Transform the future of healthcare with an entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Built on the Mercy principles of hospitality, discovery, and service, Carlow’s entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program will help prepare you for a meaningful career in healthcare. You will develop deep roots in humanistic theory, emphasizing a balance of physical, emotional, and social health and wellness, participate in interprofessional experiences, engage in community service, and complete applicable fieldwork.

▸ View or download our program’s mission and outcomes [pdf]

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to transform the future of practice using an occupational justice-informed approach to health and well-being. 

Occupational Therapy Doctorate curriculum

Throughout the OTD curriculum, we have integrated interprofessional experiences into course-based learning activities and community-based experiences. Shared spaces and faculty create daily interprofessional interactions, while critical thinking and ethics courses provide interprofessional discussion and reflection. You will participate in fieldwork experiences (Level 1 & 2) that allow you to bridge your knowledge between classroom and practice using an occupational justice-informed approach. Completion of a doctoral capstone project will position you to identify areas of need in practice to address under-resourced individuals, groups and populations.

• Level I fieldwork (3 required): discover, develop and enhance your professional identity and apply your classroom knowledge to your experiences located on campus and in the surrounding Pittsburgh, Pa community
• Level II fieldwork (2, 12-week required, pre-requisite of the doctoral capstone experience): apply clinical and technological skills in a variety of supervised practice settings (interprofessional & evidence-based) and focus on environment and community concepts (education & advocacy)
• Doctoral Capstone Experience (14-week course): address a link to the domain of OT, occupational justice, and health and wellbeing to promote occupational engagement of clients (individuals, groups, or populations).

The OTD curriculum is taught through a whole-health perspective that works to develop your whole person for innovative practice in healthcare, dedicated to optimizing health and well-being as a path to occupational justice.

Quick facts

• Learn interprofessionally
• Become a powerful citizen of justice in society and healthcare
• Prepare yourself to be an innovative leader in healthcare

▸ Read about the Carlow difference [pdf]

Accreditation

Carlow University’s Occupational Therapy program has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD  20814-3449, phone: +1 (301) 652-AOTA, website: www.acoteonline.org

The entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate program is in the process to attain full-accreditation status with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Information regarding the program accreditation process and Carlow University’s current status can be obtained by contacting ACOTE c/o AOTA at +1 (301) 652-AOTA or online at www.acoteonline.org. ACOTE is located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929.

▸ View or download our accreditation timeline [pdf]

Admission requirements and application process

Apply now for admission in Fall 2022!

*In order to best accommodate the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, the OT department will accept any service, volunteer, and/or observation experiences as fulfilling the required 20 observation hours. We understand traditional clinical sites are still not completely open to students, however, there are many social justice organizations that still need our help. Consider volunteering at a local agency that serves the needs of our citizens. If you have any questions, please contact us directly.

Build potential and access to full participation with an MS in Occupational Therapy

Built on the Mercy principles of hospitality, discovery, and service, Carlow’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) will help you develop deep roots in humanistic theory, emphasizing a balance of physical, emotional, and social health and wellness. Our OT program is intentionally integrated with interprofessional experiences and faculty that help prepare you for your future as an occupational therapist.

▸ View or download our program’s mission and outcomes [pdf]

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to transform the future of practice using an occupational justice-informed approach to health and well-being.

Master’s in occupational therapy curriculum

Throughout the curriculum, we have integrated interprofessional experiences into course-based learning activities and community-based experiences. Shared spaces and faculty create daily interprofessional interactions, while critical thinking and ethics courses provide interprofessional discussion and reflection. You will participate in fieldwork experiences (Level 1 & 2) that allow you to bridge your knowledge between classroom and practice using an occupational justice-informed approach.

• Level I fieldwork (3 required): discover and develop your professional identity, apply your classroom knowledge to your experiences, and complete experience on campus and in the surrounding Pittsburgh, Pa community
• Level II fieldwork (2, 12-week required): apply clinical skills in a variety of supervised practice settings, complete experience in traditional or innovative practice settings, and focus on environment and community concepts, and interprofessional and evidence-based practice

The OT curriculum is taught through a whole-health perspective that works to develop your whole person for innovative practice in healthcare, dedicated to optimizing health and well-being as a path to occupational justice.

