Learn to understand the relationship between brain and behavior

Earn a Behavioral Neuroscience degree in the neuropsychology track

The neuropsychology program will give you new insights into how the brain thinks, reasons, formulates and processes. 

You will be prepared to work in neuropsychology and clinical psychology, where neuropsychological assessments are an important part of clinical work. With the behavioral neuroscience degree, you will gain knowledge of the biological and physiological mechanisms that drive the nervous system and better understand the relationship between the brain and behavior. 

The Behavioral Neuroscience major is an interdisciplinary program that builds on the strengths of Carlow University’s biology, psychology and chemistry programs.  

Neuroscience degree curriculum

Carlow’s neuroscience program allows undergraduates to take courses in neuropsychology as well as to learn under scholar-practitioners. The curriculum includes a genetics course in which students investigate the maintenance, inheritance, transfer and expression of genetic information at the molecular, cellular, organismal and population levels. The cognitive psychology course explores its basic concepts and contemporary topics, such as will perception, attention, pattern recognition, consciousness, memory, the representation of knowledge, language, cognitive development, thinking and artificial intelligence.

Quick facts

• Gain hands-on learning experiences

• Leverage Carlow’s relationships with nearby research centers 

• Be prepared for graduate work in psychology and neuropsychology

• Start taking Master’s courses as an undergraduate and earn a graduate degree faster for less money

Alternate degree completion 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.

Admission requirements and application process

Behavioral Neuroscience faculty

Clara M. Cheng, PhD Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Professional Development; Director of Undergraduate Psychology Program; Professor

Patricia Jameson, PhD, NBCCH Associate Professor

Jennifer K. Roth, PhD Professor of Psychology, Counseling, Criminology and Behavioral Neuroscience

Minor in Neuroscience

You can expand your physical science major with a minor in neuroscience. You will study how the functions and mechanisms of the nervous system affect behavior in animals and humans in conjunction with your major studies in biology, chemistry or psychology.

Behavioral Neuroscience Minor Curriculum

This minor is designed for students not majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and is open to any major. A minimum of 21 credits is required;10 must be taken at Carlow University.

Major in biology and make your own discoveries

As a Biology major at Carlow University, learn the scientific principles of living organisms, conduct student research, and prepare for your dream career or graduate studies in the healthcare, research or environmental fields.

Concentrations are available in:

• Cardiovascular Perfusion: learn to operate heart-lung machines during surgery (dual-degree program)
• Environmental Science & Management: study how biological processes impact the environment and how to manage environmental issues (dual-degree program)
• Human Biology: examine and understand the complexities of humans through a variety of diverse fields

The biology major and its concentrations are offered in an accelerated format, giving you the opportunity to graduate with a dual-degree in as few as five years.

Bachelor of Science in Biology Curriculum

The biology major curriculum covers the entire scope of biological sciences from the structure and function of genes, proteins and cells to the ecology and evolution of organisms. Specializations have been designed to align with your potential career path (cardiovascular perfusion, environmental science & management, human biology).

Before graduating you will have the opportunity to conduct student research and/or complete a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity through the Senior Capstone course. Both provide an advantage for you as you pursue a career or graduate studies.

Choose your concentration

Environmental Science
You will graduate career-ready with this dual-degree program that offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management. You will study how biological processes impact the environment and how to manage environmental issues in this 3+2 program in collaboration with Duquesne University’s Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. 

Cardiovascular Perfusion
As you work toward your bachelor’s degree in Biology through Carlow University, you will complete requirements at UPMC Shadyside, while beginning your clinical training. In this accelerated Cardiovascular Perfusion program, you will pursue Biology within the tradition of the liberal arts while accumulating the technical proficiency and professional skills required of health care professionals. 

The Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion is offered in coordination with the UPMC School of Perfusion. Up to 15 students per year are accepted into the Master of Science program. Admission to the graduate program is NOT guaranteed for those pursuing the cardiovascular perfusion concentration at the undergraduate level.

Bachelor of Science in Biology: Cardiovascular Perfusion, BS to MS Curriculum

Human Biology
Through this holistic and interdisciplinary scientific study, you will examine and understand the complexities of humans through a variety of diverse fields. Be prepared to enter professional training in all areas of health care, including medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathy, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, pharmacy and podiatry. 

