Minor in Mathematics

You can deepen your knowledge of pure and applied mathematics while customizing a Mathematics minor to enhance any major field of study.

You will solidify your logic, critical thinking and problem-solving skills through this versatile course of study.

Mathematics minor curriculum

This minor is open to any major. A minimum of 20 credits is required.

Carlow offers a diverse set of upper-level electives so you can choose a pure mathematics focus with electives such as Number Theory or Modern Algebra, or an applied mathematics focus with electives such as Differential Equations or Linear Programming.

Unlock love of art in K-12 students: Art Education major

Art education is ideal for artists looking to pursue art as a career. With the Art major’s art education certification, you can develop your artistic voice while preparing to teach students about art, passing your own experience on to a new generation of artists.

This certification program includes eight weeks of full-time teaching in an elementary art room and eight weeks in a secondary art room under the direct supervision of a cooperating teacher and University supervisors.

Curriculum for art education major

Art with art education certification is a professional program offered in conjunction with the education program. It requires a minimum of 44 credits in art and a series of required courses in education and art education. Upon successful completion of the program, you may receive certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education as a teacher of art, grades K-12.

Quick facts

• Gain hands-on educational experiences
• Interact with teaching artists at The Campus Laboratory School
• Acquire experience in Pre-K-12 grade classrooms

Alternate degree completion options

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

Certification information

At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply through your academic advisor and attend a candidacy review meeting. In order to apply, you must:

Prospective students from Slippery Rock University will meet with both Carlow University and Slippery Rock University directors for a candidacy review to ensure they are on track for student teaching and certification after graduation.

Certification requirements

• Score a 4 or higher on both PDE 430 evaluation forms
• Pass the PRAXIS art content knowledge exam and fundamental subjects test
• Apply for certification

Prepare to make a difference in early childhood education 

In Carlow’s Early Childhood Education degree program, you will focus on learning to nurture the dignity, worth and uniqueness of young children from birth to fourth grade. You will learn to create welcoming classroom environments  where children can thrive and develop a love of learning. You will build close relationships with other students and our dedicated and caring faculty.  

The program is guided by child development pedagogy and early learning standards, and advocates for best 21st-century learning practices. Students utilize the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s three core considerations when planning learning environments: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, Power to the Profession and the Pennsylvania Department of Education‛s Teacher Certification Competencies.  As part of the certification program, students will earn a STEM endorsement.  

Carlow is one of the few private schools that accepts the following state-sponsored scholarship opportunities: TEACH Scholarship, Rising Stars and PASSHE 

Early Childhood Education degree curriculum

You’ll take courses in advanced child development, children’s literature, structured literacy, math and science methods, and community and family partnerships. Field experiences begin your freshman year. We believe the community is part of our classroom.  Experience visits to the museums, nature centers, makerspaces, and local community organizations as part of your Carlow education.   

Fifty percent of field and practicum experiences take place in The Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center.  Steps away from the dormitories at Carlow, and nestled in the heart of main campus, is a living education laboratory, a school for PreK-8^th graders and a childcare center for children ages birth to three.  Right from the start, Carlow Education students can be employed in the after-school program as educators, in the early learning center as assistant teachers, and as summer camp counselors or teachers in the robust summer school program.  By junior or senior year, Carlow students can tutor in the Dyslexia Center and work as substitute teachers in The Campus Lab School.

Quick facts

• Explore STEAM and learn programming, robotics, computational thinking and inquiry skills 
• Expand your literacy knowledge and be well prepared to teach children how to read 
• Network with educators through professional development opportunities and community fairs, and visit with community organizations that support learning   
• Engage in practicum and student teaching experiences in the Carlow Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center, and work with infants through sixth graders 

Admission requirements and application process

Note for all certification students: At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply to the education department through the coordinator of undergraduate programs. You must have 48 credits, have at least a 3.0 GPA, pass SKW 101, SKQ 101, a math course and a literature course, and pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or the CORE ETS Fundamental Skills Tests in reading, writing and math or meet equivalent course, ACT or SAT requirements.

Certification requirements: Carlow’s early childhood education program provides the necessary coursework required for Pre-K-4 teacher certification in Pennsylvania. Students must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation. Students may elect to take and pass the 5^th and 6^th grade add-on certification exams.  

Prepare to make a difference for children with disabilities

The major leads to certification in early childhood with special education.  Students complete all certification requirements for both programs in this unquely designed major. Carlow’s Early Childhood Education degree program, you will focus on learning to nurture the dignity, worth and uniqueness of young children from birth to fourth grade. You will learn to create welcoming classroom environments where children can thrive and develop a love of learning. You will build close relationships with other students and our dedicated and caring faculty.

In the special education program, you will learrn to address all aspects of special education from PreK-12^th grade. You will experience a range of field and practicum placements working with children with special intellectual, physical, behavioral, learning, and social/emotional needs.

You may elect to add an autism endorsement or STEM endorsement. 

Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) with Special Education Certification

You will learn inclusive practices, differentiated instruction, instructional and assistive technologies, universal design theory, positive behavioral interventions and culturally responsive education practices for young children with special needs. Explicit multisensory-based structured literacy practices and recent neuroscience inform special education practices targeting reading and dyslexia. 

Fifty percent of field and practicum experiences take place in The Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center.  Steps away from the dormitories at Carlow, and nestled in the heart of main campus, is a living education laboratory, a school for PreK-8^th graders and a childcare center for children ages birth to three. Right from the start, Carlow Education students can be employed in the after-school program as educators, in the early learning center as assistant teachers, and as summer camp counselors or teachers in the robust summer school program. By junior or senior year, Carlow students can tutor in the Dyslexia Center and work as substitute teachers in The Campus Lab School.

Alternate degree completion option

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. 

Quick facts

• Gain experience with multiple diagnostic tools
• Employ special education strategies and assessments in multiple practicum placements
• Participate in special education practicums and student teaching experiences 
• Learn from dyslexia specialist instructors
• Gain early intervention experience

Admission requirements and application process

Note for all certification students: At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply to the education department through the coordinator of undergraduate programs. You must have 48 credits, have at least a 3.0 GPA, pass SKW 101, SKQ 101, a math course and a literature course, and pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or the CORE ETS Fundamental Skills Tests in reading, writing and math.  

Certification requirements: Carlow’s Early Childhood Education with Special Education Certification program provides the necessary coursework required for Pre-K-4 teacher and special education certification in Pennsylvania. You must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation. You must complete a degree program; score a 4 or higher on both Pennsylvania Department of Education 430 evaluation forms; and pass the PECT Pre-K-4 exam.

Beyond traditional classrooms: Early Development and Learning degree

If you want to work with young children outside of a traditional elementary classroom, Carlow’s Early Development and Learning degree will give you the skills you need.  This unique major prepares you for educator roles in out-of-school learning environments, community based centers, childcare centers, museums, or nonprofit organizations. In your senior year, you’ll complete a personalized internship individually tailored for your career interests.

Carlow University accepts state-sponsored scholarship opportunities, including TEACH, Rising Stars and PASSHE.

Curriculum for degree in early childhood development

Carlow’s early childhood development degree program includes a unique apprenticeship model option for full-time child care providers working in licensed childcare centers. You will learn about children experiencing homelessness through a service-learning course in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and participate in educational experiences at our on-campus Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School.  You will take coursework in children’s literature, grant writing, building school partnerships, and early literacy and STEAM based practices.  Carlow’s early childhood development degree program includes a unique apprenticeship model option for full-time child care providers working in licensed childcare centers.. You can will learn about children experiencing homelessness through a service-learning course in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and participate in educational experiences at our on-campus Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School.  You will take coursework in children’s literature, grant writing, building school partnerships, and early literacy and STEAM based practices.

You will use the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) three core considerations when planning learning environments for young children: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness, and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators and Power to the Profession.

Alternate degree completion option 

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.

Quick facts

• Participate in grant-funded projects that make sustainable changes to the early childhood workforce 
• Complete an individualized senior capstone internship
• Utilize the CREATE Lab

Become part of a supportive community

“Every staff member in the Education Department really cares about you, your education and your long-term goals. … Every student in the Education Department is there for you when you need them, we really have been through it all!”

— Bailey Pallus ’20

Admission requirements and application process

Testimonial

Jeremy Rhine, Early Development and Learning graduate 
 
“I selected Carlow because coming from a bigger high school experience, I knew I wanted to be more than a number and be somewhere I would be given unique opportunities. Here at Carlow, this is true, and there is still history to make.  

“I absolutely love how early you dive into the classroom experiences. The professors are always willing to help you out in any way that they can. You not only get experience within traditional classroom settings, but also in nontraditional settings as well! I loved all of the different times I got to connect, present and share ideas with professionals from all around the Pittsburgh region in early and higher ed.” 

Bailey Pallus, Early Development and Learning Program graduate 

“I selected Carlow for their small class sizes and amazing education program. There are so many pathways for success and the programs are really tailored to your specific needs. I knew I would be getting a high quality education by attending Carlow. 

“Every staff member in the Education Department really cares about you, your education and your long-term goals. I feel so comfortable around all my teachers and really view them all as strong mentors in my education career. I also love the Carlow friendships I have made throughout the years. Every student in the education department is there for you when you need them, we really have been through it all!”

Prepare for your principal certification

Carlow’s Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification Prep will prepare you to become a highly effective visionary leader. You will enhance the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to create academic programs that optimize each student’s potential for academic success in a safe, supportive, equitable, and culturally responsive school environment.   You will be eminently prepared to take the School Leaders’ Licensure Assessment for PA principal certification at the conclusion of the program.   

Carlow’s collaboration with area schools will give you access to meaningful internship experiences alongside mentor principals.  

Principal Certification curriculum

The curriculum includes specialized coursework in improvement science, systems thinking and building networked communities. Test-prep resources and seminars are aligned to the licensure exam. Principal certification in Pennsylvania requires a master’s degree. If you already have a master’s degree, completion of these 18 credits and the state licensure exam results in certification. The 18 credits may also be completed as part of the full master’s degree in educational leadership.  

