Devoted to Community Impact 

At Carlow University, our Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice empowers you to lead with purpose and serve with integrity. Whether you’re advancing your career or shifting your path, you’ll find a supportive, student-focused environment focused on making a lasting impact. Join a network of changemakers shaping a more just and merciful world. 

The program spans one year, with five specializations that are cross-disciplinary, and skills based. All students will complete the core program requirements (totaling 12 credits) and will select from two specialization tracks (each consisting of 9 credits for a total of 18 credits). Specialty tracks include Forensic Psychology, Public Safety, Fraud Investigation, Forensic Accounting, and Cyber Threat Analytics. 

Credits required: 

30 credits

Cost per credit: 

$800/credit

Time to degree:

3 semesters with a fall start

4 semesters with a spring or summer start

Delivery: 

Fully Online or On campus

Where Theory Meets Real-World Application

The Carlow MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice offers students a 30-credit graduate degree that can be highly specialized depending on the student’s career interests. The program has four core courses (MCR 700 Advanced Criminological Theory, MCR 701 Justice Policy, PYM 706 Research Methods for the Social Sciences, and PYM 721 Systems of Criminal Justice) that form the foundation on which to build specialization.

Students can match any two of our five dynamic practice tracks to form unique learning experiences relevant to their future careers. Are you interested in developing skills to address financial crimes and money laundering? Complete the specialization tracks in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation. Do you want to understand how psychological assessment and treatment affects police and those who are incarcerated? Complete the specialization tracks in Public Safety and Forensic Psychology. Have you considered entering federal law enforcement and pursuing bad actors on the dark web? Specializations in Cyber Threat Analytics and Forensic Psychology or Fraud Investigation may be your best academic option.

Police officers working at criminal investigation department

Quick facts

Whatever career path you are considering, the Carlow MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice can help support your training for those next steps. Unique aspects of the program include:

  • Five unique specializations that are not commonly offered by competitor programs
  • Heavy emphasis on applied skills development
  • A potential blend of psychology and criminology options for those exploring both disciplines
  • Professors with both research and field experience who not only teach, but engage with their area of specialized practice in the community

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.

Accelerated

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

Career opportunities for Criminology graduates

Jobs you might consider with a master’s in criminology & criminal justice are federal law enforcement, reentry specialist, forensic analyst, cyber threat analyst, loss prevention specialist, criminal justice policy advisor, criminal justice advocacy coordinator, criminology research analyst, litigation support specialist, corporate compliance officer, or probation officer (advanced roles or supervisors).

Accreditation

The Carlow MCRM program does not have any required accrediting bodies.

Admission requirements and application process

  • 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

Criminology faculty

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

Alexa Piacquadio, PhD Assistant Professor of Psychology & Criminology Program Director of MS in Fraud & Forensic Program

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

Contact Admissions

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.

admissions@carlow.edu
+1 (412) 578-6059

Fostering collaborative excellence. Discover the advantages of a transformational educational experience at Carlow University

Carlow has a long history and outstanding reputation for educating great nurses. Our mercy centered mission, along with small class sizes and state of the art skills and simulation facilities make Carlow a perfect place to pursue a nursing degree. Students receive individualized attention and mentorship from our experienced nursing faculty who are experts in their area of nursing. Located in the heart of Oakland, we have partnerships with healthcare facilities within the Pittsburgh region and easy access to a variety of clinical experiences within the community, in acute care and community health.  Throughout our program, Carlow nursing students learn about nursing care with a focus on ethics, a commitment to social justice and a goal of decreasing heath disparities.  Students have opportunities to explore different aspects of nursing as they learn and grow into professional nurses. If you have an interest in becoming a nurse, whether you are looking for a traditional BSN program, a 2nd Degree BSN program, an RN to BSN program, or a Practical Nurse Certificate program, one or Carlow’s undergraduate nursing programs can help you achieve your goal of becoming a nurse.

undergraduate programs
minor

Carlow Skills and Innovative Learning (CSIL) skills and simulation labs are incorporated into all clinical courses in the curriculum.

Faculty mentoring for individualized student NCLEX preparation in the final semester of the program.

Perioperative summer internship program offered as a summer elective for BSN students

75

years of excellence in nursing education this year

90%

pass rate for first time test takers over the past 10 years. 

Faculty & staff

In addition to their advanced degrees, all our faculty have clinical practice experience in the areas of nursing that they are teaching. Our smaller class sizes and faculty advising model provide students with opportunities for individualized learning and career mentoring starting in the first year of the program. We hire adjunct clinical faculty with expertise and current experience in the areas of nursing practice that they are teaching.

