The school of Arts and Sciences is recognized for academic excellence in a diverse range of studies through the following four departments: Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies; Literature, Culture, and Society; Natural Sciences and Engineering; and Psychology.
Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies
Point Park University's Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Intelligence study majors are based upon the enforcement of the law, detection of crimes, investigation of crimes, prosecution of offenders and eventual sentencing of individuals convicted in the criminal justice system. Taught by professors who bring real-world experience into the classroom, Point Park's Criminal Justice, Forensic and Intelligence study programs will prepare you for a variety of careers through hands-on coursework and experiential learning opportunities.
The Society for Intelligence and National Security facilitates the development of students who seek careers that will help to protect the public from all manner of dangers. Many of our students dedicate their lives to combating human trafficking, drug cartels, terrorism, cybercrime, natural disasters, or political corruption. Our decade-long tradition of visiting special locations in Washington, D.C. each year was disrupted by the COVID pandemic, just as we were preparing to visit the State Department for the first time. Now we are focusing on fundraising to return to D.C. to learn more about how our students can find their places among the silent professionals who apply their intellects and creativity to the cause of peace.
Literature, Culture and Society
The Department of Literature, Culture and Society offers robust degree programs that allow students to explore the world around them and lean into their creativity and ingenuity. Our literature degree programs invite students to immerse themselves in ingenuity, creativity, language and understanding injustice. Focused on unity in diversity, our culture and society degree programs appeal to students who like to question, probe and challenge. Knowledge is power.
The Patrick Boyle Student Need Fund is a restricted gift established in 2021 from former Point Park professor Patrick Boyle to help fund a range of individual academic student needs, excluding tuition. Point Park University students pursuing a major or minor in Creative Writing, English, or Social Justice Studies can request financial assistance for any of the following or other items deemed to be basic needs that impact learning: books and course materials, graduate school application fees, conference attendance, professional affiliations, magazine/journal subscriptions, bus passes, etc.
Natural Sciences and Engineering
The Natural Sciences and Engineering (NSE) department is home to three engineering majors, electrical, mechanical and civil, as well as biological sciences and funeral services. We have both full- and part-time faculty with extensive industry experience, and faculty who are active in world-class research. With small classes and caring faculty, our students get more personal attention than any other science or engineering students in the area.
Psychology
Our programs in psychology and behavioral sciences are nationally recognized for their humanistic approach to the study of the person. We prepare students for professional work with individuals and communities. We encourage critical and holistic thinking in order to respectfully address the diverse and unique lived experiences of children and adults, and foster activist perspectives that enhance the well-being of persons and their communities.
The Mobile Thriving Respite works with the street community to foster thriving beyond surviving…the stuff of life that we sometimes take for granted—to talk with friends, laugh together, feel welcomed and safe, be creative, share stories, and have a renewed sense of dignity. Typical event activities include card and game playing, listening to music, karaoke, art studio projects, body movement therapy, reading groups, and watching films. Thriving respites are mobile to welcome people throughout the city in familiar places where they are most comfortable.
