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

David L. Gallaher, Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry and Chemistry Program Director

Allison Deluca (Rice), PhD Instructor, Chemistry

Michael Martucci, MS Assistant Professor, Chemistry

Ryan Weiss, PhD Instructor, Chemistry

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

Prepare to make a difference in early childhood education 

In Carlow’s Early Childhood Education degree program, you will focus on learning to nurture the dignity, worth and uniqueness of young children from birth to fourth grade. You will learn to create welcoming classroom environments  where children can thrive and develop a love of learning. You will build close relationships with other students and our dedicated and caring faculty.  

The program is guided by child development pedagogy and early learning standards, and advocates for best 21st-century learning practices. Students utilize the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s three core considerations when planning learning environments: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, Power to the Profession and the Pennsylvania Department of Education‛s Teacher Certification Competencies.  As part of the certification program, students will earn a STEM endorsement.  

Carlow is one of the few private schools that accepts the following state-sponsored scholarship opportunities: TEACH Scholarship, Rising Stars and PASSHE 

Early Childhood Education degree curriculum

You’ll take courses in advanced child development, children’s literature, structured literacy, math and science methods, and community and family partnerships. Field experiences begin your freshman year. We believe the community is part of our classroom.  Experience visits to the museums, nature centers, makerspaces, and local community organizations as part of your Carlow education.   

Fifty percent of field and practicum experiences take place in The Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center.  Steps away from the dormitories at Carlow, and nestled in the heart of main campus, is a living education laboratory, a school for PreK-8^th graders and a childcare center for children ages birth to three.  Right from the start, Carlow Education students can be employed in the after-school program as educators, in the early learning center as assistant teachers, and as summer camp counselors or teachers in the robust summer school program.  By junior or senior year, Carlow students can tutor in the Dyslexia Center and work as substitute teachers in The Campus Lab School.

Quick facts

• Explore STEAM and learn programming, robotics, computational thinking and inquiry skills 
• Expand your literacy knowledge and be well prepared to teach children how to read 
• Network with educators through professional development opportunities and community fairs, and visit with community organizations that support learning   
• Engage in practicum and student teaching experiences in the Carlow Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center, and work with infants through sixth graders 

Admission requirements and application process

Note for all certification students: At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply to the education department through the coordinator of undergraduate programs. You must have 48 credits, have at least a 3.0 GPA, pass SKW 101, SKQ 101, a math course and a literature course, and pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or the CORE ETS Fundamental Skills Tests in reading, writing and math or meet equivalent course, ACT or SAT requirements.

Certification requirements: Carlow’s early childhood education program provides the necessary coursework required for Pre-K-4 teacher certification in Pennsylvania. Students must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation. Students may elect to take and pass the 5^th and 6^th grade add-on certification exams.  

Prepare to make a difference for children with disabilities

The major leads to certification in early childhood with special education.  Students complete all certification requirements for both programs in this unquely designed major. Carlow’s Early Childhood Education degree program, you will focus on learning to nurture the dignity, worth and uniqueness of young children from birth to fourth grade. You will learn to create welcoming classroom environments where children can thrive and develop a love of learning. You will build close relationships with other students and our dedicated and caring faculty.

In the special education program, you will learrn to address all aspects of special education from PreK-12^th grade. You will experience a range of field and practicum placements working with children with special intellectual, physical, behavioral, learning, and social/emotional needs.

You may elect to add an autism endorsement or STEM endorsement. 

Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) with Special Education Certification

You will learn inclusive practices, differentiated instruction, instructional and assistive technologies, universal design theory, positive behavioral interventions and culturally responsive education practices for young children with special needs. Explicit multisensory-based structured literacy practices and recent neuroscience inform special education practices targeting reading and dyslexia. 

Fifty percent of field and practicum experiences take place in The Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center.  Steps away from the dormitories at Carlow, and nestled in the heart of main campus, is a living education laboratory, a school for PreK-8^th graders and a childcare center for children ages birth to three. Right from the start, Carlow Education students can be employed in the after-school program as educators, in the early learning center as assistant teachers, and as summer camp counselors or teachers in the robust summer school program. By junior or senior year, Carlow students can tutor in the Dyslexia Center and work as substitute teachers in The Campus Lab School.

Alternate degree completion option

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. 

