Student Athlete Customizes Master's Program to Optimize Career Flexibility Student Profile
Meet Emma Pavelek
- Major/Program
- Professional Studies-M.A.
- Graduation
- 2026
- College Activities
- Women's basketball, track and field, different media and PR projects on and off campus
- Hometown
- Beaver, Pa.
- Dream Job
- To coach women’s college basketball and work in social media or branding for a sports organization. One day, I’d love to build my own basketball program with my own gym, where athletes of all ages and levels can come train with me and grow on and off the court.
- Hobbies & Interests
Training younger athletes, creating social media content, spending time with my dog and cat, anything sports-related and painting.
"Point Park gives you the freedom to shape your own path. I’ve always felt supported here, not just as a student but as an athlete and as a person figuring out what I want to do after college. The professors actually care, and the programs are flexible enough to fit real life."
Emma Pavelek graduated with a PR, Advertising and Social Media degree in the Spring of 2025 and rolled right into the Master's in Professional Studies, a highly flexible program that allows students to design their degree from two disciplines. A multi-sport student athlete, as a graduate student, Pavelek is continuing her college career in basketball and track and field, and is combining her experience as an athlete with her undergraduate field for a degree that will open multiple avenues for her.
Why did you enroll in the M.A. in Professional Studies program?
I enrolled because I wanted a graduate program that actually fits who I am, rather than forcing me into a specific lane. I’ve always been torn between my love for coaching and my passion for social media and sports communication. This program made it possible to do both at the same time.
The program allows you to choose two areas of study and combine them for a unique degree. What disciplines did you choose?
I combined social media and athletic coaching. It’s the perfect mix for me because it blends the creative side of sports with the leadership and athlete development side.
How will the M.A. in Professional Studies help you meet your career goals?
This program gives me the academic background and real-world skills to pursue multiple career paths. Whether I decide to coach full-time, work in social media for a sports team or do both, this degree makes me versatile. It also helps me better understand how to build a personal brand, run a team and communicate with different groups of people.
What do you like about being an online student?
I like that I can still compete, coach, work and live my normal routine without having to pause everything to be in a classroom. It gives me space to keep growing in all areas of my life. It also makes traveling for sports much easier, since I never have to miss class due to travel.
Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective graduate student?
Point Park gives you the freedom to shape your own path. I’ve always felt supported here, not just as a student but as an athlete and as a person figuring out what I want to do after college. The professors actually care, and the programs are flexible enough to fit real life.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Being at Point Park has helped me grow in so many ways. I’ve learned how to balance being a student, an athlete, a leader, and someone building a future in sports. I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned here and bring it into my next chapter.