Safeguard humanity’s future by protecting air, water and soil quality

You will graduate career-ready with this dual-degree program that offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management. You will study how biological processes impact the environment and how to manage environmental issues in this 3+2 program in collaboration with Duquesne University’s Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.

Environmental science degree curriculum

You will complete required biology/organismal biology and ecological courses in residence at Carlow University. You can apply to the master of science degree program in your third year, and if accepted, complete your fourth and fifth years at Duquesne.

Bachelor of science courses in Biology: Environmental Science and Management include General Biology, Zoology and Animal Physiology. Examples of courses taken in the master’s degree component include Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Toxicology, Air Quality, Business Ethics, Environmental Management and Environmental Law.

Quick facts

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Carlow at the end of your fourth year
• Earn a master of science degree in Environmental Science and Management from Duquesne at the end of your fifth year
• As a collaborative program graduate, have the same credentials as other biology students

Admission requirements and application process

Environmental Science faculty

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Meredith Eyre, MS, MEd Instructor

Amy M. Romesberg, PhD Associate Professor of Biology

Beth Surlow, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology

Major in biology and make your own discoveries

As a Biology major at Carlow University, learn the scientific principles of living organisms, conduct student research, and prepare for your dream career or graduate studies in the healthcare, research or environmental fields.

Concentrations are available in:

• Cardiovascular Perfusion: learn to operate heart-lung machines during surgery (dual-degree program)
• Environmental Science & Management: study how biological processes impact the environment and how to manage environmental issues (dual-degree program)
• Human Biology: examine and understand the complexities of humans through a variety of diverse fields

The biology major and its concentrations are offered in an accelerated format, giving you the opportunity to graduate with a dual-degree in as few as five years.

Bachelor of Science in Biology Curriculum

The biology major curriculum covers the entire scope of biological sciences from the structure and function of genes, proteins and cells to the ecology and evolution of organisms. Specializations have been designed to align with your potential career path (cardiovascular perfusion, environmental science & management, human biology).

Before graduating you will have the opportunity to conduct student research and/or complete a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity through the Senior Capstone course. Both provide an advantage for you as you pursue a career or graduate studies.

Choose your concentration

Environmental Science
You will graduate career-ready with this dual-degree program that offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management. You will study how biological processes impact the environment and how to manage environmental issues in this 3+2 program in collaboration with Duquesne University’s Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. 

Cardiovascular Perfusion
As you work toward your bachelor’s degree in Biology through Carlow University, you will complete requirements at UPMC Shadyside, while beginning your clinical training. In this accelerated Cardiovascular Perfusion program, you will pursue Biology within the tradition of the liberal arts while accumulating the technical proficiency and professional skills required of health care professionals. 

The Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion is offered in coordination with the UPMC School of Perfusion. Up to 15 students per year are accepted into the Master of Science program. Admission to the graduate program is NOT guaranteed for those pursuing the cardiovascular perfusion concentration at the undergraduate level.

Bachelor of Science in Biology: Cardiovascular Perfusion, BS to MS Curriculum

Human Biology
Through this holistic and interdisciplinary scientific study, you will examine and understand the complexities of humans through a variety of diverse fields. Be prepared to enter professional training in all areas of health care, including medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathy, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, pharmacy and podiatry. 

Quick Facts

• Pursue a concentration that interests you (cardiovascular perfusion, environmental science & management, human biology)
• Be prepared to pursue a career or graduate studies
• Apply for an early acceptance program with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

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. 

Admission requirements and application process

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.

Biology faculty

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Meredith Eyre, MS, MEd Instructor

Amy M. Romesberg, PhD Associate Professor of Biology

Beth Surlow, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology

Learn to understand the relationship between brain and behavior

Earn a Behavioral Neuroscience degree in the neuropsychology track

The neuropsychology program will give you new insights into how the brain thinks, reasons, formulates and processes. 

You will be prepared to work in neuropsychology and clinical psychology, where neuropsychological assessments are an important part of clinical work. With the behavioral neuroscience degree, you will gain knowledge of the biological and physiological mechanisms that drive the nervous system and better understand the relationship between the brain and behavior. 

The Behavioral Neuroscience major is an interdisciplinary program that builds on the strengths of Carlow University’s biology, psychology and chemistry programs.  

Neuroscience degree curriculum

Carlow’s neuroscience program allows undergraduates to take courses in neuropsychology as well as to learn under scholar-practitioners. The curriculum includes a genetics course in which students investigate the maintenance, inheritance, transfer and expression of genetic information at the molecular, cellular, organismal and population levels. The cognitive psychology course explores its basic concepts and contemporary topics, such as will perception, attention, pattern recognition, consciousness, memory, the representation of knowledge, language, cognitive development, thinking and artificial intelligence.

