In 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.
The program is guided by child development pedagogy and early learning standards, and advocates for best 21st-century learning practices. Students utilize the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s three core considerations when planning learning environments: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, Power to the Profession and the Pennsylvania Department of Education‛s Teacher Certification Competencies. As part of the certification program, students will earn a STEM endorsement.
Carlow is one of the few private schools that accepts the following state-sponsored scholarship opportunities: TEACH Scholarship, Rising Stars and PASSHE
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
You’ll take courses in advanced child development, children’s literature, structured literracy, math and science methods, and community and family partnerships. Field experiences begin your freshman year. We believe the community is part of our classroom. Experience visits to the museums, nature centers, makerspaces, and local community organizations as part of your Carlow education.
Fifty percent of field and practicum experiences take place in The Campus Laboraotry School and Early Learning Center. Steps away from the dorminotories at Carlow, and nestled in the heart of main campus, is a living education laboratory, a school for PreK-8th 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 robosut summer school program. By junior or senior year, Carlow students can tutor in the Dyslexia Center and work as subsitute teachers in The Campus Lab School.
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.
With an Early Childhood Education degree, you can teach students basic academic, social and other formative skills in public or private schools at the childcare, PreK, and elementary level. According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry, employment of child care, kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to grow 6%.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
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 or meet equivalent course, ACT or SAT requirements.
Certification requirements: Carlow’s early childhood education program provides the necessary coursework required for Pre-K-4 teacher certification in Pennsylvania. Students must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation. Students may elect to take and pass the 5th and 6th grade add-on certification exams.
Increasing evidence shows that early childhood education significantly impacts a child’s performance in school and beyond. The teaching shortage in…
Whether you’re starting with a bachelor’s degree in education or going for your M.Ed. after a degree in something else,…
What is the importance of effective educational leadership? Education leaders guide the values of their organizations, motivate students, and encourage…
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
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-12th 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.
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
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-8th 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.
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.
Most special education teachers work in public schools, teaching students with a variety of disabilities at the preschool, elementary, middle and high school levels. Graduates can also work in private schools, child care services and other community organizations.
Special educators remain in high demand. Special education is considered a high need area and the post-graduation placement rate for special educators is currently 100%.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
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.
Increasing evidence shows that early childhood education significantly impacts a child’s performance in school and beyond. The teaching shortage in…
Whether you’re starting with a bachelor’s degree in education or going for your M.Ed. after a degree in something else,…
What is the importance of effective educational leadership? Education leaders guide the values of their organizations, motivate students, and encourage…
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
If you want to work with young children outside of a traditional elementary classroom, Carlow’s Early Development and Learning degree will give you the skills you need. This unique major prepares you for educator roles in out-of-school learning environments, community based centers, childcare centers, museums, or nonprofit organizations. In your senior year, you’ll complete a personalized internship individually tailored for your career interests.
Carlow University accepts state-sponsored scholarship opportunities, including TEACH, Rising Stars and PASSHE.
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
Carlow’s early childhood development degree program includes a unique apprenticeship model option for full-time child care providers working in licensed childcare centers. You will learn about children experiencing homelessness through a service-learning course in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and participate in educational experiences at our on-campus Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School. You will take coursework in children’s literature, grant writing, building school partnerships, and early literacy and STEAM based practices. Carlow’s early childhood development degree program includes a unique apprenticeship model option for full-time child care providers working in licensed childcare centers.. You can will learn about children experiencing homelessness through a service-learning course in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and participate in educational experiences at our on-campus Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School. You will take coursework in children’s literature, grant writing, building school partnerships, and early literacy and STEAM based practices.
You will use the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) three core considerations when planning learning environments for young children: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness, and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators and Power to the Profession.
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.
“Every staff member in the Education Department really cares about you, your education and your long-term goals. … Every student in the Education Department is there for you when you need them, we really have been through it all!”