Quick Facts

• Pursue a concentration that interests you (cardiovascular perfusion, environmental science & management, human biology)
• Be prepared to pursue a career or graduate studies
• Apply for an early acceptance program with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Alternate degree completion 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. 

Admission requirements and application process

Alternate degree completion 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.

Biology faculty

Clara M. Cheng, PhD Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Professional Development; Director of Undergraduate Psychology Program; Professor

Patricia Jameson, PhD, NBCCH Associate Professor

Jennifer K. Roth, PhD Professor of Psychology, Counseling, Criminology and Behavioral Neuroscience

Increase your career potential with a minor in Biology

With this science-focused minor, you can enhance your biology background and pursue other career interests. A Biology minor prepares you for such fields as professional writing, business management, communications, psychology and social work. You will be ready for positions within organizations in the medical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Biology minor curriculum

You must complete 18 credits, including two required courses and three advanced biology electives (at least two electives must be taken in residence at Carlow University).

Safeguard humanity’s future by protecting air, water and soil quality

You will graduate career-ready with this dual-degree program that offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management. You will study how biological processes impact the environment and how to manage environmental issues in this 3+2 program in collaboration with Duquesne University’s Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.

Environmental science degree curriculum

You will complete required biology/organismal biology and ecological courses in residence at Carlow University. You can apply to the master of science degree program in your third year, and if accepted, complete your fourth and fifth years at Duquesne.

Bachelor of science courses in Biology: Environmental Science and Management include General Biology, Zoology and Animal Physiology. Examples of courses taken in the master’s degree component include Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Toxicology, Air Quality, Business Ethics, Environmental Management and Environmental Law.

Quick facts

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Carlow at the end of your fourth year
• Earn a master of science degree in Environmental Science and Management from Duquesne at the end of your fifth year
• As a collaborative program graduate, have the same credentials as other biology students

Admission requirements and application process

Environmental Science faculty

Clara M. Cheng, PhD Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Professional Development; Director of Undergraduate Psychology Program; Professor

Patricia Jameson, PhD, NBCCH Associate Professor

Jennifer K. Roth, PhD Professor of Psychology, Counseling, Criminology and Behavioral Neuroscience

The gateway to healthcare, research and advanced health profession degrees

As a Human Biology major, you will receive a solid foundation in the study of life. Through this holistic and interdisciplinary scientific study, you will examine and understand the complexities of humans through a variety of diverse fields.

Human Biology major studies will prepare you to enter professional training in all areas of health care, including medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathy, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, pharmacy and podiatry. 

Human Biology curriculum

Two required courses, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, are designed for the biology major preparing for careers in perfusion technology, the health professions or forensic science.

The required genetics course investigates the maintenance, inheritance, transfer and expression of genetic information at the molecular, cellular, organismal and population levels. This course also provides a brief introduction to genetic engineering and biotechnology.

Quick facts

• Choose elective courses
• Experience opportunities for research and scholarship near campus
• Pursue careers in research, health care and education

Alternate degree completion options

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.

Admission requirements and application process

Gain your competitive edge.

Ready for her future, Olivia Miller says Carlow equipped her with the tools to excel in the next chapter. “Going to Carlow, where it has a smaller, closer community gave me a lot of opportunities to get involved with things that will help me going into grad school. I feel very well prepared. I’d do it again; I wouldn’t change a thing.”

▸ Read Olivia’s story

Human Biology faculty

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Amy M. Romesberg, PhD Associate Professor of Biology

Beth Surlow, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology

Build a strong foundation in the chemical sciences: Chemistry Major

As a Chemistry major, you will learn the theory and research skills needed by chemists. You will study the composition, structure and properties of substances at the atomic and molecular levels and learn the interactions and transformations of matter, and how to apply this knowledge to develop new and improved products.

Chemical technologies enrich our lives by providing new solutions to problems in health, materials and energy usage and products to enhance our lifestyles. In this program, you will receive hands-on training in the use of the most modern chemical instrumentation that complements and enhances theory taught in the lecture courses.

Chemistry major curriculum

The program provides instruction in each of the four major subdisciplines of chemistry: organic, analytical, physical and inorganic.  

