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Re-entry & Resiliency Plan (updated 4/15/21)
Find your social and behavioral sciences degrees at Carlow
Carlow University offers a variety of social and behavioral science degree programs to prepare you for a career in social work or counseling. You will develop social work skills that can be translated into practice with individuals, families, organizations and communities, and learn the theories of human behavior related to how personality, environment and culture interact with one another to shape an individual.
Program Name
Offered
Degree Earned
Transform lives, transform your career: MSW in Direct Practice
You will be transformed through a trauma-informed lens in this evidence-based Master in Social Work program that includes interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration.
The Direct Practice concentration is grounded in the person-in-the-environment framework.The program is trauma-focused, where each person is accepted for who they are in their environment.
Direct practice specialization applies critical thinking and ethical principles in a clinical setting with individuals, small groups and families.
Credits Required:
45-60 credits
Cost per credit:
$902/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 24 months
Delivery:
On campus, some online
MSW: Direct Practice curriculum
You will learn a range of prevention and intervention methods and study how to assess a person through his or her past and present environments and build on resiliency and strengths.
Bachelor’s in Social Work students from Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited programs will qualify for application for advanced standing, able to earn their MSW at Carlow by taking 45 credits.
Quick Facts
- Take classes on campus or online
- Take classes part time or full time
- Learn from world-class faculty who are actively practicing and publishing in the discipline
Career opportunities for MSW: Direct Practice graduates
Graduates find employment in health and behavioral health care settings, hospitals, human services, family services, crisis services and substance treatment centers and clinical private practice.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of social workers to grow 13% between 2019 and 2029, resulting in 713,200 new jobs.
Accreditation
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.
Resources
- View or download the Master of Social Work program handbook [pdf]
- View or download the Master of Social Work field manual [pdf]
- View or download the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf]
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
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.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Contact Admissions
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.
Find your law and criminal justice degree at Carlow
You will learn to understand crime and law when you choose one of Carlow University’s criminal law and justice degree programs. You will delve into the concept of law, the types and measurements of crime, criminal behavior theories, the U.S. criminal justice system, law enforcement, and the courts. Accelerated options are available.
Program Name
Offered
Degree Earned
Understand crime and criminal justice: Criminology major
With a bachelor’s in Criminology, you will learn the nature of crime and the effectiveness and fairness of society’s efforts to prevent and control it.
You will engage in a cross-disciplinary approach to the study of crime, offenders and victims, as well as the agencies, laws, policies and processes of the criminal justice system. You will train to become an agent of change by developing critical thinking skills through problem-based learning in order to impact the fields relevant to criminology professionals regardless of setting.
A psychology concentration is embedded within the program to ensure that you have the knowledge relevant to direct-practice professions in the field. This emphasis on psychology will help you develop an awareness of the critical role mental health plays in criminal behavior.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery:
On campus, some online
Campus:
Oakland
Transfer credits:
Up to 90 credits
Criminology major curriculum
Carlow University’s major in Criminology focuses on prevention and remediation strategies. Notable courses include Crime and Mental Health and Race, Class and Justice.
Quick Facts
- Pair studies with additional minors in Pre-Law, Counseling, or Crisis and Trauma
- Enjoy flexible options for degree completion for non-traditional students and those outside of the region
- Benefit from internship opportunities
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.
3-Year Degree
Finish your bachelor’s degree in three years by following a 3-year academic plan. Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms with summer courses completely online. When applying, indicate your interest in the 3-Year Degree option.
Accelerated
Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
Career opportunities for Criminology graduates
Criminology graduates are prepared for careers in local, federal and international law enforcement, adult and juvenile corrections and probation, and prevention and rehabilitation services. Many students pursue psychology and criminal justice-related graduate programs and law school.
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
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.
Learn fraud prevention, fully online: MS in Fraud and Forensics
Acquire in-demand, up-to-date skills in Carlow University’s IACBE-accredited online Master of Science in Fraud and Forensics. One of the first of its kind in the nation, the program is consistently ranked as one of the top forensic accounting programs.
Accreditation
The College of Arts and Sciences Department of Business Management, Accounting, and Ethics at Carlow University has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11374 Strang Line Road in Lenexa, Kansas, USA.
For a list of accredited programs and retention information, see Accreditations.
Earn your graduate certificate in forensic accounting online
You can pursue a new career or seek promotion in the field with a graduate certificate in fraud and forensics. The program combines case-based learning with top anti-fraud resources from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) to help prepare you to investigate, remediate and prevent fraud.
Credits Required:
11 credits
Cost per credit:
$902/credit
Time to completion:
As few as 2 semesters
Delivery:
100% Online
Forensic accounting certificate curriculum
You will learn key strategies to minimize fraud, build an understanding of required personal ethics and hone the skill of financial statement examination. Courses include lectures and videos from experts in the forensic accounting field.
