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

Students who successfully complete this specialization will be awarded Carlow’s School Social Work Certificate and will be eligible for certification as Pennsylvania School Social Worker Educational Specialists.

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

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. 

Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Faculty, MSW Program

Ashley Barr, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

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.

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