Carlow’s Pre-Physician Assistant program positions you to become a PA faster. By accelerating your undergraduate studies, you’ll be ready to continue on to a master’s degree or pursue employment in a health-related field sooner.
Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons and other health care professionals. As a physician assistant, you will examine, diagnose and treat patients, often serving as a patient’s principal health care provider. PAs typically need a master’s degree from an accredited program to practice.
In this program, you will develop compassionate and responsible leadership traits and learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in the field.
Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for admission consideration into Carlow’s Physician Assistant master’s program, as well as most Physician Assistant programs around the country.
Bachelor of Science
On campus, some online
Oakland Campus
Evaluated on an individual basis
Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms. All summer courses are available completely online. The program includes labs, internships and a practicum.
First-year courses include Introduction to Health Professions, Foundations in Cell and Moecular Biology, Foundations in Organismal Biology, Pre-Calculus, and General Chemistry I and II. Second-year courses include Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Introduction to Psychology, Organic Chemistry I and II, Quantitative Reasoning, Basic Applied Statistics Communication, Personal to Professional Communication, and Global Health (Service Learning/ Ethics/Social Responsibility). Third-year courses include General Physics I, Pathology for Rehabilitation, Cognitive Psychology, and Communication and Health Care.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 30% through 2024. Licensed PAs are versatile and able to work in various health-related fields including offices of physicians, general medical and surgical hospitals, and outpatient care centers.
anytime
Fall
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If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
You can prepare for graduate-level studies and a career in health care with a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Speech-Language Pathology from Carlow University. You will gain hands-on experience; learn the skills needed to become a compassionate, responsible, ethical leader; develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to provide the best in patient care; and learn to work as part of a team.
The program is designed to be completed in three years. Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for Carlow’s graduate-level Speech-Language Pathology program, as well as most SLP programs around the country.
Bachelor of Science
On campus, some online
Oakland
Evaluated on an individual basis
First-year courses include Foundations of Cell and Molecular Biology, Foundations of Organismal Biology Introduction to Health Professions, Foundations of Writing I, Introduction to Psychology, Life Span Developmental Psychology, and Quantitative Reasoning. Second-year courses include Physics of the Human Body, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Basic Applied Statistics, Introduction to Audiology, Phonetics, Speech and Hearing Sciences, and Communication and Reading Development. Third-year courses include Pathophysiology, Pathology for Rehabilitation, Biomedical Ethics, Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Cognitive Psychology, and Epidemiology.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for speech-language pathologists, a job that often requires a master’s degree, is expected to grow 25% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the medical needs of an aging population.
anytime
Fall
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Fuel the future you with the latest trends, tips and news around your future aspirations.
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If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
Carlow University offers a new and innovative cohort-based physician assistant program. Accelerate your learning with this 25-month program designed to build upon your prior healthcare experience and the clinical skills you already have. There’s nothing like being in a holistic and supportive academic environment that provides personalized attention in the classroom and lab. Our program ensures that clinical application is a big part of your transformational educational experience. It consists of a three-phase curriculum, grounded in Carlow’s mercy values, taught in a multidisciplinary environment alongside other healthcare professionals. This environment equips students with integral skills including ethical leadership, compassionate care and interprofessional collaborative competencies.
Upon graduation, students are prepared to take the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE) and pursue a versatile and in-demand career as a physician assistant.
Start your application today! To get started, view or download our admissions policy for detailed admission requirements and application process (not all documents are necessary to start your application).
If you have any questions throughout the process or need guidance, our PA enrollment counselor, Kate Throckmorton, is here to help. You can reach her by email: kjthrockmorton@carlow.edu.
Apr. 1
Oct. 1
102 credits
$978/credit
6 semesters
On campus
Students progress through the physician assistant curriculum as members of a cohort in three phases: didactic, clinical experience and transition to practice. Interprofessional collaboration, a founding concept of the physician assistant profession, is at the core of each phase; providing students the opportunity to learn collectively with multiple healthcare disciplines. This collaborative education experience encourages meaningful alliances and ultimately prepares students to practice high-quality clinical care as a member of a healthcare team.
The Celtic Simulation Center for Innovative Learning (CSCIL) is a simulated hospital environment designed for student experiential learning. Primarily during the didactic phase, physician assistant students, alongside other healthcare disciplines, experience predetermined scenarios to practice clinical decision-making, diagnosis, procedures, and patient communication and interaction in a safe and realistic environment.
“Physician assistants (PAs) are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications and often serve as the patient’s principal healthcare provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile and collaborative. PAs practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty, improving health care access and quality.” American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
Additional resources can be found on the AAPA website including the history of the profession, scope of practice and ethical conduct.
A career as a Physician Assistant provides one of the most versatile and flexible opportunities in healthcare, with the ability to work in any medical or surgical specialty or sub-specialty. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, PA jobs are projected to rise 30% through 2028 with a median pay of $112,260.
A number of state and national organizations provide PAs with advocacy, education, and support including:
View or download the following files:
View or download the following policies:
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
At its September 2024 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the Carlow University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Carlow University on Accreditation-Probation status until its next review in September 2026.
Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC- PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation – Provisional or Accreditation – Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.
Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn.
Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA’s website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-carlow-university/.
The College of Health and Wellness and Carlow University fully support the Physician Assistant Program and are actively addressing the concerns raised by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). We remain committed to student success and delivering a high-quality program.
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.
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.
60 credits
$998*/credit
5 semesters
On campus
*Additional University Fees as well as software and textbook costs are not included in the 2025-2026 scheduled credit cost and fees
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:
Students will use various labs and campus facilities including:
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.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for speech-language pathologists, a job that often requires a master’s degree, is expected to grow 29% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the medical needs of an aging population.
Carlow University’s application deadline for Fall 2025 matriculation was February 1, 2025. We will continue to accept applications for review beyond the February 1, 2025 deadline; however, preference will be given to those that applied by the February 1, 2025 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.
Priority deadline: Feb. 1
Fall semester
Application Open: March 15
Applications Closes: May 1
Interview Invitations: May 1-May 14
Decisions: May 15
Amount: $10,000 tuition remission
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
Carlow University offers a variety of endowed scholarships. These opportunities are available in late Spring and awarded in early summer. Watch your email for more information to come.
Carlow University offers variable university-wide graduate assistantships. Students will be informed when these opportunities are available.
For more information regarding financial aid, please click here and/or contact your assigned financial aid advisor.
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.”
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an enrollment event.
Follow us and stay up-to-date on events and opportunities to learn more about our program and faculty.
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Carlow University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
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.
12 credits
$902/credit
As few as 12 months
On campus or 100% Online
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.
The skill set developed in the graduate certificate in Healthcare Management program will amplify your earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for medical and health services managers is slated to grow 32% over the next 10 years.
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.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps.
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:
Bachelor of Art
On campus, some online
Oakland
Individually evaluated
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 21st 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
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
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the employment rate is growing in the fields of art, design, curatorial and museum practice. Career opportunities include:
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
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.
The Art minor requires a minimum of 18 credits; 9 must be taken at Carlow. You will take four art electives.
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.
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
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 21st century.
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.
The art therapy major prepares students to pursue a master’s in art therapy, which is required to be an art therapist.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for recreational therapists, who often use art as part of their treatment plans, will grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, faster than average.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
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.
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
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.
The minor requires a minimum of 18 credits, 9 of which must be taken at Carlow.
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.
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
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.
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.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for archivists, curators and museum workers is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, faster than most other occupations. This growth is attributed to archival information storage needs as well as increased public interest in science, art and history.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.