Quick facts

• Gain hands-on learning experiences

• Leverage Carlow’s relationships with nearby research centers 

• Be prepared for graduate work in psychology and neuropsychology

• Start taking Master’s courses as an undergraduate and earn a graduate degree faster for less money

Alternate degree completion 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.

Admission requirements and application process

Behavioral Neuroscience faculty

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Meredith Eyre, MS, MEd Instructor

Amy M. Romesberg, PhD Associate Professor of Biology

Beth Surlow, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology

Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) concentration 

You’ll learn to keep patients safe during surgeries in the challenging and rapidly growing field of behavioral neuroscience with the Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring concentration. 

You will gain an in-depth understanding of the functioning and anatomical structures of the nervous system through this major. You will be trained to be a surgical neurophysiologist, monitoring neurolophysiological signals from the brain, spinal cord, sensory organs, and nerves in real time to protect the nervous system during surgery.

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) has been shown to significantly reduce the occurrence of neurological damage during high-risk surgeries in adults and children.

Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring curriculum 

The Behavioral Neuroscience major is an interdisciplinary program in neuroscience, building upon the strengths of Carlow University’s biology, psychology and chemistry programs. You will complete the IONM concentration with instructors at the UPMC Procirca Center for Clinical Neurophysiology.

Candidates must satisfy all requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Neuroscience, meet UPMC Procirca Center for Clinical Neurophysiology’s admission requirement and Carlow University’s prerequisites for approval and recommendation. They must also be recommended by a science faculty member and/or advisor. 

Alternate degree completion options

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 

Neuroscience program taught me how to make an impact

Camryn Resele ’21 said Carlow taught her how she can make an impact on someone’s life, whether it’s in the operating room or just passing another employee or visitor in the hospital’s hallway.

“Being that the IONM tract was so new at Carlow, I was leery of what my future career path might look like. My mind was almost instantly put to ease when I began clinicals and was able to use the education I received from Carlow and its Behavioral Neuroscience program and apply it to my field of work.”

— Camryn Resele ’21

Behavioral Neuroscience faculty

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Meredith Eyre, MS, MEd Instructor

Amy M. Romesberg, PhD Associate Professor of Biology

Beth Surlow, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology

Understand human behavior and create real change: Psychology major 

Are you curious about why people behave the way they do? Do you want to learn about factors that lead to racism? Are you interested in understanding mental health challenges how to treat them? As a Psychology major at Carlow, you will gain broad-based knowledge in human behavior and experience from a scientific perspective by exploring research methodology and critical analysis in various fields of psychology, such as counseling, developmental, cognitive, social and biological psychology. In addition, the Psychology program at Carlow offers optional concentrations in counseling, crisis and trauma, and child development for those interested in a deeper dive into those areas of interest. 

By the time you graduate from Carlow’s Psychology degree program, you will be ready to enter training in social service and mental health programs in areas such as therapeutic activities, rehabilitation, casework, child care work and service coordination. In addition, the Psychology degree program provides a solid foundation for graduate study in psychology and counseling, and can serve as a path to other careers, such as law, business, education or other fields. 

Bachelor’s in Psychology curriculum

The bachelor’s in Psychology program requires 34 credits in psychology plus 9 credits in supplemental coursework in English and Communication. Psychology coursework includes Introduction to Psychology, Lifespan Development, and upper-level courses in Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Personality Theory, and Biological Bases of Behavior. In addition, you are trained in statistics and research methods via a three-course sequence. A series of “Designing Your Life” courses help you prepare for careers in psychology and beyond, culminating in a senior capstone course that integrates different knowledge you have gained in psychology. A variety of elective courses allow you to explore your own areas of interest, such as Forensic Psychology, Psychology of Women, Abnormal Psychology, and more. You may also opt for an internship experience in a local facility or conduct faculty-led research. In addition, you may choose one or more concentrations in, counseling, crisis and trauma, and child development.

Concentrations

Counseling 

This track will acquaint you with pre-professional-level counselor training and professional knowledge and skills needed ot help people in a variety of social service and mental health settings. You will satisfy the regular requirements for the psychology major plus complete at least 12 credits in counseling, such as. Introduction to Counseling, Family Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling, and more. This concentration cannot currently be completed online. 

Child Development 

In the Child Development concentration, you will investigate the biological, behavioral, emotional, cognitive and social factors that shape how humans grow and change. This concentration is helpful if you wish to pursue employment or graduate training in developmental psychology, counseling and fields in which additional knowledge of children’s growth and development is helpful. You will satisfy the regular requirements for the psychology major plus complete at least 9 credits in human development, such as Child Psychology, Adolescent Psychology, Children’s Play, Parenting, and more. This concentration can be completed online asynchronously. 

