Carlow University’s New EdD Program: Devoted to the Future of Education

EdD courses at Carlow are different from other programs because they feature a distinctly integrated doctoral study design, with each course building upon previous ideas while preparing students to engage with new concepts that can inform their practice. Throughout the program, students are invited to study systems design, to engage in discursive deliberation, and to explore new transformational approaches to education.

Quick Facts

• Our EdD is rooted in our rich history and traditions of social justice and mercy values.
• We invite and respect diversity of thinking and expression as we learn together to challenge social injustices and inequities in schools.
• This program positions students as innovative thinkers as they present their ideas and practice-based research.
• Students can learn and work with other innovative system thinkers.

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.

Full-Time Faculty

Keely Baronak, EdD Chair, Professor, Education

Sean Freeland Assistant Professor

Tammi McMillan Director, Early Childhood Apprenticeship Hub

MiIsha Reid Assistant Professor, Special Education

Patricia McMahon, PhD Professor, Education

Valerie Piccini, MEd Instructor, Reading Specialist, Education

Marissa McClure-Sweeny Faculty and Program Director, Early Childhood 

Discover the advantages of Carlow University’s Education Programs

Now more than ever, our nation’s schools need skilled and compassionate educators, curriculum specialists, and instructional leaders.

In Carlow University’s Education programs, you will gain specialized knowledge and hands-on teaching experience. Just as importantly, you will come away with a deeper understanding of how to care for the whole student as an empathetic instructor and mentor.

Carlow purposefully offers programs devoted to the unique needs of today’s diverse student populations. Program options include art education, early childhood development, special education, and secondary education.  Certificate options include dyslexia, online teaching, and autism. Learn firsthand from passionate faculty and recognized experts in the field.

New! Doctorate in Education

Re-imagine the future of education

The Campus Lab School provides incredible practicum and field experiences for Education students.
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It takes one teacher or one principal to change the trajectory of a child’s life. Representation matters.

The Apprenticeship Program is a degree pathway for individuals working in childcare centers devoted to high quality early education.

Education students have the opportunity to join Future Educator’s Club, Best Buddies, or by-invitation, the international honor society in Education, Kappa Delta Pi. 

Our College in High School provides four Education classes during the school year and summer opportunities for those interested in teaching.

We offer special graduate level PD classes for $270.00, and we have a robust Speaker Series available for community organizations and schools. In addition, we offer a virtual Educator Workshop series accessible free of charge to the community. 

Newsletter

Learn about Carlow’s personalized education in our quarterly newsletter.

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Educator workshops on Eventbrite

Keep up on the latest topics and trends in education with our Carlow Educator Workshops. Led by Carlow School of Education instructors, workshops offer additional learning opportunities to help ready tomorrow’s educators.

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Faculty & staff

Our faculty and staff are devoted to nurturing and supporting current and future Scholar-Practitioners who are reflective in action, capable of creating and serving in High Performance Learning environments, and who support and respect the dignity and diversity of all learners.

Matthew E. Gordley, PhD Interim Provost & Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Keely Baronak, EdD Chair, Professor, Education

Tanya Baronti, M.S., M.Ed. Director of Clinical Placements

Ann Bisignani Graduate Program Coordinator

Debra Campbell Administrative Assistant

Sean Freeland Assistant Professor

Mimi Loughead SW Apprenticeship Workforce Coordinator

Marissa McClure-Sweeny Faculty and Program Director, Early Childhood 

Patricia McMahon, PhD Professor, Education

Tammi McMillan Director, Early Childhood Apprenticeship Hub

Lillian Naccarati Interim Executive Director, Campus Lab School & Early Learning Center

Susan O’Rourke, EdD Professor, Special Education

Valerie Piccini, MEd Instructor, Reading Specialist, Education

Susan Polojac Director, Apprenticeship Hub

MiIsha Reid Assistant Professor, Special Education

Pamela Zimmerman Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs, Education

Accreditation

Our Education programs are accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In addition, our Reading Specialist Program is accredited by the International Dyslexia Center.