Hands-on laboratory skills are emphasized throughout the program curriculum, including training and use of modern chemical instrumentation and equipment. The curriculum is consistent with guidelines published by the Committee on Professional Training (CPT) of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Quick facts

• Complete required support courses in mathematics, biology and physics
• Complete a senior experience that may consist of an independent research project
• Continue your studies in the 4+1 MEd in Secondary Education program for students interested in teaching high school chemistry

Alternate degree completion 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.

Degree Partnerships and Options

• LECOM Early Acceptance Partnership 
• Duquesne University Pharmacy Partnership 
• Secondary Education Option – Need to add that information here. 

Admission requirements and application process

Carlow Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Affiliates

Start of Additional Information
One extracurricular benefit of the chemistry major at Carlow is the opportunity for the student to become a member of the Carlow Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Affiliates. Our student chapter of the ACS has been recognized by the national organization several times with awards for their activities. The ACS student affiliates group provides opportunities for professional development (seminars, conferences, field trips) as well as social networking with peers in a variety of science majors. 

Chemistry grad says Carlow program set her apart

Chemistry graduate Lizzie Shumaker ’18 said individual attention from professors allowed her to gain confidence in course material and laboratory skills. “Carlow’s Chemistry program set me apart from others, especially when interviewing for jobs in my field, because their curriculum offered me hands-on training of the theory and operation of analytical equipment and the presentation skills needed to effectively communicate my research. The laboratory skills I learned at Carlow translated to my career and I am so grateful to have studied chemistry at Carlow.”

Chemistry faculty

Clara M. Cheng, PhD Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Professional Development; Director of Undergraduate Psychology Program; Professor

Patricia Jameson, PhD, NBCCH Associate Professor

Jennifer K. Roth, PhD Professor of Psychology, Counseling, Criminology and Behavioral Neuroscience

Minor in chemistry

If you have an interest in understanding the basics of chemistry and the composition and behavior of matter, a minor in Chemistry is an excellent choice to accompany your chosen major. 

A Chemistry minor is also a great selection for one of the three legs of a Liberal Studies major. 

Chemistry minor curriculum

The Chemistry minor is open to any major. A minimum of 18 credits is required (four required courses, two elective courses).

Required courses include:

• General Chemistry I and II
• Organic Chemistry I and II
• 5 credits in approved 200-level or higher chemistry courses

Minor in Mathematics

You can deepen your knowledge of pure and applied mathematics while customizing a Mathematics minor to enhance any major field of study.

You will solidify your logic, critical thinking and problem-solving skills through this versatile course of study.

Mathematics minor curriculum

This minor is open to any major. A minimum of 20 credits is required.

Carlow offers a diverse set of upper-level electives so you can choose a pure mathematics focus with electives such as Number Theory or Modern Algebra, or an applied mathematics focus with electives such as Differential Equations or Linear Programming.

Unlock love of art in K-12 students: Art Education major

Art education is ideal for artists looking to pursue art as a career. With the Art major’s art education certification, you can develop your artistic voice while preparing to teach students about art, passing your own experience on to a new generation of artists.

This certification program includes eight weeks of full-time teaching in an elementary art room and eight weeks in a secondary art room under the direct supervision of a cooperating teacher and University supervisors.

Curriculum for art education major

Art with art education certification is a professional program offered in conjunction with the education program. It requires a minimum of 44 credits in art and a series of required courses in education and art education. Upon successful completion of the program, you may receive certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education as a teacher of art, grades K-12.

Quick facts

• Gain hands-on educational experiences
• Interact with teaching artists at The Campus Laboratory School
• Acquire experience in Pre-K-12 grade classrooms

Alternate degree completion options

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.

Admission requirements and application process

Certification information

At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply through your academic advisor and attend a candidacy review meeting. In order to apply, you must:

Prospective students from Slippery Rock University will meet with both Carlow University and Slippery Rock University directors for a candidacy review to ensure they are on track for student teaching and certification after graduation.

Certification requirements

• Score a 4 or higher on both PDE 430 evaluation forms
• Pass the PRAXIS art content knowledge exam and fundamental subjects test
• Apply for certification