Quick facts

• Gain experience with multiple diagnostic tools
• Employ special education strategies and assessments in multiple practicum placements
• Participate in special education practicums and student teaching experiences 
• Learn from dyslexia specialist instructors
• Gain early intervention experience

Admission requirements and application process

Note for all certification students: At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply to the education department through the coordinator of undergraduate programs. You must have 48 credits, have at least a 3.0 GPA, pass SKW 101, SKQ 101, a math course and a literature course, and pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or the CORE ETS Fundamental Skills Tests in reading, writing and math.  

Certification requirements: Carlow’s Early Childhood Education with Special Education Certification program provides the necessary coursework required for Pre-K-4 teacher and special education certification in Pennsylvania. You must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation. You must complete a degree program; score a 4 or higher on both Pennsylvania Department of Education 430 evaluation forms; and pass the PECT Pre-K-4 exam.

Beyond traditional classrooms: Early Development and Learning degree

If you want to work with young children outside of a traditional elementary classroom, Carlow’s Early Development and Learning degree will give you the skills you need.  This unique major prepares you for educator roles in out-of-school learning environments, community based centers, childcare centers, museums, or nonprofit organizations. In your senior year, you’ll complete a personalized internship individually tailored for your career interests.

Carlow University accepts state-sponsored scholarship opportunities, including TEACH, Rising Stars and PASSHE.

Curriculum for degree in early childhood development

Carlow’s early childhood development degree program includes a unique apprenticeship model option for full-time child care providers working in licensed childcare centers. You will learn about children experiencing homelessness through a service-learning course in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and participate in educational experiences at our on-campus Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School.  You will take coursework in children’s literature, grant writing, building school partnerships, and early literacy and STEAM based practices.  Carlow’s early childhood development degree program includes a unique apprenticeship model option for full-time child care providers working in licensed childcare centers.. You can will learn about children experiencing homelessness through a service-learning course in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and participate in educational experiences at our on-campus Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School.  You will take coursework in children’s literature, grant writing, building school partnerships, and early literacy and STEAM based practices.

You will use the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) three core considerations when planning learning environments for young children: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness, and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators and Power to the Profession.

Alternate degree completion option 

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.

Quick facts

• Participate in grant-funded projects that make sustainable changes to the early childhood workforce 
• Complete an individualized senior capstone internship
• Utilize the CREATE Lab

Become part of a supportive community

“Every staff member in the Education Department really cares about you, your education and your long-term goals. … Every student in the Education Department is there for you when you need them, we really have been through it all!”

— Bailey Pallus ’20

Admission requirements and application process

Testimonial

Jeremy Rhine, Early Development and Learning graduate 
 
“I selected Carlow because coming from a bigger high school experience, I knew I wanted to be more than a number and be somewhere I would be given unique opportunities. Here at Carlow, this is true, and there is still history to make.  

“I absolutely love how early you dive into the classroom experiences. The professors are always willing to help you out in any way that they can. You not only get experience within traditional classroom settings, but also in nontraditional settings as well! I loved all of the different times I got to connect, present and share ideas with professionals from all around the Pittsburgh region in early and higher ed.” 

Bailey Pallus, Early Development and Learning Program graduate 

“I selected Carlow for their small class sizes and amazing education program. There are so many pathways for success and the programs are really tailored to your specific needs. I knew I would be getting a high quality education by attending Carlow. 

“Every staff member in the Education Department really cares about you, your education and your long-term goals. I feel so comfortable around all my teachers and really view them all as strong mentors in my education career. I also love the Carlow friendships I have made throughout the years. Every student in the education department is there for you when you need them, we really have been through it all!”

Devoted to Transforming Education

At Carlow University, our Master of Education (MEd) programs prepare educators to lead with purpose, compassion, and confidence in today’s evolving classrooms. Rooted in the Mercy tradition and designed for working professionals, Carlow’s MEd degrees blend academic rigor with real-world practice, so graduates are ready to make an immediate impact where it matters most.

Inspire your students: Master in Art Education

With a master’s in Art Education from Carlow, you will be prepared to teach art in pre-K through grade 12, or to work with children and adolescents in nonprofit or community organizations including museum education.  

Workshops led by distinguished authors, activists, artists and educators add to the course curriculum. You can take advantage of Carlow’s educational partnership with The Andy Warhol Museum or collaborate with Carlow’s art department and art gallery. 

The MEd in Art Education compliments other graduate departmental offerings in Early Childhood, Secondary Education, and Special Education and utilizes a core of courses shared across these programs.

Curriculum for Master in Art Education

You will experience an accelerated program with eight-week online courses.  You will take two method courses in Art designed to creating and implementing curricula.   

