Earn a public health degree and make an immediate impact

Public Health major curriculum

Choose an area of focus

The curriculum has enough flexibility to allow you to customize your studies to fit your career or academic goals.

Experiential and interdisciplinary learning (interprofessional education, real-world problem analysis, field placement/capstone project) are built into the public health major curriculum according to the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) guidelines.

Field placement locations include: Allegheny County Health Department, Veteran’s Administration, Pennsylvania Department of Health, U.S. Department of Health, and various local, state and federal social services organizations.

Career opportunities for Public Health Majors

The pandemic has emphasized the need for public health services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, public health jobs are projected to increase 32%.

You will be prepared to pursue a career in public health departments and healthcare systems (regionally, nationally and globally). Job titles include Healthcare Administrator, Social/Human Service Assistant, Client Manager and Care Coordinator.

Admission requirements and application process

Public Health faculty

Michael Kistler, PhD Chair, Department of Public Health

Hannah E. Hardy, PhD, MPA Adjunct Instructor

Caroline Pogge, DPH Adjunct Lecturer

Enter the workforce ready to make a change

Studies in the area of Restorative Justice will provide you with a foundational focus in addressing community-based issues pertaining to inequities in the justice system. You will also be introduced to alternate methods for addressing crime-related issues beyond the typical incarceration models most often employed by the United States.

You will be encouraged to consider how race and class affect interactions with the police and court systems. This concentration provides a solid foundation of theory, policy and research to help students become active change agents as they enter the workforce

Restorative Justice concentration curriculum

Students are required to complete the Restorative Justice sequence — Communities, Organizations in Praxis and Race, Class and Justice, as well as two courses from the following:Violence and Victims of Crime, Crime and Mental Health, Prison and Society and/or Juvenile Delinquency. Prior to taking these courses, students must complete Introduction to Social Work and Introduction to Criminal Justice.

Quick Facts

• Students are required to satisfy the requirements for the Social Work or Criminology major
• Concentration requires 12 credits, not including prerequisites
• A minimum of six credits of the selected Restorative Justice courses must be taken at Carlow University

View Plan of Study

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

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.

View or download the following for more information:

• View or download the Bachelor of Social Work field manual [pdf]. It contains information and documents specific to the field placement component of the program  
• View or download the Bachelor of Social Work program handbook [pdf]. It contains policies, procedures and information about the program
• View or download the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf]. 

Admission requirements and application process

Social Work faculty

Kathryn Bonach, PhD, LSW, LPC BSW Program Director, Associate Professor

Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Jessica Friedrichs, MSW, MPA Assistant Professor, Social Work and Director, BSW Field Education

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Become a knowledgeable respiratory therapy leader

Accelerate your respiratory care career with a bachelor’s in respiratory therapy. Our degree completion program ensures you’re ready to deliver high-quality patient care for all and assume leadership positions in the field.

Learn how children grow and evolve

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.

BA Psychology curriculum

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. 

Quick facts

• Dig deeper in the study of children’s growth
• Collaborate with faculty on research
• Gain real-world career experience with an internship

Alternate degree completion options

3-Year Degree

Finish your bachelor’s degree in three years by following a 3-year academic plan. Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms with summer courses completely online. When applying, indicate your interest in the 3-Year Degree option.

Accelerated

Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Admission requirements and application process

A well-rounded college experience

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.”

Psychology faculty

Kathryn Bonach, PhD, LSW, LPC BSW Program Director, Associate Professor

Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Jessica Friedrichs, MSW, MPA Assistant Professor, Social Work and Director, BSW Field Education

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Expand your nursing knowledge online

Accelerate your nursing career through Carlow University’s RN to BSN online program. Prepare to deliver compassionate, high-quality care for all patients.

Help assess, intervene and manage trauma

Build a foundation in theory and research pertaining to crisis, abuse, and trauma in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) with a concentration in Crisis and Trauma. The curriculum’s focus ranges from immediate crisis assessment, intervention, and management to more specific issues; child abuse prevention and treatment, intimate partner violence, and investigating the impact of trauma for individuals and families.

Crisis & Trauma curriculum

Students are to complete the major requirements as well as the following courses in crisis and trauma including the impact of trauma, crisis intervention, child abuse prevention and treatment and intimate partner violence. Prior to taking these courses, students complete the prerequisite of either “Introduction to Counseling” or “Theories and Methods of Direct Practice.”

With approval, transfer students may submit a transfer course for one of the above. A minimum of 9 credits in crisis and trauma must be taken at Carlow University.