Upon completion, you will be prepared to pursue ACFE certification. Credits earned in this certificate program can be used toward a master’s in fraud and forensics.
Quick Facts
- Learn through case-based learning
- Be prepared for ACFE certification
Career opportunities for forensic accounting
Heightened awareness and growing intolerance of fraudulent activity has increased demand for forensic accountants, according to the ACFE. Once certified, forensic accountants can hold positions in governmental departments, accounting firms, corporate security and risk management, and law firms.
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
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.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
Find your nursing degree at Carlow
Make an impact with a nursing degree from Carlow University. Learn what you need to know to help others, whether you’re a pre-licensure student, seeking a second degree BSN or on the path to a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree. Carlow is central to Pittsburgh’s vibrant and varied health care community. You can also take classes at suburban Greensburg and Cranberry campuses. Many courses are available online as well.
Program Name
Offered
Degree Earned
Positively transform health care
Patient outcomes are better when highly educated and compassionate nurses have a seat at the table. Earning your DNP degree in our low-residency online program with synchronous components, in which you learn alongside others virtually or in-person, offers a unique opportunity to move into leadership roles without disrupting your current nursing career.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program
Carlow’s Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner degree will teach you the skills needed for advanced practice nursing in a variety of health care settings, including private offices and practices, hospice centers, nurse-managed health centers, school clinics, home health care and community health centers.
You will be able to manage acute and chronic conditions, promote health, prevent disease, and educate and counsel individuals and families at all ages. Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat patients in collaboration with a physician and as part of a health care team. They may focus on health promotion and disease prevention; order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests; and prescribe medication.
The MSN program serves as the basis for doctoral studies and lifelong learning. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to assume a leadership position in nursing and contribute to the discipline of nursing through evidence-based practice efforts.
Credits Required:
49 credits
Cost per credit:
$891/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 28 months
Delivery:
On campus & online
Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum
The curriculum for the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program meets the requirements for national board certification and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories.
Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for board certification as a family nurse practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Quick Facts
- Enroll part time or full time
- Available at 3 locations: Oakland, Greensburg and Cranberry
- Complete 600 clinical hours in a mix of urban and rural health care agencies
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.
Certificate option
Post-master’s certificate
If you have already earned an MSN and are looking to add a credential, we offer post-master’s certificates in Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. Upon certificate completion, you are eligible to sit for board certification.
Career opportunities for MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner
Employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Growth will occur primarily because of an increased emphasis on preventive care and demand for health care services from an aging population.
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Also, you must have:
- A current, valid and unrestricted license as a registered nurse
- Completed an approved undergraduate statistics course
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall & Spring
An undergraduate GPA of 3.00 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 GRE or GMAT required.
Contact Admissions
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.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Carlow’s Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a women’s health nurse practitioner will allow you to promote women’s health issues while also advancing your nursing career.
National workforce data indicates that many women’s health nurse practitioners are nearing retirement age. Carlow University is responding to this critical need by offering the only WHNP graduate program in Western Pennsylvania. This MSN program is leading the way with many regional providers of women’s health care by providing qualified, compassionate and dedicated women’s health nurse practitioners specifically trained to provide obstetrical and gynecological care.
Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat patients in collaboration with a physician and as part of a health care team. They may order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications. Women’s health nurse practitioners provide preventive care for women in private practice settings. They may also provide adolescent health care, pregnancy testing, fertility evaluation, prenatal visits, after-pregnancy care and menopausal care.
Carlow’s MSN program is a foundation for doctoral studies and lifelong learning. Upon completion, you will be prepared to take leadership positions in nursing and will contribute to the discipline of nursing through evidence-based practice efforts.
Credits Required:
49 credits
Cost per credit:
$891/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 28 months
Delivery:
On campus & online
MSN: Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner curriculum
The program curriculum meets the requirements for national board certification and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure in all U.S. states and territories. Graduates are eligible to sit for board certification as a women’s health nurse practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Quick Facts
- Enroll part time or full time
- Available at 3 locations: Oakland, Greensburg and Cranberry
- Complete 600 clinical hours in a mix of urban and rural health care agencies
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.
Certificate option
Post-master’s certificate
If you have already earned an MSN and are looking to add an additional credential we offer post-master’s certificates in Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. Upon certificate completion, you are eligible to sit for board certification.
Career opportunities for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners
Employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Also, you must have:
- A current, valid and unrestricted license as a registered nurse
- Completed an approved undergraduate statistics course
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 GRE or GMAT required.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Contact Admissions
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.