Speech-Language Pathology, Master of Science

Carlow’s unique interprofessional curricular design will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to enter into professional practice as a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist working in any clinical environment.

What makes Carlow’s program different?

Carlow’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is committed to interprofessional collaborative education and was inspired by the view that effective team collaborations improve the quality of clinical service delivery. 

Students will train to prevent, assess, and treat communication and swallowing disorders within a learning environment comprised of faculty, clinical educators, and students from several different professions including:

Students will learn the value of interprofessional collaborative practice in leading high-quality, evidence-based, person-centered care across a variety of communication and swallowing disorders.

Lock in your tuition!

If you plan to start your speech-language pathology (SLP) degree in Fall 2024, you are eligible to lock in your per-credit tuition rate for your whole program duration as long as you are continually enrolled in the program.

▸ Get started today!

*Additional University Fees as well as software and textbook costs are not included in the 2024-2025 scheduled credit cost and fees

How will I gain clinical skills?

Carlow’s program is different from other graduate programs in speech-language pathology because of its focus on the development of clinical skills. Beginning in your first semester, each of your core courses will be accompanied by a dedicated skills laboratory to ensure you are able to translate theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom into hands-on practical clinical skills under the mentorship of program faculty. In addition, you will advance your clinical skills through a variety of learning platforms including: 

• Safe and supportive lifelike simulated case scenarios
• Access to both on-campus clinic and school-based settings
• Local and out-of-state outpatient, healthcare, and school-based externship settings

Students will use various labs and campus facilities including:

• Celtic Simulation Center for Innovative Learning (CSCIL)
• On-campus SLP Clinic
• Campus Laboratory School
• Early Learning Center
• Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory

View Plan of Study

Carlow University lifts up World Voice Day

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What is the Carlow experience?

Carlow places high value on a teaching-learning climate of compassion, mutual respect, professionalism, and ethical accountability as these elements are fundamental to cultivating a higher level of professional practice. The program is dedicated to providing transformational educational experiences through innovation, close faculty mentorship, diverse learning experiences, and interprofessional collaborations. 

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Carlow University’s application deadline for Fall 2024 matriculation was Feb. 1, 2024. We will continue to accept applications for review beyond the Feb. 1, 2024 deadline; however, preference will be given to those that applied by the Feb. 1, 2024 deadline. All applications should be submitted through CSDCAS, a centralized application service endorsed by the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Science and Disorders (CAPCSD). No additional application materials should be sent to the program.

Graduate Education Funding Opportunities

Department of Speech-Language Pathology

Application Open: March 15
Applications Closes: May 1
Interview Invitations: May 1-May 14
Decisions: May 15 
Amount: $10,000 tuition remission

• Two (2) graduate assistantships are offered through the Department of Speech-Language Pathology.
• Each graduate assistantship is for a 1-year appointment (Fall and Spring semesters).
• Students are required to work 5 hours per week for 16 weeks in the Fall semester and 16 weeks in the Spring semester.
• Each assistantship provides $10,000 tuition remission for the appointed year.
• Any student accepted into the Carlow M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Program may apply for one of the assistantships.
• The primary activities for this position are to support faculty members with research activities, provide general support and assistance with administrative type work, and perform duties for special projects and initiatives. 

Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald, RSM PhD Speech-Language Pathology Scholarship

The Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald, RSM PhD Speech-Language Pathology Scholarship Fund was created in 2023 in honor of Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald, RSM PhD and her rich legacy at Carlow University. As a Sister of Mercy, Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald joined the Carlow community in 1956. In 1964, she was appointed to be the first Chairperson of Carlow’s Department of Speech Pathology and served until 1989. She had a remarkable career as a speech-language pathologist with numerous awards and honors including one of the highest professional honors, Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She has been described as a person of integrity and honesty, who devoted herself to Carlow’s mission. She was an inspiration to all and a pioneer in providing transformational educational opportunities. Any student accepted into the Carlow M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Program is eligible to apply for the scholarship.

Application Open: March 1
Applications Closes: April 15
Decisions: May 1
Amount: $2500 tuition remission

Other Scholarships and Awards Resources

For more information regarding financial aid, please click here and/or contact your assigned financial aid advisor.

