Prepare to work in cardiac surgery with a MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion

Carlow’s MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion will equip you to pursue a career in a much-needed medical specialty. The rigorous science curriculum will give you a thorough education on the cardiovascular system, perfusion, hematology, surgery, pulmonary anatomy,  pathology and more.

You will learn to prepare the cardiopulmonary bypass and auxiliary equipment used during surgery, as well as the principles and practices of clinical perfusion management.

You will learn the skills needed to oversee the function of the heart and/or lungs during medical procedures and how to administer heart-stopping drugs, monitor the physiological and metabolic demands of patients, and operate equipment during open-heart surgery.

MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion curriculum

The MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion program is offered in cooperation with the UPMC School of Cardiovascular Perfusion. 

Courses cover biological, chemical and physical topics pertaining to the cardiovascular system and include Introduction to Cardiovascular Surgery, Electrophysiology, and Perfusion Procedures — Clinical II/Clinical II Continued.

Quick facts

• Complete 18 months of clinical training at UPMC School of Cardiovascular Perfusion
• Study in one of the oldest cardiovascular perfusion programs in the United States
• Sit for the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) Perfusion Basic Science Examination (PBSE) upon graduation

Admission requirements and application process

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

An undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher is required, as is a 3.5 GPA in the sciences (no exceptions). 

Students must have the following prerequisites completed in order to be considered for the program:

• General Biology I and II, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, Physics I and II, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Calculus and Medical Ethics

Cardiovascular Perfusion faculty

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Minor in Behavioral Health

In the Behavioral Health minor program, you will learn about the social work profession as you study the connection between behaviors and mental and physical well-being. You will learn how to develop cultural competence in working with diverse populations, explore the individual and community context of behavioral health, and learn about case management.

The minor is open to all majors. It particularly benefits students who pursue careers in social and behavioral sciences, political science, psychology, anthropology and sociology.

A Behavioral Health minor enriches all career choices. With this minor, you will be prepared to work in behavioral health organizations and in settings where behavioral health impacts clients and communities, such as in health care, education, criminal justice and advocacy.

Behavioral Health Minor curriculum

The minor required 18 credits. Two elective courses focus on topics such as practice with groups and families, crisis intervention and substance abuse. The forensic context will further prepare you to work in these areas.

Understanding humanity: History minor

You can supplement your interest in learning about the past with a History minor. You will uncover the value of history through research of recorded events, analysis of patterns and critical thinking in order to present the past, better understand contemporary problems and predict future challenges.
A minor in History is a perfect addition to comprehensive Liberal Studies and English majors.

History minor curriculum

This minor is open to any major. A minimum of 18 credits is required.

Dig into life’s important questions with a Philosophy minor

Studying for a philosophy minor, you will examine and ask the largest and most important of human questions concerning life and the nature of the universe. You will immerse yourself in a critical study of past and present systems of philosophic thought and learn to investigate the truths and principles pertaining to the nature of existence, knowledge, values and conduct. 

With its emphasis on language skills, critical thinking and abstract reasoning, the Philosophy minor has numerous practical applications. It complements majors such as Psychology or Education, and students majoring in Liberal Studies will find the Philosophy minor a superb addition to their other minors.

Philosophy minor curriculum

The minor requires 15 credits, including five courses in philosophy.

Improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree at Carlow University is designed to provide you with an understanding of human nature and cultural diversity. As a student in the program, you will participate in a fall and spring senior year, agency-based field placement, a corresponding classroom seminar, and at least 50 hours of volunteer service. This will equip you with the hands-on experience you need to work through upper-level coursework and graduate with real-world experience. 

The program is concentrated in social work theory and practice with a foundation of liberal arts studies. Throughout the curriculum, you will develop entry-level social work skills that can be translated into practice with individuals, families, organizations, and communities.

Quick facts

• Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Experienced professors who continue to practice social work in their areas of expertise
• Concentration in Healthcare Social Work, Crisis and Trauma, Forensic Social Work, or Restorative Justice
• Minors for non-social work majors are offered in Healthcare Social Work, Behavioral Health, and Crisis and Trauma

Social work curriculum 

BSW majors are required to take 18 credits of restricted electives as part of the 120 credits to graduate from Carlow with a BSW degree. The 18 credits of restricted electives must be chosen from a specific set of disciplines, for example, Criminology, Psychology, Social Work, and a few other disciplines. The BSW Program strongly encourages social work majors to pursue one of the concentrations rather than taking a random selection of credits. Concentration can provide a competitive edge for internships and/or the job market and provide the opportunity for a career path.

