Learn to read critically, think clearly, communicate effectively and write persuasively
As an English major, you will build an understanding of British, American and world literature, significant writers, and writing strategies. You can also focus on areas of interest through electives that can lead to a minor or double major.
You will develop effective communication, critical reading and thinking skills and learn advanced analytical research methods, preparing for a variety of professions that rely on those skills such as law, teaching and professional writing.
You can gain publication and presentation experience through Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, as well as editorial experience with “The Critical Point,” Carlow’s journal of visual and literary arts, and the Carlow University newspaper.
The English major curriculum focuses on timeless literary works and writers who address today’s major issues. Course options include Peace/Justice Themes in American Literature, Shakespeare in the 21st Century, Literature in Translation, Myths and Monsters, and Visions of Social Change. Other courses cover genres such as the American novel, Romantic or Early Modern women writers, and contemporary issues in poetry, drama and prose by modern British authors. A Writing for Social Media internship is also available.
Quick facts
Establish a strong foundation in British, American and world literature
Develop practical skills that are highly sought after in professional environments
Gain valuable professional experience through publication or conference participation, editorial opportunities and internships
Understand literature in an online world
English and Liberal Studies double major Caitlin McDonough ’21 is grateful for the attention students receive from faculty in the English program. “I experienced the timelessness of literature through new perspectives, and I learned how to grow and market my writing skills for an increasingly online world.”
Alternate degree completion option
Accelerated
Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
Career opportunities for English majors
Employers seek candidates with critical and creative thinking skills; this provides English majors unique opportunities beyond their field of study, including public relations and social media management. Many English graduates use their writing skills in business or nonprofit settings.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for public relations specialists is expected to increase 7% over the next 10 years.
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
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Fall, Spring & Summer
Experience a well-rounded education
English major Madeline Longmore ’22 said Carlow has exceeded her expectations since the moment she enrolled. “The small community has allowed me to be seen as a person instead of another number in a large lecture hall. The English literature program has exposed me to a wide range of artists and historical perspectives. The English professors have made diversity and intersectionality a basis for all their curriculum. I have learned more than literature; I have experienced bodies of work that connect our past to our present.”
Write and inspire with a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing
You can build on your creative skills and refine your writing technique with Carlow’s Creative Writing major. You will explore the works of great writers while deepening your relationship with these texts through critical examination.
You can workshop creative pieces with peers as well as working writers, and develop your ability to understand creative concepts like context, image and voice.
You can gain experience in editing, graphic design and other practical skills by working with “The Critical Point,” Carlow’s journal of visual and literary arts. Opportunities such as the Madwomen in the Attic writing workshops and annual anthology and the Red Dog Reading Series can help you hone public reading, critique and editing skills.
In introductory and special topics courses, you will study poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction, and learn how to critique work in a workshop setting. You can study sound, rhythm and line in poetry studies; learn the essentials of a good story while studying fiction; and focus on narration, description and dialogue if your interest is creative nonfiction.
Other courses include world literature and language.
Quick facts
Concentrate on poetry, fiction or creative nonfiction
Cultivate your writer’s voice
Intern with “The Critical Point” and the Red Dog Reading Series
Alternate degree completion options
Accelerated
Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
Career opportunities for Creative Writing majors
With a background in creative writing, challenging and rewarding career opportunities abound, such as becoming a copywriter, working in publishing or advertising, or freelance as an editor or writer.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for technical writers is slated to grow 7% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the expansion of scientific and technical products, as well as a need for web-based product support.
Creative writing major publishes first novel
Malcolm Randall, a junior creative writing major and forward on the basketball team at Carlow University, fulfilled that goal in the fall of 2021. On Oct. 16, his first novel, titled “Sheriff Sebastian Part 1: The Boy,” was published and available for sale on Amazon.
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Creative writing major says connections make program unique
Creative writing major KJ Miller ’21 said Carlow’s program is unique because of the connections students make. “Each professor in the program creates a knowledgeable and familiar environment, so that you are always learning how to perfect your craft as well as be comfortable sharing your own work. You gain mentorship on a new level – not only do they want to advise you, but they want to see you succeed while giving you all of the tools you need to do so.”
