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.
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.
Career opportunities for Reading Specialist
School districts hire reading specialists to coordinate reading programs, support students and teachers, and work with intervention services.
Employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow 6% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As states and school districts put greater emphasis on student achievement data, schools may increasingly turn to instructional coordinators to develop better curriculums and improve teachers’ effectiveness.
Testimonials #1
Meet our Alumni
RACHEL OWENS, 2010
Director of Special Education, Provident Charter School
"When deciding to attend graduate school, Carlow University was a natural choice, not only because of its familiarity, but also because of the various degree options."
ANTWAN CARTER, 2018
Head Teacher, Child’s World Daycare
"I especially loved The Campus Laboratory School. It was a chance to experience the design of different classrooms, closely observe many teaching styles, and practice using different instructional strategies in a supportive environment."
MICHAEL SHOATS, 2020
Chemistry Teacher, Avonworth School District
"I want to take this moment and thank Dr. Keely Baronak and the whole Carlow team for the education and experiences I've gained from the MEd Secondary Education program. I'm excited to represent Carlow in my new home."
Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
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. No prerequisites or teacher licensure are required for this degree and certification.
What is the importance of effective educational leadership? Education leaders guide the values of their organizations, motivate students, and encourage…
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.
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
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.
Career Opportunities for MSW-MBA graduates
MSW-MBA graduates are effective in diverse roles, including managing a private practice or taking on a leadership role in a business or social service organization. A master’s degree is preferred to become a clinical social worker, and a firm understanding of business further prepares graduates to take on leadership roles.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of social workers to grow 13% between 2019 and 2029.
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.
Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
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.
You will develop a scientific approach to the study of human behavior and experience in Carlow University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program. As a Child Development Psychology major, you will investigate the biological, behavioral, emotional, cognitive and social factors that shape how humans grow and change. This concentration is helpful if you wish to pursue employment or graduate training in developmental psychology, counseling and fields in which additional knowledge of children’s growth and development is helpful.
By the end of the program, you will be ready to enter training in social service and mental health programs in areas such as therapeutic activities, rehabilitation, casework, child care work and service coordination.
The program provides a foundation for graduate study in psychology and counseling but can be a path to other careers. You can go on to law school or graduate school or work in business, education or other fields.
In the Child Development Psychology major you must satisfy the regular requirements for the major and complete at least 9 credits in human development. You can complete an internship at a local facility or conduct field research.
Quick facts
Dig deeper in the study of children’s growth
Collaborate with faculty on research
Gain real-world career experience with an internship
Nursing students Julianna Mamajek and Alysa Fairman (Class of ’21) do a safety presentation for students at the Campus Lab School on Carlow University’s campus, Monday, Nov. 18, 2019. The nursing students take about the five senses as they presentated safety information to students, This is part of their pediatric clinical rotation. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
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 for Child Development Psychology major
Jobs you might consider with a Child Development Psychology major are child psychologist, career counselor, psychiatric technician, rehabilitation specialist or case manager. As noted on CareerProfiles.com, these jobs require skills a bachelor’s degree in Psychology provides, such as the ability to evaluate the needs of a client, keep accurate and organized records, express empathy and compassion, and work toward the best interests of clients.
Employment of psychologists is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, 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.
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
Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.
A well-rounded college experience
Psychology major Morgan Mattie ’21 liked the amount of care and respect shown by Carlow advisors. “I never felt like just another student to them, they always had my best interest in mind and knew me well enough to help me make the best decisions for me. The psychology program is so well-rounded and really helps you understand not only psychology as a whole, but also your specific track.”
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.
In Grace Library, spanning the third and fourth floor of the University Commons, there are numerous quiet spaces and study rooms for individuals and groups to use.
Credits required:
60 credits
Cost per credit:
$1,124/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
Spirit Ambassador Josh Carlson( Class of ’21, bio profusion), outside the University Commons, Friday, Oct. 25, 2019. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
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.
