Get your college career off to a great start!
Discover the pathway that may be best for you in pursuit of an undergraduate degree at Carlow University.
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At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can Support
At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can Support
Explore Your Passion and Empower Global Communities
Welcome to a unique, first-semester educational opportunity that helps you in getting to know yourself better, while helping others. The Carlow faculty have designed this immersive experience so you immediately can apply your learnings in real-world settings to make a meaningful impact. In addition to core curriculum courses that you can apply to most majors, you will spend 4 weeks abroad in Uganda.
Quick facts
- Experience campus living and a structured self-reflection learning program focused on reinvigorating your passions and your purpose in life
- Serve alongside your peers, through service-learning projects in the fields of education, healthcare and more
- Benefit from onsite counseling to help you discover and process your strengths, interests and skills throughout your experience
- Minister to the needs of Ugandans, igniting your global perspective of the ways in which you can best serve yourself and the world around you
Your Discovery Program experience
On-campus discovery and preparation
You will begin your self-discovery living on Carlow University’s charming, urban campus in the heart of Pittsburgh’s exciting Oakland area.
- First semester courses can be applied to most Carlow undergraduate majors.
- You will be part of a living/learning community on campus during your first semester.
- Service-learning projects will occur locally and internationally.
- A residency fee, billed by Carlow, includes round-trip travel on major U.S. carriers, accommodations, meals, activities, and project materials.
- Financial aid and scholarships may be available for eligible students.
Get Your College Career Off to a Great Start
If you are interested in the Discovery Program, complete this form or contact Global Center Director, Susan O’Rourke, at slorourke@carlow.edu or +1 (412) 578-2054.
Service Learning in Uganda (30 days)
Apply what you learned, sharpen your problem-solving skills and make positive contributions through service and volunteer opportunities at Ugandan schools and health care clinics.
One of your guides and mentors abroad will be Global Center Director, Susan O’Rourke. She has led study abroad programs for decades and is committed to helping you become immersed in the Ugandan culture with amazing moments and adventures. Alongside Susan will be a counselor available to students, both are trained in healthy relationships, stress management practices and study-abroad protocols.
Serve, Learn & Volunteer
- Volunteer (provide tutoring and engage in fun learning activities) at Noah’s Ark School for Children with Disabilities in Entebbe
- Participate in service projects (plant orchards and tend to school gardens) for Bright Kids Uganda on Lake Victoria Island
- Serve (provide instruction and adapt learning materials for children with disabilities) at Silver Memorial Inclusive Community Learning Center (SMILE) in Opucet
- Assist with vision assessments and distribution of donated eye glasses for seniors and school children
Meet a New Culture
- Hear inspiring life stories from locals, young and old; learn about their history including the effects of living as a British colony and subsequent years of conflict
- Become familiar with local customs and their challenges
- Interact with people living in remote villages without access to electricity, clean water, phones or computers
- Prepare, taste and eat authentic Ugandan food
Take amazing adventures
- Visit the source of the Nile River and go white water rafting
- Take a hike to the tallest waterfall in eastern Africa, Sipi Falls
- Observe animals in their natural habitat on a three-day safari
- Visit Chimpanzee Island
An impactful experience
“I would go back and serve in Uganda in a heartbeat. I wish I had more time there. It had a huge impact on my life after returning and loved the opportunity to be able to have an impact on the lives of those there.”
– Kaylee Goblesky, Carlow University Nursing student
Get Your College Career Off to a Great Start
If you are interested in the Discovery Program, complete this form or contact Global Center Director, Susan O’Rourke, at slorourke@carlow.edu or +1 (412) 578-2054.
Program Director
Susan O’Rourke, EdD
Global Center Director
Global Center Director, Susan O’Rourke has been working in Uganda for 10 years (since 2012). She has personally selected the comfortable and secure living facilities for the Uganda service-learning program and prearranged secure transportation through established partners in Uganda. Dr. O’Rourke has developed experiential learning and service projects through established partnerships and non-government organizations (NGOs).
Partners such as:
- Noah’s Ark School for Children with Disabilities
- Bright Kids Uganda
- Silver Memorial Inclusive Community Learning Center (SMILE)
- Prime Tower Primary School
Contact the Discovery Program
If you are interested in the Discovery program, and have questions, email us or give us a call. We’re here to help!