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FROM OUR BLOG
3 Keys To Mastering Storytelling In Marketing Communications
3 keys to mastering storytelling in marketing communications Tell a good story—one that somehow defines your values—the essence of who you are, and why others should care—and you’ll capture the hearts and loyalty of customers…
Technology has transformed the way we interact. The communications field, in particular, has been greatly impacted by changes in digital media and technology.
You will set yourself up for career success and master highly sought-after skills in business management with a corporate communications degree from Carlow University.
In the Organizational Management degree program, you will learn corporate principles of strategic planning and interpersonal skills, organizational communication and media relations in a corporate setting.
With a unique combination of courses from Carlow’s communication and business management programs, you will gain hands-on learning experiences and cultivate valuable leadership skills.
The Organizational Management degree curriculum takes an interdisciplinary approach, offering courses from both the communication and business management programs. You can adapt your learning experience to suit your interests while cultivating career-ready knowledge and leadership skills through courses in interpersonal communication and corporate principles of strategic planning.
Quick facts
Acquire a wide range of skills and the ability to adapt to fast-paced environments
Tailor your learning experience to your specific interests
Benefit from a 99% job placement rate
Alternate degree completion options
Online Degree
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
3-Year Degree
Finish your bachelor’s degree in three years by following a 3-year academic plan. Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms with summer courses completely online. When applying, indicate your interest in the 3-Year Degree option.
Accelerated
Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
Career opportunities for PR and corporate communications
Program graduates have a 99% job placement rate. Students go on to work for private and public companies, health care organizations, nonprofits and government agencies. Career opportunities include human services, marketing communications, event planning, philanthropy and public relations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, employment for public relations managers is slated to grow 9% from 2019 to 2029, faster than average. These professionals are essential for organizations’ maintenance of public image.
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
#1
FROM OUR BLOG
3 Keys To Mastering Storytelling In Marketing Communications
3 keys to mastering storytelling in marketing communications Tell a good story—one that somehow defines your values—the essence of who you are, and why others should care—and you’ll capture the hearts and loyalty of customers…
Technology has transformed the way we interact. The communications field, in particular, has been greatly impacted by changes in digital media and technology.
Earn a Bachelor’s degree in Communication while focusing on your social change interests
You have seen the world change so much in such a short amount of time: climate change, human rights violations and wealth inequality, to name a few. You feel the need to help. With our social change degree, you can explore critical social justice issues and learn the communication skills necessary for social advocacy work.
This communication degree can be tailored to your specific interests in social justice, positioning you to make a difference and create change at the local, state and federal levels.
The social advocacy curriculum includes in-person and online courses. In addition to your communication courses, political science and social work courses are included in the curriculum to help you develop your understanding of how communication relates to social policy and advocacy. You will have the opportunity to focus your social change degree on specific interest areas including poverty, education equality and health care.
With access to Carlow’s Hopkins Communication Lab, you will gain critical learning experiences, develop and practice professional presentations, and perform research.
Hands-on experience includes the Youth Media Advocacy Project, an organization that empowers middle and high school students in the community to develop communication advocacy campaigns.
Quick facts
Courses offered in-person and online for a hybrid model
Focus on your social justice interests
Access to our communications lab
Hands-on experience with the Youth Media Advocacy Project
Career opportunities for communications
Students with a communications degree can work in an array of media and communication occupations such as a public relations specialist, a reporter or specialized areas of communications outreach for an organization.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in media and communications occupations is projected to grow four percent from 2019 to 2029. The public relations specialists job market is expected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029. This growth is largely driven by organizations’ need to develop their public image.
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admission.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
#1
FROM OUR BLOG
3 Keys To Mastering Storytelling In Marketing Communications
3 keys to mastering storytelling in marketing communications Tell a good story—one that somehow defines your values—the essence of who you are, and why others should care—and you’ll capture the hearts and loyalty of customers…
Technology has transformed the way we interact. The communications field, in particular, has been greatly impacted by changes in digital media and technology.
Prepare for a dynamic field with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree
Be the voice of change for a community, help market a business or product, or become a business leader with a communications degree from Carlow University. You’ll develop the tools you need to communicate effectively through oral, written and multimedia outlets. Gain practical, real-world experiences by collaborating with Carlow multimedia artists, writing for our student-run newspaper or announcing Carlow Celtic sporting events. If you have a specific focus in mind we offer tracks, including organizational management, advocacy and social change, and digital media.
