Child development psychologists work with children, parents, and teachers to apply the principles of play therapy to help kids become capable and independent individuals. Read more about the benefits about play therapy here.
Re-entry & Resiliency Plan (updated 7/22/22)
The global popularity and growth of psychology has created endless possibilities for careers beyond the traditional psychology setting such as business, education, health and public safety.
Discover your passion through our specially designed curriculum, which offers six guided elective specializations including forensic, educational, assessment, treatment, expressive arts or general exploration. You will collaborate with our supportive and experienced faculty to choose the pathway that helps you become who you want to be.
While our MA in Psychology program serves as a program for those who wish to pursue a career that does not require licensure, it can provide a great pathway to a doctorate as well.
Did you know there are personal benefits to studying psychology?1
36 credits
$957/credit
As few as 4 semesters
On campus & online
Taught in a personalized, hands-on learning environment, our master’s in psychology curriculum focuses on advanced general and applied psychology principles, and valuable research and clinical skills that you can immediately apply to your place of work.
Specialize your psychology courses to fit your career goals and personal aspirations. Each guided elective specialization provides you with the opportunity to learn the theories, skills, tools and treatments for that area.
Forensic Psychology
Engage in theories and applications of psychology relevant to criminal and civil legal settings.
Assessment Psychology
Use field techniques and tools to develop hypotheses about personality, symptoms, behavior and cognitive ability.
Treatment Psychology
Understand the theories and treatment skills needed to work with a wide array of people struggling with mental health issues.
Therapeutic Arts Psychology
Integrate your passion for the arts and humanities into your psychology coursework.
Exploration Psychology
Take a wider breadth of courses across multiple cluster groups to develop a unique academic path right for you.
Educational Psychology
Apply psychology skills and knowledge within primary and secondary school settings with a focus on supporting educational needs and reducing obstacles to learning
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.
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “Understanding psychological science and how to apply it is an asset in any career. A psychology degree, from the bachelor’s to the master’s and doctorate degree, helps employees perform in a wide variety of jobs both within and beyond the psychology discipline.”2
Mickenna Ansell ’22
“The faculty and staff were very easy to connect with and I was able to get professional experience in research and clinical practice with their help. My time at the University prepared me to take doctoral-level classes and work in the field of psychology.”
Rachel Seamans ’21
“They [the faculty] took an interest in us and made sure we succeeded as both students and people. We weren’t just numbers to them. And, we were learning from professionals who were still practicing, not years removed from working in the field.”
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.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
1 “Why We All Can Learn From Studying Psychology,” Verywell Mind
2 “Working in Psychological Science,” American Psychological Association
3 “Career Paths in Psychology,” American Psychological Association
The popularity and growth of esports has created a multitude of new career possibilities, providing you with pathways to pursue your passions and earn a good living.
With our carefully designed Esports Business Management curriculum and commitment to teaching excellence, you will build your business, management and financial knowledge through an esports lens, while also increasing your capacity for soft skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, and communications.
Put your passion to work and discover a world of possibilities in esports.
Apply now for Fall 2023!
“Students can develop important competitive advantages for their future academic and professional performance by focusing on the soft skills that eSports participation provides. The latest research and interviews with industry professionals suggests that eSports is a perfect training ground to let students test and develop these skills.”
From the blog, “How eSports Help Students Cultivate Soft Skills” by Liz Alton, Connected
Bachelor of Science
On campus & online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
Taught in a personalized, hands-on learning environment, our esports business management curriculum is designed to equip you with employable skills that you can take into the workforce at anytime. These include:
As you build on your business, management and financial knowledge, you will define what success means for you. Our supportive faculty and staff can help put you on the pathway to the career of your choice in esports.
Resume-building internships are available in and around the city of Pittsburgh as well as on campus with our official esports athletic team and gaming lab. Real-world, on-campus opportunities include:
GAME PLAY INTERNSHIPS
Serve as shotcasters/hosts, tournament administrators or analysts for Carlow events
OPERATIONAL INTERNSHIPS
Assist with the operation of the gaming lab in collaboration with our IT team
Other opportunities exist among a range of age groups and communities through high schools, independent organizations and professional organizations that compete in esports.