Learn and earn graduate credits for ACT 48 and continuing education
Better support your students by learning a new skill or deepening your knowledge in one of our graduate courses specifically designed for teachers and educators just like you. Courses are offered completely online in the Fall (Oct.-Dec.), Spring (Jan.-May) or Summer (May-July).
- Use what you learn immediately
- Earn 90 Act 48 credits with just one course
- Courses meet one night a week for eight weeks, completely online
Courses are open to any interested community member, educator or teacher. Once completed, the course can be applied toward a certificate or degree from Carlow University.
“These classes were so beneficial in expanding my instructional teaching practices! I took several of the classes and could immediately apply strategies and techniques in my classroom and with my students. The Carlow instructors are amazing and their experiences are relevant to today’s educational challenges. I had never written a grant proposal before and was nervous about taking the grant writing class. Patty Beaumont made the process so much fun and understandable; I wrote a full proposal for a student-centered initiative and submitted it to a Foundation for consideration. I am so happy that I decided to take these classes!”
— Erica Slobodnik, Second Grade Lead Teacher, Duquesne City School District
2024-25 Course Schedule
All courses meet one night a week for 8 weeks in an online format.
SUMMER
ED 610 Grantwriting for Educators (May 20 – July 18)
Instructor: Rachel Griffo | Tuesdays
This course covers education-related grant writing, focusing on researching and developing proposals that align with a school or organization’s mission. Participants will learn best practices in grant management and stewardship, culminating in a final project proposal.
READ 766 Children and the Media (June 16 – August 4)
Instructor: Shellie Grooms | Mondays
This course reviews research on young children’s media use, addressing debates over early tech skills and concerns about two-dimensional screen exposure affecting brain development. Learners will examine media’s social impact on children and review recommendations on media use from professional organizations.
READ 721 Dyslexia & Structured Literacy (May 21 – July 9)
Instructor: Val Piccini | Wednesdays
This course provides a historical and neurological perspective on dyslexia and language-based learning differences in literacy programs. Candidates will explore evidence-based methods endorsed by the National Reading Panel and International Dyslexia Association, along with assistive technology in literacy instruction.
2022-23 Course Schedule
All courses meet one night a week for 8 weeks in an online format.
FALL
LE 705 Nature and Needs of the Gifted (Oct. 24 – Dec. 16) Instructor: Ms. Casey Weiss, Asst. Principal at Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh Mondays, 6-8:45 p.m. | 90 Act 48 credits | $270
This course emphasizes the characteristics of the gifted student, various identification procedures, the needs of the student population, program models to meet those needs, and theories of intelligence.
LE 774 Building School Culture and Climate (Oct. 27 – Dec. 16) Instructor: Dr. Phillip Woods, Superintendent, Aliquippa School District Thursdays, 6-8:45 p.m. | 90 Act 48 credits | $270
This course is designed for future and current leaders seeking to develop or improve their work environment for all stakeholders. Beginning with an introduction to various leadership styles, students will identify the qualities and characteristics of leaders that affect positive culture and climate in the school/work environment including the importance of collaboration, delegation, and building self and staff efficacy. Students will study the importance of student/teacher relations and examine how Implicit Bias and Deficit Thinking Model greatly impact these relationships. As part of this course, students will examine the three tiers of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and alternatives to suspensions. Special emphasis will be placed on urban educational and workplace settings.
SPRING
ED 610 Grantwriting for Educators (Jan. 11 – March 3) Instructor: Ms. Patty Beaumont, Director, Special Grants & Research in Education at Carlow Wednesdays, 6-8:45 p.m. | 90 Act 48 credits | $270
This course examines various aspects of grant writing and proposal development, specifically education-related grants targeted for educators. The focus of this course is on researching and writing successful education grant proposals. This course emphasizes the various components of the grant writing process and the development of grant research and application skills for opportunities that align with the participant’s school or organization’s mission. Emphasis will be placed on an understanding and utilization of Best Practices in grant management/grant writing/grant stewardship and the successful planning of grants projects. All of these skills will culminate in a final proposal of a project idea.