As a communication major, you have the opportunity to not only reach your audience but your personal goals, too. Our Communication alumni remain connected to the program as a strong professional network for any communication graduate.
Quick facts
Develop skills valued by employers
Specialize your studies with program-specific tracks (organizational management, advocacy and social justice, digital media)
Get hands-on experience with the student-run newspaper and the sports radio program
Classroom and real-world practice help you hone problem-solving, team-building and critical thinking skills, all highly sought after by employers. In the Hopkins Communication Lab, you can practice professional presentations and perform research. Student tutors can help you master your public speaking skills.
10:1
student to faculty ratio
Choose a communication track that is right for you
As a communication major you can choose the general track or specialize your studies to better fit your career goals. In each track, you will access hands-on learning opportunities, such as developing your news writing and research skills by working with “The Carlow Chronicle,” a student-run newspaper, and polishing your broadcasting skills with “Carlow Sports Talk.”
Advocacy and Social Justice
Focus on communication and social justice preparing you to make a difference and create change at the local, state, and federal levels
Digital Media
Concentrate on crafting messages across multiple platforms, like social media and gain experience in marketing and public relations
Organizational Management
Focus on business communications, including media relations and the principles of strategic planning
Liberal Arts advantage
As a Carlow University student, you have the opportunity to pursue a well-rounded liberal arts education full of career-readiness pathways including our honors program, internships, service-learning, study abroad and research.
The Carlow Compass is our general education curriculum that allows you to develop your knowledge and skills as you discover what you want to study or pursue as a career.
Career opportunities for communication majors are projected to increase 4%* as organizations in every industry continually need communication professionals to create, edit and deliver information through multiple platforms.
Work in the arts, entertainment, sports, business and government industries
Hold job titles like content creator, announcer, editor, translator, reporter, journalist or author
We help you get to where you want to be Our Office of Career Development offers one-on-one services including job search help and internship programs.
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Haley Chiusano ’22, a communication major, was very impressed with the helpful atmosphere at Carlow. “I have learned so much (at Carlow). The professors are so knowledgeable and the coursework is very fair. It pushes me to be a good student, while also allowing me to have time for other things such as volleyball and my job.”
Alternate degree completion options
3-Year Degree
Finish your bachelor’s degree in three years by following a 3-year academic plan. Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms with summer courses completely online. When applying, indicate your interest in the 3-Year Degree option.
Accelerated
Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
Beyond traditional classrooms: Early Development and Learning degree
If you want to work with young children outside of a traditional elementary classroom, Carlow’s Early Development and Learning degree will give you the skills you need. This unique major prepares you for educator roles in out-of-school learning environments, community based centers, childcare centers, museums, or nonprofit organizations. In your senior year, you’ll complete a personalized internship individually tailored for your career interests.
Carlow University accepts state-sponsored scholarship opportunities, including TEACH, Rising Stars and PASSHE.
Carlow’s early childhood development degree program includes a unique apprenticeship model option for full-time child care providers working in licensed childcare centers. You will learn about children experiencing homelessness through a service-learning course in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and participate in educational experiences at our on-campus Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School. You will take coursework in children’s literature, grant writing, building school partnerships, and early literacy and STEAM based practices. Carlow’s early childhood development degree program includes a unique apprenticeship model option for full-time child care providers working in licensed childcare centers.. You can will learn about children experiencing homelessness through a service-learning course in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and participate in educational experiences at our on-campus Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School. You will take coursework in children’s literature, grant writing, building school partnerships, and early literacy and STEAM based practices.
You will use the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) three core considerations when planning learning environments for young children: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness, and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators and Power to the Profession.
Alternate degree completion option
Accelerated
Fast track your way into this master’s program by taking graduate courses as a Carlow undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
Quick facts
Participate in grant-funded projects that make sustainable changes to the early childhood workforce
Complete an individualized senior capstone internship
“Every staff member in the Education Department really cares about you, your education and your long-term goals. … Every student in the Education Department is there for you when you need them, we really have been through it all!”