Speech Language Pathology student chose Carlow for unique program

Speech-Language Pathology graduate student Camree Nelson ’23 said she chose Carlow because of its unparalleled approach to SLP. “The program is focused on fostering interprofessional skills and providing hands-on learning experiences, both of which are not emphasized at other universities. So far, the SLP program at Carlow has only validated my passion for the field and excited my goals of helping people who have difficulties communicating.”

Speech-Language Pathology Faculty & Staff

Samantha Dalessio, CScD, CCC-SLP Chair, Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Founding Program Director, M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, Associate Professor

Amanda Smith, Ed. D. CCC-SLP Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Jacqueline Gartner-Schmidt, PhD, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow Associate Professor

Allegra Cornaglia, PhD, CCC-SLP Assistant Professor

Amy Bernett, MS, CCC-SLP Adjunct Faculty

Megan Nanna, M.S., CCC-SLP Adjunct Faculty

Jerald B. Moon, PhD Adjunct Faculty

Josif Stakic, MD Adjunct Faculty

David Rule, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-S Adjunct Faculty

Mona A. El-Kady, MD, PhD, CCC-A Adjunct Faculty

Laura Lenkey, PhD, CCC-SLP Adjunct Faculty

Kelsey Mandak, Ph.D, CCC-SLP Adjunct Faculty

Lauren McDonald Administrative Assistant II

Tracey Thomas, MS, CCC-SLP Adjunct Faculty

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Accreditation

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Carlow University is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, +1 (800) 498-2071 or +1 (301) 296-5700. Candidacy is a “pre accreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.

Mission, Vision, Goals & Strategic Plan

Student Outcome data

Become a health care leader: Certificate in Healthcare Management

You can build the skills needed to become a dynamic leader responsible for overseeing management of small- and large-scale health organizations with a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management from Carlow University. You’ll build the exceptional, organizational, financial and communication skills necessary for success in this field.

You’ll learn the ins and outs of strategic planning, project and inventory management and patient administration and cultivate an understanding of management practices and professional standards, as well as finance and ethical leadership.

Upon completion of the Healthcare Management certificate program, you will be prepared to work for doctor’s offices and in hospital administration. Health care professionals who seek this degree are often looking to move up in hospital organizations.

Healthcare Management certificate curriculum

The Healthcare Project Management course covers concepts and strategies to facilitate effective project management, including project selection and initiation, identifying teams and time management. In Healthcare Innovation and Quality, you will learn about innovations in health promotion, disease prevention and patient safety; you will examine measurement systems, data collection and medical informatics usage. Fiscal Management focuses on managerial accounting, cost analysis and budgeting.

Quick facts

• Build an understanding of fiscal management in health care
• Give your health care career a competitive edge
• Apply earned credits toward an MBA degree

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Healthcare Management faculty

Samantha Dalessio, CScD, CCC-SLP Chair, Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Founding Program Director, M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, Associate Professor

Amanda Smith, Ed. D. CCC-SLP Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Jacqueline Gartner-Schmidt, PhD, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow Associate Professor

Allegra Cornaglia, PhD, CCC-SLP Assistant Professor

Amy Bernett, MS, CCC-SLP Adjunct Faculty

Megan Nanna, M.S., CCC-SLP Adjunct Faculty

Jerald B. Moon, PhD Adjunct Faculty

Josif Stakic, MD Adjunct Faculty

David Rule, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-S Adjunct Faculty

Mona A. El-Kady, MD, PhD, CCC-A Adjunct Faculty

Laura Lenkey, PhD, CCC-SLP Adjunct Faculty

Kelsey Mandak, Ph.D, CCC-SLP Adjunct Faculty

Lauren McDonald Administrative Assistant II

Tracey Thomas, MS, CCC-SLP Adjunct Faculty

Making an impact through Art.

At Carlow University, we view creativity and the visual arts as foundational to our society. Our art program is designed to empower the next generation of artists, designers, educators, art therapists and curators with the skills, knowledge, and ethical foundation to transform their creativity into a force for social change. Situated in the heart of a vibrant city, Carlow University offers unparalleled access to a vibrant art community, prestigious museums, and a rich cultural ecosystem, setting the stage for an immersive educational experience.

As a an art major, you can choose to focus your studies in the following areas:  

• Studio Art (2D, 3D, Ceramics) 
• Graphic Design 
• Media Art and Animation 
• Art Therapy 
• Art Education 
• Curatorial and Visual Studies 

Art Major Curriculum

Carlow’s Art + Design Program  is a hub for innovation, creativity, and practical skill development through an emphasis on experiential learning. Studio art making and praxis lie at the core of our program. We understand that practice is essential for growth and development as an artist. Our studios, fabrication laboratory, and professional art gallery provide dynamic environments for you to experiment, explore new techniques, allowing you to manifest your ideas into tangible forms of expression. . 