Make a difference in the world through the Carlow University Department of Public Health

Carlow’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is committed to hands-on, inter-professional collaborative education. The program was inspired by the view that effective team collaborations improve the quality of clinical service delivery. It is our belief that frequent hands-on training transforms learning from theoretical knowledge into high-quality, evidence-based, person-centered care. Students train to prevent, assess, and treat communication and swallowing disorders within a clinically focused learning environment comprised of faculty, clinical educators, and students from several different professions including:

  • Education
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physician Assistant
  • Respiratory Therapy

Unique to Carlow University, students learn the value of clinical application through extensive clinical skills labs that will prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to enter professional practice as a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist working in any clinical environment.

undergraduate programs
minors

100%

of all Healthcare Management and Health Care Data Analytics Majors can earn a Minor with no additional time towards graduation.

7

distinct tracks are offered to Public Health Majors including 2 into graduate programs and 1 into 2nd Degree Nursing.

Faculty & staff

Our faculty and staff have decades of real-world senior leadership experience, and constantly share that expertise with our students.  You will be learning from people who have “been there” and “done that” at the highest levels.  By learning from industry leaders our graduates have a tremendous advantage over other students.  The Carlow Department of Public Health Professors will prepare you for life in the healthcare industry.  

Accreditation

All programs in the Department of Public Health are Middle States accredited, with the Respiratory Therapy program having additional certifications as required for that field of study.

Discover the advantages of Carlow University’s Nursing Programs

As a graduate nursing department, we prepare exceptionally skilled providers, leaders and educators in doctoral, masters, and certificate tracks to meet the healthcare and health promotion needs of populations. Nursing graduate students have experiences with people nationally and internationally via didactic, clinical and study abroad opportunities. The School of Nursing educates practitioners of tomorrow and encourages a passion for evidenced-based practice, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in the spirit of social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion. 

We offer study in a hybrid face-to-face modality that incorporates twice monthly evening classes with online coursework to fit the needs of today’s full-time working nurse, while affording opportunities for 1:1 faculty engagement, and peer group networking and support. 

A fully online program is also available, for students out of the Pittsburgh region, and/or for those desiring a non-synchronous education program.  

View the School of Nursing’s program outcomes and accreditation information.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The high demand for qualified psychiatric nurse practitioners stems in large part from the increased normalization of mental health issues.

MASTERS programs
doctorate programs
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

$2.6M

in scholarships awarded every year to IMPACT FNP graduate students 

4

competitive scholarships available to support the inaugural cohort of PMHNP MSN students.

200+

medical practices and clinics students can practice at facilitated by the Director of Clinical Education

Faculty & staff

Nursing, like all other health care professions, does not exist in isolation. Advanced practice nursing education must integrate other aspects of our humanity if the profession is going to truly do what it pledges to do from the outset of a nurse’s oath. A commitment to justice and mercy requires critical thinking and self-reflection. Carlow University has a rich tradition of service and a mission that flows from the Mercy Core Values. These values: Hospitality, Service, Discovery, and Sacredness of Creation, are embraced within a framework of reflective practice. We recognize that no single discipline can fully educate today’s advanced practice providers who care for families across the lifespan. We are a uniquely positioned university with the ability to fully utilize our colleagues in theology, art, pharmacology, biology, creative writing, and communications to guide discovery within our students. We are not only these disciplines, but more, together, each contributing to the development of a critically thinking, ethical, and merciful human being who will go into the community transformed, and ready to lead.

Department Points of Pride

  • On June 26th, 2023, Carlow University received over $2.6 million to increase the number of Family Nurse Practitioner graduates educated to provide primary care services, with advanced education in mental health, substance use disorders, and women’s and maternal health care. The Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) grant – funded through the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is aimed at increasing access to primary care providers for those living in medically underserved communities. The goal of the grant is to make a BIG IMPACT on students, preceptors, and the underserved population through “Impacting Diversity and Education of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses for Healthy Communities”​.  Current full time FNP students are eligible to apply for up to $23,000 in tuition reimbursement.
  • HRSA Nursing Faculty Loan Program to repay 85% of tuition costs with post-graduate employment in the role of nursing educator.
  • 97% AANP & 100% ANCC certification exam pass rate for FNPs 
  • “Very Strong” NCC certification exam pass rate for WHNPs 
  • In 2023, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers Carlow University established a one-year pilot program, funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), to develop clinically sound evidence-based practicing NPs. FNP graduates have a year of residency (transition to primary care) after completion of an educational program at Carlow University. 
  • Carlow Graduate Nursing Department is a CEU provider through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) for professional development training for preceptors, clinical faculty, and students. 

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.

Undergraduate programs
graduate programs
doctorate program
certificates
MINORS

$4.9M

Grant awarded to Carlow to support a School-Based Mental Health program

$90k

in stipends available annually to Professional Counseling students

$1.9M

Grant awarded to the Carlow Underserved and Rural Engagement (CURE) program

Faculty & staff

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 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.

Undergraduate programs
minors

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.

14/30

of Glassdoor’s most satisfying jobs are based on computational and chemical sciences.

