Point Park University

What you'll study

The programme combines core liberal arts foundations with elective study across the humanities and allied disciplines. Typical components include courses in academic writing and critical thinking, introduction to philosophy, literature surveys, cultural studies, history, social sciences, ethics, and elective modules in areas such as theatre, media studies, digital humanities and creative writing. Students build a personalised plan of study that balances breadth and depth, and may take quantitative reasoning or statistics to complement humanities training.

Programme structure is flexible: students complete general education requirements, a sequence of concentration courses in general studies and humanities, and capstone work. Many students assemble a capstone project, major research paper or practicum that integrates themes from multiple disciplines. The curriculum emphasises analytical reading, persuasive writing, oral communication and research methods.

Typical modules and subjects

• Academic Writing and Research
• Introduction to Philosophy or Ethics
• Survey of World or American Literature
• History and Cultural Studies
• Theory of Art and Media
• Critical Thinking and Argumentation
• Digital Humanities or Media Production
• Social Science Electives (e.g., Sociology, Psychology, Political Science)
• Capstone Seminar or Senior Project
• Professional Development and Internship

Entry requirements

Point Park University seeks applicants who demonstrate strong written communication skills and an interest in interdisciplinary learning. Typical entry requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, official transcripts, and a personal statement outlining academic interests and goals. Standardised tests may be optional; consult admissions for current testing policies. Applicants for whom English is not a first language must provide evidence of English proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent documentation.

Transfer applicants are considered and may receive credit for relevant college-level coursework; applicants with work experience who wish to pursue the flexible General Studies pathway should submit a résumé and any supporting course syllabi for transfer evaluation. Some departments may request a portfolio or sample of written work if students wish to specialise in creative writing, theatre or media-related electives.

Career prospects

Graduates of the General Studies and Humanities pathway leave with strong communication, research and analytical skills valued across many sectors. Common career directions include:

• Communications and public relations
• Content creation, editing and publishing
• Non-profit and community organisations
• Arts administration and cultural institutions
• Marketing, social media and digital content roles
• Government and public service positions
• Graduate and professional study (e.g., humanities MA, law, library science, education—note that teacher certification typically requires additional state-specific programmes)

The programme’s emphasis on internships and applied projects also helps students build practical experience and local employer contacts in Pittsburgh’s cultural, media and civic sectors.

Why study at Point Park University

Point Park University offers small class sizes and a downtown Pittsburgh location that provides easy access to theatres, museums, media companies and civic organisations—ideal for internships and hands-on learning. The university emphasises career-focused liberal arts education, pairing faculty mentorship with opportunities for applied projects, internships and community-engaged research. Dedicated advising and career services support help students translate interdisciplinary coursework into clear career or graduate school plans.

Students benefit from a flexible curriculum that allows exploration across humanities and social sciences, while practicum options and connections with local employers enable practical experience that complements classroom study.