Healthcare Social Work

The Healthcare Social Work concentration provides the student with a conceptual, ethical, and practice framework for social work practice in health care. Emphasis is on an overview of the United States health care system, the unique knowledge and skill base of social work in health care, the biopsychosocial/spiritual impact of illness on patients and their family members and/or support system, and the special psychosocial needs of populations most often served in health-related social work. The introduction to biomedical ethics is provided as well as the fundamental medical terminology necessary for social work practice in health care. 11 required credits (4 courses) plus, already required prerequisites for the BSW major.

Courses in Concentration

SW298 Social Work Pathways in Healthcare – 3 credits
SW309 Social Work Practice in Healthcare – 3 credits
SW404 Grief and Loss Across the Lifespan – 3 credits
HIM102 Medical Terminology – 2 credits

Forensic Social Work

Nationwide, there is an interest in training social workers who can work within criminal justice systems in a wide array of forensic practices. Likewise, BSW programs offer credentialing at the undergraduate level that makes graduates more marketable, especially if they are interested in working on the non-law-enforcement side of criminal justice practice. This concentration provides social work students with a greater understanding of issues related to the justice system and the rehabilitation and prevention needs of the next decade. BSW graduates with this concentration will be able to promote themselves as early career professionals in the growing field of forensic social work. 18 credits (6 CRM courses) that complete the 18 credits of restricted electives that all BSW majors must complete.

Courses in Concentration

CRM100 Introduction to Criminology – 3 credits
CRM101 Introduction to Criminal Justice – 3 credits
CRM300 Crime and Mental Health – 3 credits
CRM250 Criminal Law – 3 credits
CRM412 Forensic Informed Treatment and Practice – 3 credits
CRM413 Testimony and Attorney Collaboration – 3 credits

New courses in development with Criminology Department: CRM 250-Fall 2025, 412-Spring 2026, 413-Fall 2026 
*Students who wish to take a course(s) and are not a Forensic Social Work Concentration, may request to enroll in the course with permission from the CRM department chair/program director approval. 
** Forensic Social Work Concentration Courses must be taken at Carlow University. 

Crisis and Trauma

Studies in Crisis and Trauma provide a foundational focus ranging from immediate crisis assessment, intervention, and management through more specific issues such as child abuse prevention and treatment and partner violence, as well as investigating the impact of trauma for individuals and families. Concentration in Crisis and Trauma provides students with a solid foundation in theory and research pertaining to crisis, abuse and trauma. * Students are required to satisfy the requirements for the major and take the courses listed below. A minimum of six credits in Crisis and Trauma must be taken at Carlow University. 15 credits (5 courses) plus pre-requisite of 3 credits (1 course) which all BSW students must take for the major.

Courses in Concentration

Choose one of the following:
PY285 Introduction to Counseling – 3 credits
SW204 Theories and Methods of Direct Practice – 3 credits

Required:
PY/SW420 Impact of Trauma – 3 credits
PY/SW430 Crisis Intervention – 3 credits
PY/SW440 Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment – 3 credits

Choose one of the following:
PY/SW488 Intimate Partner Violence – 3 credits
PY/SW404 Grief and Loss Across the Lifespan – 3 credits

*Students who wish to take a course(s) and are not a Crisis and Trauma Concentration, may request to enroll in the course with permission from the department chair/program director approval.
** Minimum of six credits in Crisis and Trauma must be taken at Carlow University.

Restorative Justice

Studies in Restorative Justice provide a foundational focus in addressing community-based issues pertaining to inequities in the justice system as well as alternate methods for addressing crime-related issues beyond the typical incarceration models most often employed by the United States. Students are encouraged to consider how race and class affect interactions with the police and court systems. The concentration provides a solid foundation of theory, policy, and research to help students become active change agents as they enter the workforce. A minimum of 6 credits of these selected courses must be taken for a Restorative Justice concentration. These courses must be completed prior to the remainder of the concentration coursework. 12 credits (4 classes) plus 2 prerequisites (6 credits), a criminology pre-requisite, and a social work prerequisite which all BSW majors must take. 

Courses in Concentration

Required:
SW216 Communities, Organizations in Praxis – 3 credits
CRM375 Race, Class and Justice – 3 credits

Choose one of the following:
CRM285 Violence and Victims of Crime – 3 credits
CRM300 Crime and Mental Health – 3 credits
CRM303 Prisons and Society – 3 credits
CRM315 Juvenile Delinquency – 3 credits

Students who wish to take a course(s) and are not a Crisis and Trauma Concentration, may request to enroll in the course with permission from the department chair/program director approval.
** Minimum of six credits in Crisis and Trauma must be taken at Carlow University.