ED 766 Children and the Media (March 15 – May 5) Instructor: Ms. Shellie Grooms, Senior Program Associate, Fred Rogers Institute Wednesdays, 6-8:45 p.m. | 90 Act 48 credits | $270
An overview of the research and educational policies regarding young children and the media. There is growing controversy over the role of media and technology in the lives of children. Some suggest that starting early to teach technology skills is important; others have grave concerns about the impact on early brain development when children experience extended viewing of objects in two-dimensional form, rather than exploration of three-dimensional objects. Additionally, there is ample evidence that television and video viewing affect the social behavior of young children, in either positive or negative ways, depending on the content of the programming. Learners will examine the controversies surrounding the effects of media (visual, auditory stimulation) and the recommendations of various professional organizations on the use of media and technology in programs for young children.
SUMMER
READ 721 Dyslexia & Structured Literacy (May 15 – July 7) Instructor: Ms. Val Piccini, Carlow Instructor, Reading Specialist and National LETRS Trainer Asynchronous Online | 90 Act 48 credits | $270
This graduate course is designed to provide the historical perspective of language-based learning differences and dyslexia in the content of literacy programs involving reading, writing, spelling and handwriting. Within this framework, the neurological basis of oral and written difficulties will be given particular emphasis. Candidates will examine the research of instructional evidence-based methods and practices in accordance with the National Reading Panel and International Dyslexia Association and the implementation of assistive technology in literacy instruction.
LE 784 Literacy Leadership (May 16 – July 7) Instructor: Dr. Rob Buffone, Principal at Franklin Regional Intermediate School Wednesdays, 6-8:45 p.m. | 90 Act 48 credits | $270
In this course, students will study the role of leadership in organizing and sustaining networked literacy learning communities aimed at cultivating an environment of continuous literacy improvement. Content will focus on evidenced-based practices that align to the Science of Reading. Students will examine and explore the theoretical models that underpin the instructional practices involved in explicit reading instruction and intervention at the district and school level. Students will examine instructional routines, techniques, and explicit lesson plans necessary to analyze current practices and improve literacy outcomes for all students and systems. Students will develop an understanding of assessments specific to reading and integration of literacy data into instruction to close achievement gaps. In evaluating theoretical models, instructional routines, and literacy assessment frameworks, the aim is to ensure literacy for all is achieved through systemic change in practices aligned to the Science of Reading.
AE 600 Art & Learning (May 15 – July 7) Instructor: Ms. Leigh Roche, Art Educator at The Campus Lab School Mondays, 6-8:45 p.m. | 90 Act 48 credits | $270
This course examines the relationship between art and human development — how engaging with works of art and learner-centered discovery-based inquiry activities develop SEL, creativity and imagination, multiliteracy, and aesthetic understanding. Students will deepen their understanding in Visual Thinking Strategies and Thinking Routines. Emphasis will be placed on creativity and the brain, imagination and aesthetic experiences, and will expand understanding of how the arts relate to social justice and affect human development. As part of this course, students will demonstrate how to create experiential learning in art that develops imagination and multi-modal learning.
Registration
If you are a Carlow student, you may register for your courses through Self-Service (login required).
Guest students or Carlow Alumn can register in four easy steps:
- Identify the courses you are interested in.
- Complete the Guest Student Registration Form [pdf]. You will need to input course information on this form.
- Submit the registration form with your unofficial transcripts to the Registrar’s Office by email: registrar@carlow.edu.
- You’ll receive an email from the Registrar’s Office that confirms your registration and provides you with the next steps to complete your registration.
Contact Us
We’re here to help you become the teacher or educator you want to be.
Course registration questions:
Email: registrar@carlow.edu
Phone: +1 (412) 578-6389
All other questions:
Email: ambisignani@carlow.edu
Discover a world of possibilities with an MA in Psychology
The global popularity and growth of psychology has created endless possibilities for careers beyond the traditional psychology setting such as business, education, health and public safety.
Discover your passion through our specially designed curriculum, which offers six guided elective specializations including forensic, educational, assessment, treatment, expressive arts or general exploration. You will collaborate with our supportive and experienced faculty to choose the pathway that helps you become who you want to be.
While our MA in Psychology program serves as a program for those who wish to pursue a career that does not require licensure, it can provide a great pathway to a doctorate as well.