— Bailey Pallus ’20
Career opportunities for Early Development and Learning
With a degree in early childhood development, you can work as a lead teacher in a child care program, Head Start teacher, home care coordinator, education consultant, grant writer, juvenile corrections worker, museum educator, quality coach, early learning engagement specialist or public policy advocate, or work in a hospital, family support center, community outreach, homeless programming, social work, early learning resource center support or intervention services, workforce development, or research.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 2% from 2019 to 2029; employment of preschool and child care center directors is projected to grow 1% from 2019 to 2029.
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Must have a minimum 3.00 cumulative high school or 3.50 cumulative college GPA.
Jeremy Rhine, Early Development and Learning graduate
“I selected Carlow because coming from a bigger high school experience, I knew I wanted to be more than a number and be somewhere I would be given unique opportunities. Here at Carlow, this is true, and there is still history to make.
“I absolutely love how early you dive into the classroom experiences. The professors are always willing to help you out in any way that they can. You not only get experience within traditional classroom settings, but also in nontraditional settings as well! I loved all of the different times I got to connect, present and share ideas with professionals from all around the Pittsburgh region in early and higher ed.”
Bailey Pallus, Early Development and Learning Program graduate
“I selected Carlow for their small class sizes and amazing education program. There are so many pathways for success and the programs are really tailored to your specific needs. I knew I would be getting a high quality education by attending Carlow.
“Every staff member in the Education Department really cares about you, your education and your long-term goals. I feel so comfortable around all my teachers and really view them all as strong mentors in my education career. I also love the Carlow friendships I have made throughout the years. Every student in the education department is there for you when you need them, we really have been through it all!”
Prepare to make a difference for children with disabilities
The major leads to certification in early childhood with special education. Students complete all certification requirements for both programs in this unquely designed major. Carlow’s Early Childhood Education degree program, you will focus on learning to nurture the dignity, worth and uniqueness of young children from birth to fourth grade. You will learn to create welcoming classroom environments where children can thrive and develop a love of learning. You will build close relationships with other students and our dedicated and caring faculty.
In the special education program, you will learrn to address all aspects of special education from PreK-12th grade. You will experience a range of field and practicum placements working with children with special intellectual, physical, behavioral, learning, and social/emotional needs.
You may elect to add an autism endorsement or STEM endorsement.
You will learn inclusive practices, differentiated instruction, instructional and assistive technologies, universal design theory, positive behavioral interventions and culturally responsive education practices for young children with special needs. Explicit multisensory-based structured literacy practices and recent neuroscience inform special education practices targeting reading and dyslexia.
Fifty percent of field and practicum experiences take place in The Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center. Steps away from the dormitories at Carlow, and nestled in the heart of main campus, is a living education laboratory, a school for PreK-8th graders and a childcare center for children ages birth to three. Right from the start, Carlow Education students can be employed in the after-school program as educators, in the early learning center as assistant teachers, and as summer camp counselors or teachers in the robust summer school program. By junior or senior year, Carlow students can tutor in the Dyslexia Center and work as substitute teachers in The Campus Lab School.
Alternate degree completion option
Accelerated
Fast track your way into this master’s program by taking graduate courses as a Carlow undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
Quick facts
Gain experience with multiple diagnostic tools
Employ special education strategies and assessments in multiple practicum placements
Participate in special education practicums and student teaching experiences
Learn from dyslexia specialist instructors
Gain early intervention experience
Career opportunities for Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) with Special Education Certification
Most special education teachers work in public schools, teaching students with a variety of disabilities at the preschool, elementary, middle and high school levels. Graduates can also work in private schools, child care services and other community organizations.
Special educators remain in high demand. Special education is considered a high need area and the post-graduation placement rate for special educators is currently 100%.
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Note for all certification students: At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply to the education department through the coordinator of undergraduate programs. You must have 48 credits, have at least a 3.0 GPA, pass SKW 101, SKQ 101, a math course and a literature course, and pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or the CORE ETS Fundamental Skills Tests in reading, writing and math.
Certification requirements: Carlow’s Early Childhood Education with Special Education Certification program provides the necessary coursework required for Pre-K-4 teacher and special education certification in Pennsylvania. You must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation. You must complete a degree program; score a 4 or higher on both Pennsylvania Department of Education 430 evaluation forms; and pass the PECT Pre-K-4 exam.