The art program part of the highly interdisciplinary Department of Art, Communication and English. As such we center storytelling and curating as vital skills in the art world, and our program recognizes their significance. Whether you aspire to become a curator, designer, or art educator, our courses in art history and curatorial studies will immerse you in the world of art narratives, cultural heritage, and exhibition curation. You’ll learn how to communicate the story behind artworks, contextualize them within historical and cultural frameworks, and curate engaging exhibitions that captivate audiences. 

Artists, designers and creatives thrive in a supportive community where they can exchange ideas, receive feedback, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Through group projects, collaborative exhibitions, and interdisciplinary workshops, you’ll have opportunities to collaborate with fellow artists, designers, and scholars, expanding your horizons and enriching your artistic practice and professional networks. 

In addition to honing your artistic abilities, our program emphasizes the development of essential skills such as information literacy, critical thinking, and design thinking. We believe that artists have a unique ability to solve complex problems and make a positive impact on society. Our curriculum integrates ethics and social justice, allowing you to explore the role of art in promoting equality, inclusivity, and social change. 

With our comprehensive undergraduate program serving as a strong foundation, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue advanced studies through our master’s degree program. Our master’s program provides a unique platform for you to specialize further in your chosen field of art. Under the guidance of distinguished faculty mentors, you’ll undertake advanced coursework, engage in critical discourse, and produce a culminating thesis or project that reflects your artistic vision and research interests.  

The Art Program and Department of Art, Communication, and English aim to create an ethical, equitable, career-focused and student-centered academic institution for the 21^st century. 

The curriculum has enough flexibility to allow you to customize your studies to fit your career or academic goals. One of the keystones to the bachelor’s in Art program is its emphasis on high-impact, experiential learning. Facilities include the interdisciplinary University Art Gallery, Soda kiln (one of three in the region), 2D and 3D art studios, digital lab and fab lab. 

Areas of focus 

• Studio Art – 2D, 3D Art and Ceramics (An immersive educational experience in the visual arts, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of various artistic mediums and techniques, alongside opportunities for personal creative expression and professional portfolio development.) 
•  Graphic Design (Equips students with the creative, technical, and critical thinking skills needed to produce visual concepts and communicate ideas through typography, imagery, color, and form in various multimedia contexts.) 
• Media Art and Animation (Create compelling visual narratives and digital animations using cutting-edge technology and software, preparing students for careers in film, gaming, and various digital media industries.) 
• Art Therapy (An interdisciplinary educational path that combines the principles of art and psychology to train students in using artistic expression as a therapeutic tool to help individuals process emotions, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being.) 
• Art Education (Prepares students to teach art, encompassing both practical artistic skills and pedagogical techniques, aimed at fostering creativity and critical thinking in students of all ages. 
• Curatorial and Visual Studies (Combines the analytical and practical aspects of curating art exhibitions and arts management with a critical examination of visual culture, equipping students with the skills to interpret, manage, and present artworks within historical and contemporary contexts to effectively engage with art collections and audiences.) 

Experiential and interdisciplinary learning (graphic design, exhibition-making, field placement in Art Therapy and Art Education, capstone project) are built into the art major curriculum  

Community partnerships include:
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
The Warhol Museum
Carnegie Museum of Art
Assemble PGH
The Documentary Works 

Quick facts

• Choose an art track for your specific learning focus 
• Learn from studio work and hands-on opportunities 
• Gain professional experience at our on-campus art gallery 
• Tap into Pittsburgh’s thriving arts scene 
• Pursue a graduate degree in Studio Art, Art Education, and Expressive Arts Therapy 

Admission requirements and application process

Art faculty

Amy Bowman-McElhone, PhD Chair, Program Director, Assistant Professor, Art

Kimberly McMahon, MA Adjunct Lecturer

Enhance creativity and critical thinking with an Art minor

You can gain a well-rounded introduction to the arts and cultivate your critical thinking skills and passion for creativity with an Art minor from Carlow University. 
You can take advantage of Pittsburgh’s thriving creative scene, with visits to public art installations and access to the Carlow University Art Gallery, where you can gain professional experience. You can learn essentials like design and drawing in Carlow’s studio spaces.