You will learn to implement instructional technology to increase student achievement and engagement. You’ll design activities and projects based on individual student needs and explore the intersection of art with social emotional learning and creativity. You will create assessments aligned to student outcomes and analyze assessment results.

Quick facts

• Gain hands-on educational experiences from diverse and experienced faculty 

• Interact with teaching artists at The Campus Laboratory School  

• Engage with the Warhol Museum  

• Complete student teaching experiences in Pre-K-12 grade classrooms 

Testimonials #1

Meet our Alumni

RACHEL OWENS, 2010

Director of Special Education, Provident Charter School

"When deciding to attend graduate school, Carlow University was a natural choice, not only because of its familiarity, but also because of the various degree options."

ANTWAN CARTER, 2018

Head Teacher, Child’s World Daycare

"I especially loved The Campus Laboratory School. It was a chance to experience the design of different classrooms, closely observe many teaching styles, and practice using different instructional strategies in a supportive environment."

MICHAEL SHOATS, 2020

Chemistry Teacher, Avonworth School District

"I want to take this moment and thank Dr. Keely Baronak and the whole Carlow team for the education and experiences I've gained from the MEd Secondary Education program. I'm excited to represent Carlow in my new home."

Admission requirements and application process 

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.

Upon completion of the course requirements in the program, you must successfully pass:

• Student teaching with a combined score of 4 or higher on both PDE 430 evaluation forms
• Praxis Content Area exam in your discipline. 

Once you have met these requirements, you may apply for certification with the state.

Testimonial

“I was a 40-something artist trapped in a stuffy-businessman suit until that world decided it no longer wanted me. My inner artist was released, and I began my journey toward a second career as an art educator. I appreciate the accelerated nature of Carlow’s program. It’s a lot of hard and time-consuming work, but I knew it would prepare me for a teaching career sooner. Additionally, Carlow staff and professors are personable and helpful. They get to know you on a personal level. They respect you and recognize your importance to the program and university.” 
Dan Garbark, 2024 graduate 

Improve outcomes for students on the autism spectrum with MEd in Curriculum & Instruction

The MEd in Curriculum and Instruction: Autism Teaching will prepare you to help children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Emphasizing curriculum design, the program focuses on advanced teaching or instructional support positions with public, private or nonprofit organizations. 

The four autism courses are offered as a special graduate certificate program. They can also be taken as a MEd in Curriculum and Instruction track. The program offers advanced study of pedagogy for working educators or other interested individuals. Teaching certification is not required for enrollment and completion of the program. It does not lead to initial teaching certification, nor does it lead to an autism endorsement unless you are a licensed teacher. 

MEd in Curriculum and Instruction: Autism Teaching curriculum

Carlow’s four-course graduate certificate program in autism spectrum teaching provides the competencies set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Courses are offered in a hybrid or online format with January, March, August or October start dates. Upon completion, Level I or II certificate holders are eligible for the PDE autism endorsement. 

Community partnerships in the Pittsburgh area offer workshops and activities with guest speakers.

Quick facts

• Take advantage of flexibility with night and online classes in an 8-week format 

• Complete your degree in 1 year or 2 years 

• Take a course highlighting technology fluency and emerging technologies through Carlow University’s satellite partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s CREATE Lab 

• Apply without your GRE  

Certificate options

Graduate Certificate in Autism Teaching

This program is available as a graduate certificate which leads to an endorsement from PDE for already licensed teachers.

Testimonials #1

Meet our Alumni

RACHEL OWENS, 2010

Director of Special Education, Provident Charter School

"When deciding to attend graduate school, Carlow University was a natural choice, not only because of its familiarity, but also because of the various degree options."

ANTWAN CARTER, 2018

Head Teacher, Child’s World Daycare

"I especially loved The Campus Laboratory School. It was a chance to experience the design of different classrooms, closely observe many teaching styles, and practice using different instructional strategies in a supportive environment."

MICHAEL SHOATS, 2020

Chemistry Teacher, Avonworth School District

"I want to take this moment and thank Dr. Keely Baronak and the whole Carlow team for the education and experiences I've gained from the MEd Secondary Education program. I'm excited to represent Carlow in my new home."

Admission requirements and application process

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.

Certification information: Any teacher or other education professional who holds a current Level I or Level II certification and who successfully completes the four-course certificate sequence, is eligible for the Autism Endorsement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Students who successfully complete the four-course sequence, but do not hold a current Level I or Level II certification are eligible for the Carlow issued certificate of completion but not the PDE Endorsement.