About

The University of Pittsburgh Center for Excellence in Digital Education, or Pitt EDGE, supports the planning, development and implementation of online, hybrid and continuing education programming through centralized services and the engagement of existing teams within the University’s 16 schools, including the Health Sciences.

Established in the Office of the Provost in fall 2024, Pitt EDGE sets the strategic vision of the University for online and continuing education by:

  • Supporting and guiding the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of online/hybrid education programming through a mix of centralized services and the engagement of existing Pitt teams.
  • Scaling a data-driven enrollment marketing focus to meet the needs of our online/hybrid programs.
  • Collaborating closely with the schools to deliver a cohesive, quality Pitt online/hybrid learning experience.

Vision

Expand access to the high-quality education offered at the University of Pittsburgh.

Mission

  • Serve learners of all types especially those from nontraditional and under-served populations.
  • Embrace a user-friendly and coherent set of platforms and technologies for rapid and seamless access to Pitt's programs and faculty.
  • Design offerings with a focus on the needs of learners, the context and issues they are experiencing, their geographic location and changing circumstances, i.e. workforce deserts.

Contact Us

For any inquiries or support, please reach out to us at EDGE@pitt.edu, and our team will be happy to assist you.

Accordion Container: FAQs, What is the difference between Pitt EDGE and

FAQs

Pitt EDGE serves an internal audience of Pitt faculty and staff. It is a centralized unit providing multiple services as the University’s online program manager (OPM) and contributes to Pitt Online offerings.

Pitt Online serves an external audience of prospective and current students. It is the brand representing all of the University’s online offerings. 

On July 1, 2025, Pitt Online (formerly part of the University Center for Teaching and Learning) merged with Pitt EDGE.

Pitt EDGE provides support in the planning, development and implementation of online, hybrid and continuing education programming through centralized services. The University's instructional design services are now offered through Pitt EDGE following a merger with Pitt Online on July 1, 2025.

The University Center for Teaching and Learning continues to be the hub for all residential teaching support at Pitt by providing services that promote teaching excellence and the effective application of instructional technologies. Visit their website for a complete list of services.

The process for launching any online or hybrid program always begins with a market research analysis to determine the viability of the program in current and future market conditions. Get started by visiting our resources page.

PittForce is a University initiative to create a portfolio of degrees in teaching, nursing and more that meet the workforce needs of the city and the commonwealth. These degrees will provide “a lower-cost, hybrid and applied educational experience that leverage Pitt’s strengths, know-how and subject matter expertise,” according to a description of the project.

Pitt EDGE supports the PittForce initiative.