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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.
Credits Required:
30-51 credits
Cost per credit:
$600/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 18 months
Delivery:
On campus, with some courses offered online
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 option
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.
Career opportunities for MEd in Special Education
Employment of special education teachers is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand for special education services and teachers should rise as disabilities are being identified earlier and as children with disabilities are enrolled into special education programs.
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
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
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
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.
Credits required:
25-31 credits
Cost per credit:
$600/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 12 months
Delivery:
On campus & online
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.
Career opportunities for Reading Specialist
School districts hire reading specialists to coordinate reading programs, support students and teachers, and work with intervention services.
Employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow 6% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As states and school districts put greater emphasis on student achievement data, schools may increasingly turn to instructional coordinators to develop better curriculums and improve teachers’ effectiveness.
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
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.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
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.
Credits Required:
72-87 credits
Cost per credit:
$902/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 3 years
Delivery:
On campus, some online
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.
Career Opportunities for MSW-MBA graduates
MSW-MBA graduates are effective in diverse roles, including managing a private practice or taking on a leadership role in a business or social service organization. A master’s degree is preferred to become a clinical social worker, and a firm understanding of business further prepares graduates to take on leadership roles.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of social workers to grow 13% between 2019 and 2029.
National Ranking 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:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
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.
Apply
anytime
Start term:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
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.
Credits Required:
60 credits
Cost per credit:
$902/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 20 months
Delivery:
On campus, some online
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
Career opportunities for cardiovascular perfusionists
Most perfusionists work in medical operating rooms. With the MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion, job opportunities include educators and managers within departments of perfusion, or researchers and workers for perfusion equipment manufacturers.
The American Society for Extracorporeal Technology expects hospitals to hire more perfusionists in coming years to compensate for the aging American population.
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Proof of job shadowing (include place, date, number of hours, type of procedure observed, printed name and signature of perfusionist)
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
An undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher is required, as is a 3.5 GPA in the sciences (no exceptions).
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
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
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
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.
Credits Required:
45-60 credits
Cost per credit:
$902/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 24 months
Delivery:
On campus, some online
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
Career opportunities for MSW: Direct Practice graduates
Graduates find employment in health and behavioral health care settings, hospitals, human services, family services, crisis services and substance treatment centers and clinical private practice.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of social workers to grow 13% between 2019 and 2029, resulting in 713,200 new jobs.
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:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
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.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
Advocate for social and economic justice with a MSW in Macro Practice
You will earn to advocate for human rights and social and economic justice through the macro practice approach in the Master of Social Work program. You will acquire knowledge of best practices with large systems and frameworks for achieving change.
The MSW macro program at Carlow University offers an evidence-based social work program that includes interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration, a crucial component in real world practice. Our social work education is experiential, practice-oriented, trauma-focused and self-reflective.
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 a MSW at Carlow by taking 45 credits.
Credits Required:
45-60 credits credits
Cost per credit:
$902/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 24 months
Delivery:
On campus, some online
Social work macro practice curriculum
You will learn critical thinking, ethical principles and best practices in problem solving and leadership in large groups, communities and organizations.
Quick Facts
- Take classes on campus or online
- Take class part time or full time
- Learn from world-class faculty who are actively practicing and publishing in the discipline
Career opportunities for MSW Macro Practice graduates
Graduates find employment as community advocates, social work researchers, human service and nonprofit administrators and policy makers, in law schools, and in public service.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of social workers to grow 13% between 2019 and 2029, resulting in 713,200 new jobs.
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:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
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.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
Become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with a Master of Science Degree in Professional Counseling
Carlow University offers two counseling program tracks — Clinical Mental Health and Addictions Counseling. The program will prepare you for a career as a licensed professional counselor and provide the education and training required to pursue professional licensure in Pennsylvania.
Grounded in the Sisters of Mercy heritage, Carlow’s LPC degree program emphasizes social justice and advocacy within counseling, cultivating respect for the uniqueness of all individuals. You will be prepared to address the social, cultural and economic challenges that may negatively affect psychosocial development and help clients realize their potential.
Credits Required:
60 credits
Cost per credit:
$902/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 30 months
Delivery:
On campus, some online
Master’s in counseling curriculum
The licensed professional counselor program infuses multicultural and social justice competencies in the general curriculum. All LPC degree students take the same core courses (51 credits), with the remaining 9 credits determined by the student. Addictions counseling students must take the designated 9 credits for the Addictions Counseling program track.
Graduates of this program will meet the educational requirements to be eligible for licensure in Professional Counseling (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania. In addition to the educational requirements, graduates must receive a passing score on the National Counselors Exam (NCE) or The Advanced Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse Counselor Examination (AAODA) and complete 3,000 supervised clinical experience to obtain the LPC.
Quick Facts
- Prepare for a career as professional counselor
- Learn socially just practices
- Take advantage of graduate assistantships
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 Licensed Professional Counselors
MS in Professional Counseling programs prepare you to work with diverse clients in a variety of settings. Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. During that time frame, employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow 8%, and employment of marriage and family therapists is expected to grow 22%.
Professional counseling graduates may work in outpatient and residential mental health facilities, individual and family services, substance abuse centers, colleges and universities, private practices, government agencies, and corporations
Additional resources
- “Why become a professional counselor?“, CACREP
- View the Professional Licensure Disclosure for this program
Accreditation
The Professional Counseling program is currently seeking CACREP accreditation.
Additional program information:
- Learn about the program (program description, mission statements and program objectives)
- Graduate statistics (NCE pass rates, completion rates and job placement rates)
Admission requirements and application process
The graduate program admissions process happens on a rolling basis. You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
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.
Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.