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.
You can supplement your interest in learning about the past with a History minor. You will uncover the value of history through research of recorded events, analysis of patterns and critical thinking in order to present the past, better understand contemporary problems and predict future challenges.
A minor in History is a perfect addition to comprehensive Liberal Studies and English majors.
This minor is open to any major. A minimum of 18 credits is required.
Studying for a philosophy minor, you will examine and ask the largest and most important of human questions concerning life and the nature of the universe. You will immerse yourself in a critical study of past and present systems of philosophic thought and learn to investigate the truths and principles pertaining to the nature of existence, knowledge, values and conduct.
With its emphasis on language skills, critical thinking and abstract reasoning, the Philosophy minor has numerous practical applications. It complements majors such as Psychology or Education, and students majoring in Liberal Studies will find the Philosophy minor a superb addition to their other minors.
The minor requires 15 credits, including five courses in philosophy.
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree at Carlow University is designed to provide you with an understanding of human nature and cultural diversity. As a student in the program, you will participate in a one-year, agency-based field placement, a corresponding classroom seminar, and at least 50 hours of volunteer service. This will equip you with the hands-on experience you need to work through upper-level coursework and graduate with real-world experience.
The program is concentrated in social work theory and practice with a foundation of liberal arts studies. Throughout the curriculum, you will develop entry-level social work skills that can be translated into practice with individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
BSW
On campus & online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
The social work curriculum includes:
Upon completion of selected courses, social work majors must proceed with an application process into the upper-level social work requirements. This process must be completed prior to registering for field placement. Every social work major is required to participate in a 450-hour agency-based field placement, as well as a corresponding classroom seminar.
Additional information is available in the University’s course catalog.
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
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.
Graduates find jobs as social workers, individual case managers, support group facilitators, victim advocates, child and family advocates, protective service workers, disability and aging advocates, residential case managers, and social services coordinators/administrators/directors.
Increased demand for health care and social services will continue to fuel the need for this occupation.
View the professional licensure disclosure for this program.
The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 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 reviews. Carlow University’s next accreditation visit will be in 2028.
Resources
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
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.
Build a foundation in theory and research pertaining to crisis, abuse, and trauma in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) with a concentration in Crisis and Trauma. The curriculum’s focus ranges from immediate crisis assessment, intervention, and management to more specific issues; child abuse prevention and treatment, intimate partner violence, and investigating the impact of trauma for individuals and families.
BSW
On campus & online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
Students are to complete the major requirements as well as the following courses in crisis and trauma including the impact of trauma, crisis intervention, child abuse prevention and treatment and intimate partner violence. Prior to taking these courses, students complete the prerequisite of either “Introduction to Counseling” or “Theories and Methods of Direct Practice.”
With approval, transfer students may submit a transfer course for one of the above. A minimum of 9 credits in crisis and trauma must be taken at Carlow University.
For a more detailed curriculum, view our course catalog, or request more information to talk to an admissions representative.
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
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.
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.
Graduates find jobs as social workers, individual case managers, support group facilitators, victim advocates, child and family advocates, protective service workers, disability and aging advocates, residential case managers, and social services coordinators/administrators/directors.
Increased demand for healthcare and social services will continue to fuel the need for this occupation.
The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 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 reviews. Carlow University’s next accreditation visit will be in 2028.
View or download the following for more information:
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
Krista Burdett ’18 said the Carlow social work program challenged her to think like a social worker: from case studies to role-playing to writing a research paper. “When I entered the field after graduation, I felt confident in myself because I was fully prepared to handle situations. Now that I’m in the field, I reflect back to my course work to pull from competencies and skills I learned.”
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.
This evidence-based Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program uses a trauma-informed lens to prepare you for future advanced-level social work practice. Our experienced faculty continually provide opportunities and individualized coaching to provide you pathways into your preferred social work setting.
Carlow University’s MSW program includes interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration with three distinct tracks – direct practice, macro practice, and school social work.
This program is offered in-person, hybrid.
The mission of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at Carlow University is to educate and prepare ethical, compassionate professionals committed to a more just and merciful world. The MSW program promotes a trauma and research informed approach to professional social work practice to promote human and societal well-being and human rights. The program is committed to preparing exemplary leaders to critically engage in service to and advocacy for diverse populations and complex systems using a cultural humility lens to promote racial, social, economic, and environmental justice.
39-60+ credits
Varies
As few as 24 months
On campus & online
Direct Practice specialization focuses on teaching best practices for a range of assessment and intervention methods in working with individuals, families, and groups. It is grounded in:
This specialization is designed for students seeking careers providing direct services to clients experiencing various challenges across their lifespan within a variety of settings, including:
Macro Practice specialization is designed to develop strengths-based and trauma-informed ethical leaders and managers of human services organizations and social change leaders who advance human well-being. Students are taught best practices for working with larger systems, including communities, organizations, and societies.
The macro curriculum is grounded in a commitment to human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. It is designed for students seeking a future in:
School Social Work specialization builds on key components of the MSW program’s direct practice track, teaching best practices for various assessment and intervention methods in working with individuals, families, and groups in schools and school-based settings.
The school social work curriculum is grounded in the person-in-the-environment framework, trauma-informed approaches, human rights, and social and economic justice.
This specialization provides students with the knowledge and skills required for ethical leadership within:
The MSW program is also offered online.
Carlow also offers a Master of Business Administration and Master of Social Work (MBA/MSW) dual degree program. This is a unique interdisciplinary degree, which offers the opportunity to examine both the theoretical and practical aspects of business administration while also studying social work.
