At Carlow University, our Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice empowers you to lead with purpose and serve with integrity. Whether you’re advancing your career or shifting your path, you’ll find a supportive, student-focused environment focused on making a lasting impact. Join a network of changemakers shaping a more just and merciful world.
The program spans one year, with five specializations that are cross-disciplinary, and skills based. All students will complete the core program requirements (totaling 12 credits) and will select from two specialization tracks (each consisting of 9 credits for a total of 18 credits). Specialty tracks include Forensic Psychology, Public Safety, Fraud Investigation, Forensic Accounting, and Cyber Threat Analytics.
30 credits
$800/credit
3 semesters with a fall start
4 semesters with a spring or summer start
Fully Online or On campus
The Carlow MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice offers students a 30-credit graduate degree that can be highly specialized depending on the student’s career interests. The program has four core courses (MCR 700 Advanced Criminological Theory, MCR 701 Justice Policy, PYM 706 Research Methods for the Social Sciences, and PYM 721 Systems of Criminal Justice) that form the foundation on which to build specialization.
Students can match any two of our five dynamic practice tracks to form unique learning experiences relevant to their future careers. Are you interested in developing skills to address financial crimes and money laundering? Complete the specialization tracks in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation. Do you want to understand how psychological assessment and treatment affects police and those who are incarcerated? Complete the specialization tracks in Public Safety and Forensic Psychology. Have you considered entering federal law enforcement and pursuing bad actors on the dark web? Specializations in Cyber Threat Analytics and Forensic Psychology or Fraud Investigation may be your best academic option.
Whatever career path you are considering, the Carlow MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice can help support your training for those next steps. Unique aspects of the program include:
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count towards both degrees. Apply for this option after your sophomore year.
Jobs you might consider with a master’s in criminology & criminal justice are federal law enforcement, reentry specialist, forensic analyst, cyber threat analyst, loss prevention specialist, criminal justice policy advisor, criminal justice advocacy coordinator, criminology research analyst, litigation support specialist, corporate compliance officer, or probation officer (advanced roles or supervisors).
The Carlow MCRM program does not have any required accrediting bodies.
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.
The global popularity and growth of psychology has created endless possibilities for careers beyond the traditional psychology setting such as business, education, health and public safety.
Discover your passion through our specially designed curriculum, which offers six guided elective specializations including forensic, educational, assessment, treatment, expressive arts or general exploration. You will collaborate with our supportive and experienced faculty to choose the pathway that helps you become who you want to be.
While our MA in Psychology program serves as a program for those who wish to pursue a career that does not require licensure, it can provide a great pathway to a doctorate as well.
Did you know there are personal benefits to studying psychology?1
36 credits
$1,015/credit
As few as 4 semesters
On campus & online
Taught in a personalized, hands-on learning environment, our master’s in psychology curriculum focuses on advanced general and applied psychology principles, and valuable research and clinical skills that you can immediately apply to your place of work.
Specialize your psychology courses to fit your career goals and personal aspirations. Each guided elective specialization provides you with the opportunity to learn the theories, skills, tools and treatments for that area.
Therapeutic Arts Psychology
Integrate your passion for the arts and humanities into your psychology coursework.
Assessment Psychology
Use field techniques and tools to develop hypotheses about personality, symptoms, behavior and cognitive ability.
Educational Psychology
Apply psychology skills and knowledge within primary and secondary school settings with a focus on supporting educational needs and reducing obstacles to learning
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.
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “Understanding psychological science and how to apply it is an asset in any career. A psychology degree, from the bachelor’s to the master’s and doctorate degree, helps employees perform in a wide variety of jobs both within and beyond the psychology discipline.”2
Mickenna Ansell ’22
“The faculty and staff were very easy to connect with and I was able to get professional experience in research and clinical practice with their help. My time at the University prepared me to take doctoral-level classes and work in the field of psychology.”
Rachel Seamans ’21
“They [the faculty] took an interest in us and made sure we succeeded as both students and people. We weren’t just numbers to them. And, we were learning from professionals who were still practicing, not years removed from working in the field.”