— Bailey Pallus ’20
With a degree in early childhood development, you can work as a lead teacher in a child care program, Head Start teacher, home care coordinator, education consultant, grant writer, juvenile corrections worker, museum educator, quality coach, early learning engagement specialist or public policy advocate, or work in a hospital, family support center, community outreach, homeless programming, social work, early learning resource center support or intervention services, workforce development, or research.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 2% from 2019 to 2029; employment of preschool and child care center directors is projected to grow 1% from 2019 to 2029.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
Increasing evidence shows that early childhood education significantly impacts a child’s performance in school and beyond. The teaching shortage in…
Whether you’re starting with a bachelor’s degree in education or going for your M.Ed. after a degree in something else,…
What is the importance of effective educational leadership? Education leaders guide the values of their organizations, motivate students, and encourage…
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
Jeremy Rhine, Early Development and Learning graduate
“I selected Carlow because coming from a bigger high school experience, I knew I wanted to be more than a number and be somewhere I would be given unique opportunities. Here at Carlow, this is true, and there is still history to make.
“I absolutely love how early you dive into the classroom experiences. The professors are always willing to help you out in any way that they can. You not only get experience within traditional classroom settings, but also in nontraditional settings as well! I loved all of the different times I got to connect, present and share ideas with professionals from all around the Pittsburgh region in early and higher ed.”
Bailey Pallus, Early Development and Learning Program graduate
“I selected Carlow for their small class sizes and amazing education program. There are so many pathways for success and the programs are really tailored to your specific needs. I knew I would be getting a high quality education by attending Carlow.
“Every staff member in the Education Department really cares about you, your education and your long-term goals. I feel so comfortable around all my teachers and really view them all as strong mentors in my education career. I also love the Carlow friendships I have made throughout the years. Every student in the education department is there for you when you need them, we really have been through it all!”
Be the voice of change for a community, help market a business or product, or become a business leader with a communications degree from Carlow University. You’ll develop the tools you need to communicate effectively through oral, written and multimedia outlets. Gain practical, real-world experiences by collaborating with Carlow multimedia artists, writing for our student-run newspaper or announcing Carlow Celtic sporting events. If you have a specific focus in mind we offer tracks, including organizational management, advocacy and social change, and digital media.
As a communication major, you have the opportunity to not only reach your audience but your personal goals, too. Our Communication alumni remain connected to the program as a strong professional network for any communication graduate.
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
Classroom and real-world practice help you hone problem-solving, team-building and critical thinking skills, all highly sought after by employers. In the Hopkins Communication Lab, you can practice professional presentations and perform research. Student tutors can help you master your public speaking skills.
10:1
student to faculty ratio
As a communication major you can choose the general track or specialize your studies to better fit your career goals. In each track, you will access hands-on learning opportunities, such as developing your news writing and research skills by working with “The Carlow Chronicle,” a student-run newspaper, and polishing your broadcasting skills with “Carlow Sports Talk.”
Advocacy and Social Justice
Focus on communication and social justice preparing you to make a difference and create change at the local, state, and federal levels
Digital Media
Concentrate on crafting messages across multiple platforms, like social media and gain experience in marketing and public relations
Organizational Management
Focus on business communications, including media relations and the principles of strategic planning
As a Carlow University student, you have the opportunity to pursue a well-rounded liberal arts education full of career-readiness pathways including our honors program, internships, service-learning, study abroad and research.
The Carlow Compass is our general education curriculum that allows you to develop your knowledge and skills as you discover what you want to study or pursue as a career.
Career opportunities for communication majors are projected to increase 4%* as organizations in every industry continually need communication professionals to create, edit and deliver information through multiple platforms.
We help you get to where you want to be
Our Office of Career Development offers one-on-one services including job search help and internship programs.
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Statistics
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
Haley Chiusano ’22, a communication major, was very impressed with the helpful atmosphere at Carlow. “I have learned so much (at Carlow). The professors are so knowledgeable and the coursework is very fair. It pushes me to be a good student, while also allowing me to have time for other things such as volleyball and my job.”
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.
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.
Increasing evidence shows that early childhood education significantly impacts a child’s performance in school and beyond. The teaching shortage in…
Whether you’re starting with a bachelor’s degree in education or going for your M.Ed. after a degree in something else,…
What is the importance of effective educational leadership? Education leaders guide the values of their organizations, motivate students, and encourage…
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
You have seen the world change so much in such a short amount of time: climate change, human rights violations and wealth inequality, to name a few. You feel the need to help. With our social change degree, you can explore critical social justice issues and learn the communication skills necessary for social advocacy work.
