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

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.

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.

Notable courses include:

● The Impact of Trauma
● Crisis Intervention
● Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment
● Intimate Partner Violence

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. 

Required Courses

  • Religion and Human Experience

With the Women’s and Gender Studies minor, you can explore the historical condition of women and the interpretation of women and gender in the various disciplines. You will come to understand the present and future position of women in society and issues of intersectionality, such as race, gender, social class and sexuality. With this minor, you will be equipped to debate gendered situations today.

A minor in Women’s and Gender Studies is valuable in careers in advocacy, social services-related occupations, community development and government. 

The Women’s and Gender Studies minor requires three courses and three electives totaling 18 credits.

Required Courses

  • Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies
  • Visions of Social Change: Global Women’s Writing
  • Feminist Theories

In Carlow University’s Humanities degree programs, you can develop skills, such as creative and critical thinking, that are highly sought after by employers, as well as prepare for graduate-level studies.

You can take the time to explore your personal and academic interests in an adaptable learning experience with a General Studies degree. Created with working people and students who have changed majors in mind, the major is grounded in the liberal arts.

As you adapt your studies to your interests and goals, you will gain a progressive depth of knowledge in a specialized area of study, becoming adept at integrative thinking and “thinking outside the box.”

Students work on their assignment during class. All are seated at desks of 2-3 people.
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

The General Studies major is student-directed, with the oversight of an advisor. You will choose a study focus and take a minimum of 12 credits in one discipline, but will be able to branch out further in your interests. For example, you could study the plays of Shakespeare in one course, economic theory in another and biblical interpretation in yet another.  

At the end of the program, you will develop a project that demonstrates integrative thinking and proficiency in chosen areas. 

Quick facts

  • Adapt your learning experience to your personal interests
  • Take advantage of a learning experience designed with curious people in mind
  • Cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills 
General studies students at desks with open laptops in a classroom.
Female University Student Using Laptop In Classroom

Career opportunities for General Studies

Cultivating critical thinking and analytical skills enables students to find success in a range of careers, including nonprofit and human services agencies, entertainment and media.


  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

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.

If you’re creative and independent and you’re interested in an interdisciplinary approach to your studies and future career, Carlow’s Liberal Studies major is an ideal option for you. In this program, you will work with an advisor and engage with guided studies to create your own major, adapting your learning experience to your academic and professional goals. You will choose three minors in separate programs to cultivate in-depth knowledge in those areas of study.

The Liberal Studies major is also an excellent choice if you are interested in studying at the graduate level, especially if you have aspirations that require in-depth knowledge of more than one area.

Natalie Mukankusi (Class of ’20, biology), left, and Fadila Yumouh (Class of ’21, biology) work together to solve an equation during a Physics II class taught by Bill Kowallis in Curran Hall, Friday, Feb. 21, 2020. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University) during a Physics II class taught by Bill Kowallis in Curran Hall, Friday, Feb. 21, 2020. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Two of your chosen minors must be in liberal arts programs, such as humanities, art or women’s studies; one may be in a professional studies program such as accounting, business management or human resources. You may also choose three liberal arts areas of study. At the end of the program, you will complete a thesis that reflects your program outcomes.

Quick facts

  • Adapt your learning experience to suit your academic and professional interests
  • Prepare yourself for graduate-level studies with an interdisciplinary education
  • Cultivate analytical and critical thinking skills, which are highly sought after by employers
Male University Student Using Laptop In Classroom

Career opportunities for Liberal Studies majors 

Career opportunities with a Liberal Studies degree include marketing and communications and sales. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for advertising, promotions and marketing managers is slated to increase 6% over the next 10 years, largely driven by organizations’ need to expand their market footholds.


  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

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.

You will learn to understand crime and law when you choose one of Carlow University’s criminal law and justice degree programs. You will delve into the concept of law, the types and measurements of crime, criminal behavior theories, the U.S. criminal justice system, law enforcement, and the courts. Accelerated options are available.

With a bachelor’s in Criminology,  you will learn the nature of crime and the effectiveness and fairness of society’s efforts to prevent and control it.

You will engage in a cross-disciplinary approach to the study of crime, offenders and victims, as well as the agencies, laws, policies and processes of the criminal justice system. You will train to become an agent of change by developing critical thinking skills through problem-based learning in order to impact  the fields relevant to criminology professionals regardless of setting.

A psychology concentration is embedded within the program to ensure that you have the knowledge relevant to direct-practice professions in the field. This emphasis on psychology will help you develop an awareness of the critical role mental health plays in criminal behavior. 

Students work on their assignment during class. All are seated at desks of 2-3 people.
Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Carlow University’s major in Criminology focuses on prevention and remediation strategies. Notable courses include Crime and Mental Health and Race, Class and Justice.

Quick facts

  • Pair studies with additional minors in Pre-Law, Counseling, or Crisis and Trauma
  • Enjoy flexible options for degree completion for non-traditional students and those outside of the region
  • Benefit from internship opportunities
Police officers working at criminal investigation department

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.

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 Criminology graduates

Criminology graduates are prepared for careers in local, federal and international law enforcement, adult and juvenile corrections and probation, and prevention and rehabilitation services. Many students pursue psychology and criminal justice-related graduate programs and law school.


  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

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

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.