When someone is struggling to breathe, taking steps to ease that struggle is the job of the respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists provide care to patients who are experiencing difficulty breathing due to chronic respiratory diseases, heart attacks, or shock from some kind of trauma. They also may work with infants, especially premature infants whose lungs haven’t fully developed.
Carlow University is devoted to the future of healing. And with respiratory therapists in high demand, that’s why we offer programs that can get students working in the field quicker. The associate degree program is a gateway to a healthcare career, and students can be working in the field within two years. The three-year accelerated bachelor’s degree program is for people seeking to be leaders in the respiratory care field. Both degrees can be pathways to advanced degrees.
Oakland
In person
The core curriculum for respiratory therapy is comprised of:
• Equipment I & II
• Patient Management
• Pharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Mechanical Ventilation I & II
• Neonatal and Pediatrics
The bachelor’s degree program includes additional courses in:
• Research
• Leadership & Management
• Respiratory Care Education.
There are also four clinical practicums, totaling 840 hours in general floor, ICU, and specialty rotations through the pulmonary function lab, the sleep lab, hyperbaric oxygen, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and neonatal and pediatrics.
Employment of respiratory therapists nationally is projected to grow 23 percent from through 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
There are more than 800 RT job openings in Pennsylvania and more than 130 RT job openings in the local Pittsburgh area (https://www.indeed.com/respiratory+therapist). Many offer sign-on bonuses, shift differential, and tuition remission. The median RT income is $70,540 per year. (Respiratory Therapists: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)). Not only are the opportunities for RTs in the hospital setting multiple and varied, but there is job security, a sustainable living wage, and the opportunity to pursue growth within the healthcare industry.
Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy program:
Carlow University is currently in the process of seeking CoARC accreditation for an Associate of Science degree respiratory care program. However, Carlow University can provide no assurance that accreditation will be granted by the CoARC.
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program:
The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care program, CoARC program number 200617, BS degree, Pittsburgh, PA, holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial on-site visit), to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.
CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.
Program goal for the AS program:
To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists.
Program goals for the BS program:
1. To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists.
2. To prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content with objectives related to the acquisition of skills in management, education, research, and evidence-based practice.
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.
Any time
Fall Only
Visit admissions @carlow.edu or call 412.578.6059 if you would like to learn more about the program by scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
You will develop a scientific approach to the study of human behavior and experience in Carlow University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program. As a Child Development Psychology major, you will investigate the biological, behavioral, emotional, cognitive and social factors that shape how humans grow and change. This concentration is helpful if you wish to pursue employment or graduate training in developmental psychology, counseling and fields in which additional knowledge of children’s growth and development is helpful.
By the end of the program, you will be ready to enter training in social service and mental health programs in areas such as therapeutic activities, rehabilitation, casework, child care work and service coordination.
The program provides a foundation for graduate study in psychology and counseling but can be a path to other careers. You can go on to law school or graduate school or work in business, education or other fields.
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
In the Child Development Psychology major you must satisfy the regular requirements for the major and complete at least 9 credits in human development. You can complete an internship at a local facility or conduct field research.
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.
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.
Jobs you might consider with a Child Development Psychology major are child psychologist, career counselor, psychiatric technician, rehabilitation specialist or case manager. As noted on CareerProfiles.com, these jobs require skills a bachelor’s degree in Psychology provides, such as the ability to evaluate the needs of a client, keep accurate and organized records, express empathy and compassion, and work toward the best interests of clients.
Employment of psychologists is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job prospects should be best for those who have a doctoral degree in an applied specialty.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
Psychology major Morgan Mattie ’21 liked the amount of care and respect shown by Carlow advisors. “I never felt like just another student to them, they always had my best interest in mind and knew me well enough to help me make the best decisions for me. The psychology program is so well-rounded and really helps you understand not only psychology as a whole, but also your specific track.”
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.
