Carlow University’s Master of Education Internship (Experience-Based) programs prepare the next generation of educators to lead with skill, compassion, and purpose. Rooted in Carlow’s Mercy tradition, these programs allow aspiring teachers to begin serving their communities immediately while completing the coursework required for certification.

Through this innovative pathway, candidates work as the teacher of record in a P–12 classroom while earning their graduate degree. By placing theory into practice from day one, Carlow students gain meaningful experience, develop confidence in the classroom, and graduate ready to make a lasting impact in schools and communities.

Quick facts

• Courses are offered online in 8-week formats.
• Students can enroll in the program during fall and spring semesters.
• The PA Department of Education’s new intern certification program is a professional program that entitles the holder of the certificate to take the same student teaching program, but instead of student teaching, they would take internship classes as they teach in a full-time capacity, as the teacher of record in a P-12 classroom.
  

Dr. Jennifer Stafford Assistant Dean and Director of Teacher Education

Carlow University’s Master of Education Internship (Experience-Based) programs prepare the next generation of educators to lead with skill, compassion, and purpose. Rooted in Carlow’s Mercy tradition, these programs allow aspiring teachers to begin serving their communities immediately while completing the coursework required for certification.

Through this innovative pathway, candidates work as the teacher of record in a P–12 classroom while earning their graduate degree. By placing theory into practice from day one, Carlow students gain meaningful experience, develop confidence in the classroom, and graduate ready to make a lasting impact in schools and communities.

Quick facts

• Courses are offered online in 8-week formats.
• Students can enroll in the program during fall and spring semesters.
• The PA Department of Education’s new intern certification program is a professional program that entitles the holder of the certificate to take the same student teaching program, but instead of student teaching, they would take internship classes as they teach in a full-time capacity, as the teacher of record in a P-12 classroom.

Full Time Faculty

Dr. Jennifer Stafford Assistant Dean and Director of Teacher Education

At Carlow University, the Master of Education in Athletic Leadership prepares passionate educators, coaches, and athletic professionals to lead with purpose in the evolving world of sports. Rooted in Carlow’s Mercy-inspired mission to create a more just and merciful world, this fully online graduate program blends practical leadership training with ethical decision-making, community engagement, and the latest standards in athletic administration and coaching.

Designed for working professionals, the MEd in Athletic Leadership offers flexible 8-week courses and specialized tracks in athletic leadership and coaching, allowing students to advance their careers while balancing personal and professional commitments. Graduates emerge equipped to manage athletic programs, mentor athletes, and drive positive change across schools, colleges, and organizations.

Quick facts

• Courses are offered online in 8-week formats.
• Students who elect to enroll and complete two courses per 8 weeks may complete the program in three semesters (fall, spring, and summer).
• The sports coaching and athletic leadership market is projected to grow at 6–7% annually, reaching $20 billion globally by 2032. Athletic director positions are expected to grow 7% by 2028, while coaching roles will grow 6% by 2034, faster than average for all occupations.

Career Opportunities for MEd in Athletic Leadership

Master of Education in Athletic Leadership is designed for working professionals, current teachers, and aspiring coaches. The degree program will provide two track options: athletic leadership and coaching. The first leads to careers in managing athletic programs, in public and private arenas. The coaching track develops coaching techniques aligned to the National Standards for Sport Coaches for public schools, higher education, and organization-based coaches. This master’s program will enable leaders to support, teach, and administer the latest standards, instructional strategies, models, theories, and techniques associated with effective administration, and coaching.

This degree can prepare graduates for the following positions:
• Athletic Director
• Head Coach or Coaching Coordinator
• Sports Program Administrator
• Leadership roles in collegiate or professional athletics

Accreditation

Carlow University’s Education Department will seek accreditation through the National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE) — a committee overseen by the United States Center for Coaching Excellence (USCCE), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the coaching profession, coaching education, and coach development. The standards utilized for coursework will be taken from the National Standards
for Sports Coaches.

Full-time Faculty

Keely Baronak, EdD Dean, College of Education and Social Work

Dr. Jennifer Stafford Assistant Dean and Director of Teacher Education

Carlow University’s Master of Science in Nursing Executive Organizational Leadership program and its accompanying Post-Master’s Certificate prepare nurses to become the kind of healers the world needs; leaders who combine strategic expertise with compassion and a deep commitment to improving patient care. Designed in collaboration with healthcare executives, the curriculum equips graduates with high-level business and organizational skills, from fiscal management concepts drawn from Carlow’s MBA program to system-level project leadership, health policy, and ethics. Through 100% online coursework paired with a 150-hour mentored internship, you’ll learn from faculty with real-world executive nursing experience and graduate ready to lead at the highest levels, driving compassionate care, shaping ethical policy, and helping to create a more just and merciful world.

Quick facts

Nursing executive preparedness with concentration in high-level business management

• System Level Project Management
• Fiscal Management concepts from the Carlow MBA program
• Human Resource strategic management
• Health Policy, Ethics & mentored leadership development at the VP level and above

Career opportunities for Masters
in Nursing Executive Organizational Leadership & Post-Masters Certificate

Chief Nursing Officer

Vice-President level positions within healthcare organizations
(example: VP Perioperative Services, VP Nursing Operations,
VP Patient Experience)

Admission requirements and application process

Full-time Faculty

Keely Baronak, EdD Dean, College of Education and Social Work

Dr. Jennifer Stafford Assistant Dean and Director of Teacher Education

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. 

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.