Quick facts
- Learn advanced general and applied psychology principles
- Choose the area of focus that makes sense for you
- Be prepared to pursue a doctorate
Did you know there are personal benefits to studying psychology?1
- Understand yourself better
- Learn about research methods
- Improve your understanding of others
- Become a better communicator
- Develop critical thinking skills
- Help you in your future career
- Learn about human development
- Complement other areas of study
- Develop insight into mental illness
Learn from professionals
Credits required:
36 credits
Cost per credit:
$1,046/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 4 semesters
Delivery:
On campus & online
MA in Psychology Career-focused Curriculum
Taught in a personalized, hands-on learning environment, our master’s in psychology curriculum focuses on advanced general and applied psychology principles, and valuable research and clinical skills that you can immediately apply to your place of work.
Choose the psychology specialization that is best for you
Specialize your psychology courses to fit your career goals and personal aspirations. Each guided elective specialization provides you with the opportunity to learn the theories, skills, tools and treatments for that area.
Therapeutic Arts Psychology
Integrate your passion for the arts and humanities into your psychology coursework.
Assessment Psychology
Use field techniques and tools to develop hypotheses about personality, symptoms, behavior and cognitive ability.
Educational Psychology
Apply psychology skills and knowledge within primary and secondary school settings with a focus on supporting educational needs and reducing obstacles to learning
Forensic Psychology
Explore the psychological factors driving criminal behavior and apply forensic assessment skills within legal and justice system contexts.
Alternate degree completion options
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.
Online Degree
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
Specializations include:
Discover endless career possibilities with an MA in Psychology
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “Understanding psychological science and how to apply it is an asset in any career. A psychology degree, from the bachelor’s to the master’s and doctorate degree, helps employees perform in a wide variety of jobs both within and beyond the psychology discipline.”2
The APA identifies the following career paths3:
- Helping businesses
- Helping people improve their lives
- Promoting health
- Protecting the planet
- Serving communities
- Understanding the world around us
- Working in schools
Mickenna Ansell ’22
“The faculty and staff were very easy to connect with and I was able to get professional experience in research and clinical practice with their help. My time at the University prepared me to take doctoral-level classes and work in the field of psychology.”
Rachel Seamans ’21
“They [the faculty] took an interest in us and made sure we succeeded as both students and people. We weren’t just numbers to them. And, we were learning from professionals who were still practicing, not years removed from working in the field.”
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation from professors or clinical/research supervisors that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
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.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Psychology faculty
Mary C. Burke, PhD Professor, Program Director
Jennifer K. Roth, PhD Professor of Psychology, Counseling, Criminology and Behavioral Neuroscience
Shannon White, Psy.D. Assistant Professor & Clinical Coordinator of MA in Psychology
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
1 “Why We All Can Learn From Studying Psychology,” Verywell Mind
2 “Working in Psychological Science,” American Psychological Association
3 “Career Paths in Psychology,” American Psychological Association
BS in Computer Science with a Google-endorsed Curriculum
Regardless of your coding or programming experience, our BS in Computer Science program is designed to help you become the computer scientist you want to be. Developed in part with Google’s collaboration, our curriculum will help you develop the front-end and back-end skills employers are looking for right now.
An integral part of your computer science education will consist of three, project-based modules each presented in a logical sequence so that you can easily understand computer programming.
Our personalized, hands-on learning environment is designed to help you graduate and succeed with a degree in computer science.
Quick facts
- Complete a Google-endorsed curriculum
- Gain the necessary project experience to remain competitive in the computer science field
- Tailor your educational experience toward your career goals in computer science or a related industry
Apply now
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Delivery:
On campus, some online
Campus:
Oakland
Transfer Credits:
Varies per student
Google-endorsed, Computer Science Curriculum
Our Google-endorsed, computer science curriculum is designed to equip you with employable skills that you can take into the workforce at any time. These include:
- Coding and programming,
- Web, app and user experience design,
- Deployment & accessibility.
You will develop proficiency in Python, C Programming, HTML, CSS3, Javascript, jQuery and SQL. All are necessary to work in the computer science field as a front-end, back-end or full-stack developer.
The three modules
In total, you will complete three, project-based modules, each presented in a logical sequence so that you can easily understand computer programming.
MODULE #2
Advanced Programming and Algorithms (Back-end developer)
You will dive deeper into back-end development, advancing your programming skills and computer data knowledge
Throughout each module, you will put your knowledge and skill to work by completing multiple resume-boosting website and mobile application projects as well as a senior capstone project. Each project will culminate into an e-portfolio, a key interview tool in the computer science industry.