Upon completion of selected courses, social work majors must proceed with an application process into the upper-level social work requirements. This process must be completed prior to registering for field placement. Every social work major is required to participate in a 450-hour agency-based field placement, as well as a corresponding classroom seminar.

Additional information is available in the University’s course catalog.

Advanced Standing Track

Graduates that earn the BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program qualify for application for advanced standing in a CSWE-accredited program such as Carlow’s MSW Program. The Advanced Standing track allows for full-time students to complete the MSW degree at Carlow in as few as 18 months (39 credits). 

Students who have earned an undergraduate social work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program within the past 7 years qualify for advanced standing status.  Advanced standing students can earn their MSW at Carlow by taking a minimum of 39- credits (an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is required for advanced standing status).

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and reviews. Carlow University’s next accreditation visit will be in 2028.

Resources

• View or download the Bachelor of Social Work field manual [pdf]. It contains information and documents specific to the field placement component of the program  
• View or download theBachelor of Social Work program handbook [pdf]. It contains policies, procedures and information about the program
• View or download theAssessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf]. 

Admission requirements and application process

Social Work faculty

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Help assess, intervene and manage trauma

Build a foundation in theory and research pertaining to crisis, abuse, and trauma in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) with a concentration in Crisis and Trauma. The curriculum’s focus ranges from immediate crisis assessment, intervention, and management to more specific issues; child abuse prevention and treatment, intimate partner violence, and investigating the impact of trauma for individuals and families.

Crisis & Trauma curriculum

Students are to complete the major requirements as well as the following courses in crisis and trauma including the impact of trauma, crisis intervention, child abuse prevention and treatment and intimate partner violence. Prior to taking these courses, students complete the prerequisite of either “Introduction to Counseling” or “Theories and Methods of Direct Practice.”

With approval, transfer students may submit a transfer course for one of the above. A minimum of 9 credits in crisis and trauma must be taken at Carlow University.

Notable Courses

• The Impact of Trauma: This course introduces the student to the field of psychological trauma. The course will be composed of lectures, discussions, guest speakers and videos. It will provide the student with an understanding of the various types of trauma and treatment, trauma theory, the impact of trauma on the mind, body, and spirit, and the historical development of trauma as a clinical entity. Students will gain an appreciation of the depth of trauma and trauma reactions in the fields of social work and psychology.
• Crisis Intervention: An introduction to the various types of crisis situations practitioners may encounter. In addition, the course will offer various techniques and provide presentations on a variety of components needed to assist the student in understanding the concepts of crisis intervention. Crisis events can occur in a variety of ways, and as practitioners, how we deal with these events can make the difference between healing and hindrance. Emphasis will be upon a general understanding of the implications of techniques to modify, manage, and cope with crisis situations.
• Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment: This course is designed to familiarize students with child abuse in its multiple forms. Students will have the opportunity to learn the many signs and symptoms of child maltreatment that manifest in both childhood and adulthood, and will investigate poisonous pedagogy, open/closed family systems, and the impact of shame on our lives. Students will have an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the types of child abuse as well as the signs and behaviors associated with each type.

View Plan of Study

For a more detailed curriculum, view our course catalog, or request more information to talk to an admissions representative.

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.

3-Year Degree

Finish your bachelor’s degree in three years by following a 3-year academic plan. Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms with summer courses completely online. When applying, indicate your interest in the 3-Year Degree option.

Accelerated

Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and reviews. Carlow University’s next accreditation visit will be in 2028.

View or download the following for more information:

• View or download the Bachelor of Social Work field manual [pdf]. It contains information and documents specific to the field placement component of the program  
• View or download the Bachelor of Social Work program handbook [pdf]. It contains policies, procedures and information about the program
• View or download the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf]. 

Admission requirements and application process

Be prepared and confident in your career

Krista Burdett ’18 said the Carlow social work program challenged her to think like a social worker: from case studies to role-playing to writing a research paper. “When I entered the field after graduation, I felt confident in myself because I was fully prepared to handle situations. Now that I’m in the field, I reflect back to my course work to pull from competencies and skills I learned.”

Social Work faculty

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Minor in Crisis & Trauma

Study the various forms of crisis and trauma situations and how to support those in distress through this interdisciplinary minor with Psychology and Social Work. With a minor in Crisis and Trauma, you will focus on crisis situations that may be personal, such as death or assault or community-wide events such as natural disasters or threats to public health.

