2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog Point Park University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania The University Seal Point Park University’s seal retains several elements from the seal of Point Park College. These include the escutcheon with the inverted furca (fork) as its ensign. The inverted furca represents salvation flowing from above and embracing the world below. This furca also draws obvious attention to the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio Rivers and their confluence at Point Park, the triangular spot of land in downtown Pittsburgh that gave the University its name. The three scrolls contained within the escutcheon articulate the goals of a Point Park University education and express that a Point Park education stands for the benefit of knowledge, the community and careers. This catalog is the official announcement of Point Park University (a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, educational institution) for the academic year 2019-2020. The University reserves the right to repeal, change, or amend the rules, regulations, and provisions contained in this catalog, and may withdraw or modify the programs and courses listed herein. Updates to the catalog will be posted on the University website. It is published by the Office of the University Registrar. 2 Table of Contents Academic Calendar 2019-2020 .............................................................................................................................. 4 The University Mission Statement ......................................................................................................................... 5 General Information .............................................................................................................................................. 8 Admission ............................................................................................................................................................. 14 University Charges ................................................................................................................................................ 22 Financial Aid ......................................................................................................................................................... 26 Student Affairs ...................................................................................................................................................... 36 Student Support Services ...................................................................................................................................... 44 Academic Policies ................................................................................................................................................. 46 Academic Programs .............................................................................................................................................. 63 Conservatory of Performing Arts ............................................................................................................ 73 School of Arts and Sciences .................................................................................................................. 107 Rowland School of Business ................................................................................................................. 171 School of Communication .................................................................................................................... 196 School of Education ........................................................................................................................................... 214 Course Descriptions ........................................................................................................................................... 264 Honorary Degree Recipients ................................................................................................................................... 391 Board of Trustees ................................................................................................................................................ 392 Executive Officers ............................................................................................................................................... 393 Full-Time Faculty ................................................................................................................................................ 393 Full-Time Staff .................................................................................................................................................... 402 Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 415 3 Academic Calendar 2019-2020 Fall Semester 2019 Fall Term Begins August 24 Labor Day, University Closed September 2 Thanksgiving Break November 25 – December 1 Last Regular Class Session December 9 Final Examination Week December 10 – December 13 Spring Semester 2020 Spring Term Begins January 4 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No Classes January 20 Spring Break February 24– March 1 Last Regular Class Session April 20 Final Examination Week April 21– April 24 Commencement April 25 Summer Semester 2020 Summer Term Begins May 4 Memorial Day, University Closed May 25 Summer I Classes End June 13 Summer II Classes Begin June 15 Independence Day, University Closed July 4 Summer II & Summer 12 Classes End July 25 4 Point Park University Mission Statement Point Park University educates students in a diverse urban environment and prepares graduates to apply knowledge to achieve their goals, advance their professions and serve their com- munities. Vision Statement To be one of the most dynamic, private urban universities in America with an intense focus on student success through distinctive, innovative, and experiential learning. Values Promoting divergent thinking and problem solving Fostering a community of mutual respect and diversity Encouraging innovation Ensuring integrity and ethics Focusing on student needs Responding to our stakeholders Fostering good citizens 5 About the University Founded in 1960, Point Park is a dynamic, urban university with a strong liberal arts tradition. Located in Downtown Pittsburgh, Point Park enrolls more than 4,000 full- and part-time students. There are 86 bachelor’s programs, 17 master’s programs and three doctoral programs offered through the School of Arts and Sciences, Rowland School of Business, School of Communication, School of Education and Conservatory of Performing Arts. Since its founding, Point Park has been known for providing students with an innovative, disciplined education that brings real-world experience into the classroom. Many of the faculty members are professional practitioners. Classes are small by design, giving students more one-on-one time with professors. The Univer- sity’s unique urban location puts students in close proximity to internships, culture, entertainment, and em- ployment opportunities. Embedded in Downtown, Point Park is committed to being an integral part of the success of the city and region. Its growth and development over the years reflects that: Established in 1933 as a business training college, Point Park became a junior college in 1960 and then a four-year undergraduate institution in 1966. It offered its first graduate degree in 1981 and achieved university status in 2003. In 2008, Point Park announced the Academic Village Initiative, a multi-block, living and learning hub that is redefining the student experience, campus life and the University’s connection to Downtown Pittsburgh. The Academic Village Initiative has resulted in new residence halls, a student center, and the Village Park and streetscape enhancements. The Center for Media Innovation opened in 2016, providing a creative, collaborative space for students, an inno- vative networking place for media professionals and an informative showcase for the city. In the fall of 2018, the new Pittsburgh Playhouse opened downtown, having relocated from Oakland. The Campus Point Park University is located in one of America’s most dynamic cities - Downtown Pittsburgh. The city consistently ranks among the top places to live, work, and visit, and the Pittsburgh region boasts dozens of billion-dollar global companies. Point Park has actively participated in the city’s rejuvenation. The campus, which includes the new Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse built in 2018, has expanded from five buildings to one of Downtown’s largest footprints. The Academic Village Initiative has included such recent campus additions as the George Rowland White Performance Center, a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-certi- fied building, loft-style residence halls, the Village Park, streetscape enhancements, a student center, and Law- rence Hall lobby renovations that include an art gallery. Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse is a new downtown complex that serves as the educational arm for the Conservatory of Performing Arts. The Pittsburgh Playhouse offers outstanding dramatic, musical, children’s theater and dance productions that entertain diverse audiences from throughout the region. The School of Communication also boasts the Center for Media Innovation, includes broadcast and photo studios, a multimedia newsroom, and presentation and gallery space. At Point Park, the city is truly our campus. Students can walk to cultural