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

Workforce-Ready Nurses

The United States is facing a critical nursing shortage, and Western Pennsylvania is no exception. Healthcare systems are struggling to meet the growing demand for skilled nurses, particularly in long-term care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings.

Thanks to generous funding from Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and the Eden Hall Foundation, Carlow University launched its Practical Nursing Certificate Program, a 16-month, full-time program designed to expedite entry into the workforce and bridge critical gaps in patient care. Unlike traditional multi-year nursing programs, LPN programs produce workforce-ready nurses in a fraction of the time, making them a potent solution to the ongoing shortage.

Since launch, the program has already made an outsize impact, with its success attracting attention from local press—most notably with a featured interview on WPXI’s “4 the Record.”

Impact & Early Results

Our First Pinning Ceremony was held in December of 2024, marking a new milestone for Carlow’s nursing legacy. The success of the program is already visible:

Beyond the numbers, Carlow’s LPN graduates are making an immediate impact—stepping into positions that might otherwise remain unfilled, easing the burden on overworked RNs, and helping ensure patients continue to receive high-quality care.

“We are committed to preparing skilled nurses who are ready to meet the needs of our healthcare system today—not years from now. This program is a direct response to the workforce crisis, creating opportunities for students while strengthening our community.” — Dr Kathy Humphrey, Carlow President

Voices of Change: Stories from the Field

“I’m grateful to Carlow that they gave everyone this opportunity to get where we want to go… That shows hope” — Patricia Garland, LPN Certificate Program Class of 2024

“Carlow’s LPN graduates are stepping in where we need them most—on the front lines of patient care. This program is a game-changer.” — Dr. Angela Simmons, Founding Director, LPN Program

More Than an Academic Initiative

The Carlow Practical Nursing Certificate Program is more than an academic initiative—it’s a fast, effective workforce solution. In addition to academic instruction, additional services provided to students include:

• Scholarships & Emergency Financial Aid
• Childcare Assistance
• Food & Housing Security Initiatives
• Hands-On Job Placement Services & Career Development
• Flexible Learning & Curriculum Support
• Program Coordination & Student Support Services
• Financial Literacy Workshops

Thanks to strategic funding and forward-thinking partnerships, Carlow is reducing barriers to nursing education while helping healthcare employers address staffing shortages now—not years from now.

Devoted to Community Impact 

At Carlow University, our Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice empowers you to lead with purpose and serve with integrity. Whether you’re advancing your career or shifting your path, you’ll find a supportive, student-focused environment focused on making a lasting impact. Join a network of changemakers shaping a more just and merciful world. 

The program spans one year, with five specializations that are cross-disciplinary, and skills based. All students will complete the core program requirements (totaling 12 credits) and will select from two specialization tracks (each consisting of 9 credits for a total of 18 credits). Specialty tracks include Forensic Psychology, Public Safety, Fraud Investigation, Forensic Accounting, and Cyber Threat Analytics. 

Where Theory Meets Real-World Application

The Carlow MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice offers students a 30-credit graduate degree that can be highly specialized depending on the student’s career interests. The program has four core courses (MCR 700 Advanced Criminological Theory, MCR 701 Justice Policy, PYM 706 Research Methods for the Social Sciences, and PYM 721 Systems of Criminal Justice) that form the foundation on which to build specialization.

Students can match any two of our five dynamic practice tracks to form unique learning experiences relevant to their future careers. Are you interested in developing skills to address financial crimes and money laundering? Complete the specialization tracks in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation. Do you want to understand how psychological assessment and treatment affects police and those who are incarcerated? Complete the specialization tracks in Public Safety and Forensic Psychology. Have you considered entering federal law enforcement and pursuing bad actors on the dark web? Specializations in Cyber Threat Analytics and Forensic Psychology or Fraud Investigation may be your best academic option.

Quick facts

Whatever career path you are considering, the Carlow MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice can help support your training for those next steps. Unique aspects of the program include:

• Five unique specializations that are not commonly offered by competitor programs
• Heavy emphasis on applied skills development
• A potential blend of psychology and criminology options for those exploring both disciplines
• Professors with both research and field experience who not only teach, but engage with their area of specialized practice in the community

Specializations

The Forensic Psychology specialization develops students’ expertise at the juncture of psychology and the legal system, preparing them for roles in forensic, correctional, and clinical settings. Core courses cover competency evaluations, risk assessments, and ethical practice, while exploring criminal behavior’s psychological and social causes. Practical skills in motivational interviewing and offender treatment emphasize real-world application. This foundation prepares graduates to become ethical and effective forensic psychology professionals.

Fraud Investigation

The Fraud Investigation specialization equips students with knowledge and tools to detect, investigate, and prevent financial crimes in various settings. Students study white-collar crime motives and methods, money laundering mechanisms, and legal and investigative strategies. Ethics and prevention courses focus on risk minimization and fostering organizational integrity. This specialization suits those targeting careers in forensic accounting, compliance, corporate investigations, or financial regulation.

Forensic Accounting

The Forensic Accounting specialization prepares students to identify financial misconduct and support legal proceedings through investigative analysis. Foundational courses differentiate forensic from traditional accounting, emphasizing litigation support and fraud detection. Advanced study in financial statement examination and audit procedures builds skills in spotting red flags and employing controls to prevent fraud. The curriculum readies students for roles in fraud examination, financial forensics, compliance, and investigative accounting.

Public Safety

The Public Safety specialization is tailored for professionals working in high-pressure environments involving mental health, communication, and crisis response, especially first responders. Students learn to identify behavioral and substance-related signs in the field, apply de-escalation communication techniques, and adopt trauma-informed mental health approaches. Emphasis is placed on building trust, safety, and competence in complex situations. This program prepares students for enhanced public safety roles requiring psychological insight and crisis management skills.

Cyber Threat Analytics

The Cyber Threat Analytics specialization prepares students to detect, analyze, and respond to evolving digital threats. Courses on cybercrime cover tactics like hacking and identity theft, while dark web analysis trains safe and effective investigation of illicit online activity. Advanced cyber analysis focuses on using cutting-edge tools to identify patterns and generate actionable intelligence. This specialization is ideal for careers in cybersecurity, digital forensics, intelligence, and cybercrime investigation.

Accreditation

The Carlow MCRM program does not have any required accrediting bodies.

Criminology faculty

Joseph Roberts, PhD Professor, Department Chair, Program Director of MA in Psychology and MS in Criminology & Criminal Justice

Alexa Piacquadio, PhD Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Psychology and Master of Arts in Psychology

Jonathan Uhl, PhD Assistant Professor of Criminology, Program Director of Undergraduate Criminology