Quick facts

• Learn interprofessionally
• Become a powerful citizen of justice in society and healthcare
• Be eligible to sit for the OT national certification exam

▸ Read about the Carlow difference [pdf]

Accreditation

Carlow University’s Occupational Therapy program has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD  20814-3449, phone: +1 (301) 652-AOTA, website: www.acoteonline.org

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is in the process to attain full-accreditation status with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Information regarding the program accreditation process and Carlow University’s current status can be obtained by contacting ACOTE c/o AOTA at +1 (301) 652-AOTA or online at www.acoteonline.org. ACOTE is located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929.

▸ View or download our accreditation timeline [pdf]

Admission requirements and application process

Apply now for admission in Fall 2022!

*In order to best accommodate the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, the OT department will accept any service, volunteer, and/or observation experiences as fulfilling the required 20 observation hours. We understand traditional clinical sites are still not completely open to students, however, there are many social justice organizations that still need our help. Consider volunteering at a local agency that serves the needs of our citizens. If you have any questions, please contact us directly.

Help students improve their literacy skills

As a reading specialist, you can help students identify their reading difficulties and develop methods to overcome those struggles by providing remedial instructions. The Graduate Certificate in Reading Specialist prepares you to teach reading programs at various educational levels.

Graduate Certificate in Reading Specialist Curriculum 

The program is focused on the science of reading with an emphasis on facilitating learning for students who struggle with reading.

Quick Facts

• Innovative applied-based practices
• No student teaching required
• Approved provider for the federal TEACH Grant

Admission requirements and application process

Enter the workforce ready to make a change

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

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

Restorative Justice concentration curriculum

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

Quick Facts

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

View Plan of Study

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and reviews. Carlow University’s next accreditation visit will be in Fall 2020.

View or download the following for more information:

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

Admission requirements and application process

Prepare to help meet the educational needs of students with disabilities

Carlow University’s Special Education program at the graduate level prepares teachers to meet the needs of children with a wide variety of mental, physical, social, emotional and behavioral disabilities in multiple settings. You will learn to adapt general education lessons to effectively teach students with mild and moderate disabilities.

Per requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, students entering the Special Education graduate certificate program must be certified teachers in another content area.

Graduate Certificate in Special Education curriculum

The graduate Special Education program includes 23 credit hours of coursework focusing on the practical application of research-based special education theoretical constructs and methodology and 3 credits of student teaching. The program requires 12 credits that focus on research methodologies, analytical processes and critical issues. You must have 9 credits in special needs education as prerequisites to entering the Master of Education program with a concentration in special education. 

Quick Facts

• Emphasizes meeting needs of students with a wide range of disabilities and positive behavior support
• Latest special education technology
• Approved provider for the federal TEACH Grant

Admission requirements and application process

Meet students’ unique needs: Master’s in Special Education

Carlow’s Master of Education in Special Education will give you a more thorough understanding of how students with special needs learn and what you can do to make sure each child reaches his or her potential. You’ll be an advocate for students and their families and assist parents finding their way around educational and health care systems.

Special Education Certification for Pre-K-12 is available as a stand-alone initial teaching certification or as an add-on to an existing teaching certificate. The program prepares you to meet the needs of children with a wide variety of mental, physical, social, emotional and behavioral disabilities in diverse settings. 

Special Education degree curriculum

Special Education degree courses focus on positive behavior support, disciplinary and digital literacy, and early intervention. The program culminates in student teaching. Study abroad options are available in Ireland and Nicaragua.  

Students who have an existing teaching certification can complete this program with 30 credits. Students who also need initial teaching certification can complete this program with 51 credits.

Quick Facts

• Gain integrated practicum experiences
• Develop strong background in structured literacy
• Complete field and student teaching placements

Alternate degree completion option

Certificate options

Add-on certificate

If you already have a teaching license, you can earn this MEd under our add-on certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the add-on certificate option.

Graduate Certificate in Special Education (PreK-12)

This program is available as a graduate certificate which leads to an endorsement from PDE for already licensed teachers.