You will learn about the types of trauma, including acute, chronic and complex trauma as well as vicious or secondary trauma. You will gain an understanding of the physical, psychological and emotional symptoms of traumatic experiences to become better informed and ultimately a more competent professional in your career field of choice.

Crisis & trauma curriculum

The minor in Crisis and Trauma is offered to students who are not majoring in Psychology or Social Work. The coursework introduces students to the field of psychological trauma, different forms of abuse and violence, trauma responses and symptoms, and available treatment options and resources.

Elective courses include Psychology courses focused on children and on women, family counseling, substance abuse counseling, parenting, and death and dying.

This minor requires 18 credits.

Study theology at Carlow

You can study the mystery of human existence and the interdependence of women and men as they relate to God through Carlow University’s scholarly Theology minor program.

Theology examines the human experiences that have given rise to questions of religion such as the meaning of life and death, the existence of a personal God, the search for human values, issues of peace and justice, contemporary spirituality, and ministry of the laity. The Theology curriculum provides the discipline necessary for this unique way of inquiry through courses in scriptural, historical, systematic and moral theology, and pastoral ministry.

Theology minor curriculum

This minor is open to any major and can be customized to your interest. A minimum of 18 credits is required. 

Transform lives, transform your career.

The mission of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at Carlow University is to educate and prepare ethical, compassionate professionals committed to a more just and merciful world. The MSW program promotes a trauma and research informed approach to professional social work practice to promote human and societal well-being and human rights. The program is committed to preparing exemplary leaders to critically engage in service to and advocacy for diverse populations and complex systems using a cultural humility lens to promote racial, social, economic, and environmental justice.

Master of Social Work Program Specializations

Direct Practice

Macro Practice

Macro Practice specialization is designed to develop strengths-based and trauma-informed ethical leaders and managers of human services organizations and social change leaders who advance human well-being. Students are taught best practices for working with larger systems, including communities, organizations, and societies. 

The macro curriculum is grounded in a commitment to human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. It is designed for students seeking a future in:

• human services leadership and management
• policy analysis and advocacy
• social change leadership at the local, state, and national levels

School Social Work

School Social Work specialization builds on key components of the MSW program’s direct practice track, teaching best practices for various assessment and intervention methods in working with individuals, families, and groups in schools and school-based settings.  

The school social work curriculum is grounded in the person-in-the-environment framework, trauma-informed approaches, human rights, and social and economic justice.

This specialization provides students with the knowledge and skills required for ethical leadership within:

• schools
• across larger educational programs and systems
• for policy practice related to public and private preschool, elementary, and secondary schools

Who can apply?

You do not need a BSW to enter the MSW Program.  People with a wide variety of undergraduate degrees can enter the MSW program to become a social worker.  Traditional MSW students can earn their MSW at Carlow by taking a minimum of 60 credits.

Advanced Standing track

If you already have a BSW from an CSWE-accredited program, you will qualify for application for advanced standing. This track allows you to complete this degree at Carlow in as few as 18 months (39 credits).

Students who have earned an undergraduate social work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program within the past 7 years qualify for advanced standing status.  Advanced standing students are able to earn their MSW at Carlow by taking a minimum of 39- credits (an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is required for advanced standing status).

Be supported at Carlow

What stood out for MSW graduate Brandy Patterson ’20 was how supportive Carlow’s faculty and staff were, especially in the Social Work Program. “I always felt like I was able to reach out to whomever I needed at the time to get the help that I needed. If I were to give a yelp review for the Masters of Social Work program I would say it is very supportive and flexible which is great for adult students. You will never feel alone or lost in this program.”

Admission requirements and application process

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

*Summer start is possible for advanced standing only

MSW faculty

Learn from world-class faculty devoted to your future success who are actively practicing and publishing in the discipline. Our six full-time faculty have a combined total of 100+ years of experience in the practice of teaching or in the field of social work 

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Understand the cultural history of gendered experiences: Minor in Women’s & Gender Studies

With the Women’s and Gender Studies minor, you can explore the historical condition of women and the interpretation of women and gender in the various disciplines. You will come to understand the present and future position of women in society and issues of intersectionality, such as race, gender, social class and sexuality. With this minor, you will be equipped to debate gendered situations today.

A minor in Women’s and Gender Studies is valuable in careers in advocacy, social services-related occupations, community development and government. 

Women’s and Gender Studies curriculum

The Women’s and Gender Studies minor requires three courses and three electives totaling 18 credits.