View our student teaching handbook
View our education department handbook

Department of Education Points of Pride (2019-2023)

• In June 2023, Carlow University’s Education Department and Campus Laboratory School received a $85,000 grant from a private charitable foundation to continue the legacy of The Campus Lab School’s Founder, Sister Mary Paul Hickey. “The Sister Mary Paul Hickey Professional Educator Development Project,”encompasses an annual Sister Mary Paul Hickey Professional Development Educator Workshop Series; The Sister Mary Paul Hickey Symposium; The Sister Mary Paul Hickey Teacher Research Mini-Grants Project; and graduate scholarship awards to teachers from The Campus Lab School and schools in the Pittsburgh and Greensburg Dioceses. Sister Mary Paul Hickey was the founder of The Campus Laboratory School of Carlow University and served as Principal for more than 40 years. She left a legacy of service, innovation and a deep love for the students and teachers at The Campus Lab School. This grant honors her memory while building on her legacy of excellence in education and support of teacher development.

• In January 2023, Carlow University’s Department of Education was awarded two workforce diversity grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Education in the amount of $100,000 each. These grants established, “The Innovative Teacher Prep2Practice Program,” and “The Innovative Principal Prep2Practice Program,” for aspiring educators and principals and to support Pennsylvania’s workforce.

• In September 2022, Carlow’s Department of Education was awarded a $12 million sunsetting grant from a local, anonymous donor. “The Dr. Rae Ann Hirsh Apprenticeship Hub for Early Childhood Education,” was successfully endowed, following a two-year concept testing period that resulted in the receipt of the sunsetting grant. Carlow University is the first, four-year university in Pennsylvania to be designated by the Department of Labor as a four-year early childhood apprenticeship program and its work will continue in perpetuity as a result of this endowment gift.

• In May 2022, Carlow’s Department of Education was awarded an $808,025 grant from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Professional Development Organization (PASSHE PDO) in support of apprenticeship scholarships, student supports, and professional development opportunities.

• In December 2021, the Education Department was the recipient of a $109,122 grant from The Peirce Family Foundation in support of “The Peirce Dyslexia Program at Carlow University.” Funding encompasses a 4-week intensive summer structured literacy program, Camp Carlow and after school literacy workshops for children from The Campus Laboratory School and from the West Oakland/Hill District and greater Pittsburgh community.  The program also provides literacy tutoring support for Perry High School students (one of Pittsburgh Public Schools) conducted by graduate students of  Carlow’s four-course dyslexia track, which is embedded in the MEd Reading Specialist Program. 

• In July 2021, Carlow’s Department of Education was awarded an $80,150 grant from McAuley Ministries for the “Community Literacy Engagement Project (CLEP),” an individualized literacy support, four-week summer program for children from Campus Lab School and the West Oakland/Hill District communities. The grant also supports literacy tutoring in The Campus Lab School’s Dyslexia Center throughout the school year.

• In July 2021, Carlow University’s Education Department and Campus Laboratory School received a $93,500 grant from a private charitable foundation to establish, “The Sister Mary Paul Hickey Symposium and Teacher Leader Institute.”Components of the project include an annual professional development educator workshop series and symposium, teacher research mini-grants, and scholarship awards to teachers from The Campus Lab School and from schools in the Pittsburgh or Greensburg Diocese. 

• In June 2021, the Department of Education was the recipient of two separate $225,000 grants to fund the “Power of ONE,” a program aimed at providing teacher certification for educators of color. Funded generously by the McElhattan Foundation and The Grable Foundation, these grants benefit a strategic partnership between the University and partnering school districts. The grants allow Carlow to partner with school districts to diversify Pittsburgh’s teacher pipeline, allowing for a more seamless and supportive degree pathway for initial teacher certification for Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), having a tangible impact on increasing the number of educators of color in school districts where many students identify as Black and multi-racial.

• In May 2021, Carlow University was awarded $886,892 from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Professional Development Organization Grant (PASSHE PDO) through the Office of Child Development and Early Learning for scholarships and supports for childcare providers who are attending a college or are enrolled in university programs. Supports include textbooks, tutoring support, a full-time workforce coordinator, and an apprenticeship coaching website. Part of the grant will support Carlow’s early childhood apprenticeship program, which helps to improve childcare employee retention, reduce barriers for workforce entry, and increase diversity in teacher candidates.

• In February 2020, The Heinz Endowments awarded a $1 million grant and a $1 million endowment to support “The Dr. Rae Ann Hirsh Apprenticeship Hub for Early Childhood Education” to improve the quality of early childhood education in Pennsylvania.