Did you know there’s more to esports than professional gaming? It is an industry full of opportunity1 in management, operations, sales, marketing, and coaching. It’s growing, too. The Esports industry is now the fastest segment of media and entertainment, supporting nearly 2 million jobs across the nation2.
You can explore a variety of majors, minors and specializations to add to your esports major.
Operations & Game Play
Coordinate events, manage tournaments, coach a team, referee, games or announce a team
Management & Sales
Build business strategy, secure partnerships, investors, sponsorships and advertising sales
98%
of Carlow undergraduates are employed within 6 months of graduation
$5k
average pay per month for esports management positions3
Marketing
Create content using videography, photography, or write social media posts, blogs, stories and articles
Technology
Create new worlds for gamers through design, development, coding and testing
1 “What Esports Jobs are Available Other than Gaming?“, Ready Esports
2 “National Economic Impact of the U.S. Gaming Industry“, American Gaming Association
3 “Esports Management Annual Salary“, ZipRecruiter
anytime
Fall 2023
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.
Our healthcare management degree provides the educational and business background necessary to pursue a career in a variety of healthcare positions including healthcare advocacy, long-term care, healthcare institutions, insurance or physicians’ practice.
Bachelor of Science
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
The Healthcare Management major curriculum focuses on healthcare finance, services, and data analytics. In consultation with your advisor, you may construct your major (add biology or chemistry and 6 electives) to help accomplish your healthcare career goals.
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
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.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, employment for medical and health services managers is expected to increase by 32%.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
As a reading specialist, you can help students identify their reading difficulties and develop methods to overcome those struggles by providing remedial instructions. The Graduate Certificate in Reading Specialist prepares you to teach reading programs at various educational levels.
25 credits
$600/credit
As few as 12 months
On campus or online
The program is focused on the science of reading with an emphasis on facilitating learning for students who struggle with reading.
Reading specialists help students of all ages become successful, independent readers. They also work with adults and out-of-school secondary students. Some specialists focus on curriculum development.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3% percent growth in job employment between 2019 and 2029.
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No prerequisites or teacher licensure are required for this degree and certification.
If you are interested in this graduate certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
Carlow University’s Special Education program at the graduate level prepares teachers to meet the needs of children with a wide variety of mental, physical, social, emotional and behavioral disabilities in multiple settings. You will learn to adapt general education lessons to effectively teach students with mild and moderate disabilities.
Per requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, students entering the Special Education graduate certificate program must be certified teachers in another content area.
26 credits
$600/credit
As few as 18 months
On campus or online
The graduate Special Education program includes 23 credit hours of coursework focusing on the practical application of research-based special education theoretical constructs and methodology and 3 credits of student teaching. The program requires 12 credits that focus on research methodologies, analytical processes and critical issues. You must have 9 credits in special needs education as prerequisites to entering the Master of Education program with a concentration in special education.
Most special education teachers work in public schools, teaching students at the preschool, elementary, middle and high school levels. Others work in private schools, child care services and other institutions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of special education teachers is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029. Demand for special education services and teachers should rise as disabilities are being identified earlier and as children with disabilities are enrolled into special education programs.
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No prerequisites or teacher licensure are required for this degree and certification.
Carlow made life easy for Jennifer Do, MEd as she earned a master’s and then a graduate certificate in special education while maintaining her full-time job. “I needed them to understand I worked in the field already, that I had years of experience, and that I wanted to learn more. They challenged me and made me think about the world around me. They helped me to grow into a leadership position. Carlow fit into my life, and to this day I still reach out to the staff.”
If you are interested in this graduate certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
Carlow’s Master of Education in Special Education will give you a more thorough understanding of how students with special needs learn and what you can do to make sure each child reaches his or her potential. You’ll be an advocate for students and their families and assist parents finding their way around educational and health care systems.
Special Education Certification for Pre-K-12 is available as a stand-alone initial teaching certification or as an add-on to an existing teaching certificate. The program prepares you to meet the needs of children with a wide variety of mental, physical, social, emotional and behavioral disabilities in diverse settings.
30-51 credits
$600/credit
As few as 18 months
On campus or online
Special Education degree courses focus on positive behavior support, disciplinary and digital literacy, and early intervention. The program culminates in student teaching. Study abroad options are available in Ireland and Nicaragua.