This communication degree can be tailored to your specific interests in social justice, positioning you to make a difference and create change at the local, state and federal levels.
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
The social advocacy curriculum includes in-person and online courses. In addition to your communication courses, political science and social work courses are included in the curriculum to help you develop your understanding of how communication relates to social policy and advocacy. You will have the opportunity to focus your social change degree on specific interest areas including poverty, education equality and health care.
With access to Carlow’s Hopkins Communication Lab, you will gain critical learning experiences, develop and practice professional presentations, and perform research.
Hands-on experience includes the Youth Media Advocacy Project, an organization that empowers middle and high school students in the community to develop communication advocacy campaigns.
Students with a communications degree can work in an array of media and communication occupations such as a public relations specialist, a reporter or specialized areas of communications outreach for an organization.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in media and communications occupations is projected to grow four percent from 2019 to 2029. The public relations specialists job market is expected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029. This growth is largely driven by organizations’ need to develop their public image.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
From marketing to grassroots social movements, a well-crafted message is key. With a Digital Media degree from Carlow University, you will learn the art of strategic messaging and its place in the big picture.
You will learn to develop and critique messages and hone the skills needed for written, oral and digital communication, as well as gain experience in marketing, social media and public relations.
With an emphasis on social justice, the Digital Media degree builds a strong foundation in strategic communication for advocacy, boosting the well-being of marginalized groups. You will learn how to develop digital stories about critical issues, including gender and racial equity, immigration, and public health.
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
You will master the elements and software of digital media to deliver your message clearly, concisely and widely through courses such as Digital Storytelling, Mass Media Society and Communication Ethics.
With an emphasis on social justice, the Digital Media degree provides the opportunity to engage with interest-specific coursework and extracurricular activities.
Additional hands-on experience is available on campus. Through the Youth Media Advocacy Project, you can work with middle and high school students to develop communication advocacy campaigns. You can also get involved with “The Carlow Chronicle,” a student-run newspaper, and its sister podcast, as well as a webcast.
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.
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.
Armed with a digital media degree, you’ll find a wide range of career opportunities, including advertising, public relations, and sports and other media.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, though employment for writers and authors is expected to decline 2% from 2019 to 2029, employment for public relations managers is expected to grow 9%.
Anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
Carlow Young Laureate Chanessa Schuler appreciated how the university’s Youth Media Advocacy Projects helped her reach a fulfilling career in media. “What I learned about Carlow is that it is very much connected to the outside community. I appreciated that the school saw me for who I was and not just as a student, that I was part of a larger institution and that I mattered.”
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.
You can build on your creative skills and refine your writing technique with Carlow’s Creative Writing major. You will explore the works of great writers while deepening your relationship with these texts through critical examination.
You can workshop creative pieces with peers as well as working writers, and develop your ability to understand creative concepts like context, image and voice.
You can gain experience in editing, graphic design and other practical skills by working with “The Critical Point,” Carlow’s journal of visual and literary arts. Opportunities such as the Madwomen in the Attic writing workshops and annual anthology and the Red Dog Reading Series can help you hone public reading, critique and editing skills.
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
In introductory and special topics courses, you will study poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction, and learn how to critique work in a workshop setting. You can study sound, rhythm and line in poetry studies; learn the essentials of a good story while studying fiction; and focus on narration, description and dialogue if your interest is creative nonfiction.
Other courses include world literature and language.
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.
With a background in creative writing, challenging and rewarding career opportunities abound, such as becoming a copywriter, working in publishing or advertising, or freelance as an editor or writer.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for technical writers is slated to grow 7% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the expansion of scientific and technical products, as well as a need for web-based product support.
Malcolm Randall, a junior creative writing major and forward on the basketball team at Carlow University, fulfilled that goal in the fall of 2021. On Oct. 16, his first novel, titled “Sheriff Sebastian Part 1: The Boy,” was published and available for sale on Amazon.
▸ Watch his story on WTAE-Pittsburgh
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
Creative writing major KJ Miller ’21 said Carlow’s program is unique because of the connections students make. “Each professor in the program creates a knowledgeable and familiar environment, so that you are always learning how to perfect your craft as well as be comfortable sharing your own work. You gain mentorship on a new level – not only do they want to advise you, but they want to see you succeed while giving you all of the tools you need to do so.”