Notable Courses

• The Impact of Trauma: This course introduces the student to the field of psychological trauma. The course will be composed of lectures, discussions, guest speakers and videos. It will provide the student with an understanding of the various types of trauma and treatment, trauma theory, the impact of trauma on the mind, body, and spirit, and the historical development of trauma as a clinical entity. Students will gain an appreciation of the depth of trauma and trauma reactions in the fields of social work and psychology.
• Crisis Intervention: An introduction to the various types of crisis situations practitioners may encounter. In addition, the course will offer various techniques and provide presentations on a variety of components needed to assist the student in understanding the concepts of crisis intervention. Crisis events can occur in a variety of ways, and as practitioners, how we deal with these events can make the difference between healing and hindrance. Emphasis will be upon a general understanding of the implications of techniques to modify, manage, and cope with crisis situations.
• Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment: This course is designed to familiarize students with child abuse in its multiple forms. Students will have the opportunity to learn the many signs and symptoms of child maltreatment that manifest in both childhood and adulthood, and will investigate poisonous pedagogy, open/closed family systems, and the impact of shame on our lives. Students will have an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the types of child abuse as well as the signs and behaviors associated with each type.

View Plan of Study

For a more detailed curriculum, view our course catalog, or request more information to talk to an admissions representative.

Alternate degree completion options

Online Degree

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

3-Year Degree

Finish your bachelor’s degree in three years by following a 3-year academic plan. Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms with summer courses completely online. When applying, indicate your interest in the 3-Year Degree option.

Accelerated

Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Accreditation

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.

View or download the following for more information:

• View or download the Bachelor of Social Work field manual [pdf]. It contains information and documents specific to the field placement component of the program  
• View or download the Bachelor of Social Work program handbook [pdf]. It contains policies, procedures and information about the program
• View or download the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf]. 

Admission requirements and application process

Be prepared and confident in your career

Krista Burdett ’18 said the Carlow social work program challenged her to think like a social worker: from case studies to role-playing to writing a research paper. “When I entered the field after graduation, I felt confident in myself because I was fully prepared to handle situations. Now that I’m in the field, I reflect back to my course work to pull from competencies and skills I learned.”

Social Work faculty

Kathryn Bonach, PhD, LSW, LPC BSW Program Director, Associate Professor

Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Jessica Friedrichs, MSW, MPA Assistant Professor, Social Work and Director, BSW Field Education

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities

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 fall and spring senior 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.

Quick facts

• Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Experienced professors who continue to practice social work in their areas of expertise
• Concentration in Healthcare Social Work, Crisis and Trauma, Forensic Social Work, or Restorative Justice
• Minors for non-social work majors are offered in Healthcare Social Work, Behavioral Health, and Crisis and Trauma

Social work curriculum 

BSW majors are required to take 18 credits of restricted electives as part of the 120 credits to graduate from Carlow with a BSW degree. The 18 credits of restricted electives must be chosen from a specific set of disciplines, for example, Criminology, Psychology, Social Work, and a few other disciplines. The BSW Program strongly encourages social work majors to pursue one of the concentrations rather than taking a random selection of credits. Concentration can provide a competitive edge for internships and/or the job market and provide the opportunity for a career path.

Healthcare Social Work

The Healthcare Social Work concentration provides the student with a conceptual, ethical, and practice framework for social work practice in health care. Emphasis is on an overview of the United States health care system, the unique knowledge and skill base of social work in health care, the biopsychosocial/spiritual impact of illness on patients and their family members and/or support system, and the special psychosocial needs of populations most often served in health-related social work. The introduction to biomedical ethics is provided as well as the fundamental medical terminology necessary for social work practice in health care. 11 required credits (4 courses) plus, already required prerequisites for the BSW major.

Courses in Concentration

SW298 Social Work Pathways in Healthcare – 3 credits
SW309 Social Work Practice in Healthcare – 3 credits
SW404 Grief and Loss Across the Lifespan – 3 credits
HIM102 Medical Terminology – 2 credits

Forensic Social Work

Nationwide, there is an interest in training social workers who can work within criminal justice systems in a wide array of forensic practices. Likewise, BSW programs offer credentialing at the undergraduate level that makes graduates more marketable, especially if they are interested in working on the non-law-enforcement side of criminal justice practice. This concentration provides social work students with a greater understanding of issues related to the justice system and the rehabilitation and prevention needs of the next decade. BSW graduates with this concentration will be able to promote themselves as early career professionals in the growing field of forensic social work. 18 credits (6 CRM courses) that complete the 18 credits of restricted electives that all BSW majors must complete.

