Discover the advantages of Carlow University’s Psychology, Counseling, and Criminology Programs

Are you interested in a career that benefits from a strong understanding of human behavior and mental processes? At Carlow, we prepare students with the knowledge and skills for a wide variety of careers involved in working with people in diverse ways.

Our undergraduate majors provide students with foundational knowledge in psychology, neuropsychology, and criminology, with opportunities to specialize in such areas as Child Development, Counseling, Crisis and Trauma, and Applied Criminal Justice. There are opportunities for field placements or to participate in faculty-led research teams. Can’t decide on one major? We make it easy to double major or add a minor or a concentration to your major, so you can explore all your interests.

At the graduate level, Carlow offers programs that prepare students for careers in mental health-related fields, research, fraud and forensics, and more.

At Carlow, we understand the needs of a diverse student body. Some of our programs can be completed fully online, offering flexibility and opening doors for students who are otherwise unable to pursue a degree. In addition, we offer accelerated pathways that help save students time and money so that they can achieve their goals sooner at a more affordable cost.

Faculty & staff

Joshua Bernstein, PhD Professor, Psychology

Mary C. Burke, PhD Professor, Program Director

Clara M. Cheng, PhD Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Professional Development; Director of Undergraduate Psychology Program; Professor

Patricia Jameson, PhD, NBCCH Associate Professor

Alexa Piacquadio, PhD Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Psychology and Master of Arts in Psychology

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

Fawn T. Robinson, Ph.D., NCC, ACS, LPC Associate Professor & Director, Professional Counseling Programs

Jennifer K. Roth, PhD Professor of Psychology, Counseling, Criminology and Behavioral Neuroscience

Aniela Scanlon, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS  Assistant Professor

Jonathan Uhl, PhD Assistant Professor of Criminology, Program Director of Undergraduate Criminology

Shannon White, Psy.D. Assistant Professor & Clinical Coordinator of MA in Psychology

Accreditation

The PsyD in Counseling Psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The MS in Professional Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP).

Discover the advantages of Carlow University’s Biology Programs

As a Biology or Health Science 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.

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 accommodate your potential career path (cardiovascular perfusion, health science, 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.

Faculty & staff

Our faculty and staff are devoted to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment, so our graduates are well prepared to achieve their goals with the skill sets needed to be successful in the 21^st century workforce.

Joshua Bernstein, PhD Professor, Psychology

Mary C. Burke, PhD Professor, Program Director

Clara M. Cheng, PhD Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Professional Development; Director of Undergraduate Psychology Program; Professor

Patricia Jameson, PhD, NBCCH Associate Professor

Alexa Piacquadio, PhD Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Psychology and Master of Arts in Psychology

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

Fawn T. Robinson, Ph.D., NCC, ACS, LPC Associate Professor & Director, Professional Counseling Programs

Jennifer K. Roth, PhD Professor of Psychology, Counseling, Criminology and Behavioral Neuroscience

Aniela Scanlon, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS  Assistant Professor

Jonathan Uhl, PhD Assistant Professor of Criminology, Program Director of Undergraduate Criminology

Shannon White, Psy.D. Assistant Professor & Clinical Coordinator of MA in Psychology

View our student teaching handbook
View our education department handbook

Department Points of Pride

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 of science 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. 

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.

Discover the advantages of hands-on learning in chemistry and computer science courses at Carlow.

Degree programs in our blended department feature hands-on exploration in the various disciplines of the chemical sciences as well as a uniquely balanced computer science major that has been endorsed and supported by Google. 

Our department blends aspects of our major programs to create unique opportunities for minor programs that enhance and highlight various aspects of each degree program. 

Outside of the classroom, students can interact one-on-one with our professional faculty in a mentored research project or participate in various mentoring opportunities. Engagement with student organizations, professional tutors, and industry mentors can offer opportunities for enriching social engagement and professional development. 