Art minor curriculum

The Art minor requires a minimum of 18 credits; 9 must be taken at Carlow. You will take four art electives.

Required courses include:

•  Introduction to Art/Visual Culture I or Introduction to Art/Visual Culture II 
•  Basic Art I/Drawing I or Basic Art and Design

Transforming lives through creative healing.

If you have a passion to help people through the healing power of art, the Art Therapy major from Carlow University can help you develop your skills to prepare for graduate-level work in art therapy. Our art therapy degree program is an interdisciplinary educational path that combines the principles of art and psychology to train students in using artistic expression as a therapeutic tool to help individuals process emotions, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being.

With Carlow’s location in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Innovation District, you’ll have convenient access to medical and therapeutic sites.

Art Therapy major curriculum

The Art Therapy major curriculum consists of art, art therapy and psychology courses. You will have access to on-campus facilities such as the 2D and 3D studios, as well as the Carlow University Art Gallery, which showcases professional artists.

Internship opportunities are available at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Dream Big Studio, a television and radio studio for children that is part of the hospital’s Creative and Expressive Arts Therapy program. Students are usually placed with an art therapist or psychologist.

Carlow’s Art + Design Program  is a hub for innovation, creativity, and practical skill development through an emphasis on experiential learning. Studio art making and praxis lie at the core of our program. We understand that practice is essential for growth and development as an artist. Our studios, fabrication laboratory, and professional art gallery provide dynamic environments for you to experiment, explore new techniques, allowing you to manifest your ideas into tangible forms of expression. . 

The art program part of the highly interdisciplinary Department of Art, Communication and English. As such we center storytelling and curating as vital skills in the art world, and our program recognizes their significance. Whether you aspire to become a curator, designer, or art educator, our courses in art history and curatorial studies will immerse you in the world of art narratives, cultural heritage, and exhibition curation. You’ll learn how to communicate the story behind artworks, contextualize them within historical and cultural frameworks, and curate engaging exhibitions that captivate audiences. 

Artists, designers and creatives thrive in a supportive community where they can exchange ideas, receive feedback, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Through group projects, collaborative exhibitions, and interdisciplinary workshops, you’ll have opportunities to collaborate with fellow artists, designers, and scholars, expanding your horizons and enriching your artistic practice and professional networks. 

In addition to honing your artistic abilities, our program emphasizes the development of essential skills such as information literacy, critical thinking, and design thinking. We believe that artists have a unique ability to solve complex problems and make a positive impact on society. Our curriculum integrates ethics and social justice, allowing you to explore the role of art in promoting equality, inclusivity, and social change. 

With our comprehensive undergraduate program serving as a strong foundation, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue advanced studies through our master’s degree program. Our master’s program provides a unique platform for you to specialize further in your chosen field of art. Under the guidance of distinguished faculty mentors, you’ll undertake advanced coursework, engage in critical discourse, and produce a culminating thesis or project that reflects your artistic vision and research interests.  

The Art Program and Department of Art, Communication, and English aim to create an ethical, equitable, career-focused and student-centered academic institution for the 21^st century. 

Quick facts

• Study near prominent medical and therapeutic locations
• Gain real-world career experiences with an internship
• Build a foundation for graduate-level studies 

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

Art Program Learning Outcomes

1. Ethical and Socially Responsible Design: Graduates of this program will be able to demonstrate an understanding of ethical principles and social responsibility in design and art-making practices. They will have the ability to identify and analyze ethical and social issues related to their work, and to make informed decisions that take into account the impact of their art and design on society and the environment. 

2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Graduates of this program will be able to work collaboratively across different disciplines to develop innovative and creative solutions to complex problems. They will be able to communicate effectively with team members from different backgrounds, and to integrate diverse perspectives and knowledge into their work. 

3. Critical Thinking and Analysis: Graduates of this program will be able to analyze and evaluate art and design works critically and effectively. They will have the ability to think independently, identify and challenge assumptions, and articulate arguments in a clear and concise manner. 

4. Information Literacy: Graduates of this program will be able to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively and responsibly. They will be able to navigate the complex landscape of information resources, and to understand the ethical and legal implications of using and sharing information. 

