert S. Parker
Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Swanson School of Engineering
Robert v.d. Luft Professor, Dept. of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
Thursday, February 27th/Friday, February 28th, 2025 – Hotel Check In
- Courtyard Pittsburgh University Center – 100 Lytton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place – 3454 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Air Travel: Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Friday, February 28th, 2025 – Schoolwide & Department Level Events
Time: 7:30 am-9am
Location: University Club, Ballroom B – 123 University Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Kick off your visit at our Welcome Breakfast, where you’ll connect
with student ambassadors eager to share their Pitt experiences. Meet representatives from our Office of Experiential Learning (ELPE) and Professional Engagement and Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), and learn how they support your academic and professional growth. Explore opportunities to get involved with graduate student organizations, like the Engineering Graduate Student Organization (EGSO), to build your community and network.
Department Engagement Sessions
Location: Your department of interest will communicate the locations and full schedule with you via email so keep an eye out. Sessions held in Benedum Hall (BEH) are located directly across from the University Club and is located at 3700 O’Hara St. Pittsburgh, PA 15261
Dive into a full day of personalized department engagement sessions.
You’ll have the chance to meet current graduate students and faculty, explore our state-of-the-art lab facilities, and discover exciting research opportunities that align with your academic interests. Learn about the Department level resources and support systems we offer to help you thrive as a PhD student. This is your opportunity to experience firsthand how Pitt Engineering empowers its students to innovate, collaborate, and excel.
Acrisure Stadium Dinner and Social Mixer
- 6:30pm – Bus pick up at Hotels
- 7-9pm – Dinner and Social Mixer
- 9pm – Bus pick up at Acrisure Stadium to return to hotel
Location: Acrisure Stadium – 100 Art Rooney Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Join us for a fun-filled evening at Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Panthers & Pittsburgh Steelers, for a tailgate-themed dinner and social mixer! Enjoy great food, engaging conversations, and a chance to test your knowledge with Pittsburgh and Pitt trivia. Capture memories in our roaming photo booth and compete for a chance to win exclusive Pitt swag.
This lively event is the perfect way to unwind, connect with fellow prospective students and faculty, and experience the spirited culture of Pitt. We can't wait to see you there — Hail to Pitt!
PLEASE NOTE – Bus pick up time at the hotels to travel to event.
Saturday, March 1st, 2025 - Department Engagement Sessions
Times & Location vary by Dept. Please keep an eye on your email for a complete schedule of activities.
The dress code for this event is business casual, except for Friday evening at Acrisure Stadium, where we encourage a more relaxed attire—jeans and 'Pitt Gear' if you have it. If not, jeans paired with a comfortable shirt will be perfectly acceptable.
We are proud to call Pittsburgh our home! Explore these resources to help you navigate the city while on campus and discover all that it has to offer.
Learn more about our city by accessing the Transit App in the Pittsburgh Regional Transit site.