“Along with programming skills, the ability to write—and verbally convey ideas, processes and qualifications—is near the top of almost any company’s list of desirable qualifications.” — Lem Diaz, Google Ventures
Become the computer scientist you want to be
Did you know that you can increase your career opportunities with a degree in computer science? At Carlow, we design career pathways to provide you with the skill and knowledge you need to do exactly what you want to do. You can explore a variety of majors, minors and specializations to add to your computer science major.
Computer Science + Business Management
Product Manager
Computer Science + Information Technology
Database Administrator
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Science: Web Design Track
Gain experience in front-end and back-end development, and learn through creative design thinking and hands-on projects.
Web Developer, UX Designer, Front-End Engineer
Computer Science + Science
Research Assistant
Computational Biologist or Chemist
Computer Science: Data Analytics Track
Build a strong foundation in data skills, starting with approachable tools before advancing to industry-standard programming languages such as Python and SQL
Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Developer
Computer Science + Psychology
User Experience Designer
Content Designer
Computer Science: Applied AI
Develop skills in machine learning, natural language processing, and AI-driven tools, and a foundation in responsible innovation. Develop the critical thinking skills necessary to stay up-to-date in this fast-paced industry.
AI Specialist, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Engineer
Computer Science: Game Development
Work with industry-standard tools like Unity, while building programming skills in C# and C++. Complete a portfolio-ready game or interactive experience in your capstone course. Start with approachable design principles and grow your technical expertise and ability to create meaningful user experiences.
Game Development, Interactive Media, Simulation Design Chemist
Admission requirements and application process
- Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
- Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply
anytime
Start term:
Fall 2023
Computer Science Program Director
“I invite you to discover the new Computer Science program at Carlow University! We would love to help you become the computer scientist you want to be. Through our rigorous Google-certified curriculum, you’ll gain the design and programming skills that employers are looking for. You’ll do meaningful work with teams of students to develop innovative and creative solutions to challenging problems. Our program is focused on real-world applications and projects in app development and web design that will enhance your resume and impress future employers. Remember, at Carlow, we believe in making the possible probable, and we will be with you every step of the way.”
Ericka Mochan, PhD
Program Director for Computer Science, Associate Professor and Program Director, Mathematics and Data Analytics
Program Director for Computer Science, Associate Professor and Program Director, Mathematics and Data Analytics
Contact Admissions
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’s Computer Science program was developed in partnership with the LCMC and Rize Education, who received the collaboration of Google to build a program centered on the hard-skills that companies are looking for. Most importantly, the program leverages project-based learning and allows students the opportunity to create portfolios that they can showcase to prospective employers.
Expand your ability to transform lives, become a doctor of physical therapy
Join a diverse group of aspiring physical therapists in a deep and accelerated experiential learning journey. Our expert team has uniquely designed a well-rounded, hands-on PT curriculum geared towards treating patients beyond their disease to improve functional outcomes.
An integral part of your training will consist of 4, full-time clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings (hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine, pediatrics).
To complement your clinical knowledge, you will become well-versed in seeing beyond the patient’s impairment and see how their life circumstances can impact their recovery.
Quick facts
- Sharpen your technical and non-technical skills for healthcare practice
- Learn in a healthcare team-based model (interprofessional collaboration)
- Gain clinical experiences in Pittsburgh, around the U.S. and internationally
- Lock in your tuition for all 8 semesters*
*Lock in your tuition
Incoming (Fall 2026) PT students are eligible to lock in their per-credit tuition rate for their whole program duration as long as they are continually enrolled in the PT program.
▸ View tuition & fees [pdf]
Credits required:
115 credits
Cost per credit:
$969/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 8 semesters
Delivery:
On campus
Well-rounded, employable PT curriculum
Our physical therapy curriculum allows you to learn the many facets of the PT industry including team-based patient care (interprofessional collaboration), entrepreneurship, leadership, health informatics to guide clinical decision-making, understanding of healthcare policies, and economics.
Designed to give you the time you need to reflect and digest your new knowledge, each Fall and Spring semester is divided into two, eight-week sessions.
Curricular highlights
- Learn in a healthcare team model which provides you with the opportunity to learn and discuss with aspiring nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, physician assistants and speech-language pathologists.
- Build confidence in your clinical skill through simulated hospital and ICU scenarios in our state-of-the-art simulation lab.