5. Studio Art Making and Praxis: Graduates of this program will have the ability to create and produce art and design works that demonstrate technical proficiency, conceptual depth, and aesthetic innovation. They will be able to apply a range of techniques and methods to their work, and to experiment with new media and materials. They will also have the ability to reflect critically on their own art-making practices and to engage in ongoing self-reflection and evaluation. 

6. Storytelling and Curating: Graduates of this program will be able to develop and communicate compelling narratives through their art and design works. They will have the ability to curate exhibitions and design experiences that engage and educate diverse audiences. They will also have the ability to use storytelling and curating as tools for social justice, activism, and community engagement. 

Art Therapy faculty

Amy Bowman-McElhone, PhD Chair, Program Director, Assistant Professor, Art

Kimberly McMahon, MA Adjunct Lecturer

Minor in Art Therapy

You can supplement your psychology or artistic training with an Art Therapy minor from Carlow University. The Art Therapy minor will give you an introduction to art basics and psychology essentials, including counseling, and foundational knowledge of theory and practice. Your learning experience will be supported by Carlow’s location near a comprehensive medical and therapeutic complex.

Art therapy curriculum

The minor requires a minimum of 18 credits, 9 of which must be taken at Carlow.

Become a museum curator, archivist or art historian

You can use your passion for art and social justice and engage with big ideas with an Art History degree from Carlow University. The bachelor’s in Art History is grounded in the study of  contemporary art and critical theory, focusing on the cultural and visual dimensions of social justice, as well as curatorial and museum studies. 

You will cultivate skills in visual literacy, critical thinking and writing, explore curating as a form of activism, and learn about undergraduate research and exhibition development. 

You will learn professional skills needed to work in museums, galleries and cultural organizations as well as broader fields such as education, law and nonprofit management. You will also be prepared to pursue a graduate degree in art history, museum studies, and conservation and preservation. 

Art history degree curriculum

You will be introduced to the study of visual culture, and cultivate skills in creative problem solving and problem seeking, critical thinking and exhibition making. You will take courses in art history and museum studies, as well as studio and design courses, and complete practicums and internships. Mentorship-model courses are tailored to your interests and post-graduate goals.

You can complete an internship with the Carlow University Art Gallery, working with professional artists, curators and museum professionals; curating exhibitions; developing and leading tours; serving as an attendant; assisting with collection management and artwork inventories; or researching and developing digital curation strategies.

You can engage with contemporary artists and organizations and rich local collections of public art through Pittsburgh’s vibrant art scene and cultural institutions.

Quick facts

• Gain professional experience at the Carlow University Art Gallery
• Explore Pittsburgh’s vibrant art scene and cultural landmarks as part of your education

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

Art History faculty

Amy Bowman-McElhone, PhD Chair, Program Director, Assistant Professor, Art

Kimberly McMahon, MA Adjunct Lecturer

Minor in Art History

You can explore your interest in humanity’s creative history with a minor in Art History from Carlow University. In this program, you will gain an entry-level understanding of the elements of art and design, as well as an overview of Western art history. 

You will create art while becoming acquainted with both the theory and practice of art and understanding art in context, learn how to critically engage with artwork and further develop your appreciation of art.

Art history curriculum

A minimum of 18 credits is required, 9 of which must be taken at Carlow.

Shape your future with a ceramics major

With a Ceramics major, you will learn techniques of two-dimensional art, ceramics and sculpture. The major will prepare you for a studio career or graduate school.

Ceramics degree curriculum

The ceramics degree curriculum allows you to learn high-level skills and develop your artistic voice, focusing on your area of interest in ceramics. In addition to learning ceramic skills such as wheel throwing, handbuilding, glazing and firing, you will study drawing, art history and design, giving you a well-rounded foundation.

Quick facts

• Learn 2D and 3D art fundamentals
• Be prepared for studio practice or a master’s degree
• Gain professional experience in Carlow’s on-campus art gallery

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

Ceramics faculty

Amy Bowman-McElhone, PhD Chair, Program Director, Assistant Professor, Art

Kimberly McMahon, MA Adjunct Lecturer

Minor in Ceramics

You can work with your hands and master the essentials of two-dimensional art and sculpture, supplementing your art education with a minor in Ceramics from Carlow University. You will gain a well-rounded perspective on creativity in ceramics and refine your technical skills by working in the university’s art studio spaces, including three semesters in the Advanced Ceramics Studio working with different materials, techniques and kilns.

Ceramics curriculum 

A minimum of 18 credits is required, 9 of which must be taken at Carlow.