Transform the future of healthcare with an entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Built on the Mercy principles of hospitality, discovery, and service, Carlow’s entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program will help prepare you for a meaningful career in healthcare. You will develop deep roots in humanistic theory, emphasizing a balance of physical, emotional, and social health and wellness, participate in interprofessional experiences, engage in community service, and complete applicable fieldwork.

▸ View or download our program’s mission and outcomes [pdf]

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to transform the future of practice using an occupational justice-informed approach to health and well-being. 

Occupational Therapy Doctorate curriculum

Throughout the OTD curriculum, we have integrated interprofessional experiences into course-based learning activities and community-based experiences. Shared spaces and faculty create daily interprofessional interactions, while critical thinking and ethics courses provide interprofessional discussion and reflection. You will participate in fieldwork experiences (Level I & II) that allow you to bridge your knowledge between classroom and practice using an occupational justice-informed approach. Completion of a doctoral capstone project will position you to identify areas of need in practice to address under-resourced individuals, groups and populations.

• Level I fieldwork (3 required): discover, develop and enhance your professional identity and apply your classroom knowledge to your experiences located on campus and in the surrounding Pittsburgh, Pa community
• Level II fieldwork (2, 12-week required, pre-requisite of the doctoral capstone experience): apply clinical and technological skills in a variety of supervised practice settings (interprofessional & evidence-based) and focus on environment and community concepts (education & advocacy)
• Doctoral Capstone Experience (14-week course): address a link to the domain of OT, occupational justice, and health and wellbeing to promote occupational engagement of clients (individuals, groups, or populations).

The OTD curriculum is taught through a whole-health perspective that works to develop your whole person for innovative practice in healthcare, dedicated to optimizing health and well-being as a path to occupational justice.

Quick facts

• Learn interprofessionally
• Become a powerful citizen of justice in society and healthcare
• Prepare yourself to be an innovative leader in healthcare

▸ Read about the Carlow difference [pdf]

Accreditation

Carlow University’s Occupational Therapy program has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD  20814-3449, phone: +1 (301) 652-AOTA, website: www.acoteonline.org

The entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate program is in the process to attain full-accreditation status with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Information regarding the program accreditation process and Carlow University’s current status can be obtained by contacting ACOTE c/o AOTA at +1 (301) 652-AOTA or online at www.acoteonline.org. ACOTE is located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929.

▸ View or download our accreditation timeline [pdf]

Admission requirements and application process

Apply now for admission in Fall 2022!

*In order to best accommodate the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, the OT department will accept any service, volunteer, and/or observation experiences as fulfilling the required 20 observation hours. We understand traditional clinical sites are still not completely open to students, however, there are many social justice organizations that still need our help. Consider volunteering at a local agency that serves the needs of our citizens. If you have any questions, please contact us directly.

Program Director Erin Phillips

“I invite you to discover the new Occupational Therapy program at Carlow University! We would love to have you join us as a part of your graduate educational journey toward a career in OT. Through the lens of Catholic social teachings, guided by the Sisters of Mercy, we will discover what it means to work for and thrive in a “just and merciful world.” As part of the OT program, it is our desire to help you transform into a person-centered health care provider and socially conscious citizen. Today, as you investigate this career, you take the first step toward a lifetime of meaningful work.”

– Erin Phillips, OTD, MSOT, OTR/L, DipACLM, Associate Professor & Founding Program Director for Occupational Therapy

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Build potential and access to full participation with an MS in Occupational Therapy

Built on the Mercy principles of hospitality, discovery, and service, Carlow’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) will help you develop deep roots in humanistic theory, emphasizing a balance of physical, emotional, and social health and wellness. Our OT program is intentionally integrated with interprofessional experiences and faculty that help prepare you for your future as an occupational therapist.

▸ View or download our program’s mission and outcomes [pdf]

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to transform the future of practice using an occupational justice-informed approach to health and well-being.

Master’s in occupational therapy curriculum

Throughout the curriculum, we have integrated interprofessional experiences into course-based learning activities and community-based experiences. Shared spaces and faculty create daily interprofessional interactions, while critical thinking and ethics courses provide interprofessional discussion and reflection. You will participate in fieldwork experiences (Level I & II) that allow you to bridge your knowledge between classroom and practice using an occupational justice-informed approach.

• Level I fieldwork (3 required): discover and develop your professional identity, apply your classroom knowledge to your experiences, and complete experience on campus and in the surrounding Pittsburgh, Pa community
• Level II fieldwork (2, 12-week required): apply clinical skills in a variety of supervised practice settings, complete experience in traditional or innovative practice settings, and focus on environment and community concepts, and interprofessional and evidence-based practice

The OT curriculum is taught through a whole-health perspective that works to develop your whole person for innovative practice in healthcare, dedicated to optimizing health and well-being as a path to occupational justice.