- Graduate with a competitive resume that will include pro-bono services at our community teaching/learning lab, opportunities throughout the Carlow campus community (early learning center, elementary school, Sisters of Mercy convent) and international clinical experiences.
At Carlow, we believe that the non-technical skills are equally essential to your health professional training as the technical skills. Your training will emphasize three important habits of healthcare practice:
Heart (professional formation/responsibilities)
Head (cognitive knowledge)
Hand (clinical skills)
It is the training in the habits of the heart that will allow you to act above and beyond your technical responsibilities and advocate for your patients.
It is the expectation that Carlow University physical therapy graduates will advocate for healthcare equity for all, serve their communities with empathy and compassion, and actively contribute to creating a just and merciful world.
Career opportunities for physical therapists
Understood as one of the most rewarding healthcare careers, physical therapists develop real relationships with their patients and help them live better lives through rehabilitative medicine. Located in Pittsburgh, our PT program is in the heart of physical therapy career opportunity.
#10
best healthcare jobs
21%
growth in the next 10 years
95k
median salary for PTs
To practice as a physical therapist in the U.S., you must earn a physical therapist degree from a CAPTE- accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam.
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply through PTCAS, and must submit the following materials:
- A completed application on PTCAS
- A bachelor’s degree (students can apply in their senior year but must graduate before the start of the DPT program).
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00+
- Prerequisites completed within 10 years and before matriculation
- C+ or better: One course in anatomy with Lab, one course in physiology with Lab, or two courses sequence in anatomy and physiology with lab.
- C or better: Two courses in biological sciences, one course in psychology/sociology, two courses in general chemistry with Lab, two courses in general physics with Lab, one course in statistics
- One page resume
- Two Letters of recommendation describing the following:
- From a licensed physical therapist that you observed describing your passion for physical therapy and how our profession is a right fit for you.
- From an undergraduate counselor or professor who can describe your personal and academic abilities to be successful in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and become a licensed practitioner
- No set number of observation hours is required. However, it is expected that interested students will have engaged in those opportunities to be able to articulate their interest in the physical therapy profession confidently and competently.
If you are an international student, additional items are required.
Apply
Final deadline: May 15
Start term:
Fall (August)
Early assurance (conditional admission) for High School students to apply in: View our helpful fact sheet [pdf] that offers guidance on the process and requirements.
Physical Therapy faculty: Learn from the experts
Department and program questions can be directed to DPTProgram@carlow.edu.
Kunal Bhanot, PT, PhD, FAAOMPT Chair, Professor
Katie Shroyer PT,DPT, CBIS Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor
Chelsey Wojcik Larko, PT, DPT, NCS Assistant Professor
Mission statement
Our physical therapy program strives to develop evidence-informed, critically-thinking, skilled practitioners and leaders who advocate for healthcare equity for all, serve their communities with empathy and compassion, and actively contribute to creating a just and merciful world.
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
Accreditation
Effective 04/25/23, Carlow University, Doctor of Physical Therapy program, has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please email: dptprogram@carlow.edu. Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/ professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.
Policies
- View or download the Program Complaint Policy and Procedure [pdf]
Take six credits, get free on-campus housing
We welcome undergraduate guest students from any accredited institution to benefit from our 2023 Summer Stay Program. Courses run May 15-August 4.
- Get a jumpstart
- Explore summer sessions
- Stay in the heart of Oakland
Stay on campus for free
If you register for six or more credits as an undergraduate student, you are eligible to stay on Carlow’s charming, urban campus for free. You’ll be minutes away from some of Pittsburgh’s greatest summertime activities including our annual Pittsburgh Arts Festival, Cinema in the park and Carnegie Museum of Art.
Move in: May 14, 2023 | Move out: August 5, 2023
Registration
Guest Student Registration
- Identify courses through Self-Service. The advanced search option will allow you to search by Summer 2023, undergraduate and subject of interest. ▸ View a short how-to video
- Complete the Guest Student Registration Form [pdf]. You will need to input course information on this form.
- Submit the registration form with your unofficial transcripts to the Registrar’s Office by email: registrar@carlow.edu.
- You’ll receive an email from the Registrar’s Office that confirms your registration and provides you with the next steps to complete your registration. Once you are registered, Student Affairs will contact you to reserve your free summer housing.