Prepare to make a difference in early childhood education
In Carlow’s Early Childhood Education degree program, you will focus on learning to nurture the dignity, worth and uniqueness of young children from birth to fourth grade. You will learn to create welcoming classroom environmentswhere children can thrive and develop a love of learning. You will build close relationships with other students and our dedicated and caring faculty.
The program is guided by child development pedagogy and early learning standards, and advocates for best 21st-century learning practices. Students utilize the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s three core considerations when planning learning environments: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, Power to the Profession and the Pennsylvania Department of Education‛s Teacher Certification Competencies. As part of the certification program, students will earn a STEM endorsement.
Carlow is one of the few private schools that accepts the following state-sponsored scholarship opportunities: TEACH Scholarship, Rising Stars and PASSHE
You’ll take courses in advanced child development, children’s literature, structured literracy, math and science methods, and community and family partnerships. Field experiences begin your freshman year. We believe the community is part of our classroom. Experience visits to the museums, nature centers, makerspaces, and local community organizations as part of your Carlow education.
Fifty percent of field and practicum experiences take place in The Campus Laboraotry School and Early Learning Center. Steps away from the dorminotories at Carlow, and nestled in the heart of main campus, is a living education laboratory, a school for PreK-8th graders and a childcare center for children ages birth to three. Right from the start, Carlow Education students can be employed in the after-school program as educators, in the early learning center as assistant teachers, and as summer camp counselors or teachers in the robosut summer school program. By junior or senior year, Carlow students can tutor in the Dyslexia Center and work as subsitute teachers in The Campus Lab School.
Quick facts
Explore STEAM and learn programming, robotics, computational thinking and inquiry skills
Expand your literacy knowledge and be well prepared to teach children how to read
Network with educators through professional development opportunities and community fairs, and visit with community organizations that support learning
Fast track your way into this master’s program by taking graduate courses as a Carlow undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
Career opportunities for early childhood education
With an Early Childhood Education degree, you can teach students basic academic, social and other formative skills in public or private schools at the childcare, PreK, and elementary level. According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry, employment of child care, kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to grow 6%.
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Have a minimum 3.00 cumulative high school or 3.50 cumulative college GPA.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Note for all certification students: At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply to the education department through the coordinator of undergraduate programs. You must have 48 credits, have at least a 3.0 GPA, pass SKW 101, SKQ 101, a math course and a literature course, and pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or the CORE ETS Fundamental Skills Tests in reading, writing and math or meet equivalent course, ACT or SAT requirements.
Certification requirements: Carlow’s early childhood education program provides the necessary coursework required for Pre-K-4 teacher certification in Pennsylvania. Students must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation. Students may elect to take and pass the 5th and 6th grade add-on certification exams.
Unlock love of art in K-12 students: Art Education major
Art education is ideal for artists looking to pursue art as a career. With the Art major’s art education certification, you can develop your artistic voice while preparing to teach students about art, passing your own experience on to a new generation of artists.
This certification program includes eight weeks of full-time teaching in an elementary art room and eight weeks in a secondary art room under the direct supervision of a cooperating teacher and University supervisors.
Art with art education certification is a professional program offered in conjunction with the education program. It requires a minimum of 44 credits in art and a series of required courses in education and art education. Upon successful completion of the program, you may receive certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education as a teacher of art, grades K-12.
Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
Career opportunities for Art Education degree
Art teachers are prepared to teach children from kindergarten through grade 12. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in education, training and library occupations is projected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Certification information
At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply through your academic advisor and attend a candidacy review meeting. In order to apply, you must:
Have 48 credits
Have at least a 3.0 GPA
Pass SKW 101, SKQ 101, a math course and a literature course
Pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or the CORE Basic Skills Tests in reading, writing and math
Prospective students from Slippery Rock University will meet with both Carlow University and Slippery Rock University directors for a candidacy review to ensure they are on track for student teaching and certification after graduation.
Certification requirements
Score a 4 or higher on both PDE 430 evaluation forms
Pass the PRAXIS art content knowledge exam and fundamental subjects test
At Carlow University, we view creativity and the visual arts as foundational to our society. Our art program is designed to empower the next generation of artists, designers, educators, art therapists and curators with the skills, knowledge, and ethical foundation to transform their creativity into a force for social change. Situated in the heart of a vibrant city, Carlow University offers unparalleled access to a vibrant art community, prestigious museums, and a rich cultural ecosystem, setting the stage for an immersive educational experience.
