University Profile:
Point Park University

This is a particularly exciting time to be attending Point Park University. The past decade has brought increased enrollment, improved facilities, expanded curriculum and university status. With an enrollment of 3,600, Point Park University remains an innovative institution on the cutting edge of teaching and community service that is continuing to grow.

This spring Point Park announced plans for the Academic Village, an initiative that will transform both the University and the surrounding downtown Pittsburgh neighborhood.

The Academic Village will bring new academic and cultural facilities, architectural and streetscape improvements and greater opportunity. The project represents the confluence of Point Park’s guiding principles of academic excellence, quality student experience, community engagement and managed growth.

Academics

On the undergraduate level, Point Park University offers the bachelor of arts, the bachelor of science, the bachelor of fine arts, the associate in arts and the associate in science degrees. Emphasizing career preparation within a broad educational context, its academic programs enhance the prospects of graduates seeking professional positions in today’s highly competitive job market. While some of the programs of study are those traditionally found in colleges of liberal arts and sciences, others reflect the cultural, business, and industrial needs of the community.

Programs of study are offered through the University’s three schools—the Conservatory of Performing Arts (COPA), the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Business.

Majors include accounting, advertising, applied history, behavioral sciences, biotechnology, broadcasting, business management, cinema and digital arts, criminal justice, dance, education, engineering technology, environmental health science and protection, health services, information technology and management, intelligence and national security, journalism, law enforcement, political science, psychology, public administration, public relations, sport, arts and entertainment management, and theater arts.

New majors include digital media, forensic science, instructional studies and liberal studies.

Point Park’s location in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh means that students are within walking distance of internship opportunities in a variety of fields, including business, government, journalism, and the arts.

Students are also encouraged to enrich their educational experience through coursework overseas. They may take classes at Regent’s College in London, Wells College in Paris, and The American University in Rome. In addition, trips to Europe at affordable rates are arranged occasionally by academic departments or faculty for University credit.

Campus Facilities

Point Park University is located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, one of America’s most dynamic cities. Campus buildings include the University Center, housing the Point Park University library, the television studio and cinema and digital arts classrooms and labs; Academic Hall, with classrooms, laboratories, a newsroom, computer center and administrative offices; Lawrence Hall, a 21-story building with dance studios, classrooms, student lounges, recreation center, cafeteria, administrative offices and residence halls; and Thayer Hall, home of the Point Park Children’s School and additional residence halls. On-campus housing also includes three buildings containing suites, Pioneer Hall, Conestoga Hall, and another resident hall opening in the fall of 2008. The campus also includes the Pittsburgh Playhouse of Point Park University in the city’s Oakland section, a multi-theater complex which serves as the educational arm for the University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts.

Point Park’s recent expansion has included construction of a state-of-the-art dance studio building adjacent to Lawrence Hall that opened in August, 2007. Point Park University facilities include the library, whose collections include 125,000 volumes, over 650 DVDs, musical CDs, and videos, subscriptions to 274 print periodicals and newspapers, 34 periodicals and newspapers on microfilm, and access to over 17,000 serial titles through online databases.

Student Organizations and Activities

The Student Activities Center is Point Park’s hub for student communications, activities information and support services for all students and organizations. Students of all majors are encouraged to become involved with some of the many campus organizations and activities, which include student government, the student media, professional organizations and special interest clubs.

The Recreation Center is open year-round and offers fitness training, intramural sports activities, and informal recreation. It is staffed by a recreation professional and student personnel who are available for individual and group programming. All activities sponsored at the Recreation Center are coed and free to participants.

Point Park University’s convenient downtown location means that students are close to many recreational opportunities, including museums, professional sports, concerts, plays, the ballet, symphony, and clubs.

Financial Aid

Point Park University has made a commitment to offering outstanding academic and co-curricular programs while keeping tuition and fees affordable for students and their families. Nearly all Point Park students receive financial assistance. The Office of Financial Aid coordinates a variety of both merit and need-based financial assistance programs to make it possible for full-time students to take advantage of the educational opportunities at Point Parks. Scholarships, awards, grants, loans, and employment are available from several of federal, state, and institutional sources.

Editorial provided by Point Park University.