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
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
Find your social and behavioral sciences degrees at Carlow
Carlow University offers a variety of social and behavioral science degree programs to prepare you for a career in social work or counseling. You will develop social work skills that can be translated into practice with individuals, families, organizations and communities, and learn the theories of human behavior related to how personality, environment and culture interact with one another to shape an individual.
In the Behavioral Health minor program, you will learn about the social work profession as you study the connection between behaviors and mental and physical well-being. You will learn how to develop cultural competence in working with diverse populations, explore the individual and community context of behavioral health, and learn about case management.
The minor is open to all majors. It particularly benefits students who pursue careers in social and behavioral sciences, political science, psychology, anthropology and sociology.
A Behavioral Health minor enriches all career choices. With this minor, you will be prepared to work in behavioral health organizations and in settings where behavioral health impacts clients and communities, such as in health care, education, criminal justice and advocacy.
The minor required 18 credits. Two elective courses focus on topics such as practice with groups and families, crisis intervention and substance abuse. The forensic context will further prepare you to work in these areas.
Courses include:
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Cultural Awareness for Human Service Personnel
Social Work with Individuals
Understanding humanity: History minor
You can supplement your interest in learning about the past with a History minor. You will uncover the value of history through research of recorded events, analysis of patterns and critical thinking in order to present the past, better understand contemporary problems and predict future challenges. A minor in History is a perfect addition to comprehensive Liberal Studies and English majors.
This minor is open to any major. A minimum of 18 credits is required.
You will choose from the following courses:
World Culture
History of the United States to 1865
History of the United States since 1865
Introduction to United States Labor History
Western Culture
Irish-American History
Boy Cultures
African-American History
American Constitutional History
Visions of the Future: Utopia/Dystopia/Science Fiction
Multiculturalism in U.S. History
Popular Culture
Girl Cultures
Dig into life’s important questions with a Philosophy minor
Studying for a philosophy minor, you will examine and ask the largest and most important of human questions concerning life and the nature of the universe. You will immerse yourself in a critical study of past and present systems of philosophic thought and learn to investigate the truths and principles pertaining to the nature of existence, knowledge, values and conduct.
With its emphasis on language skills, critical thinking and abstract reasoning, the Philosophy minor has numerous practical applications. It complements majors such as Psychology or Education, and students majoring in Liberal Studies will find the Philosophy minor a superb addition to their other minors.
The minor requires 15 credits, including five courses in philosophy.
Improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree at Carlow University is designed to provide you with an understanding of human nature and cultural diversity. As a student in the program, you will participate in a one-year, agency-based field placement, a corresponding classroom seminar, and at least 50 hours of volunteer service. This will equip you with the hands-on experience you need to work through upper-level coursework and graduate with real-world experience.
The program is concentrated in social work theory and practice with a foundation of liberal arts studies. Throughout the curriculum, you will develop entry-level social work skills that can be translated into practice with individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
Professor Monique Hockman works with students, including Mary Opipery, left, (Class of ’22, biology)and Kinzie Walker (Class of ’22, biologry/perfusion) as they do redox titrations to determine the chemical composition of synthesized salt during a general chemistry II lab, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in AJ Palumbo Hall. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
Upon completion of selected courses, social work majors must proceed with an application process into the upper-level social work requirements. This process must be completed prior to registering for field placement. Every social work major is required to participate in a 450-hour agency-based field placement, as well as a corresponding classroom seminar.
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Experienced professors who continue to practice social work in their areas of expertise
Concentration in Healthcare Social Work, Crisis and Trauma, or Restorative Justice
Minors offered in Healthcare Social Work, Behavioral Health, and Crisis and Trauma
Brandi Robinson (Class of ’21, social work) and other students listen during the “social work with groups” class led by Dr. Earl Smith, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
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.
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.
Career opportunities for Social work majors
Graduates find jobs as social workers, individual case managers, support group facilitators, victim advocates, child and family advocates, protective service workers, disability and aging advocates, residential case managers, and social services coordinators/administrators/directors.
Increased demand for health care and social services will continue to fuel the need for this occupation.
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 2028.
Resources
View or download the Bachelor of Social Work field manual [pdf]. It contains information and documents specific to the field placement component of the program
Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