Students who have an existing teaching certification can complete this program with 30 credits. Students who also need initial teaching certification can complete this program with 51 credits.
If you already have a teaching license, you can earn this MEd under our add-on certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the add-on certificate option.
This program is available as a graduate certificate which leads to an endorsement from PDE for already licensed teachers.
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.
Employment of special education teachers is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand for special education services and teachers should rise as disabilities are being identified earlier and as children with disabilities are enrolled into special education programs.
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No prerequisites or teacher licensure required for this degree and certification
MEd Special Education graduate Jordan Coccaro ’20 didn’t hesitate in choosing Carlow for grad school. “Carlow has given me amazing opportunities to have real experiences in the classroom through field placements. My extensive field placement allowed me to learn about interventions, data collection and how the flow of a special education classroom should be designed. In my five years at Carlow in the Education Department, I will always remember how supportive all of the faculty and staff are of their students.”
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
You can be a leader in the field of educational literacy with Carlow’s Master of Education Reading Specialist degree. The reading specialist certification and MEd programs lead to Pre-K-12 Pennsylvania Department of Education Reading Specialist Certification with a special Carlow dyslexia certificate.
As a reading specialist or literacy coordinator, you’ll learn to provide whole class, small group and tiered intervention support to students in all aspects of literacy instruction.
25-31 credits
$600/credit
As few as 12 months
On campus or online
You’ll study how children learn to read with courses centered on the science of reading and examine different approaches to effective literacy assessment and instruction.
Coursework includes an examination of phonological awareness, the structure of language, teaching writing and digital literacy. The curriculum meets guidelines for the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s framework for the reading specialist, the International Literacy Association (ILA) and the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Students will benefit from on-site practicums at Carlow’s Campus Laboratory School or regional schools and districts.
Special workshops and guest speakers are a hallmark of the program through partnerships with Trying Together, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Fred Rogers Institute, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Provident Charter School, PBIDA, Warhol Museum and A+ Schools.
If you already have a teaching license, you can earn this MEd under our add-on certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the add-on certificate option.
This program is available as a graduate certificate which leads to an endorsement from PDE for already licensed teachers.
School districts hire reading specialists to coordinate reading programs, support students and teachers, and work with intervention services.
Employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow 6% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As states and school districts put greater emphasis on student achievement data, schools may increasingly turn to instructional coordinators to develop better curriculums and improve teachers’ effectiveness.
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No prerequisites or teacher licensure are required for this degree and certification.
MEd Reading Specialist graduate Alyson Woodall ’21 said Carlow’s Education Program has taught her how to make a difference. “Carlow has always been at the forefront of education by teaching education students the latest strategies and approaches for delivering effective classroom instruction. Carlow is challenging me to be a better teacher by showing me how to use research-based techniques that focus on how the brain learns to read.”
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
You will be prepared to take on high-level leadership roles when you complete this dual Master in Social Work and Master in Business Administration degree program in as little as three years.
In this MSW-MBA dual degree program, you will learn to be a competent leader who can meet the challenges of social work. You can be an advocate for the social work profession and the people you serve while having the ability to make effective business decisions. You will learn how to manage employees, interpret data for decision making and develop business plans.
You can specialize in either social work direct practice or social work macro practice.
72-87 credits
$750/credit
As few as 3 years
On campus or online
Carlow University’s dual program curriculum combines critical core knowledge in social work and business with MSW courses offered in a low-residency model. A field placement is required.
Bachelor’s in Social Work students from Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited programs will qualify for application for Advanced Standing in the Carlow MSW. This means that students can earn their MSW by taking 72 credits.
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
MSW-MBA graduates are effective in diverse roles, including managing a private practice or taking on a leadership role in a business or social service organization. A master’s degree is preferred to become a clinical social worker, and a firm understanding of business further prepares graduates to take on leadership roles.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of social workers to grow 13% between 2019 and 2029.
Carlow University’s Master of Social Work program is proud to announce that it has received Initial Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation following the June 2020 program review. CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and program reviews.
Please note that Social Work programs cannot accept life experience or work experience for credit.
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.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.