Crisis and Trauma 

The Crisis and Trauma track will acquaint you with pre-professional-level trauma and crisis counselor training and provide a solid foundation in theory and research pertaining to crisis, abuse and trauma. You’ll focus on crisis assessment, intervention and management and study specific issues such as child abuse prevention and treatment, partner violence and the impact of trauma on individuals and families as well. You will satisfy the regular requirements for the psychology major plus complete at least 12 credits in crisis and trauma, such as Impact of Trauma, Crisis Intervention, Grief and Loss Across the Lifespan, and more. This concentration can be completed online; some classes are offered in an online synchronous format. 

Quick facts

• Collaborate with faculty on research 
• Complete an internship at a local facility
• Start taking Master’s courses as an undergraduate and earn a graduate degree faster for less money

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.

Admission requirements and application process 

Psychology faculty

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Meredith Eyre, MS, MEd Instructor

Amy M. Romesberg, PhD Associate Professor of Biology

Beth Surlow, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology

Accelerate your way to a nursing career with an accelerated second degree BSN

You can use your bachelor’s degree from any field to fast track your way into one of the world’s most in-demand professions by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with Carlow’s second degree nursing program.

With this degree in hand, you’ll be sought after by health care entities around the country. Carlow prepares nurses with critical thinking and problem solving skills. Not only is Carlow in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical district with close proximity to clinical sites, its strong, reputable nursing program has a high NCLEX pass rate. 

Go for your dream job

The Carlow University Second Degree BSN program gave Matthew McGrogan ’20 the foundation necessary to land his dream job in a cardiovascular ICU.

“This BSN program is perfectly paced because it was created for people who have already earned a degree and are ready to jump right in. I was worried that some classes would feel unnecessary and slow, however, all of the classes we took were fast-paced and gave us the information needed to become well-rounded nurses. The professors took the time to get to know all of us on a one-on-one basis.”

Accelerated Second degree BSN curriculum

Carlow’s second degree BSN curriculum is in an accelerated format over 15 months. The program requires 32 credits of nursing support courses and 63 credits of nursing courses, including theory courses, clinical experiences and NCLEX seminars. As a convenience, some courses are offered in 8-week sessions, while others are 16 weeks long. 

Clinical nursing experience is an integral part of the program and is completed at various health care agencies in the area.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The curriculum meets the requirements for NCLEX and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories.

Quick facts

• Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab, CSCIL
• Study in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical district and benefit from Carlow partnerships with area health care providers 
• Take advantage of an accelerated 15-month curriculum
• Prepare for the NCLEX in a program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, with pass rates among the highest in Southwestern Pennsylvania

explore our simulation lab (CSCIL)

Alternate degree completion options

Earn your second degree in nursing while attending Carlow as a part-time student. View or download a sample plan of study [pdf].

Admission requirements and application process

BSN faculty

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Meredith Eyre, MS, MEd Instructor

Amy M. Romesberg, PhD Associate Professor of Biology

Beth Surlow, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology

If you have specific questions about the program, contact Angela Summer.

Become a licensed registered nurse: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Are you ready to make a difference in health care? As a graduate of Carlow’s highly regarded nursing program, you’ll be able to hit the ground running as a nurse, or take your nursing career to the next level. NCLEX pass rates for graduates of our pre-licensure BSN nursing program are among the highest in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Carlow’s urban location offers opportunities for student involvement in many dimensions of health care.

As you progress through the program, you will learn to think clearly and creatively, pursue intellectual endeavors, and respond ethically in a spirit of cultural competence and social justice. The program serves as a basis for graduate study and a foundation for lifelong learning.

BSN nursing curriculum

Carlow’s BSN nursing program requires 120 credits (63 must be completed at Carlow); the curriculum includes general education, supportive sciences, and liberal arts to develop a well-rounded student. You will enroll in the first clinical nursing course the first semester of your sophomore year after successful completion of required support courses. Clinical nursing experience is provided at various health agencies in the area.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum meets the requirements for NCLEX (the national licensure exam for Registered Nursing) and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories, should you wish to further your education in an advanced practice nursing role.

Quick Facts

• Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab, CSCIL
• Participate in clinical experiences in an intensive care unit 
• Study in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical district and benefit from Carlow partnerships with area health care providers
• Prepare for NCLEX success under the guidance of faculty mentors

explore our simulation lab (CSCIL)

Admission requirements and application process

Learn from passionate faculty

Nursing graduate Tayler Godfrey ’18 said her professor’s passion and dedication was a huge plus. “I had the pleasure of taking Microbiology with Dr. Cianciarulo as the professor and continued working with her on student research. She took a great deal of time, while teaching many courses, to help me better understand microbiology and proper research techniques and was always available to students for questions or concerns.”

