My PennWest
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Online Arts, Humanities & Communication Degrees and Certificates

Write clearly. Communicate strategically. Understand cultures.

Choose an online degree or certificate that fits your goals—corporate communication, Arabic studies, linguistics, creative writing, professional writing, and more. Build real-world projects and graduate ready to contribute on day one.

 

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Key Benefits

 

 
100% online courses
 
Same faculty as on campus
 
Multiple start dates each year
 
Transfer-friendly pathways
 
Portfolio-ready projects and real-world assignments
 
1:1 support from Success & Career Coaches

 

 

Programs in Arts, Humanities & Communication

Not sure where to start? Browse by degree level and open a program page for courses, admissions, and next steps.

 

Master's Degree or Post-Baccalaureate Certificate • Online

Arabic Language & Linguistics (MA or Post-Bacc Certificate)

PennWest’s online Arabic Language & Linguistics offers two options. The Master's Degree (30 credits) provides advanced study in Arabic, linguistics, translation and pedagogy for roles in education, public service and global organizations. The Post-Bacc Certificate (18 credits) delivers focused training for educators, analysts, and language professionals who want rapid, stackable skills.      

Master's: 30 credits • Certificate: 18 credits Master's: ~18–24 months • Certificate: ~9–18 months 100% online
Foreign Language Teacher • Translator/Interpreter • Cultural Advisor • International Programs Coordinator • Language Assessment Specialist • Localization Specialist • Intelligence/Language Analyst • Curriculum Developer • Content Developer/Writer
Bachelor's Degree or Undergraduate Certificate • Online

Arabic Language & Cultures (BA & Certificate)

Build proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic and deepen your understanding of Arabic culture—earn the BA or the shorter undergraduate Certificate, both offered fully online.

Bachelor's: 120 credits • Certificate: 12 credits Bachelor's: ~4 years full-time • Certificate: ~6–12 months 100% online
Translator/Interpreter • International Relations Specialist • Cultural Advisor • Educator/Academic Researcher • Global Business Consultant • International Programs/Outreach Coordinator
Master's Degree • Online

Corporate Communication (MA)

A fully online MA that builds advanced organizational, digital, and strategic communication skills with a capstone or thesis option.

30 credits ~12–18 months 100% online
Organizational Development Specialist • Public Relations Specialist • Corporate Trainer • Media Relations Manager • Employee Relations Manager • Public Affairs Director • Communication Consultant • Account Executive • Special Events Planner
Undergraduate Certificate • Online

Creative Writing (Undergraduate Certificate)

A 12-credit online certificate that builds a polished portfolio across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting and digital writing.

12 credits 6-12 months 100% online
Creative Writer • Content Writer/Strategist • Editor • Copywriter • Screenwriter • Publishing Assistant • Communications Specialist
Bachelor's Degree • Online

English (Bachelor of Arts)

Develop advanced reading, writing, and analytical skills while tailoring your studies to writing, literary & cultural studies, or a flexible general English path.

120 credits 4 years 100% online
Editor • Copywriter • Content Strategist • Technical Writer • Communications Specialist • Social Media Manager • Publishing Assistant • Grant Writer
Undergraduate Certificate • Online

Literature and Culture (Undergraduate Certificate)

A 12-credit online certificate exploring world literature, writers, and cultural contexts while sharpening analytical writing.

12 credits 6-12 months 100% online
Editor • Communications Specialist • Content Writer • Publishing Assistant • Museum/Program Educator • Nonprofit Program Coordinator • Grants & Development Assistant
Undergraduate Certificate • Online

Professional Writing (Undergraduate Certificate)

A concise, career-focused online certificate in technical, business, digital, and industry-specific writing.

12 credits 6-12 months 100% online
Technical Writer • Grant Writer • Content Strategist • Communications Specialist • Marketing Copywriter • Proposal Writer • Documentation Specialist • Social Media Manager
Master's Degree • OnlineCAA (ASHA)

Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

Prepare for SLP licensure with online coursework, innovative clinical training (telepractice/simulation), and a short on-campus intensive.

60 credits 20 months (full-time) or 29 months (part-time) CAA (ASHA) Primarily online with some synchronous elements and one brief on-campus intensive; clinical experiences included
Speech-Language Pathologist • Clinical Fellow (CF-SLP) • School-Based SLP • Medical SLP (hospital/rehab) • Pediatric SLP • Adult Neuro SLP • Dysphagia Specialist • Voice/Resonance Specialist
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate • Online

Speech-Language Pathology (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate)

Complete the prerequisite SLP coursework online to qualify for graduate study in Speech-Language Pathology.

24 credits (8 courses) ~2 semesters (typical) 100% online (also available on campus)
Prepares students for admission to an SLP master’s program; not a standalone licensure credential.

 






Don’t see the program for you?

Browse All Global Online Programs

 

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Why Arts, Humanities & Communication at PennWest

Choose from online programs in corporate communication, Arabic language & cultures/linguistics, creative and professional writing, and literature & culture. You’ll build strengths in strategic messaging, writing craft and editing, translation and intercultural communication, digital content and audience engagement, and research and analysis—so you can apply ideas clearly across industries and communities.

Learn from scholar-practitioners—including experienced communicators, editors, and native-speaking language instructors—who connect coursework to real projects. You’ll also have access to one-to-one success coaching, career guidance, and faculty mentorship to keep you on track from your first course through your capstone.

Courses emphasize portfolio-ready work—press releases and campaign plans, writing samples, translation/linguistics portfolios, and research papers—plus opportunities for internships and community-based projects. With career services, employer connections, and alumni networks, you’ll graduate ready to step into roles in communications, media, education, nonprofits, government, and global organizations.

Featured Faculty

Learn from the same experienced professors who teach on our campuses. They bring industry insight, practical projects, and one-to-one support to every online course.

Dr. William Hunter

Dr. William Hunter

PhD

Professor; Chair, English, Philosophy & Modern Languages

A longtime professor and department chair, Dr. Hunter connects literature, culture and the arts with student-centered mentoring across the humanities. He supports online program delivery and curricular quality, helping students translate close reading, critical thinking, and clear writing into real-world impact.

Literature & CultureWriting & AnalysisInterdisciplinary Humanities
Dr. Elisabeth W. Joyce

Dr. Elisabeth W. Joyce

PhD

Professor, English, Philosophy and Modern Languages

Dr. Joyce bridges literary scholarship with writing and rhetoric, emphasizing how analysis and revision lead to publication-ready work. Her teaching highlights voice, structure, and critical inquiry so students can communicate clearly across academic, professional, and creative contexts.

Literary StudiesEditing & PublicationCritical Analysis
Dr. Andrew Lingwall

Dr. Andrew Lingwall

EdD

Professor, Business, Economics and Communication

A specialist in public relations education and media writing, Dr. Lingwall helps students master clear, audience-focused storytelling for contemporary platforms. His courses blend strategy and craft—press materials, features, and digital content—so graduates leave with polished, portfolio-ready work.

Strategic CommunicationPublic RelationsMedia Writing

 

Arts, Humanities & Communication — What You’ll Learn

Turn ideas into clear, compelling communication. In PennWest’s online Arts, Humanities & Communication programs, you’ll sharpen how you write, present, analyze, and connect across audiences and cultures. Courses blend practice with purpose—so you leave with polished work you can use in internships, jobs, and grad school applications.

 

 
Strategic communication & messaging
 
Professional & creative writing craft
 
Editing, style & publication-ready polish
 
Digital content & audience engagement
 
Intercultural communication & global perspectives
 
Research, analysis & evidence-based communication


How Online Learning Works Here

Courses are designed for busy professionals: clear weekly modules, active faculty engagement and opportunities to collaborate with classmates. You’ll have access to Success Coaches for planning and time management, plus Career Coaches for résumés, interviews and networking. Transfer-friendly pathways and stackable certificates can help you finish faster.

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Admissions & Costs

Talk to an Enrollment Coach 

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Dr. Brian Roberts ’91 — English alum & faculty playwright

English alumnus and PennWest professor Dr. Brian Roberts wrote a trilogy of plays honoring his family’s experiences as Black men in America and helped revive the Black Studies minor.

Brian Roberts

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Often, yes. PennWest Global Online works to maximize transfer credit and streamline the transition; check the program and talk with enrollment for specifics.

 

No. These featured programs are designed for working professionals and delivered online; see each page for any field or internship elements required in your local area.

 

How much does it cost? Do online students pay the same fees?

See current Tuition & Fees for undergraduate and graduate programs. You won’t pay fees for on-campus services, and many students qualify for competitive non-resident tuition.

 

Yes. PennWest has options for scholarships, grants, federal aid, and payment plans on the Affording College pages.

 

Yes. The Military & Veterans Services team helps with transferring military credits and using GI Bill®/Tuition Assistance, National Guard/Reserve benefits, and more.

 

PennWest programs align with Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements and, where applicable, prepare you for Praxis exams (e.g., Special Education Teacher Certification). Licensure requirements vary by state—prospective out-of-state students should confirm with their state education department.

PennWest runs online terms across the year and hosts virtual info sessions regularly. Your Enrollment Support team can help you choose the best upcoming start for your program.

Yes. Each student works with a career coach for one-on-one guidance (career paths, résumé, interviews, internships)—and you can even connect with the Career Center before enrollment.

 

 

 

 

 

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More About PennWest Global Online

PennWest Global Online offers flexible, high-quality online education designed to fit your busy lifestyle. Our programs provide the same rigorous curriculum and expert faculty as our on-campus offerings, ensuring you receive a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. With a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, PennWest Global Online empowers you to advance your education and career from anywhere in the world.

You’ve Got This

Believe in your potential and take the leap – apply to PennWest today and start your journey toward a brighter future.