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree at Carlow University is designed to provide you with an understanding of human nature and cultural diversity. As a student in the program, you will participate in a one-year, agency-based field placement, a corresponding classroom seminar, and at least 50 hours of volunteer service. This will equip you with the hands-on experience you need to work through upper-level coursework and graduate with real-world experience.
The program is concentrated in social work theory and practice with a foundation of liberal arts studies. Throughout the curriculum, you will develop entry-level social work skills that can be translated into practice with individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
BSW
On campus & online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
The social work curriculum includes:
Upon completion of selected courses, social work majors must proceed with an application process into the upper-level social work requirements. This process must be completed prior to registering for field placement. Every social work major is required to participate in a 450-hour agency-based field placement, as well as a corresponding classroom seminar.
Additional information is available in the University’s course catalog.
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
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.
Graduates find jobs as social workers, individual case managers, support group facilitators, victim advocates, child and family advocates, protective service workers, disability and aging advocates, residential case managers, and social services coordinators/administrators/directors.
Increased demand for health care and social services will continue to fuel the need for this occupation.
View the professional licensure disclosure for this program.
The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and reviews. Carlow University’s next accreditation visit will be in 2028.
Resources
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
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 Behavioral Neuroscience degree in the neuropsychology track
The neuropsychology program will give you new insights into how the brain thinks, reasons, formulates and processes.
You will be prepared to work in neuropsychology and clinical psychology, where neuropsychological assessments are an important part of clinical work. With the behavioral neuroscience degree, you will gain knowledge of the biological and physiological mechanisms that drive the nervous system and better understand the relationship between the brain and behavior.
The Behavioral Neuroscience major is an interdisciplinary program that builds on the strengths of Carlow University’s biology, psychology and chemistry programs.
Bachelor of Science
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
Carlow’s neuroscience program allows undergraduates to take courses in neuropsychology as well as to learn under scholar-practitioners. The curriculum includes a genetics course in which students investigate the maintenance, inheritance, transfer and expression of genetic information at the molecular, cellular, organismal and population levels. The cognitive psychology course explores its basic concepts and contemporary topics, such as will perception, attention, pattern recognition, consciousness, memory, the representation of knowledge, language, cognitive development, thinking and artificial intelligence.
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.
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.
Graduates often find jobs assisting in mental health settings, such as psychiatric technicians. They also prepare for training that can ultimately lead to a career in clinical psychology.
Jobs in this profession are expected to grow about 3% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
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.
Are you curious about why people behave the way they do? Do you want to learn about factors that lead to racism? Are you interested in understanding mental health challenges how to treat them? As a Psychology major at Carlow, you will gain broad-based knowledge in human behavior and experience from a scientific perspective by exploring research methodology and critical analysis in various fields of psychology, such as counseling, developmental, cognitive, social and biological psychology. In addition, the Psychology program at Carlow offers optional concentrations in counseling, crisis and trauma, and child development for those interested in a deeper dive into those areas of interest.
By the time you graduate from Carlow’s Psychology degree program, you will be ready to enter training in social service and mental health programs in areas such as therapeutic activities, rehabilitation, casework, child care work and service coordination. In addition, the Psychology degree program provides a solid foundation for graduate study in psychology and counseling, and can serve as a path to other careers, such as law, business, education or other fields.
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
The bachelor’s in Psychology program requires 34 credits in psychology plus 9 credits in supplemental coursework in English and Communication. Psychology coursework includes Introduction to Psychology, Lifespan Development, and upper-level courses in Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Personality Theory, and Biological Bases of Behavior. In addition, you are trained in statistics and research methods via a three-course sequence. A series of “Designing Your Life” courses help you prepare for careers in psychology and beyond, culminating in a senior capstone course that integrates different knowledge you have gained in psychology. A variety of elective courses allow you to explore your own areas of interest, such as Forensic Psychology, Psychology of Women, Abnormal Psychology, and more. You may also opt for an internship experience in a local facility or conduct faculty-led research. In addition, you may choose one or more concentrations in, counseling, crisis and trauma, and child development.
