First Year Fall
CTC100 Connecting to Carlow – 1 credit
SKW101 Foundations of Writing I – 3 credits
SKQ101 Quantitative Reasoning – 3 credits
BIO120 Foundations of Molecular Cell Biology – 4 credits
CE Critical Exploration Elective – 3 credits
First Year Spring
SKW102 Foundations of Writing II – 3 credits
SKC101 Communication: Personal to Professional – 3 credits
BIO110 Foundations of Organismal Biology – 4 credits
MAT150/160 Precalculus/Calculus I (Placement needed) – 3 credits
CA Contemplation & Action Elective – 3 credits
Second Year Fall
BIO250 Genetics – 4 credits
CHM111/113 General Chemistry I Lecture/Lab – 4 credits
MAT160 Calculus I – 4 credits
Compass Elective – 3 credits
Second Year Spring
BIO225 General Ecology – 4 credits
CHM112/114 General Chemistry II Lecture/Lab – 4 credits
Biology Elective – 3 credits
Compass Elective – 3 credits
Third Year Fall
CHM211/213 Organic Chemistry I Lecture/Lab – 4 credits
PCS201/203 General Physics I Lecture/Lab or
PCS221/223 General Physics II with Calculus w/Lab – 4 credits
Biology Elective – 4 credits
Compass Elective – 3 credits
Third Year Spring
CHM212/214 Organic Chemistry II Lecture/Lab – 4 credits
PCS202/204 General Physics II Lecture/Lab or
PCS222/224 General Physics II with Calculus w/Lab – 4 credits
BIO300 Junior Seminar – 2 credits
Biology Elective – 4 credits
Fourth Year Fall
BIO497 Senior Capstone – 4 credits
Ethics & Social Responsibility Elective – 3 credits
Compass Elective – 3 credits
Biology Elective – 4 credits
General Elective – 3 credits
Fourth Year Spring
Compass Elective – 3 credits
General Elective – 3 credits
General Elective – 3 credits
General Elective – 3 credits
General Elective – 3 credits
Total Credits = 120
Electives in this program are chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor and can include courses toward a second major, a minor, or an area of concentration.
Biology students will take 4 electives at the 200 level or above in consultation with their advisor from BIO, NEU-220, NEU-221, HSC-220, HSC-221, HSC-222 & HSC-223. Electives must be 3 or 4 credits.
The following courses are excluded from counting as electives: BIO-157, 201, 202, 207, 208, 217, 227, 230/230I, 307 & 308.
Trained and certified neurodiagnostic technicians are in demand
Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 28,400 Neurodiagnostic Technologists.* You can become one of these highly valued, well-paid healthcare professionals with an Associate of Science in Neurodiagnostic Technology degree from Carlow University.
In just two years, you will gain the hands-on learning and clinical experience needed to earn certification by ABRET (American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists, Inc.) and move onto a rewarding health sciences career.
Time to Completion:
2 Years
Delivery:
On campus
Credits Required:
69
AS in Neurodiagnostic Technology
Comparable to a program from Mayo Clinic, Carlow’s is the only program of its kind in the Pittsburgh region—giving hospitals and healthcare systems in Pennsylvania local access to highly trained, compassionate employees.
Neurodiagnostic technicians are valuable members of the healthcare team. Graduates of this program will:
- Understand fundamental concepts in neuroscience and how they relate to various disease conditions
- Demonstrate the ability to operate neurodiagnostic equipment in accordance with industry standards
- Use a variety of technologies to precisely obtain appropriate recordings
- Accurately interpret and evaluate various neurodiagnostic tests in laboratory and clinical settings
- Apply theoretical knowledge to neurodiagnostic techniques and related disease conditions
- Practice patient-centered care in accordance with the ethical and legal framework of the discipline
- Explain measurements, techniques, and results related to neurodiagnostic testing to healthcare team members.
Career opportunities for AS in Neurodiagnostic Technology
This two-year format, grounded in the liberal arts provides a clear pathway to employment in a high demand healthcare discipline. Upon degree completion, graduates will qualify to receive ABRET certification. Students also gain the background and skill sets necessary to pursue BS degrees in many other healthcare majors offered at Carlow University.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
- Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
- Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply:
Anytime
Start Terms:
Fall
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
Prepare to work in cardiac surgery with a MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion
Carlow’s MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion will equip you to pursue a career in a much-needed medical specialty. The rigorous science curriculum will give you a thorough education on the cardiovascular system, perfusion, hematology, surgery, pulmonary anatomy, pathology and more.