• In September 2019, a local, anonymous foundation awarded two grants totaling $1 million to Carlow’s Department of Education to support a two-year concept testing period for the establishment of, “The Western Pennsylvania Early Childhood Apprenticeship Hub,” the first, four-year early childhood apprenticeship program in the state of Pennsylvania. 

In the Healthcare Social Work concentration of Carlow University’s online BSW, you’ll gain a conceptual, ethical and practical framework for social work practice in healthcare.

Enhance your career opportunities in the biotech industry

Designed for the biotech working professional who is looking to effect change in the health sector, our Quality Control and Assurance Certificate program offers a pathway to new and impactful career paths in healthcare and the life science fields. Designed in partnership with industry leaders, this online certificate will equip you with employable skills that you can take into the workforce at any time.

Quality Assurance and Control online courses include:

Pittsburgh, a force in the biotech industry

The Pittsburgh Region, already known for its innovation and excellence in healthcare, is now a force in the biotech industry, one of the fastest-growing fields in the country. Here at Carlow, innovation is what drives us. We are partnering with industry leaders who share a vision for the future of Pittsburgh to provide solutions to meet the next great need.

“As an industry expert- Pittsburgh is committed to building the infrastructure needed to support those working in the biomedical and life science fields.”

— Patrick Bailey, BioTech Professional

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Discover a world of possibilities with an MA in Psychology

Did you know there are personal benefits to studying psychology?¹

• Understand yourself better 
• Learn about research methods 
• Improve your understanding of others 

• Become a better communicator 
• Develop critical thinking skills 
• Help you in your future career 

• Learn about human development 
• Complement other areas of study 
• Develop insight into mental illness

Learn from professionals

MA in Psychology Career-focused Curriculum

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.  

Choose the psychology specialization that is best for you

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.

Alternate degree completion options

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.

Online Degree

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

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.”

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Psychology faculty

Joseph Roberts, PhD Professor, Program Director of MA in Psychology, MS in Fraud and Forensics, and Undergraduate Criminology

Keely Baronak, EdD Chair, Professor, Education

Mary Burke, PhD Professor, Counseling Psychology

Patricia McMahon, PhD Professor, Education

Jennifer Roth, PhD Professor, Psychology

Shannon White Assistant Professor

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

Esports Business Management Degree, discover a world of career possibilities

Now Recruiting for Fall 2023

Compete on Carlow’s coed esports team this fall. You will practice and compete in our on-campus esports facility equipped with experience-focused computers, hardware, and audio equipment. 

Interested? Fill out the RecruitMe Form

Esports Curriculum

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.

Internship opportunities

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.

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE PENNSYLVANIA INTERSCHOLASTIC ESPORTS ASSOCIATION

The PIEA is one of the first high school governing bodies solely focused on esports programs and clubs. And, we are excited to sponsor their upcoming championships.

Put your passion to work with a career in esports

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

Admission requirements and application process

Esports Faculty

Susan Rubisch-Gisler, PhD Chair, Associate Professor, Business Management

Howard A. Stern, PhD, MA, MPA, MSIS Professor, MBA Program Director, Director of The Center for 21st Century Innovation and Workforce Development

Eugene Ney Instructor Business Management

Carl Zappa Associate Head Coach, Men’s & Women’s Soccer

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

Expand your career opportunities with a healthcare management degree

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.

Healthcare Management curriculum

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.

Quick facts

• Take advantage of Carlow’s location and medical resources
• Explore healthcare data analytics as part of your core classes
• Get a jump start on master’s in Fraud and Forensics or Business Administration

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 toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Admission requirements & application process

Healthcare Management faculty

Michael Kistler, PhD Chair, Department of Public Health

Help students improve their literacy skills

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.

Graduate Certificate in Reading Specialist Curriculum 

Interested in pursuing a a graduate certificate in Reading Specialist with an embedded Dyslexia Certificate from Carlow University? 

Carlow Univeristy is a LEADER in the field of evidenced-aligned reading instruction. Carlow Reading Specialist candidates learn how to deliver systematic, explicit, multi-modal, diagnostic and intensive instruction. 

At Carlow University, our Reading Specialist program is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). We are in an elite crowd, as one of only a small number of universities nationwide with IDA accreditation! Best of all, Carlow’s Reading Specialist certificate program is available online, with class meeting times occurring synchronously (virtually) and asynchronously. 

