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.  

A Carlow students sits at her desk with her laptop. Her hands are folded and she is smiling at the camera.
Degree:

Bachelor of Art

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

English degree curriculum

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  
pretty female college student sitting in a classroom full of students during class (shallow DOF; color toned image)
Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.

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.


Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • 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

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.”

Madeline Longmore English student testimonial
Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.

English faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

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.

A Carlow student listens on his headphones as he works on his laptop.
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Creative writing degree curriculum 

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
A female creative writing student stands in a well-lit hallway.
Spirit Ambassador Carly Hapach (Class of ’23 biology/perfusion technology) outside the University Commons, Friday, Oct. 25, 2019. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)

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.

Read his story

▸ Watch his story on WTAE-Pittsburgh

Malcolm Randall, wearing a white sweatshirt and grey pants, sits next to a basketball court holding his new novel.
Malcom Randall, a junior creative writing major, and basketball player, who published his first young adult novel “Sheriff Sebastian,” in St. Joe’s Gym, Monday, January 24, 2022. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)

Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • 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

KJ Miller, Creative Writing graduate
Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.

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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Creative Writing faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

Grow your skills in organizational communications

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.

A Carlow students smiles at the camera during class. She is surrounded by other classmates.
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus or online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Corporate communications degree curriculum 

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.

Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • 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…

#1
#2
FROM OUR BLOG
How Digital Media Has Changed Communications

Technology has transformed the way we interact. The communications field, in particular, has been greatly impacted by changes in digital media and technology.

#2
General Blog
OUR BLOG
Carlow Today & Tomorrow

Fuel the future you with the latest trends, tips and news around your future aspirations.

New posts weekly!

General Blog
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Communication faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

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.

A group of college students sit outside the library. Some are on laptops and some are reading books.
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Social advocacy curriculum

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
Communications students work together with documents at a table.
Edward Scott, left, (Class of ’22, respiratory care) and Choomia Darwin (Class of ’22, respiratory care) study for a final exam at the A.J. Palumbo Hall of Science and Technology, Monday, December 9, 2019. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University), 2019. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)

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.

Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • 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…

#1
#2
FROM OUR BLOG
How Digital Media Has Changed Communications

Technology has transformed the way we interact. The communications field, in particular, has been greatly impacted by changes in digital media and technology.

#2
General Blog
OUR BLOG
Carlow Today & Tomorrow

Fuel the future you with the latest trends, tips and news around your future aspirations.

New posts weekly!

General Blog
previous arrow
next arrow

Communication faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

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
Professor Michael Balmert teaches a communications ethics, Wednesday, January 29, 2020. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
A group of college students sit outside the library. Some are on laptops and some are reading books.
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Communication degree curriculum

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.

Carlow Compass logo

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.

Learn more about the curriculum

Career opportunities for communications

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.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Statistics

Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • 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

Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.

Find the right mix.

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.

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Communication faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

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.

A Carlow professor leans over the desk of two students. They are discussing the classwork.
Professor Monique Hockman works with students, including Mary Opipery, left, (Class of ’22, biology)and Kinzie Walker (Class of ’22, biologry/perfusion) as they do redox titrations to determine the chemical composition of synthesized salt during a general chemistry II lab, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in AJ Palumbo Hall. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Curriculum for degree in early childhood development

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.

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
  • Utilize the CREATE Lab

Become part of a supportive community

“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.


  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • 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.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

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If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

Follow us and stay up-to-date on events and opportunities to learn more about our program and faculty.

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!”

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. 

A group of college students sit outside the library. Some are on laptops and some are reading books.
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

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.

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
772718

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%.


  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • 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.

What Is the Creator Economy?

Aug 16, 2022

Those pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communication to launch digital media careers are likely to have many job options. This…

Understanding Content Marketing For Communication Professionals

Jun 20, 2022

If you want to pursue a career in digital media or as a communications professional, content marketing is a term…

Why Handwriting Still Matters in the Digital Age

Jun 16, 2022

If you are looking to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communication, you probably expect to spend little time writing by…

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

Follow us on social media

Follow us and stay up-to-date on events and opportunities to learn more about our program and faculty.

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 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.  

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 

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Early Childhood Education degree curriculum

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   
  • Engage in practicum and student teaching experiences in the Carlow Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center, and work with infants through sixth graders 

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. 

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%.


  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • 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.  

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If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

Follow us and stay up-to-date on events and opportunities to learn more about our program and faculty.

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.

Teacher and young students having fun ion clay studio
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Curriculum for art education major

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.

Quick facts

  • Gain hands-on educational experiences
  • Interact with teaching artists at The Campus Laboratory School
  • Acquire experience in Pre-K-12 grade classrooms
Beautiful african ethnicity student painting on the floor at the university classroom

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 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.


Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • 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
  • Apply for certification

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

Follow us on social media

Follow us and stay up-to-date on events and opportunities to learn more about our program and faculty.

Making an impact through Art.

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:  

  • Studio Art (2D, 3D, Ceramics) 
  • Graphic Design 
  • Media Art and Animation 
  • Art Therapy 
  • Art Education 
  • Curatorial and Visual Studies 
Three students look at a computer screen. One is pointing. They are all smiling.
Degree:

Bachelor of Art

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Individually evaluated

Art Major Curriculum

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 
College student sitting in the art gallery, smiling.
Modern creative artist sculptor woman female creator student at art studio workshop workplace exhibition with wooden paintbrushes drawings, sketches and gypsum plaster sculptures: horse, male portrait

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 
  • Digital Designers – 8% job growth 
  • Technical Writers – 7% job growth 
  •  Social Media Specialists – 7% job growth 
  • Multimedia Artists and Animators – 4% job growth 


Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • 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

Art faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

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