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.

Admission requirements and application process 

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Improve outcomes for students struggling with reading

You can be a leader in the field of educational literacy with Carlow’s Master of Education Reading Specialist degree. The reading specialist certification and MEd programs lead to Pre-K-12 Pennsylvania Department of Education Reading Specialist Certification with a special Carlow dyslexia certificate.

As a reading specialist or literacy coordinator, you’ll learn to provide whole class, small group and tiered intervention support to students in all aspects of literacy instruction. 

Curriculum for MEd Reading Specialist

You’ll study how children learn to read with courses centered on the science of reading and examine different approaches to effective literacy assessment and instruction.

Coursework includes an examination of phonological awareness, the structure of language, teaching writing and digital literacy. The curriculum meets guidelines for the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s framework for the reading specialist, the International Literacy Association (ILA) and the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Students will benefit from on-site practicums at Carlow’s Campus Laboratory School or regional schools and districts. 

Special workshops and guest speakers are a hallmark of the program through partnerships with Trying Together, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Fred Rogers Institute, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Provident Charter School, PBIDA, Warhol Museum and A+ Schools.

Quick Facts

• Structured literacy and IDA focus
• Faculty instructors who serve as national LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) trainers
• Partnerships with regional schools that enhance professional development

Certificate options

Add-on certificate

If you already have a teaching license, you can earn this MEd under our add-on certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the add-on certificate option.

Graduate Certificate in Reading Specialist (Pre-K-12)

This program is available as a graduate certificate which leads to an endorsement from PDE for already licensed teachers.

Admission requirements and application process

Study Data Analytics at Carlow

You can prepare for a high demand field and cultivate real-world data analysis skills with a minor in data analytics from Carlow University.

Curriculum for Data Analytics minor

The Data Analytics minor is open to any major. A minimum of 16 credits is required, at least 3 of which must be an elective.

Required courses include:

• Introduction to Data Analytics
• Data Visualization
• Basic Applied Statistics
• Applied Calculus or Calculus I
• Introduction to Programming in R,  Introduction to Programming in Python or Computer Applications for Science and Mathematics

Combine business and social work with a MSW-MBA dual degree

You will be prepared to take on high-level leadership roles when you complete this dual Master in Social Work and Master in Business Administration degree program in as little as three years. 

In this MSW-MBA dual degree program, you will learn to be a competent leader who can meet the challenges of social work. You can be an advocate for the social work profession and the people you serve while having the ability to make effective business decisions. You will learn how to manage employees, interpret data for decision making and develop business plans.

You can specialize in either social work direct practice or social work macro practice.

MSW-MBA dual degree program curriculum

Carlow University’s dual program curriculum combines critical core knowledge in social work and business with MSW courses offered in a low-residency model. A field placement is required.

Bachelor’s in Social Work students from Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited programs will qualify for application for Advanced Standing in the Carlow MSW. This means that students can earn their MSW by taking 72 credits.

Quick Facts

• Choose from direct practice or macro practice social work specializations
• Engage in trauma-focused learning
• Graduate with two master’s degrees

View Plan of Study

Alternate degree completion options

Online Degree

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

National Ranking Accreditation

Carlow University’s Master of Social Work program is proud to announce that it has received Initial Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation following the June 2020 program review. CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and program reviews.

Please note that Social Work programs cannot accept life experience or work experience for credit.

Resources

• View or download the Master of Social Work program handbook [pdf]
• View or download the Master of Social Work field manual [pdf]
• View or download the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf]

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Help assess, intervene and manage trauma

Carlow’s trauma Psychology degree will give you 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. 

Trauma Psychology degree curriculum

The Crisis and Trauma track will acquaint you with pre-professional-level trauma and crisis counselor training. In addition to the requirements for the psychology major, you must complete courses in crisis and trauma. You can complete an internship at a local facility or conduct field research. 

Graduate-level training is required before becoming a professional counselor.

Quick Facts

• Start helping others with local internship options
• Build a foundation for graduate-level studies 
• Collaborate with faculty on research

Alternate degree completion options

3-Year Degree

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

Accelerated

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

Admission requirements and application process