Chemical experimentation and computer programming are both high-touch disciplines that help you develop critical skills like analytical problem solving and the ability to work effectively with a team. A degree in chemistry or computer science will give you the credentials you need to move forward in today’s technology-heavy world. Our graduates have found employment in major industries and have been accepted to graduate and professional programs at some of the top research institutions across the U.S. Study the computational and chemical sciences and join our growing list of highly successful alumni. 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Computer Science is for everyone.

We offer the opportunity for all students to participate in a unique industry mentorship program with Google Pittsburgh.

Our chemistry degree provides a foundation for your future career in medicine, pharmacy, or education through programs like Early Acceptance into Lake Erie College of Medicine (LECOM) Program, Pre-Pharmacy Program with Duquesne University’s Mylan School of Pharmacy, and Chemistry Secondary Education.

All STEM students are welcome to join our award-winning American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Affiliates Chapter.

Use your STEM education to gain hands-on work experience in our science labs while supplementing your financial aid.

Enjoy networking and individualized mentoring and coaching through our Celtic STEM Student Learning Community.

We support students outside the classroom with our peer and professional tutoring staff for major STEM courses.

Faculty & staff

Our faculty and staff are devoted to supporting and preparing the next generations of chemists and computer scientists. Our hands-on, student-centered approach to teaching and learning provides a unique, supportive environment to foster growth in all students in our programs.

Joshua Bernstein, PhD Professor, Psychology

Mary C. Burke, PhD Professor, Program Director

Clara M. Cheng, PhD Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Professional Development; Director of Undergraduate Psychology Program; Professor

Patricia Jameson, PhD, NBCCH Associate Professor

Alexa Piacquadio, PhD Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Psychology and Master of Arts in Psychology

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

Fawn T. Robinson, Ph.D., NCC, ACS, LPC Associate Professor & Director, Professional Counseling Programs

Jennifer K. Roth, PhD Professor of Psychology, Counseling, Criminology and Behavioral Neuroscience

Aniela Scanlon, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS  Assistant Professor

Jonathan Uhl, PhD Assistant Professor of Criminology, Program Director of Undergraduate Criminology

Shannon White, Psy.D. Assistant Professor & Clinical Coordinator of MA in Psychology

Department Points of Pride

• November 2023: The Computer Science program kicks off the Carlow-Google Mentorship program, a program unique to Carlow in which students are matched with Googlers as industry mentors.
• October 2023: The Carlow chapter of the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates (ACS-SA) are nationally recognized with a Commendable status for their inclusive and educational on- and off-campus activities.
• August 2023: The Google-endorsed Computer Science major program officially launched.
• May 2023: Dr. Ericka Mochan of the Computer Science program was awarded the Max and Esther Sestili Award for Excellence in Teaching.
• April 2023: Dr. Allison Rice of the Chemistry program was awarded a $5000 grant from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP) under their annual College Equipment Grants program.
• February 2021: The National Science Foundation awards the department $649,826 to fund STEM student scholarships in an S-STEM grant titled “Supporting Undergraduate STEM Graduation and Career Pathways Through Student and Faculty Learning Communities” (PI: Dr. David Gallaher).
• August 2020: Dr. Ericka Mochan of the Computer Science program was awarded $4960 in the Dorothy Weber Cochran ’43 Award for Excellence in Faculty Scholarship and Research.
• April 2020: Dr. David Gallaher of the Chemistry program was awarded a $6000 grant from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP) under their annual College Equipment Grants program.

Discover the Carlow OT Difference!

The Carlow Difference is student focused, interprofessional, and service driven. We host small class sizes, in face to face, hands-on learning. The OT curriculum design, aligned with Catholic intellectual tradition and Mercy values, has an overarching mission of occupational justice, a foundation in health and wellbeing, and threads that support the structure and the path to transformational learning. 

The bridge image conveys a journey of overcoming barriers to promote full participation and represents a path where one moves from old self to new self, writing the next chapter in the story of life. It is critical that students bridge classroom concepts to clinical practice and Mercy values to their civic engagement as socially responsible citizens. Our program is alive with transformative learning experiences in the “City of Bridges” as we explore the world around us and seek to be innovative pathfinders for occupational justice, access, and opportunity for all people, communities, and populations.