Concentrations
Counseling
This track will acquaint you with pre-professional-level counselor training and professional knowledge and skills needed ot help people in a variety of social service and mental health settings. You will satisfy the regular requirements for the psychology major plus complete at least 12 credits in counseling, such as. Introduction to Counseling, Family Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling, and more. This concentration cannot currently be completed online.
Child Development
In the Child Development concentration, you will investigate the biological, behavioral, emotional, cognitive and social factors that shape how humans grow and change. This concentration is helpful if you wish to pursue employment or graduate training in developmental psychology, counseling and fields in which additional knowledge of children’s growth and development is helpful. You will satisfy the regular requirements for the psychology major plus complete at least 9 credits in human development, such as Child Psychology, Adolescent Psychology, Children’s Play, Parenting, and more. This concentration can be completed online asynchronously.
Crisis and Trauma
The Crisis and Trauma track will acquaint you with pre-professional-level trauma and crisis counselor training and provide a solid foundation in theory and research pertaining to crisis, abuse and trauma. You’ll focus on crisis assessment, intervention and management and study specific issues such as child abuse prevention and treatment, partner violence and the impact of trauma on individuals and families as well. You will satisfy the regular requirements for the psychology major plus complete at least 12 credits in crisis and trauma, such as Impact of Trauma, Crisis Intervention, Grief and Loss Across the Lifespan, and more. This concentration can be completed online; some classes are offered in an online synchronous format.
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
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.
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.
Jobs you might consider with a bachelor’s in psychology are milieu therapist, career counselor, psychiatric technician, rehabilitation specialist, case manager, university student affairs or admissions counselor. As noted on CareerProfiles.com, these jobs require skills a bachelor’s in psychology provides, such as the ability to evaluate the needs of a client, keep accurate and organized records, express empathy and compassion, and work toward the best interests of clients.
Employment of psychologists is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job prospects should be best for those who have a doctoral degree in an applied specialty.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
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.
With a bachelor’s in Criminology, you will learn the nature of crime and the effectiveness and fairness of society’s efforts to prevent and control it.
You will engage in a cross-disciplinary approach to the study of crime, offenders and victims, as well as the agencies, laws, policies and processes of the criminal justice system. You will train to become an agent of change by developing critical thinking skills through problem-based learning in order to impact the fields relevant to criminology professionals regardless of setting.
A psychology concentration is embedded within the program to ensure that you have the knowledge relevant to direct-practice professions in the field. This emphasis on psychology will help you develop an awareness of the critical role mental health plays in criminal behavior.
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
Carlow University’s major in Criminology focuses on prevention and remediation strategies. Notable courses include Crime and Mental Health and Race, Class and Justice.
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
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.
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.
Criminology graduates are prepared for careers in local, federal and international law enforcement, adult and juvenile corrections and probation, and prevention and rehabilitation services. Many students pursue psychology and criminal justice-related graduate programs and law school.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
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.
The Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physical Therapy from Carlow University will prepare you for graduate-level studies or to work in the health care field. You will gain hands-on experience; learn the skills needed to become a compassionate, responsible, ethical leader; develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to provide the best in patient care; and learn to work as part of a team.
The Pre-Physical Therapy major is intended to be completed in three years. Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for Carlow’s graduate-level Physical Therapy program, as well as most Physical Therapy programs around the country.
Bachelor of Science
On campus, some online
Oakland
Evaluated on an individual basis
First-year courses include Introduction to Health Professions, Foundations in Cell and Molecular Biology, Foundations in Organismal Biology, Pre-Calculus, and General Chemistry I and II. Second-year courses include Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Introduction to Psychology, Quantitative Reasoning, Basic Applied Statistics Communication, Personal to Professional Communication, Medical Terminology, and Global Health (Service Learning/ Ethics/Social Responsibility). Third-year courses include General Physics I and II, Pathology for Rehabilitation, Pathophysiology, Cognitive Psychology, Eoidemiology, and Communication and Health Care.