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
1 “Why We All Can Learn From Studying Psychology,” Verywell Mind
2 “Working in Psychological Science,” American Psychological Association
3 “Career Paths in Psychology,” American Psychological Association
You can study the mystery of human existence and the interdependence of women and men as they relate to God through Carlow University’s scholarly Theology minor program.
Theology examines the human experiences that have given rise to questions of religion such as the meaning of life and death, the existence of a personal God, the search for human values, issues of peace and justice, contemporary spirituality, and ministry of the laity. The Theology curriculum provides the discipline necessary for this unique way of inquiry through courses in scriptural, historical, systematic and moral theology, and pastoral ministry.
This minor is open to any major and can be customized to your interest. A minimum of 18 credits is required.
Study the various forms of crisis and trauma situations and how to support those in distress through this interdisciplinary minor with Psychology and Social Work. With a minor in Crisis and Trauma, you will focus on crisis situations that may be personal, such as death or assault or community-wide events such as natural disasters or threats to public health.
You will learn about the types of trauma, including acute, chronic and complex trauma as well as vicious or secondary trauma. You will gain an understanding of the physical, psychological and emotional symptoms of traumatic experiences to become better informed and ultimately a more competent professional in your career field of choice.
The minor in Crisis and Trauma is offered to students who are not majoring in Psychology or Social Work. The coursework introduces students to the field of psychological trauma, different forms of abuse and violence, trauma responses and symptoms, and available treatment options and resources.
Elective courses include Psychology courses focused on children and on women, family counseling, substance abuse counseling, parenting, and death and dying.
This minor requires 18 credits.
● The Impact of Trauma
● Crisis Intervention
● Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment
● Intimate Partner Violence
You can learn about the social, biological, emotional and cognitive factors that affect children’s development with Carlow’s Child Development minor, open to non-Psychology majors.
The Child Development minor is open to any major. A minimum of 18 credits is required; at least 9 credits must be 200 level or higher, and 12 must be taken at Carlow.
You can expand your physical science major with a minor in neuroscience. You will study how the functions and mechanisms of the nervous system affect behavior in animals and humans in conjunction with your major studies in biology, chemistry or psychology.
This minor is designed for students not majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and is open to any major. A minimum of 21 credits is required;10 must be taken at Carlow University.
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.
Bachelor of Science
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
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.
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.
Graduates often find jobs assisting in mental health settings, such as psychiatric technicians. They also prepare for training that can ultimately lead to a career in clinical psychology.
Jobs in this profession are expected to grow about 3% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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.
Carlow University’s Post-Masters Addiction Counseling certificate is a four-course sequence for new as well as experienced clinicians who want to enhance their knowledge and understanding of addictions. The Post-Master’s Addiction Counseling certificate is housed within the Professional Counseling Program in the Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Criminology, College of Arts & Sciences. The Professional Counseling Program offers a variety of CACREP-accredited programs: 60-credit Masters of Science in Professional Counseling Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Addictions Counseling; 12-credit Post-Masters Certificate in Addictions Counseling; 9-credit Post-Masters Certificate in School-Based Mental Health Counseling; and the Accelerated Masters Professional Counseling Program for Carlow Undergraduates.
The Post-Master’s Addiction Counseling certificate (12 credits) meets the Addictions-specific education requirements for the IC&RC Examination for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselors (AADC exam) and PA Certification Board – Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). Through this program, students will build the foundation for competency in Addiction Counseling.
12 credits
$1,015/credit
3 semesters
100% online
The four certificate courses are:
Employment of substance abuse and mental health counselors is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Admission Criteria
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
Admission Criteria
An undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.
If you are interested in this graduate certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
Carlow University’s PsyD program in Counseling Psychology is dedicated to training skilled depth-oriented counseling psychologists who are committed to social justice. The program is designed to prepare students to work in diverse settings and communities, with a focus on promoting positive change and addressing social inequalities. The program emphasizes evidence-based psychodynamic and depth-oriented approaches in counseling psychology as well as the biological, affective, cognitive and social bases of behavior. We provide students with rigorous training in assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and consultation for individuals, groups, communities, and organizations. Through a combination of coursework, practicum experiences, and research opportunities, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to become effective practitioners.