As a an art major, you can choose to focus your studies in the following areas:
Carlow’s Art + Design Program is a hub for innovation, creativity, and practical skill development through an emphasis on experiential learning. Studio art making and praxis lie at the core of our program. We understand that practice is essential for growth and development as an artist. Our studios, fabrication laboratory, and professional art gallery provide dynamic environments for you to experiment, explore new techniques, allowing you to manifest your ideas into tangible forms of expression. .
The art program part of the highly interdisciplinary Department of Art, Communication and English. As such we center storytelling and curating as vital skills in the art world, and our program recognizes their significance. Whether you aspire to become a curator, designer, or art educator, our courses in art history and curatorial studies will immerse you in the world of art narratives, cultural heritage, and exhibition curation. You’ll learn how to communicate the story behind artworks, contextualize them within historical and cultural frameworks, and curate engaging exhibitions that captivate audiences.
Artists, designers and creatives thrive in a supportive community where they can exchange ideas, receive feedback, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Through group projects, collaborative exhibitions, and interdisciplinary workshops, you’ll have opportunities to collaborate with fellow artists, designers, and scholars, expanding your horizons and enriching your artistic practice and professional networks.
In addition to honing your artistic abilities, our program emphasizes the development of essential skills such as information literacy, critical thinking, and design thinking. We believe that artists have a unique ability to solve complex problems and make a positive impact on society. Our curriculum integrates ethics and social justice, allowing you to explore the role of art in promoting equality, inclusivity, and social change.
With our comprehensive undergraduate program serving as a strong foundation, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue advanced studies through our master’s degree program. Our master’s program provides a unique platform for you to specialize further in your chosen field of art. Under the guidance of distinguished faculty mentors, you’ll undertake advanced coursework, engage in critical discourse, and produce a culminating thesis or project that reflects your artistic vision and research interests.
The Art Program and Department of Art, Communication, and English aim to create an ethical, equitable, career-focused and student-centered academic institution for the 21st century.
The curriculum has enough flexibility to allow you to customize your studies to fit your career or academic goals. One of the keystones to the bachelor’s in Art program is its emphasis on high-impact, experiential learning. Facilities include the interdisciplinary University Art Gallery, Soda kiln (one of three in the region), 2D and 3D art studios, digital lab and fab lab.
Areas of focus
Studio Art – 2D, 3D Art and Ceramics (An immersive educational experience in the visual arts, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of various artistic mediums and techniques, alongside opportunities for personal creative expression and professional portfolio development.)
Graphic Design (Equips students with the creative, technical, and critical thinking skills needed to produce visual concepts and communicate ideas through typography, imagery, color, and form in various multimedia contexts.)
Media Art and Animation (Create compelling visual narratives and digital animations using cutting-edge technology and software, preparing students for careers in film, gaming, and various digital media industries.)
Art Therapy (An interdisciplinary educational path that combines the principles of art and psychology to train students in using artistic expression as a therapeutic tool to help individuals process emotions, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being.)
Art Education (Prepares students to teach art, encompassing both practical artistic skills and pedagogical techniques, aimed at fostering creativity and critical thinking in students of all ages.
Curatorial and Visual Studies (Combines the analytical and practical aspects of curating art exhibitions and arts management with a critical examination of visual culture, equipping students with the skills to interpret, manage, and present artworks within historical and contemporary contexts to effectively engage with art collections and audiences.)
Experiential and interdisciplinary learning (graphic design, exhibition-making, field placement in Art Therapy and Art Education, capstone project) are built into the art major curriculum
Community partnerships include: Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild The Warhol Museum Carnegie Museum of Art Assemble PGH The Documentary Works
Quick facts
Choose an art track for your specific learning focus
Learn from studio work and hands-on opportunities
Gain professional experience at our on-campus art gallery
Tap into Pittsburgh’s thriving arts scene
Pursue a graduate degree in Studio Art, Art Education, and Expressive Arts Therapy
Career Opportunities for Art majors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the employment rate is growing in the fields of art, design, curatorial and museum practice. Career opportunities include:
Film and Video Editors – 18% job growth
Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers – 11% job growth
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.