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Transform the future of healthcare with an entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Built on the Mercy principles of hospitality, discovery, and service, Carlow’s entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program will help prepare you for a meaningful career in healthcare. You will develop deep roots in humanistic theory, emphasizing a balance of physical, emotional, and social health and wellness, participate in interprofessional experiences, engage in community service, and complete applicable fieldwork.
▸ View or download our program’s mission and outcomes [pdf]
Upon graduation, you will be prepared to transform the future of practice using an occupational justice-informed approach to health and well-being.
Credits required:
100 credits
Cost per credit:
$1059/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 8 semesters
Delivery:
On campus
Occupational Therapy Doctorate curriculum
Throughout the OTD curriculum, we have integrated interprofessional experiences into course-based learning activities and community-based experiences. Shared spaces and faculty create daily interprofessional interactions, while critical thinking and ethics courses provide interprofessional discussion and reflection. You will participate in fieldwork experiences (Level 1 & 2) that allow you to bridge your knowledge between classroom and practice using an occupational justice-informed approach. Completion of a doctoral capstone project will position you to identify areas of need in practice to address under-resourced individuals, groups and populations.
- Level I fieldwork (3 required): discover, develop and enhance your professional identity and apply your classroom knowledge to your experiences located on campus and in the surrounding Pittsburgh, Pa community
- Level II fieldwork (2, 12-week required, pre-requisite of the doctoral capstone experience): apply clinical and technological skills in a variety of supervised practice settings (interprofessional & evidence-based) and focus on environment and community concepts (education & advocacy)
- Doctoral Capstone Experience (14-week course): address a link to the domain of OT, occupational justice, and health and wellbeing to promote occupational engagement of clients (individuals, groups, or populations).
The OTD curriculum is taught through a whole-health perspective that works to develop your whole person for innovative practice in healthcare, dedicated to optimizing health and well-being as a path to occupational justice.
Quick Facts
- Learn interprofessionally
- Become a powerful citizen of justice in society and healthcare
- Prepare yourself to be an innovative leader in healthcare
▸ Read about the Carlow difference [pdf]
Career opportunities for Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists, as defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association, are skilled health care professionals who use research and scientific evidence to ensure their interventions are effective. With strong knowledge of a person’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social makeup, occupational therapy practitioners can evaluate how your condition (or risk for one) is affecting your body and mind, using a holistic perspective.
Ranked one of the best jobs by U.S. News & World Report, OT is slated to grow 16% over the next 10 years (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
▸ View or download the occupational therapy information sheet [pdf]
Accreditation
Carlow University’s Occupational Therapy program has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449, phone: +1 (301) 652-AOTA, website: www.acoteonline.org
The entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate program is in the process to attain full-accreditation status with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Information regarding the program accreditation process and Carlow University’s current status can be obtained by contacting ACOTE c/o AOTA at +1 (301) 652-AOTA or online at www.acoteonline.org. ACOTE is located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929.
▸ View or download our accreditation timeline [pdf]
Admission requirements and application process
Before applying through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application System (OTCAS), view or download the following documents:
Apply by
Sept. 15 (Carlow UG/Alum)
Dec. 1 (General)
Start term
Fall
Faculty
-
-
Miranda Virone Director of Clinical Education
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.
Build potential and access to full participation with an MS in Occupational Therapy
Built on the Mercy principles of hospitality, discovery, and service, Carlow’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) will help you develop deep roots in humanistic theory, emphasizing a balance of physical, emotional, and social health and wellness. Our OT program is intentionally integrated with interprofessional experiences and faculty that help prepare you for your future as an occupational therapist.
▸ View or download our program’s mission and outcomes [pdf]
Upon graduation, you will be prepared to transform the future of practice using an occupational justice-informed approach to health and well-being.
Credits required:
73 credits
Cost per credit:
$1059/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 6 semesters
Delivery:
On campus
Master’s in occupational therapy curriculum
Throughout the curriculum, we have integrated interprofessional experiences into course-based learning activities and community-based experiences. Shared spaces and faculty create daily interprofessional interactions, while critical thinking and ethics courses provide interprofessional discussion and reflection. You will participate in fieldwork experiences (Level 1 & 2) that allow you to bridge your knowledge between classroom and practice using an occupational justice-informed approach.