At the heart of the program is a commitment to social justice, which is reflected in both the curriculum and the overall approach to training. Students are exposed to a wide range of social issues and are encouraged to critically examine their own beliefs and biases. They are also trained to work with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, and to address social and systemic factors that may be contributing to psychological distress. The program emphasizes the development of ethical and culturally humble practitioners who are able to work collaboratively with other professionals and community organizations.
Students have the opportunity to work with faculty members who are experienced practitioners and researchers in the field, and to engage in a range of professional development activities. Overall, Carlow University’s PsyD program in Counseling Psychology provides students with a comprehensive depth-oriented and socially responsible education.
The program was granted accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA) in July 2011 and was re-accredited according to the standard seven-year interval in the fall of 2018. The program is currently accredited for the maximum of 10 years, with a 2028 return visit expected from APA.
93 credits
$1,192/credit
As few as 48 months
On campus, some online
The Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology at Carlow University is implemented through the practitioner-scholar model of training and the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree is conferred.
The program prepares Counseling Psychologists to apply knowledge grounded in psychological science and theory in support of clinical practice. Specifically, the program is committed to training scientifically sophisticated practitioners who evaluate treatments, make informed decisions, understand the limitations of scientific knowledge, and cultivate an intellectual curiosity in their professional activities.
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree focuses on training skilled clinicians who intend to be licensed and primarily practice as licensed psychologists. Applicants who are exclusively or primarily interested in assuming positions as researchers or academics are encouraged to consider more research-oriented training programs, such as those implemented through the scientist-practitioner model of training.
Counseling psychologists work in private practice, community agencies and college counseling centers and in research positions. Others work as part of a team, collaborating with physicians and social workers, or in school settings working with students, teachers, parents and other educators.
Employment of psychologists is projected to grow 19% from 2014 to 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job prospects should be best for those who have a doctoral degree in an applied specialty.
Carlow University’s doctoral program in Counseling Psychology (PsyD) has had its accreditation reaffirmed by the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Commission on Accreditation. The next site visit to be made by the commission will be in 2028.
Training programs in Counseling Psychology and Clinical Psychology share many similarities, but historically there were key differences in their foci, goals, and the populations they served. Here’s an overview of the main distinctions between these two fields:
Because of the historical differences between counseling and clinical psychology, a perception may linger that counseling psychologists are not well suited for work in settings that engage with more serious psychopathology, such as hospitals and prisons.
Both counseling psychologists and clinical psychologists may pursue licensure to practice independently as licensed psychologists. The specific requirements for licensure vary by state or country but generally include completing a doctoral program, supervised clinical experience, and passing a licensing exam.
Students have access to a wide range of support services including Wellness and Fitness Services, The Office of Career Development, Financial Aid, and the Center for Academic Achievement
The primary purpose of the Counseling Psychology Doctoral Student Association (CPDSA) is to offer students a structured way to connect around issues of shared importance and advocate for their interests and concerns. Early during each spring semester, students will elect three representatives (one from each cohort) to serve on the Counseling Psychology Doctoral Student Association Council of Representatives. Student representatives are invited to attend formally scheduled program faculty meetings and are encouraged to report to the CPDSA a summary of the meetings.
In the summer before first-year doctoral students begin their training, all students are matched with a more advanced doctoral student in the program. The seasoned students assist the new students in helping orient them to the Pittsburgh region and in navigating the rigors of advanced graduate studies in psychology.
The Program Directors, Clinical Coordinator, and Academic Advisors are faculty members who support student learning and growth during doctoral level training. Students should feel free to approach the Program Directors, Clinical Coordinator, PsyD Core Faculty, or their Academic Advisors for guidance with academic or professional issues at any point during their training.
