Minor in Theatre

You can combine your interest in creative arts, humanities and sciences with a minor in Theatre. In this program you will develop your mind, body and imagination with a combination of thinking, doing and creative problem-solving. You can get your hands dirty with everything from building sets to being the star of the show.

Carlow University’s Rosemary Heyl Theatre is a professional space that features programming by the theater program and the University Theatre Group, which is composed of both Carlow students and Pittsburgh community members and has produced shows from William Shakespeare to Tom Stoppard.

Theatre minor curriculum

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

Minor in Musical Arts

You can connect your passion for music with social justice and academic work with a Musical Arts minor from Carlow University. You will examine the intersection of music and social justice; and learn about musicians, musical works and communities that inspire social change. The Special Topics course allows students to pursue a major project of their own design.

Musical arts curriculum

This minor is open to any major and can be customized to your interests. The minor requires 18 credits.

The Master of Arts in Art: Painting and Drawing concentration

In this program, you will build on what you mastered in your undergraduate degree program, refining your technical and aesthetic abilities through guided independent study. The Master’s in Painting and Drawing is geared toward students looking to expand their portfolio at the graduate level, and to further their studio practice in an academic environment. Small class sizes provide for one-on-one relationships with faculty and cohort members.

You can tap into Pittsburgh’s thriving arts scene to facilitate your professional growth and enjoy course visits with industry professionals such as curators, art dealers and artists. 

Master’s in Painting and Drawing curriculum 

The curriculum includes six consecutive studio-based seminar courses, an elective in a different medium such as clay or digital art, an art history or contemporary art research study tailored to your studio art practice, and a thesis and graduate exhibition. In optional 1-credit courses, you can learn about professional practice for creative freelancers and develop a project around a field trip to New York City. Full-semester and accelerated options are available. 

The graduate program focuses heavily on concept, and you will be encouraged to experiment with multimedia processes and collaborate with peers.

Quick facts

• Tailor your learning experience to your academic and professional interests with one-on-one guidance
• Take evening classes for schedule flexibility
• Connect with faculty and cohort members with small class sizes
• Gain gallery experience in Carlow’s on-campus art gallery

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.

Admission requirements and application process

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

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.

Painting & Drawing faculty

Amy Bowman-McElhone, PhD Department Chair; Director & Curator at Carlow University Art Gallery; Assistant Professor

Kimberly McMahon, MA Adjunct Lecturer

Find your Art & Design degree at Carlow

You can develop your artistic skill in the studio or lab with one of our on-campus art and design degrees. During your undergraduate or graduate studies you can pursue the art and design track of your choice while developing your 2D or 3D skills. You will graduate with a professional portfolio of work.

Minor in Painting and Drawing

You can develop your appreciation of art and painting and hone your skills with a Painting and Drawing minor from Carlow University. You will explore the use of color, space, light and other critical elements of art and learn about perspective and spatial relationships.

Painting and Drawing curriculum 

The minor requires a minimum of 18 credits, 9 of which must be taken at Carlow.

Cultivate the artist in you and nurture your aesthetic spirit

Mastery of the elements of form is essential to becoming a great artist. With a Bachelor of Arts in Art & Design: 2D Media from Carlow University, you will cultivate a solid foundation in technique, form and concept.

Art & Design: 2D Media Major Curriculum

You will spend six semesters studying painting in depth, and will examine more advanced issues centered around two-dimensional art and concept development through still life and landscape, figure, street art and illustration.

As you advance in the major, you will be able to participate in a mentorship program and focus your educational experience on your personal interests. On-campus instruction includes access to the 2D studio.

Quick Facts

• Tailor advanced classes to your interests
• Be mentored by instructors
• Put your skills to work in our art studios
• Gain professional experience at our on-campus art gallery

Alternate degree completion 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

Art & Design: 2D Media Faculty

Amy Bowman-McElhone, PhD Department Chair; Director & Curator at Carlow University Art Gallery; Assistant Professor

Kimberly McMahon, MA Adjunct Lecturer

Earn your 4D Creative Media & Animation degree

Passionate about art? Use your drive and polish your skills with an 4D Creative Media and Animation major from Carlow University. You will learn the essential skills to work with new media technologies, including animation software and digital storytelling.

Working with faculty who have field experience, you will master advanced principles of 2D and 3D computer animation and become proficient in animation software. You can supplement your education with creative classes like creative writing and gestural studies. 

With a program adapted to your own academic interests, you can dive head first into experimental animation, conveying your ideas with mixed media and different approaches to digital technology.