Faculty and Staff

Our faculty are devoted to the health and wellbeing of each student. We are intentional about ensuring the development of healthy occupations during graduate school, in order to create a healthy and sustainable career in healthcare. Our faculty are student-focused and develop instructional design practices that celebrate the diversity of learning styles, supporting the gifts and talents of each student. As faculty we recognize that our students are the future of the OT profession, and our connection is just beginning. We are all part of the Carlow family from the classroom to your first job and beyond!

Joshua Bernstein, PhD Professor, Psychology

Mary C. Burke, PhD Professor, Program Director

Clara M. Cheng, PhD Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Professional Development; Director of Undergraduate Psychology Program; Professor

Patricia Jameson, PhD, NBCCH Associate Professor

Alexa Piacquadio, PhD Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Psychology and Master of Arts in Psychology

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

Fawn T. Robinson, Ph.D., NCC, ACS, LPC Associate Professor & Director, Professional Counseling Programs

Jennifer K. Roth, PhD Professor of Psychology, Counseling, Criminology and Behavioral Neuroscience

Aniela Scanlon, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS  Assistant Professor

Jonathan Uhl, PhD Assistant Professor of Criminology, Program Director of Undergraduate Criminology

Shannon White, Psy.D. Assistant Professor & Clinical Coordinator of MA in Psychology

Department Points of Pride

• Elizabeth Sherman:
  • Accepted to the National Intergroup Dialogue Institute – June 2024 at University of Michigan
  • Carlow Cares: Sligo, Ireland faculty advisor
  • Planning Committee Member for the Inaugural Greater Pittsburgh Food Systems Summit organized by the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council – Food Systems Summit — Pittsburgh Food Policy Council
• Blythe Westendorf:
  • Completed the AOTA Board Certification in Pediatrics

Discover the Carlow social work difference

We are preparing ethical, competent professionals seeking a more just and merciful world. We are preparing leaders committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals, their families, their communities, and societies here and abroad. At Carlow, we care about teaching. We are devoted to our students and their futures as social workers. You will never be a number here.  Your faculty members are experienced social workers who know your name. You will receive hands-on experience in class and in professionally supervised internships. You will be prepared to be a culturally humble social worker, ready to work with diverse populations.

Carlow’s social work programs provide high quality, flexible pathways to a promising career in the growing field of social work. Our BSW program offers online options to pursue the BSW, with multiple concentrations in health care social work, forensic social work, crisis and trauma, and restorative justice. Our trauma informed MSW program offers an online program where courses have both synchronous and asynchronous formats within a virtual setting. The MSW Program offers three specializations: direct practice, macro practice, and school social work.

Interdisciplinary BSW concentrations in health care social work, forensic social work, crisis and trauma, and restorative justice.

The Carlow Community Scholars supports college success among former foster youths and/or homeless youths

Interdisciplinary BSW concentration in health care linked to placement opportunities at UPMC hospitals

Carlow University’s School-Based Mental Health Training Institute is a U.S. Department of Education grant-funded training institute to promote mental health prevention and intervention, including advocating for historically marginalized populations.  While funding is available eligible students can apply for scholarships for relevant course and field work.

Federally funded interdisciplinary CURE grant providing financial stipends for MSW student field placements in behavioral heThe CURE Program is  a grant-funded initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The CURE program provides a limited number of qualified MSW students with financial stipends for field placements in integrated health settings in urban and rural underserved areas.alth in urban and rural underserved areas

Faculty & staff

Our social work programs are supported by experienced social work educators and staff members who are devoted to our students and their futures. They are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment and flexible pathways for student success.