You will learn to prepare the cardiopulmonary bypass and auxiliary equipment used during surgery, as well as the principles and practices of clinical perfusion management.
You will learn the skills needed to oversee the function of the heart and/or lungs during medical procedures and how to administer heart-stopping drugs, monitor the physiological and metabolic demands of patients, and operate equipment during open-heart surgery.
Credits required:
60 credits
Cost per credit:
$1,192/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 20 months
Delivery:
On campus, some online
MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion curriculum
The MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion program is offered in cooperation with the UPMC School of Cardiovascular Perfusion.
Courses cover biological, chemical and physical topics pertaining to the cardiovascular system and include Introduction to Cardiovascular Surgery, Electrophysiology, and Perfusion Procedures — Clinical II/Clinical II Continued.
Quick facts
- Complete 18 months of clinical training at UPMC School of Cardiovascular Perfusion
- Study in one of the oldest cardiovascular perfusion programs in the United States
- Sit for the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) Perfusion Basic Science Examination (PBSE) upon graduation
Career opportunities for cardiovascular perfusionists
Most perfusionists work in medical operating rooms. With the MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion, job opportunities include educators and managers within departments of perfusion, or researchers and workers for perfusion equipment manufacturers.
The American Society for Extracorporeal Technology expects hospitals to hire more perfusionists in coming years to compensate for the aging American population.
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Proof of job shadowing (include place, date, number of hours, type of procedure observed, printed name and signature of perfusionist)
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
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
Cardiovascular Perfusion faculty
Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
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.
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Delivery:
On campus, some online
Campus:
Oakland
Transfer credits:
Up to 90 credits
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.
Quick facts
- Experience highly specialized hands-on training
- Observe and assist in up to 150 surgical cases
- Accumulate the clinical hours necessary to take the ABRET’s Certification in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring (CNIM) Exam to be a certified surgical neurophysiologist
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.
Career opportunities for Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring
This bachelor’s program is one of only four listed by ASET, The Neurodiagnostic Society, to offer a BS degree that leads to a career in neuromonitoring. Graduates can find employment in hospitals, health care companies, specialized sleep and epilepsy labs, education, academic and industry research, and industry sales.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 22% growth in the number of neurodiagnostic technologists between 2012 and 2022, much faster than the average for all health occupations.
Admission requirements and application process
- Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
- Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
- Must have a minimum 3.00 cumulative high school or 3.50 cumulative college GPA.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
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
Contact Admissions
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.
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.
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Delivery:
On campus, some online
Campus:
Oakland
Transfer credits:
Up to 90 credits
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.
Career opportunities with a bachelor’s in Biology
Biologists find jobs in such fields as ecology, wildlife and zoology, molecular and cellular biology, and education. A Bachelor of Science degree in biology sets the foundation for graduate programs in the healthcare, research or environmental fields.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth between 3% and 5% in a range of biological occupations from 2019 to 2029.
Admission requirements and application process
- Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
- Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
- First-year students applying to the cardiovascular perfusion concentration must have a minimum 3.500 cumulative high school GPA. Transfer students must have a minimum 3.500 cumulative college GPA and a minimum 3.500 GPA in college-level science courses.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
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
Contact Admissions
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.
Increase your career potential with a minor in Biology
With this science-focused minor, you can enhance your biology background and pursue other career interests. A Biology minor prepares you for such fields as professional writing, business management, communications, psychology and social work. You will be ready for positions within organizations in the medical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Biology minor curriculum
You must complete 18 credits, including two required courses and three advanced biology electives (at least two electives must be taken in residence at Carlow University).
Required courses include:
- Foundations of Organismal Biology
- Foundations of Molecular and Cellular Biology
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.
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Delivery:
On campus, some online
Campus:
Oakland
Transfer credits:
Up to 90 credits
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.
Career opportunities with a bachelor’s in Biology
A bachelor’s in Biology sets the foundation for graduate programs in the medical fields. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth between 3% and 5% in a range of biological occupations from 2019 to 2029.
Admission requirements and application process
- Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
- Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
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
Contact Admissions
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.
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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.