43%

of jobs in STEM cannot be filled due to skills gaps, primarily in chemistry and computer science.  

$80,000

average salary for computational or chemical scientists in PA, and recent unemployment rates for chemists fell to the lowest level ever recorded (0.6%).

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.

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 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 and seek social justice.

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 on-campus and 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 option as well as an in-person/hybrid option enabling students to take a select number of courses in a traditional classroom on Carlow’s main campus while the others are taken online. The MSW Program offers three specializations: direct practice, macro practice, and school social work.

Undergraduate programs
graduate programs
CERTIFICATE programs

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

Carlow Community Scholars program focused on supporting college success among former foster youths and/or homeless youths


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

Federally funded School-based Mental Health Training Program which provides paid placements for MSW students in the School Social Work track and offers a pathway for those with an MSW to obtain their School Social Work certification

Federally funded interdisciplinary CURE grant providing financial stipends for MSW student field placements in behavioral health in urban and rural underserved areas

$270,000

in CURE funding awarded over 3 years to MSW students.

$766,149

in MSW student support to be awarded over 5 years from the School-based Mental Health Training Program.

200+

approved field sites for social work internships.

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.

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.”

View our student teaching handbook
View our education department handbook

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, 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 7 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.

Undergraduate programs
certificates

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.

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
View our education department 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.

Required Courses include:

  • Introduction to Data Analytics 
  • Data Visualization 
  • Introduction to Business Management 
  • Principles of Finance 
  • Basic Applied Statistics 
  • Calculus I or Applied Calculus 
  • Programming elective: Programming for Everyone I, Database Management Systems, or Introduction to R 

Devoted to Caring for the Mental and Emotional Needs of All Patients

Carlow University’s Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (PMHNP) is for ethical healthcare professionals working professional nurses seeking to create a better healthcare system by contributing to fair and just mental health care – and all healthcare – for everyone.

Designed for working professional nurses is another distinguishing factor for our NP programs.

With more than 26 million individuals with a mental illness going untreated, our nation is in dire need of compassionate, ethical mental health leaders. Carlow’s PMHNP program is for students devoted to providing specialized assessment and treatment for a full range of mental health disorders, including counseling and medication management. Within this program, it is possible to specialize in certain types of patients, such as children, families, or those with substance abuse problems.

Credits Required:
  • 19 courses for the MSN
  • 14 courses for the Post MSN
  • 9 courses for the Post MSN NP
Cost Per Credit:

$918

Time to Degree:

As few as 28 months

Delivery:

100% online

PMHNP Curriculum

The greater demand for PMHNPs coincides with a dramatic increase in reported cases of depression and anxiety, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring that get the treatment they need remains a key concern. With such an unmet need for service providers in this specialty to care for existing patients and help new ones, the demand for more nurses to pursue this specialty will likely only grow.

MSN PMHNP Plan of Study
POST MSN PMHNP Plan of Study

Quick Facts

  • The ideal student is a nurse with compassion, sensitivity, and exceptional communication and relationship-building skills. It requires someone who can be objective and empathetic who understands that a person isn’t defined by their mental health condition.
  • Graduates of Carlow’s nursing programs are prepared to be innovative, caring, compassionate, ethical members of a healthcare team. The opportunity for interdisciplinary education with psychology and social work peers is a distinct advantage.
  • Carlow has 75 years of experience in educating nurses and the nurse practitioner programs have had 97-100% pass rates for certification boards over the past eight years.
  • Carlow offers certification for nurses who already possess an MSN in another field of study.
  • Upon completion of the degree or certification, the graduate can sit for a national certification exam, and upon passing, is given a professional, advanced practice license by the state board.
  • Each state has a different licensing board, but they all require and accept the national certification. We utilize a board review course in the student’s final semester to help them successfully prepare and pass the certification exam.

75 Years of Nursing Excellence

For 75 Years, Carlow University’s School of Nursing has been dedicated to educating and empowering nurses who make a significant impact on healthcare as clinicians, educators, leaders, and researchers. As we look to the future, Carlow University remains devoted to creating ethical leaders who strive to build a more just and merciful world.

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.

Accelerated

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

Admission Requirements and Application Process

  • 3.0 GPA Minimum for Admission
  • Apply anytime, start date in the Fall Semester.
  • It is possible to transfer up to 18 post-Masters credits.
  • This program accepts international students.
  • Current CV, graduate transcript, and an essay are required to apply.
  • Three (3) professional recommendations are required.
Apply:

Any time

Start Terms:

Fall

Applicants for this program are eligible for the Anne Kisak endowed scholarship, upon acceptance and enrollment.

Contact Admissions

If you would like to learn more about the program, schedule an on-campus visit or attend an upcoming event.

admissions@carlow.edu
+1 (412) 578 6059

Faculty & staff

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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.