Take college classes in high school

You can earn college credits in high school with Carlow University’s College in High School (CHS) program. 

Through CHS, you can take college-level courses at your high school or Carlow University. Upon successful completion (grade C or better), you will earn college credit, which will be recorded on a Carlow University official transcript.

College in High School options include:

• Courses offered at the University that are open to high school students (100 or 200 level)
• Courses offered by your high school and taught by University faculty
• Courses co-taught by your high school and University faculty
• Carlow-approved courses offered at your high school

CHS approval and requirement information

College in High School course approval must be obtained from the University and should be completed by Feb. 1 for the following fall semester. Course equivalency is determined by the Office of the Registrar.

Approval requirements:

• Cumulative 3.0 GPA
• Following a college preparatory track

Discover a new country. Serve your host community. Develop your intercultural competence skills to aid you in creating a more just and merciful world. 

The world is at your fingertips

While spending a semester in Italy with the Ciao! Carlow program, Kristin writes, “Studying abroad has always been a must for me and the Carlow faculty and staff were so helpful in getting me here. The world is literally at your fingertips! I plan to visit Greece and France while I am here as well since getting from country to country is much closer than in the U.S. The school I am attending is located right in the heart of Rome and the top sights are only a bus ride away. Eating gelato and pasta among ancient ruins and beautiful scenery is what makes this trip so extraordinary!”

– Kristin, a Senior Art Therapy major

Types of Study Abroad Programs

• Faculty-Led Academic Global (FLAG) Programs: Short-term study abroad programs (usually 1-3 weeks), where Carlow faculty members lead a group of Carlow students in another country. Academic credit may or may not be included. Many FLAG programs focus on service learning. 

• Semester Abroad Programs: Immerse yourself in university life in another country for a semester or entire year. 

• Summer Abroad Programs: Study abroad for 3-12 weeks over the summer. A great opportunity for a longer-term experience for students with commitments during the fall and spring semesters. 

Past FLAG Programs

The most up-to-date information about upcoming study abroad opportunities can be found through logging into your Carlow account here.  

A sample of past programs can be seen below. 

‹ ›

Embarking on the Study Abroad Journey

1. Apply for or renew your U.S. passport, which can cost up to $180 and take as long as 12 weeks to arrive. 

2. Click here to view current study abroad information. (Carlow login required.)  

3. Follow the steps on the study abroad page above to talk to a study abroad advisor and get the application process started. 

4. Meet with your academic advisor: Plan the best time of year for your experience and schedule your Carlow classes accordingly. 

5. Meet with Carlow’s Financial Aid Office about available options and make a plan to finance your program abroad.

Affordability

Studying abroad can be more affordable than you think, and most students are able to find an option that fits their budget. Carlow’s Center for Global Engagement (CGE) is here to support you every step of the way as you plan your experience in another country. 

We recommend starting early to make sure everything is in place before you go. Be sure to ask the CGE about scholarship opportunities that can help make your study abroad journey even more accessible. 

¹“Why Study Abroad” The Power of International Education

Forge your own path. Become the person you are meant to be.

You can take the time to explore your personal and academic interests in an adaptable learning experience with a General Studies degree. Created with working people and students who have changed majors in mind, the major is grounded in the liberal arts.

As you adapt your studies to your interests and goals, you will gain a progressive depth of knowledge in a specialized area of study, becoming adept at integrative thinking and “thinking outside the box.”

General studies curriculum 

The General Studies major is student-directed, with the oversight of an advisor. You will choose a study focus and take a minimum of 12 credits in one discipline, but will be able to branch out further in your interests. For example, you could study the plays of Shakespeare in one course, economic theory in another and biblical interpretation in yet another.  

At the end of the program, you will develop a project that demonstrates integrative thinking and proficiency in chosen areas. 

Quick facts

• Adapt your learning experience to your personal interests
• Take advantage of a learning experience designed with curious people in mind
• Cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills 

Admission requirements and application process

Create an individualized course of study

If you’re creative and independent and you’re interested in an interdisciplinary approach to your studies and future career, Carlow’s Liberal Studies major is an ideal option for you. In this program, you will work with an advisor and engage with guided studies to create your own major, adapting your learning experience to your academic and professional goals. You will choose three minors in separate programs to cultivate in-depth knowledge in those areas of study.

The Liberal Studies major is also an excellent choice if you are interested in studying at the graduate level, especially if you have aspirations that require in-depth knowledge of more than one area.

Liberal Studies major curriculum

Two of your chosen minors must be in liberal arts programs, such as humanities, art or women’s studies; one may be in a professional studies program such as accounting, business management or human resources. You may also choose three liberal arts areas of study. At the end of the program, you will complete a thesis that reflects your program outcomes.

Quick facts

• Adapt your learning experience to suit your academic and professional interests
• Prepare yourself for graduate-level studies with an interdisciplinary education
• Cultivate analytical and critical thinking skills, which are highly sought after by employers

Admission requirements and application process

Understand why people break the law and the reasons for their behavior

With a bachelor’s in Criminology,  you will learn the nature of crime and the effectiveness and fairness of society’s efforts to prevent and control it.

You will engage in a cross-disciplinary approach to the study of crime, offenders and victims, as well as the agencies, laws, policies and processes of the criminal justice system. You will train to become an agent of change by developing critical thinking skills through problem-based learning in order to impact  the fields relevant to criminology professionals regardless of setting.

A psychology concentration is embedded within the program to ensure that you have the knowledge relevant to direct-practice professions in the field. This emphasis on psychology will help you develop an awareness of the critical role mental health plays in criminal behavior. 