Courses in Concentration

CRM100 Introduction to Criminology – 3 credits
CRM101 Introduction to Criminal Justice – 3 credits
CRM300 Crime and Mental Health – 3 credits
CRM250 Criminal Law – 3 credits
CRM412 Forensic Informed Treatment and Practice – 3 credits
CRM413 Testimony and Attorney Collaboration – 3 credits

New courses in development with Criminology Department: CRM 250-Fall 2025, 412-Spring 2026, 413-Fall 2026 
*Students who wish to take a course(s) and are not a Forensic Social Work Concentration, may request to enroll in the course with permission from the CRM department chair/program director approval. 
** Forensic Social Work Concentration Courses must be taken at Carlow University. 

Crisis and Trauma

Studies in Crisis and Trauma provide a foundational focus ranging from immediate crisis assessment, intervention, and management through more specific issues such as child abuse prevention and treatment and partner violence, as well as investigating the impact of trauma for individuals and families. Concentration in Crisis and Trauma provides students with a solid foundation in theory and research pertaining to crisis, abuse and trauma. * Students are required to satisfy the requirements for the major and take the courses listed below. A minimum of six credits in Crisis and Trauma must be taken at Carlow University. 15 credits (5 courses) plus pre-requisite of 3 credits (1 course) which all BSW students must take for the major.

Courses in Concentration

Choose one of the following:
PY285 Introduction to Counseling – 3 credits
SW204 Theories and Methods of Direct Practice – 3 credits

Required:
PY/SW420 Impact of Trauma – 3 credits
PY/SW430 Crisis Intervention – 3 credits
PY/SW440 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment – 3 credits

Choose one of the following:
PY/SW488 Intimate Partner Violence – 3 credits
PY/SW404 Grief and Loss Across the Lifespan – 3 credits

*Students who wish to take a course(s) and are not a Crisis and Trauma Concentration, may request to enroll in the course with permission from the department chair/program director approval.
** Minimum of six credits in Crisis and Trauma must be taken at Carlow University.

Restorative Justice

Studies in Restorative Justice provide a foundational focus in addressing community-based issues pertaining to inequities in the justice system as well as alternate methods for addressing crime-related issues beyond the typical incarceration models most often employed by the United States. Students are encouraged to consider how race and class affect interactions with the police and court systems. The concentration provides a solid foundation of theory, policy, and research to help students become active change agents as they enter the workforce. A minimum of 6 credits of these selected courses must be taken for a Restorative Justice concentration. These courses must be completed prior to the remainder of the concentration coursework. 12 credits (4 classes) plus 2 prerequisites (6 credits), a criminology pre-requisite, and a social work prerequisite which all BSW majors must take. 

Courses in Concentration

Required:
SW216 Communities, Organizations in Praxis – 3 credits
CRM375 Race, Class and Justice – 3 credits

Choose one of the following:
CRM285 Violence and Victims of Crime – 3 credits
CRM300 Crime and Mental Health – 3 credits
CRM303 Prisons and Society – 3 credits
CRM315 Juvenile Delinquency – 3 credits

Students who wish to take a course(s) and are not a Crisis and Trauma Concentration, may request to enroll in the course with permission from the department chair/program director approval.
** Minimum of six credits in Crisis and Trauma must be taken at Carlow University.

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.

Advanced Standing Track

Graduates that earn the BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program qualify for application for advanced standing in a CSWE-accredited program such as Carlow’s MSW Program. The Advanced Standing track allows for full-time students to complete the MSW 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 can 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).

Accreditation

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

• View or download the Bachelor of Social Work field manual [pdf]. It contains information and documents specific to the field placement component of the program  
• View or download theBachelor of Social Work program handbook [pdf]. It contains policies, procedures and information about the program
• View or download theAssessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf]. 

Admission requirements and application process

Social Work faculty

Kathryn Bonach, PhD, LSW, LPC BSW Program Director, Associate Professor

Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Jessica Friedrichs, MSW, MPA Assistant Professor, Social Work and Director, BSW Field Education

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Create an individualized course of study

If you’re creative and independent and you’re interested in an interdisciplinary approach to your studies and future career, Carlow’s Liberal Studies major is an ideal option for you. In this program, you will work with an advisor and engage with guided studies to create your own major, adapting your learning experience to your academic and professional goals. You will choose three minors in separate programs to cultivate in-depth knowledge in those areas of study.