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

Specializations

The Forensic Psychology specialization develops students’ expertise at the juncture of psychology and the legal system, preparing them for roles in forensic, correctional, and clinical settings. Core courses cover competency evaluations, risk assessments, and ethical practice, while exploring criminal behavior’s psychological and social causes. Practical skills in motivational interviewing and offender treatment emphasize real-world application. This foundation prepares graduates to become ethical and effective forensic psychology professionals.

Fraud Investigation

The Fraud Investigation specialization equips students with knowledge and tools to detect, investigate, and prevent financial crimes in various settings. Students study white-collar crime motives and methods, money laundering mechanisms, and legal and investigative strategies. Ethics and prevention courses focus on risk minimization and fostering organizational integrity. This specialization suits those targeting careers in forensic accounting, compliance, corporate investigations, or financial regulation.

Forensic Accounting

The Forensic Accounting specialization prepares students to identify financial misconduct and support legal proceedings through investigative analysis. Foundational courses differentiate forensic from traditional accounting, emphasizing litigation support and fraud detection. Advanced study in financial statement examination and audit procedures builds skills in spotting red flags and employing controls to prevent fraud. The curriculum readies students for roles in fraud examination, financial forensics, compliance, and investigative accounting.

Public Safety

The Public Safety specialization is tailored for professionals working in high-pressure environments involving mental health, communication, and crisis response, especially first responders. Students learn to identify behavioral and substance-related signs in the field, apply de-escalation communication techniques, and adopt trauma-informed mental health approaches. Emphasis is placed on building trust, safety, and competence in complex situations. This program prepares students for enhanced public safety roles requiring psychological insight and crisis management skills.

Cyber Threat Analytics

The Cyber Threat Analytics specialization prepares students to detect, analyze, and respond to evolving digital threats. Courses on cybercrime cover tactics like hacking and identity theft, while dark web analysis trains safe and effective investigation of illicit online activity. Advanced cyber analysis focuses on using cutting-edge tools to identify patterns and generate actionable intelligence. This specialization is ideal for careers in cybersecurity, digital forensics, intelligence, and cybercrime investigation.

Accreditation

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

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 Undergraduate Psychology and Master of Arts in Psychology

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

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 2^nd 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.

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

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.

Ashley Cole, DNP, RN, CCRN Program Director of Undergraduate Nursing & Assistant Professor

Jessica Huber, PhD, MSN, RN, CCRN, CPN Director of Experiential Learning and Assistant Professor in the College of Health and Wellness

Teya Kamel RN, MSN, RYT Faculty, Instructor of Nursing & Yoga

Diana Kozlina-Peretic, DNP, CRNP, MSN, RN Associate Dean

Janice Nash, DNP, RN Professor/Chair of the Undergraduate Nursing Department

Angela Simmons DNP, MSN-NCEL, RN Founding Director Practical Nurse Program

Lisa Spagnolo, MSN, RN Nursing Instructor

Angela Summer, DNP, MPA, RN, CVRN-BC Assistant Professor and Director of Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Program

Erin Welling Instructor

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.

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.  

Ashley Cole, DNP, RN, CCRN Program Director of Undergraduate Nursing & Assistant Professor

Jessica Huber, PhD, MSN, RN, CCRN, CPN Director of Experiential Learning and Assistant Professor in the College of Health and Wellness

Teya Kamel RN, MSN, RYT Faculty, Instructor of Nursing & Yoga

Diana Kozlina-Peretic, DNP, CRNP, MSN, RN Associate Dean

Janice Nash, DNP, RN Professor/Chair of the Undergraduate Nursing Department

Angela Simmons DNP, MSN-NCEL, RN Founding Director Practical Nurse Program

Lisa Spagnolo, MSN, RN Nursing Instructor

Angela Summer, DNP, MPA, RN, CVRN-BC Assistant Professor and Director of Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Program

Erin Welling Instructor

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.

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.

Ashley Cole, DNP, RN, CCRN Program Director of Undergraduate Nursing & Assistant Professor

Jessica Huber, PhD, MSN, RN, CCRN, CPN Director of Experiential Learning and Assistant Professor in the College of Health and Wellness

Teya Kamel RN, MSN, RYT Faculty, Instructor of Nursing & Yoga

Diana Kozlina-Peretic, DNP, CRNP, MSN, RN Associate Dean

Janice Nash, DNP, RN Professor/Chair of the Undergraduate Nursing Department

Angela Simmons DNP, MSN-NCEL, RN Founding Director Practical Nurse Program

Lisa Spagnolo, MSN, RN Nursing Instructor

Angela Summer, DNP, MPA, RN, CVRN-BC Assistant Professor and Director of Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Program

Erin Welling Instructor

Department Points of Pride

• On June 26^th, 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.

Faculty & staff

Ashley Cole, DNP, RN, CCRN Program Director of Undergraduate Nursing & Assistant Professor

Jessica Huber, PhD, MSN, RN, CCRN, CPN Director of Experiential Learning and Assistant Professor in the College of Health and Wellness

Teya Kamel RN, MSN, RYT Faculty, Instructor of Nursing & Yoga

Diana Kozlina-Peretic, DNP, CRNP, MSN, RN Associate Dean

Janice Nash, DNP, RN Professor/Chair of the Undergraduate Nursing Department

Angela Simmons DNP, MSN-NCEL, RN Founding Director Practical Nurse Program

Lisa Spagnolo, MSN, RN Nursing Instructor

Angela Summer, DNP, MPA, RN, CVRN-BC Assistant Professor and Director of Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Program

Erin Welling Instructor

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).