An informal seminar is provided for students applying for internship by the Clinical Coordinator. It takes place the fall term during which applications are submitted. Under faculty mentorship and through peer support, students are provided with an overview of the internship application process and helped with preparation of their curricula vitae and cover letters.
The Carlow Information Technology Department provides a broad range of technology services for all members of the Carlow community. Information technology staff is available for student, staff and faculty support and free, non-credit computer courses for all members of the community are offered regularly. There are 10 student computer labs located across campus, and most classrooms are classified as “smart classrooms.”
As a PsyD student, you will have access to a wide range of resources in support of enhancing the clinical training experience. The campus is well equipped with regard to technology and the doctoral program has discipline-specific material to augment student learning in the practice of psychology.
Currently two to four graduate assistantships (GA) are offered each year and are typically reserved for first year students. Graduate Assistants provide administrative and research support to program leadership and teach one undergraduate course. Graduate Assistants receive an annual stipend and tuition remission for 6 credits in both the fall and spring semesters.
Courses are offered in the evening to accommodate students who must work part-time while pursuing the doctoral degree. Since all Program students have a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field, many are involved in the provision or supervision of psychological care in relation to their employment.
Students working on their dissertation are eligible to apply for up to $400.00 each to defray associated expenditures.
While the program has access to the physical facilities of the University across campus, the Counseling Psychology program is housed in Antonian Hall. Antonian Hall is adequately equipped with smart-classrooms and wireless internet access. The program itself is on the fifth floor where faculty offices are in close proximity to student work space and the student lounge, which allows for regular interactions among those in the program community. The student lounge is equipped with three computers and access to a copier/scanner, as well as a microwave and a refrigerator.
In support of training in psychological assessment, students have access to over 60 different personality, achievement, and intellectual instruments, many of which include multiple copies to ensure availability.
The main campus library collection is housed on three floors of the newly updated University Commons building in the heart of campus and the library also offers an extensive collection of virtual resources. On campus, space is available for both quiet study and group meetings. Reference Librarians are available during most library hours to offer the students one-on-one reference assistance.
All students are required to participate in the APPIC Match which takes place the of third year of study. An informal seminar is provided for students applying for APPIC Match internship by the Clinical Coordinator.
Under faculty mentorship and through peer support, students are provided with an overview of the internship application process and helped with preparation of their curricula vitae and cover letters.
The APPIC Internship Match is a national placement process that will necessitate a relocation. Practically speaking this means that you will need to plan to relocate for your internship year.
The program has established relationships with a significant number of agencies in the greater Pittsburgh area. These training sites are varied with regard to population served and services provided, thereby affording students access to rich clinical experiences. Examples of training sites include hospitals, college counseling centers, community and rural mental health practices, private practices, and specialty sites focusing on forensic and neuropsychological practice.
Pennsylvania regulations that went into effect on August 12, 2019, now permit doctoral psychology students to count practica hours in lieu of post-doctoral hours, if a total number of pre-doctoral hours are achieved. To facilitate direct entry into psychological practice as per Pennsylvania regulations that went into effect on August 12, 2019, now permit doctoral psychology students to count practica hours in lieu of post-doctoral hours, if a total number of pre-doctoral hours are achieved. To facilitate direct entry into psychological practice as per Pennsylvania state regulations, Carlow University’s PsyD program in counseling psychology requires 18 credits of practicum training (6 semesters of practicum seminar assuming 3 credits are earned each semester of practicum seminar). This will total 1800 hours of direct and indirect field placement experience. Typically, a single commitment to a practicum training site experience is a year-long (three semesters: summer, fall, and spring).
Students are strongly discouraged from planning to work full-time while they complete the doctoral program. Many students who have worked full-time during their bachelor’s or master’s level training believe they will be able to do so with their doctoral training experiences, however, doctoral level training is much more demanding than bachelor’s and master’s level training. Nearly all students who attempt to work full-time after commencing practicum training in the summer of the first year find that they cannot meet the 50+ hours per week expectation of training and simultaneously maintain full-time employment.
Currently, the Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology at Carlow University offers opportunities for international study in Ireland and Uganda.