- Level I fieldwork (3 required): discover and develop your professional identity, apply your classroom knowledge to your experiences, and complete experience on campus and in the surrounding Pittsburgh, Pa community
- Level II fieldwork (2, 12-week required): apply clinical skills in a variety of supervised practice settings, complete experience in traditional or innovative practice settings, and focus on environment and community concepts, and interprofessional and evidence-based practice
The OT curriculum is taught through a whole-health perspective that works to develop your whole person for innovative practice in healthcare, dedicated to optimizing health and well-being as a path to occupational justice.
Quick Facts
- Learn interprofessionally
- Become a powerful citizen of justice in society and healthcare
- Be eligible to sit for the OT national certification exam
▸ Read about the Carlow difference [pdf]
Career opportunities for Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists, as defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association, are skilled health care professionals who use research and scientific evidence to ensure their interventions are effective. With strong knowledge of a person’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social makeup, occupational therapy practitioners can evaluate how your condition (or risk for one) is affecting your body and mind, using a holistic perspective.
Ranked one of the best jobs by U.S. News & World Report, OT is slated to grow 16% over the next 10 years (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
▸ View or download the occupational therapy information sheet [pdf]
Accreditation
Carlow University’s Occupational Therapy program has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449, phone: +1 (301) 652-AOTA, website: www.acoteonline.org
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is in the process to attain full-accreditation status with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Information regarding the program accreditation process and Carlow University’s current status can be obtained by contacting ACOTE c/o AOTA at +1 (301) 652-AOTA or online at www.acoteonline.org. ACOTE is located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929.
▸ View or download our accreditation timeline [pdf]
Admission requirements and application process
Before applying through Occupational Therapy Centralized Application System (OTCAS), view or download the following documents:
Apply by
Sept. 15 (Carlow UG/Alum)
Dec. 1 (General)
Start term
Fall
Faculty
-
Erin Phillips, OTD, MSOT, OTR/L, DipACLM Program Director, Associate Professor
-
Miranda Virone Director of Clinical Education
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.
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.
Credits required:
25 credits
Cost per credit:
$600/credit
Time to completion:
As few as 12 months
Delivery:
On campus or online
Graduate Certificate in Reading Specialist Curriculum
The program is focused on the science of reading with an emphasis on facilitating learning for students who struggle with reading.
Quick Facts
- Innovative applied-based practices
- No student teaching required
- Approved provider for the federal TEACH Grant
Career opportunities for reading specialists
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.
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. No prerequisites or teacher licensure are required for this degree and certification.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Faculty
-
Erin Phillips, OTD, MSOT, OTR/L, DipACLM Program Director, Associate Professor
-
Miranda Virone Director of Clinical Education
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
Enter the workforce ready to make a change
Studies in the area of Restorative Justice will provide you with a foundational focus in addressing community-based issues pertaining to inequities in the justice system. You will also be introduced to alternate methods for addressing crime-related issues beyond the typical incarceration models most often employed by the United States.
You will be encouraged to consider how race and class affect interactions with the police and court systems. This concentration provides a solid foundation of theory, policy and research to help students become active change agents as they enter the workforce
Degree:
BSW
Delivery:
On campus, some online
Campus:
Oakland
Transfer credits:
Up to 90 credits
Restorative Justice concentration curriculum
Students are required to complete the Restorative Justice sequence — Communities, Organizations in Praxis and Race, Class and Justice, as well as two courses from the following:Violence and Victims of Crime, Crime and Mental Health, Prison and Society and/or Juvenile Delinquency. Prior to taking these courses, students must complete Introduction to Social Work and Introduction to Criminal Justice.
Quick Facts
- Students are required to satisfy the requirements for the Social Work or Criminology major
- Concentration requires 12 credits, not including prerequisites
- A minimum of six credits of the selected Restorative Justice courses must be taken at Carlow University
Career opportunities for Restorative Justice graduates
Restorative justice provides social workers with a framework and set of practices to repair or produce resolution, to the extent possible in individual, family, community situations that may or may not involve the criminal justice system. At the macro or societal level, social workers advocate for social justice policy as well as provide resources for disenfranchised members of society.
Social workers may be working with individuals victimized by a crime or individuals court-ordered to treatment because of offending behaviors. Applications of restorative justice may be used by social workers within the criminal justice system such as in jails or prisons; or re-entry initiatives for incarcerated individuals; or within the child welfare system in cases of child abuse and neglect; or in educational settings where restorative practices are used by school social workers to build community and respond to conflict.
Accreditation
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 Fall 2020.
