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At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can Support
At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can SupportDiscover the Carlow social work difference
We are preparing ethical, competent professionals seeking a more just and merciful world. We are preparing leaders committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals, their families, their communities, and societies here and abroad. At Carlow, we care about teaching. We are devoted to our students and their futures as social workers. You will never be a number here. Your faculty members are experienced social workers who know your name. You will receive hands-on experience in class and in professionally supervised internships. You will be prepared to be a culturally humble social worker, ready to work with diverse populations.
Carlow’s social work programs provide high quality, flexible pathways to a promising career in the growing field of social work. Our BSW program offers online options to pursue the BSW, with multiple concentrations in health care social work, forensic social work, crisis and trauma, and restorative justice. Our trauma informed MSW program offers an online program where courses have both synchronous and asynchronous formats within a virtual setting. The MSW Program offers three specializations: direct practice, macro practice, and school social work.
Interdisciplinary BSW concentrations in health care social work, forensic social work, crisis and trauma, and restorative justice.
The Carlow Community Scholars supports college success among former foster youths and/or homeless youths
Interdisciplinary BSW concentration in health care linked to placement opportunities at UPMC hospitals
Carlow University’s School-Based Mental Health Training Institute is a U.S. Department of Education grant-funded training institute to promote mental health prevention and intervention, including advocating for historically marginalized populations. While funding is available eligible students can apply for scholarships for relevant course and field work.
Federally funded interdisciplinary CURE grant providing financial stipends for MSW student field placements in behavioral heThe CURE Program is a grant-funded initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The CURE program provides a limited number of qualified MSW students with financial stipends for field placements in integrated health settings in urban and rural underserved areas.alth in urban and rural underserved areas
$400,000
in CURE funding awarded over 4 years to MSW students.
$150,000+
in MSW student support awarded in 2 years from the School-based Mental Health Training Program.
300+
approved field sites for social work internships.
Faculty & staff
Our social work programs are supported by experienced social work educators and staff members who are devoted to our students and their futures. They are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment and flexible pathways for student success.
Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Faculty, MSW Program
Jessica Friedrichs, MSW, MPA Assistant Professor, Social Work and Director, BSW Field Education
Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Sophie Rice CURE Project Coordinator
Ashley Barr, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Elizabeth Zimmerman-Clayton Assistant Professor, Social Work
Accreditation
The programs in the department of social work are accredited nationally by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE. Successful graduates are eligible to sit for the appropriate social work licenses at the baccalaureate and master’s levels. The state of Pennsylvania has a title protection law. Only social workers with CSWE accredited degrees can carry the job title of “social worker.”
Department Points of Pride
Start Our faculty members demonstrate their social work values in the classroom and in the world outside the University. Carlow social work faculty are actively engaged in diverse university coalitions and efforts to address community problems. Their work is focused on aging, Appalachian community development, childhood trauma, in school-based mental health, diversity, environmental issues, equity and inclusion, ethics in health care, prison re-entry, SUD recovery to workforce initiatives, veterans and military social welfare, and more.
They are also actively pursuing scholarly work in their areas of expertise, presenting at national conferences and publishing peer-reviewed work. They have collaborated with others to bring in grants worth over 10 million dollars in recent years.
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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.