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 Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity prepares ethical leaders to defend our digital future. This service-focused program combines practical, skills-first training with a commitment to integrity in practice. Students gain hands-on experience in investigating threats, protecting networks, and applying ethical decision-making to complex challenges while developing the confidence to navigate evolving workforce demands. With pathways to industry certifications and careers that safeguard critical systems, Carlow Cybersecurity graduates step forward ready to strengthen communities, support innovation, and make a meaningful impact in a world where security and trust matter more than ever.

Quick facts

• Hybrid, low-code, skills-first curriculum focuses on the practical skills employers need most: identifying threats, protecting networks, and understanding digital ethics.
• Low-code programs are a lower barrier to careers in tech, increasing access to high-paying jobs and supporting our mission and university goals.
• A Career Navigation course early in the curriculum to help students understand how and where to find jobs in the industry
• Learn to investigate security threats, analyze data breaches, and apply ethical thinking to real-world challenges—all through interactive labs, group projects, and scenario-based learning.
• Prepare for industry certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker, and GIAC Security Essentials.

Full-time Faculty

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

Dr. Jennifer Stafford Assistant Dean and Director of Teacher Education

Shape the business of sport, on and off the field, with Carlow University’s Bachelor of Science in Sports Management.

At Carlow, you’ll merge your passion for athletics with real-world leadership, learning to steer sports organizations, drive marketing and operations, and lead teams in dynamic environments. With built-in practicums, internship experience, and an accelerated 4+1 option toward a master’s, this program is designed to prepare you for roles such as athletic administrator, facilities or marketing manager, coach, or event director. Graduate ready to be a leader
in sports, business, and community.

Quick facts

• It is easy to double major in Business Management,
Human Resource Management, or Healthcare Management and graduate in 4 years.
• Graduates will receive a Bachelor of Science degree.
• The major includes two practicums and an internship.

Accelerated Track Available

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.

Career Opportunities for
Bachelor’s in Sports Management

• Facilities Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Coaches/Scouts
• Athletic Administrator
• Public Relations Manager

Full-time Faculty

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

Dr. Jennifer Stafford Assistant Dean and Director of Teacher Education

Ignite your passion for movement, health, and performance with Carlow University’s Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science & Human Performance. This program prepares you to become a certified professional in health coaching, fitness, and athletic performance, while also equipping you with the leadership skills to guide individuals, teams, and communities toward healthier lives. You’ll gain the knowledge, hands-on experience, and nationally recognized certifications that position you for careers ranging from exercise physiologist to performance coach, wellness consultant, or athletic director. At Carlow, you won’t just study human performance, you’ll be prepared to shape it.

Quick facts

• Small class size
• Students after graduation will be eligible to achieve the following certifications:
  – Health Coaching certification from the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC)
  – Strength and Conditioning Certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
  – Personal Trainer and Exercise Physiologist certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
  – Personal Trainer certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
  
  

Career Opportunities for Bachelor’s in Exercise Science and Human Performance

Health Coaching and Personal Wellness Track
• Health Coach
• Exercise Physiologist
• Fitness Trainer
• Wellness Coordinator
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Corporate Wellness Consultant

Sports Performance and Management Track
• Performance Coach for a Sports team
• Performance coach for individual Athletes
• Athletic Development coordinator
• Return to play specialist
• Sports Marketing and Public Relations Specialist
• Athletic Director
• Sports event manager

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

A Case Study of Carlow’s Dyslexia Program

Since 2021, the Peirce Dyslexia Center at Carlow University has been at the forefront of addressing the nation’s literacy crisis. By training dyslexia practitioners in structured literacy and providing targeted tutoring to hundreds of children, the Center has created life-changing educational outcomes—both for students and for the educators who serve them.

The Challenge

According to the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), 15–20% of the population struggles with aspects of reading acquisition. Although all brains learn to read by developing the same neural pathways, those with dyslexia experience disruptions in this process. Through structured, evidence-based instruction, these barriers can be overcome—but only with intentional, sustained effort.

“Two-thirds of our nation’s fourth and eighth graders read below proficiency. It’s been this way for decades. We, as a system, must look more closely at our instructional methods, curricular resources, and scope to ensure our education approach is evidence-based and aligns with what we know about how the brain learns to read. Only then can we ensure all—not just some—achieve full literacy.”

—  Valerie Piccini, Director of Carlow’s Reading Specialist Program

Impact by the Numbers

Program Supporters

• Robert and Joan Peirce Family Foundation
• Irene Shea Foundation (supporting the Sister Mary Paul Hickey Educator Project)

A Scholar’s Perspective

“I selected Carlow University because the Reading Specialist Master’s program is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association. Carlow stood out in its emphasis on dyslexia and the science of reading.

I began this journey because so many of my high school students were reading far below grade level—and yet they still had dreams and goals like anyone else. I felt unequipped to give them the intensive instruction they deserved. Carlow gave me the tools I needed to be part of the change.”

— Sophie Moutis, Peirce Scholarship recipient and Reading Specialist graduate student