Quick facts

• Learn interprofessionally
• Become a powerful citizen of justice in society and healthcare
• Be eligible to sit for the OT national certification exam

▸ Read about the Carlow difference [pdf]

Accreditation

Carlow University’s Occupational Therapy program has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD  20814-3449, phone: +1 (301) 652-AOTA, website: www.acoteonline.org

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is in the process to attain full-accreditation status with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Information regarding the program accreditation process and Carlow University’s current status can be obtained by contacting ACOTE c/o AOTA at +1 (301) 652-AOTA or online at www.acoteonline.org. ACOTE is located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929.

▸ View or download our accreditation timeline [pdf]

Admission requirements and application process

Apply now for admission in Fall 2022!

*In order to best accommodate the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, the OT department will accept any service, volunteer, and/or observation experiences as fulfilling the required 20 observation hours. We understand traditional clinical sites are still not completely open to students, however, there are many social justice organizations that still need our help. Consider volunteering at a local agency that serves the needs of our citizens. If you have any questions, please contact us directly.

Program Director Erin Phillips

“I invite you to discover the new Occupational Therapy program at Carlow University! We would love to have you join us as a part of your graduate educational journey toward a career in OT. Through the lens of Catholic social teachings, guided by the Sisters of Mercy, we will discover what it means to work for and thrive in a “just and merciful world.” As part of the OT program, it is our desire to help you transform into a person-centered health care provider and socially conscious citizen. Today, as you investigate this career, you take the first step toward a lifetime of meaningful work.”

– Erin Phillips, OTD, MSOT, OTR/L, DipACLM, Associate Professor & Founding Program Director for Occupational Therapy

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Meet students’ unique needs: Master’s in Special Education

Carlow’s Master of Education in Special Education will give you a more thorough understanding of how students with special needs learn and what you can do to make sure each child reaches his or her potential. You’ll be an advocate for students and their families and assist parents finding their way around educational and health care systems.

Special Education Certification for Pre-K-12 is available as a stand-alone initial teaching certification or as an add-on to an existing teaching certificate. The program prepares you to meet the needs of children with a wide variety of mental, physical, social, emotional and behavioral disabilities in diverse settings. 

Special Education degree curriculum

Special Education degree courses focus on positive behavior support, disciplinary and digital literacy, and early intervention. The program culminates in student teaching. Study abroad options are available in Ireland and Nicaragua.  

Students who have an existing teaching certification can complete this program with 30 credits. Students who also need initial teaching certification can complete this program with 51 credits.

Quick facts

• Gain integrated practicum experiences
• Develop strong background in structured literacy
• Complete field and student teaching placements

Alternate degree completion options

Certificate options

Add-on certificate

If you already have a teaching license, you can earn this MEd under our add-on certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the add-on certificate option.

Graduate Certificate in Special Education (PreK-12)

This program is available as a graduate certificate which leads to an endorsement from PDE for already licensed teachers.

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.

Admission requirements and application process 

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No prerequisites or teacher licensure required for this degree and certification

Experience amazing opportunities

MEd Special Education graduate Jordan Coccaro ’20 didn’t hesitate in choosing Carlow for grad school. “Carlow has given me amazing opportunities to have real experiences in the classroom through field placements. My extensive field placement allowed me to learn about interventions, data collection and how the flow of a special education classroom should be designed. In my five years at Carlow in the Education Department, I will always remember how supportive all of the faculty and staff are of their students.”

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Improve outcomes for students struggling with reading

You can be a leader in the field of educational literacy with Carlow’s Master of Education Reading Specialist degree. The reading specialist certification and MEd programs lead to Pre-K-12 Pennsylvania Department of Education Reading Specialist Certification with a special Carlow dyslexia certificate.

As a reading specialist or literacy coordinator, you’ll learn to provide whole class, small group and tiered intervention support to students in all aspects of literacy instruction. 

Curriculum for MEd Reading Specialist

You’ll study how children learn to read with courses centered on the science of reading and examine different approaches to effective literacy assessment and instruction.

Coursework includes an examination of phonological awareness, the structure of language, teaching writing and digital literacy. The curriculum meets guidelines for the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s framework for the reading specialist, the International Literacy Association (ILA) and the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Students will benefit from on-site practicums at Carlow’s Campus Laboratory School or regional schools and districts. 

Special workshops and guest speakers are a hallmark of the program through partnerships with Trying Together, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Fred Rogers Institute, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Provident Charter School, PBIDA, Warhol Museum and A+ Schools.

Quick facts

• Structured literacy and IDA focus
• Faculty instructors who serve as national LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) trainers
• Partnerships with regional schools that enhance professional development

Certificate options

Add-on certificate

If you already have a teaching license, you can earn this MEd under our add-on certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the add-on certificate option.

Graduate Certificate in Reading Specialist (Pre-K-12)

This program is available as a graduate certificate which leads to an endorsement from PDE for already licensed teachers.

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No prerequisites or teacher licensure are required for this degree and certification.

Learn to make a difference

MEd Reading Specialist graduate Alyson Woodall ’21 said Carlow’s Education Program has taught her how to make a difference. “Carlow has always been at the forefront of education by teaching education students the latest strategies and approaches for delivering effective classroom instruction. Carlow is challenging me to be a better teacher by showing me how to use research-based techniques that focus on how the brain learns to read.”