The Liberal Studies major is also an excellent choice if you are interested in studying at the graduate level, especially if you have aspirations that require in-depth knowledge of more than one area.

Liberal Studies major curriculum

Two of your chosen minors must be in liberal arts programs, such as humanities, art or women’s studies; one may be in a professional studies program such as accounting, business management or human resources. You may also choose three liberal arts areas of study. At the end of the program, you will complete a thesis that reflects your program outcomes.

Quick facts

• Adapt your learning experience to suit your academic and professional interests
• Prepare yourself for graduate-level studies with an interdisciplinary education
• Cultivate analytical and critical thinking skills, which are highly sought after by employers

Admission requirements and application process

Build a strong foundation in the chemical sciences: Chemistry Major

As a Chemistry major, you will learn the theory and research skills needed by chemists. You will study the composition, structure and properties of substances at the atomic and molecular levels and learn the interactions and transformations of matter, and how to apply this knowledge to develop new and improved products.

Chemical technologies enrich our lives by providing new solutions to problems in health, materials and energy usage and products to enhance our lifestyles. In this program, you will receive hands-on training in the use of the most modern chemical instrumentation that complements and enhances theory taught in the lecture courses.

Chemistry major curriculum

The program provides instruction in each of the four major subdisciplines of chemistry: organic, analytical, physical and inorganic.  

Hands-on laboratory skills are emphasized throughout the program curriculum, including training and use of modern chemical instrumentation and equipment. The curriculum is consistent with guidelines published by the Committee on Professional Training (CPT) of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Quick facts

• Complete required support courses in mathematics, biology and physics
• Complete a senior experience that may consist of an independent research project
• Continue your studies in the 4+1 MEd in Secondary Education program for students interested in teaching high school chemistry

Alternate degree completion option

Accelerated
Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Degree Partnerships and Options

• LECOM Early Acceptance Partnership 
• Duquesne University Pharmacy Partnership 
• Secondary Education Option – Need to add that information here. 

Admission requirements and application process

Carlow Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Affiliates

Start of Additional Information
One extracurricular benefit of the chemistry major at Carlow is the opportunity for the student to become a member of the Carlow Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Affiliates. Our student chapter of the ACS has been recognized by the national organization several times with awards for their activities. The ACS student affiliates group provides opportunities for professional development (seminars, conferences, field trips) as well as social networking with peers in a variety of science majors. 

Chemistry grad says Carlow program set her apart

Chemistry graduate Lizzie Shumaker ’18 said individual attention from professors allowed her to gain confidence in course material and laboratory skills. “Carlow’s Chemistry program set me apart from others, especially when interviewing for jobs in my field, because their curriculum offered me hands-on training of the theory and operation of analytical equipment and the presentation skills needed to effectively communicate my research. The laboratory skills I learned at Carlow translated to my career and I am so grateful to have studied chemistry at Carlow.”

Chemistry faculty

Kathryn Bonach, PhD, LSW, LPC BSW Program Director, Associate Professor

Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Jessica Friedrichs, MSW, MPA Assistant Professor, Social Work and Director, BSW Field Education

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

The gateway to healthcare, research and advanced health profession degrees

As a Human Biology major, you will receive a solid foundation in the study of life. Through this holistic and interdisciplinary scientific study, you will examine and understand the complexities of humans through a variety of diverse fields.

Human Biology major studies will prepare you to enter professional training in all areas of health care, including medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathy, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, pharmacy and podiatry. 

Human Biology curriculum

Two required courses, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, are designed for the biology major preparing for careers in perfusion technology, the health professions or forensic science.

The required genetics course investigates the maintenance, inheritance, transfer and expression of genetic information at the molecular, cellular, organismal and population levels. This course also provides a brief introduction to genetic engineering and biotechnology.

Quick facts

• Choose elective courses
• Experience opportunities for research and scholarship near campus
• Pursue careers in research, health care and education

Alternate degree completion options

3-Year Degree

Finish your bachelor’s degree in three years by following a 3-year academic plan. Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms with summer courses completely online. When applying, indicate your interest in the 3-Year Degree option.

Accelerated

Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Admission requirements and application process

Gain your competitive edge.

Ready for her future, Olivia Miller says Carlow equipped her with the tools to excel in the next chapter. “Going to Carlow, where it has a smaller, closer community gave me a lot of opportunities to get involved with things that will help me going into grad school. I feel very well prepared. I’d do it again; I wouldn’t change a thing.”

▸ Read Olivia’s story

Human Biology faculty

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Amy M. Romesberg, PhD Associate Professor of Biology

Beth Surlow, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology