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Built on the Mercy principles of hospitality, discovery, sacredness of creation, 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 accredited OT program is intentionally integrated with interprofessional experiences and faculty that help prepare you for your future as an occupational therapist.

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

Quick facts

  • Learn interprofessionally (alongside other aspiring healthcare professionals)
  • 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]

Lock in your tuition!

If you plan to start your occupational therapy (MSOT, OTD) degree in Fall 2026, you are eligible to lock in your per-credit tuition rate for your whole program duration as long as you are continually enrolled in the program.

Get started today!

Credits required: 

73 credits

Cost per credit: 

$950/credit

Time to degree:

As few as 6 semesters

Delivery: 

On campus

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
Bridge illustration diagramming occupational therapy's curriculum
one happy confident young Chinese college student in campus

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

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.

Career opportunities for Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists, as defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association, are skilled health care professionals who use research and scientific evidence to ensure their interventions are effective. With strong knowledge of a person’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social makeup, occupational therapy practitioners can evaluate how your condition (or risk for one) is affecting your body and mind, using a holistic perspective.

Ranked one of the best jobs by U.S. News & World Report, OT is slated to grow 14% over the next 10 years (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

View or download the occupational therapy information sheet [pdf]


At Carlow University, our Occupational Therapy program, uses a holistic admissions process. In this process we evaluate you as a whole person and acknowledge a student’s lived experiences, work, and service initiatives. These areas are specifically given credit during your application process. We look forward to meeting you and guiding you throughout the process.

Applications are open on the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application System (OTCAS).

▸ View the full list of admissions requirements and application process.

Early assurance (conditional admission) for High School students to apply: View our helpful fact sheet [pdf] that offers guidance on the process and requirements.

Apply now!

Application deadline: June 20
Priority deadline: December 2

Start term:

Fall

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

Program Director Erin Phillips

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.

Accredited Entry-Level Doctoral degree level Occupational Therapy Program

The Carlow University entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program and entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program are FULLY accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-6611, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Program Outcomes

Program outcomes with regard to graduation rates and NBCOT certification exam results are updated and posted yearly. See the results on NBCOT for School Performance Home page.

Carlow University’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program admitted the first cohort in Fall of 2022. Carlow offers both entry level MSOT and entry level OTD programs. Our graduation rate is calculated by comparing the total number of students who began the program in either the MSOT or OTD degree program the total number of students who graduated from those programs. We allow students the opportunity to switch degree programs at the start of second semester. There may be some fluctuation in the number of students within each degree. In addition, these numbers may include students who graduated out of sync due to medical or personal leave. 

The following table represents final MSOT degree candidates and graduation rates by year: 

Graduation Year # of students started Withdrew for non-academic reasons # of students graduated Graduation rate* NBCOT Exam  New Grad Pass Rate 
2024 11 9/9 100% TBD 
2025 11  — —  
2026 11  — —  
3-year Total/Average      

*Graduation rate is minus those who withdrew for reasons other than academic performance. 

Program results from the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance




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. 

MEd in Special Education (PreK-12) Alumni teaching two students with a third student in the background
Teacher Helping Pupils Studying At Desks In Classroom
Credits required: 

30-51 credits

Cost per credit:

$600/credit

Time to degree:

As few as 18 months

Delivery: 

Online
In-Person Student Teaching 

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 and dyslexia 
  • Certification covers all areas of mild, moderate, and severe disabilities 
  • Learn and grow from full-time faculty in the department with vast experiences in special education 
MEd in Special Education (PreK-12) Alumni teaching a little student
At school – beautiful teacher helps her student to learn

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.


Testimonials #1
Meet our Alumni

RACHEL OWENS, 2010

Director of Special Education, Provident Charter School

"When deciding to attend graduate school, Carlow University was a natural choice, not only because of its familiarity, but also because of the various degree options."

ANTWAN CARTER, 2018

Head Teacher, Child’s World Daycare

"I especially loved The Campus Laboratory School. It was a chance to experience the design of different classrooms, closely observe many teaching styles, and practice using different instructional strategies in a supportive environment."

MICHAEL SHOATS, 2020

Chemistry Teacher, Avonworth School District

"I want to take this moment and thank Dr. Keely Baronak and the whole Carlow team for the education and experiences I've gained from the MEd Secondary Education program. I'm excited to represent Carlow in my new home."

Testimonials #1

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
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

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

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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.

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

The MEd in Reading Specialist program has an IDA Accredited Plus Program Seal

At Carlow University, our MEd in Reading Specialist program is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). We are in an elite crowd; Carlow is one of only a small number of universities nationwide with IDA accreditation. Best of all, Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist program is available online, with class meeting times occurring synchronously (virtually) and asynchronously. 

Graduates of Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist Program take the KPEERI, Knowledge and Practice Exam for Effective Reading Instruction through CERI, the Center for Effective Reading Instruction.  As a result, Carlow graduates are then Level II CERI certified, which awards the certification SLDI, Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Interventionist. Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialists meet the rigorous requirements associated with CERI’s SLDI. 

Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist program embeds a four-course Dyslexia Certificate which is built into the Reading Specialist program.  Educators, students, and other practitioners may choose to complete the Dyslexia Certificate as a stand-alone certificate.

MEd in Reading Specialist tutoring a small student
Credits required:

25-31 credits

Cost per credit:

$600/credit

Time to degree:

As few as 12 months

Delivery:

Online with synchronous and asynchronous meeting times

Interested in pursuing a Master’s in Reading Specialist and/or Dyslexia Certificate from Carlow University? 

Carlow University is a LEADER in the field of evidenced-aligned reading instruction! Carlow Reading Specialist candidates learn how to deliver systematic, explicit, multi-modal, diagnostic and intensive instruction.   

At Carlow all of our coursework is aligned to IDA and Structured Literacy, and we are proud to have been awarded IDA accreditation for our MEd in Reading Specialist program! 

Unique options exist, that meet various needs: 

1.  Four Course Dyslexia Certificate, 12 credits 

  • READ 721 Dyslexia and Structured Literacy 
  • READ722 Critical Components of Phonological Awareness 
  • READ723 Structures of Language & Linguistics I 
  • READ 724 Data Integration and Instruction 

2.  Reading Specialist Certificate, 25 credits 

The four courses in the Dyslexia Certificate, plus: 

  • READ 725 Teachers as Writers 
  • READ 726 Critical Analysis of Text 
  • SE 711 Disciplinary and Digital Literacy 
  • READ 729 Structures of Language & Linguistics II 
  • READ 740 Evaluating Literacy Curriculum 

3.  MEd in Reading Specialist, 31 credits 

All courses in the Dyslexia Certificate and the Reading Specialist Certificate, plus: 

  • READ 727 Adolescent and Adult Literacy 
  • ED 731 Creative Inquiry 

International Dyslexia Association’s Accredited Universities
Center for Effective Reading Instruction, Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Interventionist 

Quick facts

  • Practitioner oriented equipping teachers of reading and writing with Structured Literacy and evidenced-aligned teaching practices 
  • Faculty instructors who serve as national LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) trainers, Certified Orton-Gillingham Fellows, and literacy leaders and practioners in the field 
  • Connected to Carlow’s Campus Laboratory School where Reading Specialist candidates have the unique opportunity of working directly with students with dyslexia in the school’s multi-sensory learning lab 
  • Partnerships with regional schools that enhance professional development 
MEd in Reading Specialist tutoring a small student

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.

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.


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
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

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.

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.

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

“Carlow’s Dyslexia Certificate is exceptional! The knowledge gained throughout my experience has helped me to better support and understand evidence based practices that are beneficial for all students and vital for students with dyslexia. In addition to the coursework and learning, I found valuable relationships in the Carlow faculty! The professors were excellent in their knowledge base, course structures, and accessibility. Knowing that all our students deserve instruction rooted in what the collective science says about how the brain learns to read, working through Carlow’s Dyslexia Certificate program was a must for me!” 

Tanya Lewis is a principal in the Butler Area School District, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Carlow’s Educational Leadership Program and Dylslexia Teaching Certificate track 

“I recently completed the accelerated, one-year MEd Reading Specialist and Dyslexia Certification program at Carlow University.  I was initially attracted to Carlow because of the IDA accreditation, course offerings, and virtual instruction.  Each course in the MEd Reading Specialist program and accompanying texts expanded my knowledge of reading science and structured literacy. The practicum experiences allowed me to put my new learning into practice.  My fondest memories of Carlow are the classes taught by enthusiastic, expert instructors in the field of literacy. I am proud to be a Carlow graduate, reading specialist, and a CERI Certified Structured Literacy Interventionist!” 

Laurie Gibbons is a Reading Specialist in Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland and a graduate of Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist Program 

“I highly recommend Carlow University’s MEd Reading Specialist program to anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge of evidence-based reading instruction and structured literacy. The professors are knowledgeable educators who have a wealth of experience in the field of education. The coursework helped me dive deeper into how children learn to read, the difficulties they may experience, and how to facilitate learning for students who struggle with reading. The embedded practicum allowed me to use the skills I was learning and provided opportunities for feedback and discussion with my professors and peers.” 

Sarah Seyler is a Reading Coach in Sussex County Public Schools, Virginia and a graduate of Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist Program 

“My courses in the Reading Specialist program at Carlow have been career-changing. I have been an elementary teacher for 17 years and have learned more about teaching reading in courses I’ve taken than I have in my previous combined eight years of higher education. Already having an MEd, obtaining another was not my original plan. Being introduced to the Science of Reading and getting a taste of the research changed my mind. I want to keep learning and growing as a teacher and soak up as much knowledge as I can from the amazing professors and education department at Carlow.” 

Samantha Buterbaugh is a teacher in South Butler County School District and a graduate student in our dyslexia teaching track and reading specialist program 

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.

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

63-84 credits

Cost per credit:

$750/credit

Time to degree:

As few as 3 years

Delivery:

Online

Quick facts

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

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.


Sitting at a table, a hand is holding a pen over accreditation papers.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

This evidence-based Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program uses a trauma-informed lens to prepare you for future advanced-level social work practice. Our experienced faculty continually provide opportunities and individualized coaching to provide you pathways into your preferred social work setting.

Carlow University’s MSW program includes interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration with three distinct tracks – direct practice, macro practice, and school social work.

This program is offered in an online modality.

Quick Facts

  • Be prepared for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) master’s exam and for professional licensure.  
  • You can complete your MSW degree with respect to your unique lifestyle. A faculty advisor will assist you with this planning.
  • Learn from world-class faculty devoted to your future success who are actively practicing and publishing in the discipline. 

The mission of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at Carlow University is to educate and prepare ethical, compassionate professionals committed to a more just and merciful world. The MSW program promotes a trauma and research informed approach to professional social work practice to promote human and societal well-being and human rights. The program is committed to preparing exemplary leaders to critically engage in service to and advocacy for diverse populations and complex systems using a cultural humility lens to promote racial, social, economic, and environmental justice.

Credits required:

39-60+ credits

Cost per credit:

Varies

Time to degree:

As few as 24 months

Delivery:

Online

Direct Practice

Direct Practice specialization focuses on teaching best practices for a range of assessment and intervention methods in working with individuals, families, and groups. It is grounded in:

  • the person-in-the-environment framework
  • trauma-informed approaches
  • human rights
  • social and economic justice for a more merciful world 

This specialization is designed for students seeking careers providing direct services to clients experiencing various challenges across their lifespan within a variety of settings, including:

  • hospitals
  • health and mental health agencies
  • public safety organizations
  • correctional facilities
  • community counseling centers
  • various social service organizations
Two men in suits hugging and smiling.

Macro Practice

Macro Practice specialization is designed to develop strengths-based and trauma-informed ethical leaders and managers of human services organizations and social change leaders who advance human well-being. Students are taught best practices for working with larger systems, including communities, organizations, and societies. 

The macro curriculum is grounded in a commitment to human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. It is designed for students seeking a future in:

  • human services leadership and management
  • policy analysis and advocacy
  • social change leadership at the local, state, and national levels
Two people walk through a grassy area.

School Social Work

School Social Work specialization builds on key components of the MSW program’s direct practice track, teaching best practices for various assessment and intervention methods in working with individuals, families, and groups in schools and school-based settings.  

The school social work curriculum is grounded in the person-in-the-environment framework, trauma-informed approaches, human rights, and social and economic justice.

This specialization provides students with the knowledge and skills required for ethical leadership within:

  • schools
  • across larger educational programs and systems
  • for policy practice related to public and private preschool, elementary, and secondary schools

Carlow also offers a Master of Business Administration and Master of Social Work (MBA/MSW) dual degree program. This is a unique interdisciplinary degree, which offers the opportunity to examine both the theoretical and practical aspects of business administration while also studying social work. 

Learn more.

You do not need a BSW to enter the MSW Program.  People with a wide variety of undergraduate degrees can enter the MSW program to become a social worker.  Traditional MSW students can earn their MSW at Carlow by taking a minimum of 60 credits.

Advanced Standing track

If you already have a BSW from an CSWE-accredited program, you will qualify for application for advanced standing. This track allows you to complete this degree at Carlow in as few as 18 months (39 credits).

Students who have earned an undergraduate social work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program within the past 7 years qualify for advanced standing status.  Advanced standing students are able to earn their MSW at Carlow by taking a minimum of 39- credits (an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is required for advanced standing status).

Career opportunities for MSW Graduates

Graduates find employment and become leaders in many practice settings. These include integrated behavioral health settings such as hospitals, community mental health centers, substance use facilities, school systems and criminal justice facilities. Graduates work with underserved populations including children, adults, elders, individuals with disabilities and those experiencing a crisis. They are also prepared to work in the policy arena and to serve and lead in larger systems such as NGO’s, non-profit entities and governmental organizations as well as engaging in community advocacy.


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

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.”

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

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.

Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall & Spring*

*Summer start is possible for advanced standing only

Learn from world-class faculty devoted to your future success who are actively practicing and publishing in the discipline. Our six full-time faculty have a combined total of 100+ years of experience in the practice of teaching or in the field of social work 

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.

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.

A student gazes out of a window at sunset. The reflection show in the glass behind her.
In Grace Library, spanning the third and fourth floor of the University Commons, there are numerous quiet spaces and study rooms for individuals and groups to use.
Credits required:

60 credits

Cost per credit:

$1,192/credit

Time to degree:

As few as 20 months

Delivery:

On campus, some online

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
Spirit Ambassador Josh Carlson( Class of ’21, bio profusion), outside the University Commons, Friday, Oct. 25, 2019. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)

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.


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
Apply

anytime

Start term:

Summer

Deadline:

Oct. 1

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

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.

Positively transform health care

Patient outcomes are better when highly educated and compassionate nurses have a seat at the table. Earning your DNP degree in our low-residency online program with synchronous components, in which you learn alongside others virtually or in-person, offers a unique opportunity to move into leadership roles without disrupting your current nursing career.

© Copyright 2025 Carlow University. All rights reserved.
Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.