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Combine business and social work with a MSW-MBA dual degree

You will be prepared to take on high-level leadership roles when you complete this dual Master in Social Work and Master in Business Administration degree program in as little as three years. 

In this MSW-MBA dual degree program, you will learn to be a competent leader who can meet the challenges of social work. You can be an advocate for the social work profession and the people you serve while having the ability to make effective business decisions. You will learn how to manage employees, interpret data for decision making and develop business plans.

You can specialize in either social work direct practice or social work macro practice.

MSW-MBA dual degree program curriculum

Carlow University’s dual program curriculum combines critical core knowledge in social work and business with MSW courses offered in a low-residency model. A field placement is required.

Bachelor’s in Social Work students from Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited programs will qualify for application for Advanced Standing in the Carlow MSW. This means that students can earn their MSW by taking 72 credits.

Quick facts

• Choose from direct practice or macro practice social work specializations
• Engage in trauma-focused learning
• Graduate with two master’s degrees

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.

Accreditation

Carlow University’s Master of Social Work program is proud to announce that it has received Initial Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation following the June 2020 program review. 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 program reviews.

Please note that Social Work programs cannot accept life experience or work experience for credit.

Resources

• View or download the Master of Social Work program handbook [pdf]
• View or download the Master of Social Work field manual [pdf]
• View or download the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf]

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Forge your path to a career in nursing leadership

The healthcare field is evolving. Advanced practice nurses must possess the business knowledge needed to lead in organizational and academic settings. Carlow’s MSN – MBA program offers the well-rounded knowledge needed to advance in today’s healthcare field.

Impact healthcare education and leadership

Carlow University’s online master’s degree in nursing education and leadership is a convenient and swift path for working nurses to gain the educational and administrative skills necessary to advance their careers.

Gain the business expertise needed to accel your career

Obtain your MBA in just 40 weeks with Carlow’s intensive, accelerated online Executive MBA program. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for advanced management opportunities at your current company, as well as in-demand high-level positions at diverse organizations.

Prepare to work in cardiac surgery with a MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion

Carlow’s MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion will equip you to pursue a career in a much-needed medical specialty. The rigorous science curriculum will give you a thorough education on the cardiovascular system, perfusion, hematology, surgery, pulmonary anatomy,  pathology and more.

You will learn to prepare the cardiopulmonary bypass and auxiliary equipment used during surgery, as well as the principles and practices of clinical perfusion management.

You will learn the skills needed to oversee the function of the heart and/or lungs during medical procedures and how to administer heart-stopping drugs, monitor the physiological and metabolic demands of patients, and operate equipment during open-heart surgery.

MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion curriculum

The MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion program is offered in cooperation with the UPMC School of Cardiovascular Perfusion. 

Courses cover biological, chemical and physical topics pertaining to the cardiovascular system and include Introduction to Cardiovascular Surgery, Electrophysiology, and Perfusion Procedures — Clinical II/Clinical II Continued.

Quick facts

• Complete 18 months of clinical training at UPMC School of Cardiovascular Perfusion
• Study in one of the oldest cardiovascular perfusion programs in the United States
• Sit for the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) Perfusion Basic Science Examination (PBSE) upon graduation

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

An undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher is required, as is a 3.5 GPA in the sciences (no exceptions). 

Students must have the following prerequisites completed in order to be considered for the program:

• General Biology I and II, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, Physics I and II, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Calculus and Medical Ethics

Transform lives, transform your career: MSW in Direct Practice 

You will be transformed through a trauma-informed lens in this evidence-based Master in Social Work program that includes interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration.

The Direct Practice concentration is grounded in the person-in-the-environment framework.The program is trauma-focused, where each person is accepted for who they are in their environment.

Direct practice specialization applies critical thinking and ethical principles in a clinical setting with individuals, small groups and families. 

MSW: Direct Practice curriculum

You will learn a range of prevention and intervention methods and study how to assess a person through his or her past and present environments and build on resiliency and strengths. 

Bachelor’s in Social Work students from Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited programs will qualify for application for advanced standing, able to earn their MSW at Carlow by taking 45 credits.

Quick facts

• Take classes on campus or online
• Take classes part time or full time 
• Learn from world-class faculty who are actively practicing and publishing in the discipline

Accreditation

Carlow University’s Master of Social Work program is proud to announce that it has received Initial Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation following the June 2020 program review. 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 program reviews.

Please note that Social Work programs cannot accept life experience or work experience for credit.

Resources

• View or download the Master of Social Work program handbook [pdf]
• View or download the Master of Social Work field manual [pdf]
• View or download the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf]

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Be supported at Carlow

What stood out for MSW graduate Brandy Patterson ’20 was how supportive Carlow’s faculty and staff were, especially in the Social Work Program. “I always felt like I was able to reach out to whomever I needed at the time to get the help that I needed. If I were to give a yelp review for the Masters of Social Work program I would say it is very supportive and flexible which is great for adult students. You will never feel alone or lost in this program.”