This one-week program is designed jointly by faculty from Carlow University and St. Angela’s College in Sligo, Ireland. Students learn about the mental health system in Ireland and about the content and process of service delivery to those with special needs. In addition, students explore issues related to diversity and social justice within the Irish culture and how they relate to psychosocial functioning and mental health. The trip is further characterized by exposure to a different culture through touring and educational outings. The course includes readings that are to be completed prior to departure, full participation in activities in Ireland and a major paper or project.
Doctoral students can participate in a number of ways in the collaborative work being done by Ugandan citizens and Carlow faculty.
This initiative is being carried out with Carlow faculty and doctoral students in collaboration with Advocacy for Vulnerable Children’s Rights (AVCR). According to annual crime statistics by the Uganda Police, domestic violence and sexually related offences account for a significant proportion of complaints received by law enforcement. Those studying or otherwise interested in this social problem attribute domestic violence in the country (most notably violence against women) to culture and tradition. The Uganda government struggles to provide an infrastructure to meet the needs of its citizens which means that not unlike many societies, change must begin at the grassroots level.
Collaboratively established goals include: Mobilizing and engaging community members (e.g., women, men, local institutions, and policy makers in the region) to collaboratively determine how they may be involved in creating a movement in their region to promote more safe and equitable relationships, provide psychoeducation through a series of ongoing lectures and discussion groups about safe relationships/gender violence, create and implement an advertising campaign (through the very popular use of radio) about the dangers of gender violence, and to create a Uganda-culture specific school-based curriculum to propose to regional schools.
This initiative is being carried out through in collaboration with the Ugandan government and citizens. Two regions were identified as the initial focus of the work of this project; the Mukono District and Soroti.
Overarching goals are to increase the extent to which citizens are able to decrease vulnerability to trafficking by: Increasing regional awareness about the issue, increasing self-sufficiency, and increasing accessibility of school, especially for girls.
This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with Advocacy for Vulnerable Children’s Rights (AVCR).
The primary focus at this time is the building of a health clinic.
Primary goals of the initiative are to: Increase access to education for vulnerable children in Soroti, increase ease of access to food and water, increase ease of access to health care, and decrease vulnerability to human trafficking.
For more information regarding the structure, focus, and policies of our program, please see our Program Handbook.
Applicants to Carlow University’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Counseling Psychology program must possess a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a closely related field (such as social work).
The master’s degree must have been granted by a regionally accredited institution in higher education. Master’s degrees are considered closely related if they include coursework in the following areas:
Applicants who have a deficit in one or more of the areas listed above, and who otherwise would qualify for entrance into the program, may be considered for admission with the understanding that the deficit must be remedied during the first year of the doctoral program. If an applicant has too many prerequisite deficits, Carlow may need to defer application for admittance to the following year while the student completes the necessary coursework.
Preference will be given to applicants with strong academic credentials and relevant experience as a helping professional. Applicants who are finalists for admission will be invited to campus for a personal interview with representatives from the department in mid to late February of each year.
Note: The PsyD Program in Counseling Psychology utilizes a cohort-based training model, which entails a set sequence of courses meant to be taken in an established progression over the four years of the program. Cohort based training models expect that students will take the courses required in order along with the rest of their cohort members, and do not afford students the ability to create an individualized course sequence.
Therefore, students can only start the program in the fall semester. There are no spring or summer start dates.
January 7
Fall
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
The CACREP-accredited MS in Professional Counseling: Addictions Counseling Track will train you to work with adults and adolescents experiencing one or more addictions (alcohol, prescription drugs or illicit drugs) in a variety of community settings, including addiction/recovery centers, community mental health centers, hospitals and employee assistance programs.
The program is designed to transition you into a career in professional counseling and prepare you to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania.
Additionally, this degree enables you to earn 180 hours of required addiction-specific coursework toward becoming a PA certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC).
60 credits
$1,015/credit
2.5 – 3.5 years
On campus
The Addiction Counseling Workforce Impact Project (AC-WIP) is designed to increase the number of master’s level Professional Counselors who specialize and are certified in Addictions Counseling to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania while increasing the awareness and education of community members and professionals. Students enrolled the MS Professional Counseling degree program are eligible for up to $27,600 in scholarship funding and $4,400 in stipends.
For any questions,
Contact: mpc@carlow.edu
The 60-credit M.S. degree in Professional Counseling consists of 51 credits of core courses, 9 credits of Addictions Counseling electives, and 700+ clinical hours in Addictions Counseling.
PRC739 – Substance Abuse Counseling Theories & Interventions
PRC 741 – The Biological Bases of Alcohol & Other Drug Addiction
PRC 743 – Co-Occurring Disorders: Counseling Clients with Substance Abuse & Psychiatric Disorders
The 12-credit graduate certificate consists of four (4) addiction-specific online courses.
PRC 738 – Introduction to Substance Abuse Counseling
PRC739 – Substance Abuse Counseling Theories & Interventions
PRC 741 – The Biological Bases of Alcohol & Other Drug Addiction
PRC 743 – Co-Occurring Disorders: Counseling Clients with Substance Abuse & Psychiatric Disorders
Courses Descriptions for the Professional Counseling Program
“Professional practice, which includes practicum and internship, provides for the application of theory and the development of counseling skills under supervision. These experiences will provide opportunities for students to counsel clients who represent the ethnic and demographic diversity of their community.” – 2016 CACREP Standards: Section 3
During the practicum and internship experience, you will learn and practice, under supervision, a wide array of duties and responsibilities of a professional counselor who is employed at the site placement. These experiences are developmental in nature, as you grow in your competence, skills, and progress from practicum to internship experiences. Over the course of the clinical fieldwork experiences, you will complete a minimum of 700 clinical hours in Addictions Counseling.
Fast track your way into this master’s program by taking graduate courses as a Carlow undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. If you are interested in becoming a professional counselor and you are currently a junior or senior, with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, consider applying for the Accelerated Masters of Professional Counseling Program. You will be able to take up to four (4) graduate level courses which are held on-campus.
Graduate Course
PRC 708 Ethics and Professional Orientation
PRC 701 Human Growth and Lifespan Development
PRC 702 Social and Cultural Foundations
PRC 710 Counseling Theories
Accelerated Program – Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses
1) PY 122 Lifespan
2) PY 203 Personality Theory
3) PY 285 Intro to Counseling
4) Any additional 3 credits UG Psychology Course(s)
Contact your Carlow Faculty Advisor for details.
Employment of substance abuse and mental health counselors is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
▸ View the Professional Licensure Disclosure for this program.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation to the following programs in the Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Criminology at Carlow University: Addictions Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling through 2029.
The Professional Counseling Program emphasizes high standards of professional competence. The program is committed to its stated mission through ongoing accreditations by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). We emphasize ethical practice and keep current with state and national standards for certification and licensure for practice in clinical practice environments. In addition, we engage in ongoing program development and refinement based on accrediting bodies’ and licensure boards’ developments and recommendations, as well as sensitivity to licensure requirements, and legal and ethical issues.
Sign up for Professional Counseling Recruitment Events
If you are interested in pursuing a career in Professional Counseling by providing individual and group counseling, you can apply for free online. The graduate program admissions process happens on a rolling basis. Our students have undergraduate degrees in a wide array of disciplines from psychology, human services, social work, or other related majors to majors outside of the helping professions.
November 1 or April 1
Fall & Spring
Transfer students can transfer up to 9 credits earned at a CACREP-accredited program. International students can find more information on our International Admissions page.
The Professional Counseling Program’s application deadline for Fall semester is April 1st and November 1st for the Spring semester. We will continue to accept applications for review beyond those deadlines; however, preference will be given to those that applied by the designed deadlines. The preferred deadline for full consideration of graduate assistantship opportunities is February 1st.
Once your completed application is received, the program faculty will review your application materials and the selected applicants will be scheduled for an interview. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Admission decisions include regular, provisional, and conditional admission to the program.
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.