Joshua Bernstein, PhD Professor, Psychology

Mary C. Burke, PhD Professor, Program Director

Clara M. Cheng, PhD Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Professional Development; Director of Undergraduate Psychology Program; Professor

Patricia Jameson, PhD, NBCCH Associate Professor

Alexa Piacquadio, PhD Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Psychology and Master of Arts in Psychology

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

Fawn T. Robinson, Ph.D., NCC, ACS, LPC Associate Professor & Director, Professional Counseling Programs

Jennifer K. Roth, PhD Professor of Psychology, Counseling, Criminology and Behavioral Neuroscience

Aniela Scanlon, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS  Assistant Professor

Jonathan Uhl, PhD Assistant Professor of Criminology, Program Director of Undergraduate Criminology

Shannon White, Psy.D. Assistant Professor & Clinical Coordinator of MA in Psychology

Accreditation

The programs in the department of social work are accredited nationally by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE. Successful graduates are eligible to sit for the appropriate social work licenses at the baccalaureate and master’s levels. The state of Pennsylvania has a title protection law. Only social workers with CSWE accredited degrees can carry the job title of “social worker.”

Department Points of Pride

Start Our faculty members demonstrate their social work values in the classroom and in the world outside the University. Carlow social work faculty are actively engaged in diverse university coalitions and efforts to address community problems. Their work is focused on aging, Appalachian community development, childhood trauma, in school-based mental health, diversity, environmental issues, equity and inclusion, ethics in health care, prison re-entry, SUD recovery to workforce initiatives, veterans and military social welfare, and more.

They are also actively pursuing scholarly work in their areas of expertise, presenting at national conferences and publishing peer-reviewed work. They have collaborated with others to bring in grants worth over 10 million dollars in recent years.

Discover the advantages of Carlow University’s Business Programs

In honoring the Mercy tradition of Carlow University, the Department of Business Management, Accounting, and Ethics empowers students to be competent, critical, and responsive stewards of disciplinary degree knowledge. We provide students with the knowledge to make meaningful, ethical contributions to their professions and the community for a just and merciful world.

The Department of Business Management, Accounting, and Ethics works collaboratively with industry, government, and non-profit organizations to enhance the student experience from outside of the classroom to the workplace. All undergraduate majors are required to complete an internship as a graduation requirement.

Carlow purposefully offers programs devoted to the unique needs of today’s diverse student populations. Program options include Business Management, Human Resource, Esports Business Management, and the MBA options. Students can easily complete a double-major or major-minor(s) within our department. 

Carlow has one of the few Esports Business Management bachelor’s degree programs in the area. We have a new state-of-the-art Esports Lab that is utilized for classes and the Esports team.

Faculty & staff

Our faculty are devoted to fostering an environment of analysis and application of skills for students. We prepare our graduates to apply their knowledge and skills to help make their workplace an environment that contributes to creating a more just and merciful world.

Joshua Bernstein, PhD Professor, Psychology

Mary C. Burke, PhD Professor, Program Director

Clara M. Cheng, PhD Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Professional Development; Director of Undergraduate Psychology Program; Professor

Patricia Jameson, PhD, NBCCH Associate Professor

Alexa Piacquadio, PhD Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Psychology and Master of Arts in Psychology

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

Fawn T. Robinson, Ph.D., NCC, ACS, LPC Associate Professor & Director, Professional Counseling Programs

Jennifer K. Roth, PhD Professor of Psychology, Counseling, Criminology and Behavioral Neuroscience

Aniela Scanlon, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS  Assistant Professor

Jonathan Uhl, PhD Assistant Professor of Criminology, Program Director of Undergraduate Criminology

Shannon White, Psy.D. Assistant Professor & Clinical Coordinator of MA in Psychology

Accreditation

The BSM, HR, and MBA Programs are accredited by IACBE. The Esports Business Management major will be accredited within the next year.

View our student teaching handbook

Department Points of Pride

• We have a new state-of-the-art Esports Lab that supports the Esports Business Management major and team.
• Carlow MBA students who specialize in Human Resource Management and Project Management are prepared to sit for the nationally recognized Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) exams.

Minor in Business Analytics

Business analytics is the practice of improving business decisions through the use of data analysis and statistics. In this 19-credit minor, students will learn basic business management and finance principles, as well as data analysis and visualization. Students will also select one programming elective in a language of their choice (Python, R, or SQL). At least 9 credits of the minor must be completed at Carlow. 