Carlow Student Registration
- Register for your courses through Self-Service (login required). The advanced search option will allow you to search by Summer 2023, undergraduate and subject of interest.
- Verify available financial aid by reviewing your account in Self-Service (login required). If you do not verify, financial aid will review your account and contact you to discuss options for summer aid where applicable.
- Contact Student Affairs by email: eiboyles@carlow.edu or by phone: +1 (412) 578-8774 to reserve your free summer housing.
Contact Us
We’re here to help you.
Course registration questions:
Email: registrar@carlow.edu
Phone: +1 (412) 578-6389
Summer housing questions:
Email: eiboyles@carlow.edu
Phone: +1 (412) 578-8774
Expand your career opportunities with a healthcare management degree
Our healthcare management degree provides the educational and business background necessary to pursue a career in a variety of healthcare positions including healthcare advocacy, long-term care, healthcare institutions, insurance or physicians’ practice.
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Delivery:
On campus, some online
Campus:
Oakland
Transfer credits:
Up to 90 credits
Healthcare Management curriculum
The Healthcare Management major curriculum focuses on healthcare finance, services, and data analytics. In consultation with your advisor, you may construct your major (add biology or chemistry and 6 electives) to help accomplish your healthcare career goals.
Quick facts
- Take advantage of Carlow’s location and medical resources
- Explore healthcare data analytics as part of your core classes
- Get a jump start on master’s in Fraud and Forensics or Business Administration
Alternate degree completion options
Online Degree
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online 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.
Career opportunities for Healthcare Management
According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, employment for medical and health services managers is expected to increase by 32%.
Admission requirements & application process
- Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
- Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply
anytime
Start terms
Fall, Spring & Summer
Healthcare Management faculty
Michael Kistler, PhD Assistant Professor, Business Management
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
Transform the future of healthcare with an entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate
Built on the Mercy principles of hospitality, discovery, sacredness of creation and service, Carlow’s fully Accredited Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program will help prepare you for a meaningful career in healthcare. You will develop deep roots in humanistic theory, emphasizing a balance of physical, emotional, and social health and wellness, participate in interprofessional experiences, engage in community service, and complete applicable fieldwork.
Upon graduation, you will be prepared to transform the future of practice using an occupational justice-informed approach to health and well-being.
Quick facts
- Accredited by ACOTE.
- Learn interprofessionally (alongside other aspiring healthcare professionals)
- Become a powerful citizen of justice in society and healthcare
- Prepare yourself to be an innovative leader in healthcare
▸ Read about theCarlow difference [pdf]
Lock in your tuition!
If you plan to start your occupational therapy (MSOT, OTD) degree in Fall 2026, 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.
Credits required:
100 credits
Cost per credit:
$950/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 8 semesters
Delivery:
On campus
Occupational Therapy Doctorate curriculum
Throughout the OTD curriculum, we have integrated interprofessional experiences into course-based learning activities and community-based experiences. Shared spaces and faculty create daily interprofessional interactions, while critical thinking and ethics courses provide interprofessional discussion and reflection. You will participate in fieldwork experiences (Level I & II) that allow you to bridge your knowledge between classroom and practice using an occupational justice-informed approach. Completion of a doctoral capstone project will position you to identify areas of need in practice to address under-resourced individuals, groups and populations.
- Level I fieldwork (3 required): discover, develop and enhance your professional identity and apply your classroom knowledge to your experiences located on campus and in the surrounding Pittsburgh, Pa community
- Level II fieldwork (2, 12-week required, pre-requisite of the doctoral capstone experience): apply clinical and technological skills in a variety of supervised practice settings (interprofessional & evidence-based) and focus on environment and community concepts (education & advocacy)
- Doctoral Capstone Experience (14-week course): address a link to the domain of OT, occupational justice, and health and wellbeing to promote occupational engagement of clients (individuals, groups, or populations).
▸ View or download our program’smission and outcomes [pdf]
The OTD curriculum is taught through a whole-health perspective that works to develop your whole person for innovative practice in healthcare, dedicated to optimizing health and well-being as a path to occupational justice.
Career opportunities for Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists, as defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association, are skilled health care professionals who use research and scientific evidence to ensure their interventions are effective. With strong knowledge of a person’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social makeup, occupational therapy practitioners can evaluate how your condition (or risk for one) is affecting your body and mind, using a holistic perspective.