View or download the following for more information:
- Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf]
- Bachelor of Social Work field manual [pdf]: contains information and documents specific to the field placement component of the program
- Bachelor of Social Work program handbook [pdf]: contains policies, procedures and information about the program
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
Faculty
-
Earl Bradford Smith, PhD, MSW, LCSW Assistant Professor, Social Work
-
Jessica Friedrichs, MSW BSW Field Education Director, Assistant Professor
-
Kathryn Bonach, PhD, LSW Program Director, Associate Professor, Social Work
-
Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work
-
Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work
-
Sheila Roth, PhD, LCSW Program Director, Professor, Social Work (MSW)
-
Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Assistant Professor, Social Work
-
William Dabney Assistant Professor, Social Work
Contact Admissions
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.
Prepare to help meet the educational needs of students with disabilities
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.
Credits Required:
26 credits
Delivery:
$600/credit
Time to completion:
As few as 18 months
Delivery:
On campus or online
Graduate Certificate in Special Education curriculum
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.
Quick Facts
- Emphasizes meeting needs of students with a wide range of disabilities and positive behavior support
- Latest special education technology
- Approved provider for the federal TEACH Grant
Career opportunities for special education teachers
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.
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. No prerequisites or teacher licensure are required for this degree and certification.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Faculty
-
Erin Phillips, OTD, MSOT, OTR/L, DipACLM Program Director, Associate Professor
-
Miranda Virone Director of Clinical Education
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
Meet students’ unique needs: Master’s in Special Education
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.
Credits Required:
30-51 credits
Cost per credit:
$600/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 18 months
Delivery:
On campus or online
Special Education degree curriculum
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.
Quick Facts
- Gain integrated practicum experiences
- Develop strong background in structured literacy
- Complete field and student teaching placements
Alternate degree completion option
Certificate options
Add-on certificate
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.
Graduate Certificate in Special Education (PreK-12)
This program is available as a graduate certificate which leads to an endorsement from PDE for already licensed teachers.
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.
Career opportunities for MEd in Special Education
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.
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. No prerequisites or teacher licensure required for this degree and certification
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Faculty
-
Erin Phillips, OTD, MSOT, OTR/L, DipACLM Program Director, Associate Professor
-
Miranda Virone Director of Clinical Education
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.
Improve outcomes for students struggling with reading
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.
Credits required:
25-31 credits
Cost per credit:
$600/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 12 months
Delivery:
On campus or online
Curriculum for MEd Reading Specialist
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.
Quick Facts
- Structured literacy and IDA focus
- Faculty instructors who serve as national LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) trainers
- Partnerships with regional schools that enhance professional development
Certificate options
Add-on certificate
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.
Graduate Certificate in Reading Specialist (Pre-K-12)
This program is available as a graduate certificate which leads to an endorsement from PDE for already licensed teachers.
Career opportunities for Reading Specialist
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.
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. No prerequisites or teacher licensure are required for this degree and certification.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Faculty
-
Keely Baronak, EdD Chair, Professor, Education
-
Rae Ann Hirsh, DEd Program Director, Early Childhood Education, Professor
-
Marilyn Llewellyn, PhD Professor, Education
-
Susan O’Rourke, EdD Professor, Special Education
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 or attending an upcoming event.
Study Data Analytics at Carlow
You can prepare for a high demand field and cultivate real-world data analysis skills with a minor in data analytics from Carlow University.
Curriculum for Data Analytics minor
The Data Analytics minor is open to any major. A minimum of 16 credits is required, at least 3 of which must be an elective.
Required courses include:
- Introduction to Data Analytics
- Data Visualization
- Basic Applied Statistics
- Applied Calculus or Calculus I
- Introduction to Programming in R, Introduction to Programming in Python or Computer Applications for Science and Mathematics
Combine business and social work with a MSW-MBA dual degree
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.
Credits Required:
72-87 credits
Cost per credit:
$902/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 3 years
Delivery:
On campus, some online
MSW-MBA dual degree program curriculum
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.
Quick Facts
- Choose from direct practice or macro practice social work specializations
- Engage in trauma-focused learning
- Graduate with two master’s degrees
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.
Career Opportunities for MSW-MBA graduates
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.
National Ranking 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 term:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Faculty
-
Sheila Roth, PhD, LCSW Program Director, Professor, Social Work (MSW)
-
William Dabney Assistant Professor, Social Work
-
Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work
-
Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Assistant Professor, Social Work
-
Earl Bradford Smith, PhD, MSW, LCSW Assistant Professor, Social Work
-
Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work
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.
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