At Carlow all of our coursework is aligned to IDA and Structured Literacy, and we are proud to have been awarded IDA accreditation for our MEd in Reading Specialist program! 

Unique options exist, that meet various needs: 

1.  Four Course Dyslexia Certificate, 12 credits 

• READ 721 Dyslexia and Structured Literacy 

• READ722 Critical Components of Phonological Awareness 

• READ723 Structures of Language & Linguistics I 

• READ 724 Data Integration and Instruction 

2.  Reading Specialist Certificate, 25 credits 

The four courses in the Dyslexia Certificate, plus: 

• READ 725 Teachers as Writers 

• READ 726 Critical Analysis of Text 

• SE 711 Disciplinary and Digital Literacy 

• READ 729 Structures of Language & Linguistics II 

• READ 740 Evaluating Literacy Curriculum 

3.  MEd in Reading Specialist, 31 credits 

All courses in the Dyslexia Certificate and the Reading Specialist Certificate, plus: 

• READ 727 Adolescent and Adult Literacy 

• ED 731 Creative Inquiry 

International Dyslexia Association’s Accredited Universities 

Center for Effective Reading Instruction, Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Interventionist 

Quick facts

• International Dyslexia Association, IDA Accredited 

• Practioner oriented equipping teachers of reading and writing with Structured Literacy and evidenced-aligned teaching practices 

• Faculty instructors who serve as national LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) trainers, Certified Orton-Gillingham Fellows, and literacy leaders and practitioners in the field 

• Connected to Carlow’s Campus Laboratory School where Reading Specialist candidates have the unique opportunity of working directly with students with dyslexia in the school’s multi-sensory learning lab 

• Partnerships with regional schools that enhance professional development 

• No student teaching required 

• Approved provider for the federal TEACH Grant 

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. No prerequisites or teacher licensure are required for this degree and certification.

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Testimonials

“Carlow’s Dyslexia Certificate is exceptional! The knowledge gained throughout my experience has helped me to better support and understand evidence based practices that are beneficial for all students and vital for students with dyslexia. In addition to the coursework and learning, I found valuable relationships in the Carlow faculty! The professors were excellent in their knowledge base, course structures, and accessibility. Knowing that all our students deserve instruction rooted in what the collective science says about how the brain learns to read, working through Carlow’s Dyslexia Certificate program was a must for me!”

-Tanya Lewis is a principal in the Butler Area School District, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Carlow’s Educational Leadership Program and Dylslexia Teaching Certificate track 

“I recently completed the accelerated, one-year MEd Reading Specialist and Dyslexia Certification program at Carlow University.  I was initially attracted to Carlow because of the IDA accreditation, course offerings, and virtual instruction.  Each course in the MEd Reading Specialist program and accompanying texts expanded my knowledge of reading science and structured literacy. The practicum experiences allowed me to put my new learning into practice.  My fondest memories of Carlow are the classes taught by enthusiastic, expert instructors in the field of literacy. I am proud to be a Carlow graduate, reading specialist, and a CERI Certified Structured Literacy Interventionist!”

-Laurie Gibbons is a Reading Specialist in Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland and a graduate of Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist Program with embedded Dyslexia Certificate  

“I highly recommend Carlow University’s MEd Reading Specialist program to anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge of evidence-based reading instruction and structured literacy. The professors are knowledgeable educators who have a wealth of experience in the field of education. The coursework helped me dive deeper into how children learn to read, the difficulties they may experience, and how to facilitate learning for students who struggle with reading. The embedded practicum allowed me to use the skills I was learning and provided opportunities for feedback and discussion with my professors and peers.”

-Sarah Seyler is a Reading Coach in Sussex County Public Schools, Virginia and a graduate of Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist Program with embedded Dyslexia Certificate 

“My courses in the Reading Specialist program at Carlow have been career-changing. I have been an elementary teacher for 17 years and have learned more about teaching reading in courses I’ve taken than I have in my previous combined eight years of higher education. Already having an MEd, obtaining another was not my original plan. Being introduced to the Science of Reading and getting a taste of the research changed my mind. I want to keep learning and growing as a teacher and soak up as much knowledge as I can from the amazing professors and education department at Carlow.” 

-Samantha Buterbaugh is a teacher in South Butler County School District, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist Program with embedded Dyslexia Certificate