Ranked one of the best jobs by U.S. News & World Report, OT is slated to grow 14% over the next 10 years (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
▸ View or download theoccupational therapy information sheet[pdf]
Admission requirements and application process
At Carlow University, our Occupational Therapy program, uses a holistic admissions process. In this process we evaluate you as a whole person and acknowledge a student’s lived experiences, work, and service initiatives. These areas are specifically given credit during your application process. We look forward to meeting you and guiding you throughout the process.
Applications are open on the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application System (OTCAS).
▸ View the full list ofadmissions requirements and application process.
Early assurance (conditional admission) for High School students to apply: View our helpful fact sheet [pdf] that offers guidance on the process and requirements.
Apply now!
Start term:
Fall
According to FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), cost of attendance is defined as total amount of attending the program, which includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, transportation, student university feeds, and loan fees. The following charts provide estimated costs, based on 2025-2026 tuition and fee rates, for the full program of study in the entry-level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree program.
Tuition & Fees table (incl. tuition, fees, books, loan fees*)
Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD)
| Cost | OTD Program Academic Year 1 | OTD Program Academic Year 2 | OTD Program Academic Year 3 | Total Cost of Profram |
| Tuition Per credit tuition frozen at year 1 | Cost per credit $950.00 45 credits $42,750.00 | Cost per credit $950.00 37 credits $35,150.00 | Cost per credit $950.00 18 credits $17,100.00 | 100 credits $95,000.00 |
| Exxat Fees | $211.00 | $36.00 | $36.00 | $283.00 |
| Liability Insurance | $11.00 | $11.00 | $11.00 | $33.00 |
| AOTA/POTA memberships | $105.00 | $105.00 | $105.00 | $315.00 |
| Lab Fees | $500.00 | $300.00 | $800.00 | |
| Books & Supplies* | $1,000.00 | $200.00 | $200.00 | $1,400.00 |
| Transportation | $138.00 | $138.00 | $138.00 | $414.00 |
| University Fee | $20.00/credit $900.00 | $20.00/credit $740.00 | $20.00/credit $360.00 | $2,000.00 |
| Tech Fee | $270.00 | $270.00 | $270.00 | $810.00 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $134.00 | $134.00 | $134.00 | $402.00 |
| Graduate Student Activity Fee | $104.00 | $104.00 | $104.00 | $312.00 |
| Loan Fees | $210.00 | $210.00 | $210.00 | $630.00 |
| Total | $46,333.00 | $37,098.00 | $18,968.00 | $102,399.00 |
*These estimated amounts are used in determining financial aid eligibility. These items are not charged to the student account and actual student expenses will vary.
Occupational Therapy faculty
Michael Kistler, PhD Assistant Professor, Business Management
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
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Accredited Entry-Level Doctoral degree level Occupational Therapy Program
The Occupational Therapy/Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number, c/o AOTA, is (301) 652-6611, and its web address is www.acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
- View or download theProgram Goals and Outcomes [pdf]
Program Outcomes
Program outcomes with regard to graduation rates and NBCOT certification exam results are updated and posted yearly. See the results on NBCOT for School Performance Home page.
Carlow University’s entry-level Doctorate in Occupational Therapy program admitted the first cohort in Fall of 2022. Carlow offers both entry level MSOT and entry level OTD programs. Our graduation rate is calculated by comparing the total number of students who began the program in either the MSOT or OTD degree program the total number of students who graduated from those programs. We allow students the opportunity to switch degree programs at the start of the second semester. There may be some fluctuation in the number of students within each degree. In addition, these numbers may include students who graduated out of sync due to medical or personal leave.
The total number of graduates from the Carlow University Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program during the 3-year period 2024-2026 was 10, with an overall graduation rate of 100%.
|
Graduation Year |
Students Entering (Year of Program Start) |
Students who withdrew for reasons other than academic performance |
Students who internally transitioned from MS into OTD program |
Students who internally transitioned from OTD into MS program |
Students Graduating |
Graduation Rate** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2024 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2025* |
10 (2022) |
-1 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 100% |
| Total | 10 | -1 | +3 | -2 | 10 | 100% |
*First cohort of OTD program graduates
**The number of students who graduated according to the published program length. If a student does not graduate according to the published program length, the student should not be counted in any graduation rate.
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) program data results: https://www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance
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