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
As an English major, you will build an understanding of British, American and world literature, significant writers, and writing strategies. You can also focus on areas of interest through electives that can lead to a minor or double major.
You will develop effective communication, critical reading and thinking skills and learn advanced analytical research methods, preparing for a variety of professions that rely on those skills such as law, teaching and professional writing.
You can gain publication and presentation experience through Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, as well as editorial experience with “The Critical Point,” Carlow’s journal of visual and literary arts, and the Carlow University newspaper.
Bachelor of Art
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
The English major curriculum focuses on timeless literary works and writers who address today’s major issues. Course options include Peace/Justice Themes in American Literature, Shakespeare in the 21st Century, Literature in Translation, Myths and Monsters, and Visions of Social Change. Other courses cover genres such as the American novel, Romantic or Early Modern women writers, and contemporary issues in poetry, drama and prose by modern British authors. A Writing for Social Media internship is also available.
English and Liberal Studies double major Caitlin McDonough ’21 is grateful for the attention students receive from faculty in the English program. “I experienced the timelessness of literature through new perspectives, and I learned how to grow and market my writing skills for an increasingly online world.”
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.
Employers seek candidates with critical and creative thinking skills; this provides English majors unique opportunities beyond their field of study, including public relations and social media management. Many English graduates use their writing skills in business or nonprofit settings.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for public relations specialists is expected to increase 7% over the next 10 years.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
English major Madeline Longmore ’22 said Carlow has exceeded her expectations since the moment she enrolled. “The small community has allowed me to be seen as a person instead of another number in a large lecture hall. The English literature program has exposed me to a wide range of artists and historical perspectives. The English professors have made diversity and intersectionality a basis for all their curriculum. I have learned more than literature; I have experienced bodies of work that connect our past to our present.”
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
You can prepare for graduate-level studies or move into work in health care with a Pre-Occupational Therapy 3-Year Degree from Carlow University. In this fast-track program, you will establish a working knowledge of Occupational Therapy and learn critical thinking and leadership skills.
Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for Carlow’s graduate-level Occupational Therapy program, as well as most Occupational Therapy programs around the country.
Bachelor of Science
On campus, some online
Oakland
Evaluated on an individual basis
The Pre-Occupational Therapy program allows you to take courses in fall, spring and summer, with summer courses offered completely online.
First-year courses include Introduction to Health Professions, Introduction to Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Foundations of Cell and Molecular Biology, Foundations of Organismal Biology, Quantitative Reasoning, Foundations of Writing I, and Contemplation and Action. Second-year courses include Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Introduction to Sociology, Physics of the Human Body, Life Span Developmental Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology. Third-year courses include Pathology for Rehabilitation, Pathophysiology and Clinical Kinesiology, General Chemistry I, Microbiology, Epidemiology, and Communications in Health Care. The program also includes practicums, labs and internships.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for occupational therapists is slated to grow 16% over the next 10 years.
anytime
Fall
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
The Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physical Therapy from Carlow University will prepare you for graduate-level studies or to work in the health care field. You will gain hands-on experience; learn the skills needed to become a compassionate, responsible, ethical leader; develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to provide the best in patient care; and learn to work as part of a team.
The Pre-Physical Therapy major is intended to be completed in three years. Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for Carlow’s graduate-level Physical Therapy program, as well as most Physical Therapy programs around the country.
Bachelor of Science
On campus, some online
Oakland
Evaluated on an individual basis
First-year courses include Introduction to Health Professions, Foundations in Cell and Molecular Biology, Foundations in Organismal Biology, Pre-Calculus, and General Chemistry I and II. Second-year courses include Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Introduction to Psychology, Quantitative Reasoning, Basic Applied Statistics Communication, Personal to Professional Communication, Medical Terminology, and Global Health (Service Learning/ Ethics/Social Responsibility). Third-year courses include General Physics I and II, Pathology for Rehabilitation, Pathophysiology, Cognitive Psychology, Eoidemiology, and Communication and Health Care.
With a bachelor’s in Pre-Physical Therapy from Carlow University, you will be ready to pivot into graduate-level studies to become a physical therapist or move elsewhere in the healthcare world.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for physical therapists is expected to increase 18% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the medical needs of an older population.
anytime
Fall
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