With a bachelor’s in Pre-Physical Therapy from Carlow University, you will be ready to pivot into graduate-level studies to become a physical therapist or move elsewhere in the healthcare world.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for physical therapists is expected to increase 18% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the medical needs of an older population.
anytime
Fall
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.
You can prepare for graduate-level studies and a career in health care with a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Speech-Language Pathology from Carlow University. You will gain hands-on experience; learn the skills needed to become a compassionate, responsible, ethical leader; develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to provide the best in patient care; and learn to work as part of a team.
The program is designed to be completed in three years. Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for Carlow’s graduate-level Speech-Language Pathology program, as well as most SLP programs around the country.
Bachelor of Science
On campus, some online
Oakland
Evaluated on an individual basis
First-year courses include Foundations of Cell and Molecular Biology, Foundations of Organismal Biology Introduction to Health Professions, Foundations of Writing I, Introduction to Psychology, Life Span Developmental Psychology, and Quantitative Reasoning. Second-year courses include Physics of the Human Body, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Basic Applied Statistics, Introduction to Audiology, Phonetics, Speech and Hearing Sciences, and Communication and Reading Development. Third-year courses include Pathophysiology, Pathology for Rehabilitation, Biomedical Ethics, Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Cognitive Psychology, and Epidemiology.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for speech-language pathologists, a job that often requires a master’s degree, is expected to grow 25% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the medical needs of an aging population.
anytime
Fall
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.
Carlow’s Pre-Physician Assistant program positions you to become a PA faster. By accelerating your undergraduate studies, you’ll be ready to continue on to a master’s degree or pursue employment in a health-related field sooner.
Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons and other health care professionals. As a physician assistant, you will examine, diagnose and treat patients, often serving as a patient’s principal health care provider. PAs typically need a master’s degree from an accredited program to practice.
In this program, you will develop compassionate and responsible leadership traits and learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in the field.
Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for admission consideration into Carlow’s Physician Assistant master’s program, as well as most Physician Assistant programs around the country.
Bachelor of Science
On campus, some online
Oakland Campus
Evaluated on an individual basis
Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms. All summer courses are available completely online. The program includes labs, internships and a practicum.
First-year courses include Introduction to Health Professions, Foundations in Cell and Moecular Biology, Foundations in Organismal Biology, Pre-Calculus, and General Chemistry I and II. Second-year courses include Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Introduction to Psychology, Organic Chemistry I and II, Quantitative Reasoning, Basic Applied Statistics Communication, Personal to Professional Communication, and Global Health (Service Learning/ Ethics/Social Responsibility). Third-year courses include General Physics I, Pathology for Rehabilitation, Cognitive Psychology, and Communication and Health Care.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 30% through 2024. Licensed PAs are versatile and able to work in various health-related fields including offices of physicians, general medical and surgical hospitals, and outpatient care centers.
anytime
Fall
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.
You can prepare for graduate-level studies or move into work in health care with a Pre-Occupational Therapy 3-Year Degree from Carlow University. In this fast-track program, you will establish a working knowledge of Occupational Therapy and learn critical thinking and leadership skills.
Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for Carlow’s graduate-level Occupational Therapy program, as well as most Occupational Therapy programs around the country.
Bachelor of Science
On campus, some online
Oakland
Evaluated on an individual basis
The Pre-Occupational Therapy program allows you to take courses in fall, spring and summer, with summer courses offered completely online.
First-year courses include Introduction to Health Professions, Introduction to Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Foundations of Cell and Molecular Biology, Foundations of Organismal Biology, Quantitative Reasoning, Foundations of Writing I, and Contemplation and Action. Second-year courses include Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Introduction to Sociology, Physics of the Human Body, Life Span Developmental Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology. Third-year courses include Pathology for Rehabilitation, Pathophysiology and Clinical Kinesiology, General Chemistry I, Microbiology, Epidemiology, and Communications in Health Care. The program also includes practicums, labs and internships.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for occupational therapists is slated to grow 16% over the next 10 years.
anytime
Fall
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.