Completion of courses results in graduate credits that can either be transferred into a full educational program or account for required licensure continuing education units.

Admission requirements and application process

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.

Explore the field of early childhood leadership

Studying for Carlow’s Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Leadership, you’ll learn skills needed to plan and evaluate early learning programs and will explore curriculum development, staff supervision, and educational coaching. This program is a four-course sequence which may lead to a Director’s Credential, and the courses could easily transfer to the full MEd in Early Childhood Supervision program, if desired.  The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Leadership is an excellent means of broadening professional knowledge in the field of early learning.  Upon completion of the program, a Carlow certificate of completion will be issued.

Graduate certificate in Early Childhood Leadership curriculum

Courses focus on developmentally appropriate supervisory practices for each age group; trends and challenges in the field, as well as various types of programs designed for children in child care, Head Start, preschool and early intervention programs; and a case study of an operating early childhood program. An internship is required.

Quick facts

• Complete 3 online courses plus internship
• May lead to a Director’s Credential, if all other criteria for the credential are met

Admission requirements and application process

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.

Empower 21st-century learners: STEM Teaching certificate

Carlow’s graduate certificate in STEM Teaching program will teach you what you need to know for the 21st-century classroom. Because Carlow is a CREATE Lab satellite (Community Robotics, Education and Technology Empowerment), education faculty have access to the latest STEM technologies. The program embraces constructivism and progressivism while preparing you for STEM based programs or classrooms. Pennsylvania licensed teachers can obtain a Pennsylvania Department of Education STEM endorsement. 

Graduate certificate in STEM Teaching curriculum

First Year Fall

ED703 Dev Log & Math Concepts in EC – 3 credits
ED744 Supervision – 3 credits

First Year Spring

ED728 Interdisciplinary Models – 3 credits
ED740 Creative Science Teaching – 3 credits

Total Credits = 12

The curriculum examines ethical issues, current research, and inquiry models of learning and teaching, and finishes with an action-based research STEM project in a classroom or field site.  You’ll design an integrated STEM curriculum and be introduced to coding using the latest applications and software. You will experience an accelerated program with eight-week online courses.

Quick facts

• Stay up to date with current technology
• Learn with an emphasis on computational thinking

Admission requirements and application process 

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.

Find your English and Communications degree at Carlow

You can prepare for a career in media, public relations, marketing or nonprofit in Carlow University’s English and communications programs. You will learn how to communicate effectively and read literature critically and cultivate highly sought after skills such as creative and critical thinking and interpersonal communication. You can specialize your communications studies with a focus on advocacy and social change, digital media or organizational management.

Prepare for a dynamic field with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree

Be the voice of change for a community, help market a business or product, or become a business leader with a communications degree from Carlow University. You’ll develop the tools you need to communicate effectively through oral, written and multimedia outlets. Gain practical, real-world experiences by collaborating with Carlow multimedia artists, writing for our student-run newspaper or announcing Carlow Celtic sporting events. If you have a specific focus in mind we offer tracks, including organizational management, advocacy and social change, and digital media.

As a communication major, you have the opportunity to not only reach your audience but your personal goals, too. Our Communication alumni remain connected to the program as a strong professional network for any communication graduate.

Quick facts

• Develop skills valued by employers
• Specialize your studies with program-specific tracks (organizational management, advocacy and social justice, digital media)
• Get hands-on experience with the student-run newspaper and the sports radio program

Communication degree curriculum

Choose a communication track that is right for you

As a communication major you can choose the general track or specialize your studies to better fit your career goals. In each track, you will access hands-on learning opportunities, such as developing your news writing and research skills by working with “The Carlow Chronicle,” a student-run newspaper, and polishing your broadcasting skills with “Carlow Sports Talk.”

Liberal Arts advantage

As a Carlow University student, you have the opportunity to pursue a well-rounded liberal arts education full of career-readiness pathways including our honors program, internships, service-learning, study abroad and research.

The Carlow Compass is our general education curriculum that allows you to develop your knowledge and skills as you discover what you want to study or pursue as a career.

▸ Learn more about the curriculum

Career opportunities for communications

Career opportunities for communication majors are projected to increase 4%* as organizations in every industry continually need communication professionals to create, edit and deliver information through multiple platforms.

• Work in the arts, entertainment, sports, business and government industries
• Hold job titles like content creator, announcer, editor, translator, reporter, journalist or author

We help you get to where you want to be
Our Office of Career Development offers one-on-one services including job search help and internship programs.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Statistics

Admission requirements and application process

Find the right mix.

Haley Chiusano ’22, a communication major, was very impressed with the helpful atmosphere at Carlow. “I have learned so much (at Carlow). The professors are so knowledgeable and the coursework is very fair. It pushes me to be a good student, while also allowing me to have time for other things such as volleyball and my job.”

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.

Communication faculty

Aimee Zellers, PhD Interim Associate Provost

Esmaeil Esfandiary Associate Professor, Digital Communications

Khadijah Pettus Adjunct Lecturer, Communication