Criminology major curriculum

Carlow University’s major in Criminology focuses on prevention and remediation strategies. Notable courses include Crime and Mental Health and Race, Class and Justice.

Quick facts

• Pair studies with additional minors in Pre-Law, Counseling, or Crisis and Trauma
• Enjoy flexible options for degree completion for non-traditional students and those outside of the region
• Benefit from internship opportunities

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.

Admission requirements and application process

Criminology faculty

Joseph Roberts, PhD Professor, Department Chair, Program Director of MA in Psychology and MS in Criminology & Criminal Justice

Mary C. Burke, PhD Professor, Program Director

Learn about crime theory with a minor in Criminology

If you are interested in studying issues such as the systems and administration of justice, crime theory, and the intersection of mental health and deviant behaviors, you can elect to minor in Criminology.

In this scientific study of crime and criminals, you will examine why crime exists,  its effects on society and the environment, and how to prevent or reduce criminal activity.

Criminology minor curriculum

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

Required courses include:

• Criminology
• Criminal Justice
• 4 criminology electives

Learn fraud prevention, fully online: MS in Fraud and Forensics

Acquire in-demand, up-to-date skills in Carlow University’s IACBE-accredited online Master of Science in Fraud and Forensics. One of the first of its kind in the nation, the program is consistently ranked as one of the top forensic accounting programs.

Accreditation

The College of Arts and Sciences Department of Business Management, Accounting, and Ethics at Carlow University has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11374 Strang Line Road in Lenexa, Kansas, USA.

For a list of accredited programs and retention information, see Accreditations.

Earn your graduate certificate in forensic accounting online

You can pursue a new career or seek promotion in the field with a graduate certificate in fraud and forensics. The program combines case-based learning with top anti-fraud resources from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) to help prepare you to investigate, remediate and prevent fraud.

Forensic accounting certificate curriculum

You will learn key strategies to minimize fraud, build an understanding of required personal ethics and hone the skill of financial statement examination. Courses include lectures and videos from experts in the forensic accounting field.

Upon completion, you will be prepared to pursue ACFE certification. Credits earned in this certificate program can be used toward a master’s in fraud and forensics.

Quick Facts

• Learn through case-based learning
• Be prepared for ACFE certification

Admission requirements and application process

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

Fraud & Forensics faculty

Joseph Roberts, PhD Professor, Department Chair, Program Director of MA in Psychology and MS in Criminology & Criminal Justice

Prepare for graduate and professional study of law

With the Pre-Law minor, you will prepare for the rigors of graduate or professional education by enhancing skills in analytical reasoning, critical reading and effective communication. You will be ready for success in graduate studies or law school, and for a variety of careers in addition to law. The minor is a valuable addition to students in any major.

Pre-Law minor curriculum

The selection of required and elective courses for this multidisciplinary minor is based on recommendations established by the Association of American Law Schools. You will be required to take courses in American constitutional law and persuasion and a writing course.

Become a licensed registered nurse: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Are you ready to make a difference in health care? As a graduate of Carlow’s highly regarded nursing program, you’ll be able to hit the ground running as a nurse, or take your nursing career to the next level. NCLEX pass rates for graduates of our pre-licensure BSN nursing program are among the highest in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Carlow’s urban location offers opportunities for student involvement in many dimensions of health care.

As you progress through the program, you will learn to think clearly and creatively, pursue intellectual endeavors, and respond ethically in a spirit of cultural competence and social justice. The program serves as a basis for graduate study and a foundation for lifelong learning.

BSN nursing curriculum

Carlow’s BSN nursing program requires 120 credits (63 must be completed at Carlow); the curriculum includes general education, supportive sciences, and liberal arts to develop a well-rounded student. You will enroll in the first clinical nursing course the first semester of your sophomore year after successful completion of required support courses. Clinical nursing experience is provided at various health agencies in the area.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum meets the requirements for NCLEX (the national licensure exam for Registered Nursing) and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories, should you wish to further your education in an advanced practice nursing role.

Quick Facts

• Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab, CSCIL
• Participate in clinical experiences in an intensive care unit 
• Study in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical district and benefit from Carlow partnerships with area health care providers
• Prepare for NCLEX success under the guidance of faculty mentors

explore our simulation lab (CSCIL)

Admission requirements and application process

Learn from passionate faculty

Nursing graduate Tayler Godfrey ’18 said her professor’s passion and dedication was a huge plus. “I had the pleasure of taking Microbiology with Dr. Cianciarulo as the professor and continued working with her on student research. She took a great deal of time, while teaching many courses, to help me better understand microbiology and proper research techniques and was always available to students for questions or concerns.”

Student Testimonials

Nursing faculty

Janice Nash, DNP, RN Professor/Chair of the Undergraduate Nursing Department

Ashley Cole, DNP, RN, CCRN Program Director of Undergraduate Nursing & Assistant Professor

Jessica Huber, PhD, MSN, RN, CCRN, CPN Director of Experiential Learning and Assistant Professor in the College of Health and Wellness

Angela Simmons DNP, MSN-NCEL, RN Founding Director Practical Nurse Program

Teya Kamel RN, MSN, RYT Faculty, Instructor of Nursing & Yoga

Angela G. Kelly DNP, RN Nursing Faculty

Diana Kozlina-Peretic, DNP, CRNP, MSN, RN Associate Dean

Lisa Spagnolo, MSN, RN Nursing Instructor

Angela Summer, DNP, MPA, RN, CVRN-BC Assistant Professor and Director of Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Program

Maggie Myers, MSN, RN, CPN Instructor

Erin Welling Instructor