You do not need a BSW to enter the MSW Program. People with a wide variety of undergraduate degrees can enter the MSW program to become a social worker. Traditional MSW students can earn their MSW at Carlow by taking a minimum of 60 credits.
If you already have a BSW from an CSWE-accredited program, you will qualify for application for advanced standing. This track allows you to complete this degree at Carlow in as few as 18 months (39 credits).
Students who have earned an undergraduate social work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program within the past 7 years qualify for advanced standing status. Advanced standing students are able to earn their MSW at Carlow by taking a minimum of 39- credits (an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is required for advanced standing status).
Graduates find employment and become leaders in many practice settings. These include integrated behavioral health settings such as hospitals, community mental health centers, substance use facilities, school systems and criminal justice facilities. Graduates work with underserved populations including children, adults, elders, individuals with disabilities and those experiencing a crisis. They are also prepared to work in the policy arena and to serve and lead in larger systems such as NGO’s, non-profit entities and governmental organizations as well as engaging in community advocacy.
What stood out for MSW graduate Brandy Patterson ’20 was how supportive Carlow’s faculty and staff were, especially in the Social Work Program. “I always felt like I was able to reach out to whomever I needed at the time to get the help that I needed. If I were to give a yelp review for the Masters of Social Work program I would say it is very supportive and flexible which is great for adult students. You will never feel alone or lost in this program.”
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.
anytime
Fall & Spring*
*Summer start is possible for advanced standing only
Learn from world-class faculty devoted to your future success who are actively practicing and publishing in the discipline. Our six full-time faculty have a combined total of 100+ years of experience in the practice of teaching or in the field of social work
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.
Make an impact with a nursing degree from the School of Nursing at 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.
The Carlow University School of Nursing will be hosting an on-site evaluation of the baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)from April 3 to 5, 2024. The purpose of this visit is to achieve re-accreditation of its nursing programs.
In accordance with CCNE’s procedures, the Commission provides the opportunity for program constituents and other interested parties to submit, in writing, third-party comments concerning a program’s qualifications for accreditation. These qualifacitions can be found in the CCNE Standards for Accreditation (2018).
Written third-party comments regarding the Carlow University nursing programs must be received by CCNE 21 days before the scheduled evaluation or no later than March 13, 2024. Only signed comments are accepted by CCNE. All third-party comments submitted to CCNE must be written in English, consistent with CCNE’s policy on Conduct of Business in English. CCNE shares third-party comments with members of the evaluation team prior to the visit, but at no time during the review process are these comments shared with the program. Please submit comments to thirdpartycomments@ccneaccreditation.org.
Or, if you prefer, mail comments to:
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Attn: Third-Party Comments
655 K Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
Carlow University offers a variety of science and math degrees grounded in liberal arts that will prepare you for a myriad of careers that involve scientific and mathematical theories and applications. Math and science programs provide a strong foundation for related careers such as engineering, medicine and health care, and for graduate work. Courses are available on campus and online.
Carlow University’s Post-Masters Addiction Counseling certificate is a four-course sequence for new as well as experienced clinicians who want to enhance their knowledge and understanding of addictions. The Post-Master’s Addiction Counseling certificate is housed within the Professional Counseling Program in the Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Criminology, College of Arts & Sciences. The Professional Counseling Program offers a variety of CACREP-accredited programs: 60-credit Masters of Science in Professional Counseling Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Addictions Counseling; 12-credit Post-Masters Certificate in Addictions Counseling; 9-credit Post-Masters Certificate in School-Based Mental Health Counseling; and the Accelerated Masters Professional Counseling Program for Carlow Undergraduates.
The Post-Master’s Addiction Counseling certificate (12 credits) meets the Addictions-specific education requirements for the IC&RC Examination for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselors (AADC exam) and PA Certification Board – Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). Through this program, students will build the foundation for competency in Addiction Counseling.
12 credits
$986/credit
3 semesters
100% online
The four certificate courses are:
Employment of substance abuse and mental health counselors is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Admission Criteria
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
Admission Criteria
An undergraduate and graduate 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.
If you are interested in this graduate certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
The Forensic Psychology concentration of Carlow’s Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP) program will help you learn to use the tools of psychology in a wide variety of criminal and civil legal applications. You’ll develop advanced research and clinical skills that can help in the job hunt as well as prepare you for future doctoral studies in psychology.
36 credits
$957/credit
As few as 4 semesters
On campus & online
The Forensic Psychology degree curriculum focuses on developing research skills through the MAP core subjects and a three-course concentration. Courses include Foundations of Forensic Psychology, Systems of the Criminal Justice System and Psychology of Deviance.
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.
Forensic psychologists look at people, situations and clues to learn more about criminal motivation and behavior. Together with the core MAP Program curriculum, students within this concentration are prepared to work with civil and criminal courts, juvenile and adult probation, prevention and rehabilitation programs, and corrections.
When a local golf course closed, Emily Golling took the lead in preserving the abandoned land as greenspace for others to enjoy. Her Carlow-instilled initiative took leadership by surprise. “I had no idea about her passion until we were conversing over a planned activity,” said Erin Boyles, assistant dean of students. “I should have known, though, because when she wants or feels something is needed, her passion is front row.”
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
What stuck out most for Rachel Seamans ’21 about Carlow’s Master’s of Psychology program was the engaged faculty. “They 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.”
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.