Nursing faculty

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Meredith Eyre, MS, MEd Instructor

Amy M. Romesberg, PhD Associate Professor of Biology

Beth Surlow, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology

Understand why people break the law and the reasons for their behavior

With a bachelor’s in Criminology,  you will learn the nature of crime and the effectiveness and fairness of society’s efforts to prevent and control it.

You will engage in a cross-disciplinary approach to the study of crime, offenders and victims, as well as the agencies, laws, policies and processes of the criminal justice system. You will train to become an agent of change by developing critical thinking skills through problem-based learning in order to impact  the fields relevant to criminology professionals regardless of setting.

A psychology concentration is embedded within the program to ensure that you have the knowledge relevant to direct-practice professions in the field. This emphasis on psychology will help you develop an awareness of the critical role mental health plays in criminal behavior. 

Criminology major curriculum

Carlow University’s major in Criminology focuses on prevention and remediation strategies. Notable courses include Crime and Mental Health and Race, Class and Justice.

Quick facts

• Pair studies with additional minors in Pre-Law, Counseling, or Crisis and Trauma
• Enjoy flexible options for degree completion for non-traditional students and those outside of the region
• Benefit from internship opportunities

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.

Admission requirements and application process

Criminology faculty

Joseph Roberts, PhD Professor, Department Chair, Program Director of MA in Psychology and MS in Criminology & Criminal Justice

Mary C. Burke, PhD Professor, Psychology

Forge your own path. Become the person you are meant to be.

You can take the time to explore your personal and academic interests in an adaptable learning experience with a General Studies degree. Created with working people and students who have changed majors in mind, the major is grounded in the liberal arts.

As you adapt your studies to your interests and goals, you will gain a progressive depth of knowledge in a specialized area of study, becoming adept at integrative thinking and “thinking outside the box.”

General studies curriculum 

The General Studies major is student-directed, with the oversight of an advisor. You will choose a study focus and take a minimum of 12 credits in one discipline, but will be able to branch out further in your interests. For example, you could study the plays of Shakespeare in one course, economic theory in another and biblical interpretation in yet another.  

At the end of the program, you will develop a project that demonstrates integrative thinking and proficiency in chosen areas. 

Quick facts

• Adapt your learning experience to your personal interests
• Take advantage of a learning experience designed with curious people in mind
• Cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills 

Admission requirements and application process

Prepare to make a difference for children with disabilities

The major leads to certification in early childhood with special education.  Students complete all certification requirements for both programs in this unquely designed major. Carlow’s Early Childhood Education degree program, you will focus on learning to nurture the dignity, worth and uniqueness of young children from birth to fourth grade. You will learn to create welcoming classroom environments where children can thrive and develop a love of learning. You will build close relationships with other students and our dedicated and caring faculty.

In the special education program, you will learrn to address all aspects of special education from PreK-12^th grade. You will experience a range of field and practicum placements working with children with special intellectual, physical, behavioral, learning, and social/emotional needs.

You may elect to add an autism endorsement or STEM endorsement. 

Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) with Special Education Certification

You will learn inclusive practices, differentiated instruction, instructional and assistive technologies, universal design theory, positive behavioral interventions and culturally responsive education practices for young children with special needs. Explicit multisensory-based structured literacy practices and recent neuroscience inform special education practices targeting reading and dyslexia. 

Fifty percent of field and practicum experiences take place in The Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center.  Steps away from the dormitories at Carlow, and nestled in the heart of main campus, is a living education laboratory, a school for PreK-8^th graders and a childcare center for children ages birth to three. Right from the start, Carlow Education students can be employed in the after-school program as educators, in the early learning center as assistant teachers, and as summer camp counselors or teachers in the robust summer school program. By junior or senior year, Carlow students can tutor in the Dyslexia Center and work as substitute teachers in The Campus Lab School.

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. 

Quick facts

• Gain experience with multiple diagnostic tools
• Employ special education strategies and assessments in multiple practicum placements
• Participate in special education practicums and student teaching experiences 
• Learn from dyslexia specialist instructors
• Gain early intervention experience

Admission requirements and application process

Note for all certification students: At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply to the education department through the coordinator of undergraduate programs. You must have 48 credits, have at least a 3.0 GPA, pass SKW 101, SKQ 101, a math course and a literature course, and pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or the CORE ETS Fundamental Skills Tests in reading, writing and math.  

Certification requirements: Carlow’s Early Childhood Education with Special Education Certification program provides the necessary coursework required for Pre-K-4 teacher and special education certification in Pennsylvania. You must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation. You must complete a degree program; score a 4 or higher on both Pennsylvania Department of Education 430 evaluation forms; and pass the PECT Pre-K-4 exam.