Business Analytics curriculum 

You will complete 5 required courses in business management and data analytics, and one elective course in a programming language of your choice.

Devoted to the Future of Healing

When someone is struggling to breathe, taking steps to ease that struggle is the job of the respiratory therapist. Respiratory therapists provide care to patients who are experiencing difficulty breathing due to chronic respiratory diseases, heart failure, or other emergencies. They improve the care of patients at all stages of life, from premature infants whose lungs have not fully developed, to older adults.  

Carlow University is devoted to the future of healing, and service to others is the foundation of the Respiratory Care profession.  And with respiratory therapists in high demand, we offer programs that can get students working in the field quicker. The associate degree program is a gateway to a healthcare career, and students can be working in the field within two years. The three-year accelerated bachelor’s degree program is designed for those seeking leadership roles in the respiratory care field. Both degrees can be pathways to advanced degrees. 

Accreditation

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program 

The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program, CoARC program number 200617, BS degree, Pittsburgh, PA, holds Continuing Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com). 

Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program 

The Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy Program, CoARC program number 210617, AS degree, Pittsburgh, PA holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com). This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial site visit), to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation. 

Visit CoARC website

CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.

View CoARC outcomes

Program goal for the AS program:

To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists.

Program goals for the BS program:

1. To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists.

2. To prepare leaders for the field of respiratory care by including curricular content with objectives related to the acquisition of skills in management, education, research, and evidence-based practice.

April Butchki, MEd, RRT, CPFT Program Director/Instructor, Respiratory Therapy

Kimberly Haley, MEd Clinical Director/Instructor

Christin Smerkol Administrative Assistant II

Devoted to Making a Difference in Students’ Lives

At Carlow, we strive to develop ethical leaders who will take compassion, mercy, and a passion for inclusivity and fairness into their classrooms. That’s why our secondary education program is designed for those who are devoted to discovering how to make a difference in the lives of their future students.

With a degree in secondary education, you can teach biology, chemistry, mathematics, social studies, or English to students in grades 7-12. After completing the program, you will have the skills needed to educate and guide your students in a safe and unbiased learning environment.

Curriculum for Secondary Education

The number of courses in this major will vary depending on the content area for each student. Students are required to choose an area of focus from biology, chemistry, mathematics, social studies, and English. In addition to classroom work, field work and student teaching are a requirement of this major. Carlow will connect students with opportunities for both field work and student teaching. Students will be prepared to be just, merciful, and culturally responsive educators.

Quick Facts

• This program is rooted in the values of the Sisters of Mercy to prepare just and merciful educators who are committed to inclusivity and who are able to adapt to cultural differences.
• Through field experience, students will be well-prepared to become ethical leading educators in our region’s schools.
• Carlow University has partnerships with area school districts for field work, student teaching, and the residency program.
• This program prepares students for Pennsylvania Department of Education teaching certification.
• Opportunities for field work and student teaching can be done on campus at the Carlow University Laboratory School.

Faculty & staff

April Butchki, MEd, RRT, CPFT Program Director/Instructor, Respiratory Therapy

Kimberly Haley, MEd Clinical Director/Instructor

Christin Smerkol Administrative Assistant II

Curriculum for degree in special education

Carlow’s special education degree majors will embody the spirit of mercy while learning how to create effective and appropriate teaching strategies for various mental, physical, social, emotional, and behavioral disabilities in a variety of diverse settings—all the while helping to create an environment where special needs students feel safe, respected, and valued.

Quick Facts

• There are 39 total courses (29 major courses and 10 Compass Core Courses)
• Students in this program will be required to complete fieldwork hours embedded within individual courses. Those particular hours will vary depending on the course.
• Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, students in this program must also complete a 12-week student teaching experience.
• Carlow’s BSPED Certification program provides the necessary coursework required for special education certification in Pennsylvania.(Students must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation.)