4D Creative Media & Animation major curriculum

You will gain a professional edge by working with industry-standard animation software, including Adobe Creative Suite, ZBrush and Toon Boom. 4D Creative Media and Animation includes graphic design work with digital photography and digital illustration in the 2D and 3D studios and the animation lab.

You will develop and refine a digital portfolio under the guidance of faculty who will help ensure your portfolio demonstrates your unique media arts and animation style. The portfolio will prepare you for entry-level employment in the field.

Required 4D Creative Media & Animation coursework will teach you how to successfully manage your own freelance business. The Creative Freelancer, a required course, involves professional practice and teaches creatives how to market themselves.

Quick facts

• Become proficient in essential software such as Adobe Creative Suite and ZBrush
• Develop and refine a media arts and animation portfolio
• Access facilities like the 2D and 3D studios
• Learn how to successfully manage your own freelance business 
• Gain professional experience in Carlow’s on-campus art gallery

Admission requirements and application process

Expand your skill set

Art major James Balsimo ’22 said Carlow’s Carlow’s 4D Creative Media & Animation program (formerly Media Arts and Animation) gave him the freedom to express himself. Additionally, “I learned the global history of animation as well as the necessary components to navigate the modern animation industry. The program also covers other important aspects such as graphic design and digital illustration that have expanded my skill set.”

4D Creative Media & Animation faculty

Amy Bowman-McElhone, PhD Department Chair; Director & Curator at Carlow University Art Gallery; Assistant Professor

Kimberly McMahon, MA Adjunct Lecturer

The exciting world of advertising, marketing and media awaits you

Gain a competitive edge with a Graphic Design & Digital Fabrication degree from Carlow University. You’ll develop a mastery of visual concepts and sought-after professional skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving to lay a foundation for success in the field.

Graphic Design & Digital Fabrication students work with industry-experienced faculty and industry-standard design software. 

You can adapt your graphic design learning experience to suit your personal interests. If you’re planning a career as a freelancer, classes will help you master the skills needed to be successful.

Graphic Design & Digital Fabrication major curriculum

You will learn best business practices and get hands-on experience with such software as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and After Effects in 2D and 3D studio spaces such as the Media Arts and Design Studio. In advanced-level classes, you will adapt your learning experience to your interests. At this stage, a mentorship program is available.

As part of your Graphic Design & Digital Fabrication education, you will develop and refine a portfolio and create an online presence on social media. Instructors will provide one-on-one guidance to help you demonstrate your unique skills and style.

Many Graphic Design & Digital Fabrication students complete professional internships and independent design projects.

Quick facts

• Work with industry-standard design software
• Develop and refine a portfolio
• Tailor advanced classes to your interests
• Intern with a company or work on independent design projects
• Gain professional experience in Carlow’s on-campus art gallery

Alternate degree completion 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

Graphic Design & Digital Fabrication faculty

Amy Bowman-McElhone, PhD Department Chair; Director & Curator at Carlow University Art Gallery; Assistant Professor

Kimberly McMahon, MA Adjunct Lecturer

Minor in Ceramics

You can work with your hands and master the essentials of two-dimensional art and sculpture, supplementing your art education with a minor in Ceramics from Carlow University. You will gain a well-rounded perspective on creativity in ceramics and refine your technical skills by working in the university’s art studio spaces, including three semesters in the Advanced Ceramics Studio working with different materials, techniques and kilns.

Ceramics curriculum 

A minimum of 18 credits is required, 9 of which must be taken at Carlow.

Shape your future with a Ceramics & 3D Sustainable Media major

With a Ceramics & 3D Sustainable Media major, you will learn techniques of two-dimensional art, ceramics and sculpture. The major will prepare you for a studio career or graduate school.

Ceramics & 3D Sustainable Media major curriculum

The Ceramics & 3D Sustainable Media curriculum allows you to learn high-level skills and develop your artistic voice, focusing on your area of interest in ceramics. In addition to learning ceramic skills such as wheel throwing, handbuilding, glazing and firing, you will study drawing, art history and design, giving you a well-rounded foundation.

Quick facts

• Learn 2D and 3D art fundamentals
• Be prepared for studio practice or a master’s degree
• Gain professional experience in Carlow’s on-campus art gallery

Alternate degree completion options

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

Ceramics & 3D Sustainable Media faculty

Amy Bowman-McElhone, PhD Department Chair; Director & Curator at Carlow University Art Gallery; Assistant Professor

Kimberly McMahon, MA Adjunct Lecturer