Discover the advantages of Carlow University’s Nursing Programs

As a graduate nursing department, we prepare exceptionally skilled providers, leaders and educators in doctoral, masters, and certificate tracks to meet the healthcare and health promotion needs of populations. Nursing graduate students have experiences with people nationally and internationally via didactic, clinical and study abroad opportunities. The School of Nursing educates practitioners of tomorrow and encourages a passion for evidenced-based practice, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in the spirit of social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion. 

We offer study in a hybrid face-to-face modality that incorporates twice monthly evening classes with online coursework to fit the needs of today’s full-time working nurse, while affording opportunities for 1:1 faculty engagement, and peer group networking and support. 

A fully online program is also available, for students out of the Pittsburgh region, and/or for those desiring a non-synchronous education program.  

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The high demand for qualified psychiatric nurse practitioners stems in large part from the increased normalization of mental health issues.

Faculty & staff

Nursing, like all other health care professions, does not exist in isolation. Advanced practice nursing education must integrate other aspects of our humanity if the profession is going to truly do what it pledges to do from the outset of a nurse’s oath. A commitment to justice and mercy requires critical thinking and self-reflection. Carlow University has a rich tradition of service and a mission that flows from the Mercy Core Values. These values: Hospitality, Service, Discovery, and Sacredness of Creation, are embraced within a framework of reflective practice. We recognize that no single discipline can fully educate today’s advanced practice providers who care for families across the lifespan. We are a uniquely positioned university with the ability to fully utilize our colleagues in theology, art, pharmacology, biology, creative writing, and communications to guide discovery within our students. We are not only these disciplines, but more, together, each contributing to the development of a critically thinking, ethical, and merciful human being who will go into the community transformed, and ready to lead.

Alison Bauer, DNP, FNP-C Assistant Professor

Ruth Foreman, DNP, RN, APRN, FNP-BC Assistant Professor

Renee Ingel, PhD, MSN, RN Program Director, Associate Professor, Health Coach

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Deborah Mitchum, DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair, Graduate Nursing Department

Bernadette Sherman Director, Clinical Education, Associate Professor

Ann Spence, DNP, RN, NEA-BC Assistant Professor

Kathleen Tennant Professor

Accreditation

The programs in the department of graduate nursing are accredited by CCNE

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Department Points of Pride

• On June 26^th, 2023, Carlow University received over $2.6 million to increase the number of Family Nurse Practitioner graduates educated to provide primary care services, with advanced education in mental health, substance use disorders, and women’s and maternal health care. The Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) grant – funded through the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is aimed at increasing access to primary care providers for those living in medically underserved communities. The goal of the grant is to make a BIG IMPACT on students, preceptors, and the underserved population through “Impacting Diversity and Education of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses for Healthy Communities”​.  Current full time FNP students are eligible to apply for up to $23,000 in tuition reimbursement.
• HRSA Nursing Faculty Loan Program to repay 85% of tuition costs with post-graduate employment in the role of nursing educator.
• 97% AANP & 100% ANCC certification exam pass rate for FNPs 
• “Very Strong” NCC certification exam pass rate for WHNPs 
• In 2023, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers Carlow University established a one-year pilot program, funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), to develop clinically sound evidence-based practicing NPs. FNP graduates have a year of residency (transition to primary care) after completion of an educational program at Carlow University. 
• Carlow Graduate Nursing Department is a CEU provider through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) for professional development training for preceptors, clinical faculty, and students. 

Discover the advantages of Carlow University’s Psychology, Counseling, and Criminology Programs

Are you interested in a career that benefits from a strong understanding of human behavior and mental processes? At Carlow, we prepare students with the knowledge and skills for a wide variety of careers involved in working with people in diverse ways.

Our undergraduate majors provide students with foundational knowledge in psychology, neuropsychology, and criminology, with opportunities to specialize in such areas as Child Development, Counseling, Crisis and Trauma, and Applied Criminal Justice. There are opportunities for field placements or to participate in faculty-led research teams. Can’t decide on one major? We make it easy to double major or add a minor or a concentration to your major, so you can explore all your interests.

At the graduate level, Carlow offers programs that prepare students for careers in mental health-related fields, research, fraud and forensics, and more.

At Carlow, we understand the needs of a diverse student body. Some of our programs can be completed fully online, offering flexibility and opening doors for students who are otherwise unable to pursue a degree. In addition, we offer accelerated pathways that help save students time and money so that they can achieve their goals sooner at a more affordable cost.

Faculty & staff

Alison Bauer, DNP, FNP-C Assistant Professor

Ruth Foreman, DNP, RN, APRN, FNP-BC Assistant Professor

Renee Ingel, PhD, MSN, RN Program Director, Associate Professor, Health Coach

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Deborah Mitchum, DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair, Graduate Nursing Department

Bernadette Sherman Director, Clinical Education, Associate Professor

Ann Spence, DNP, RN, NEA-BC Assistant Professor

Kathleen Tennant Professor

Accreditation

The PsyD in Counseling Psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The MS in Professional Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP).

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Discover the advantages of Carlow University’s Biology Programs

As a Biology or Health Science major at Carlow University, learn the scientific principles of living organisms, conduct student research, and prepare for your dream career or graduate studies in the healthcare, research, or environmental fields.

The biology major curriculum covers the entire scope of biological sciences from the structure and function of genes, proteins and cells to the ecology and evolution of organisms. 

Specializations have been designed to accommodate your potential career path (cardiovascular perfusion, health science, environmental science & management, human biology). 

Before graduating you will have the opportunity to conduct student research and/or complete a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity through the Senior Capstone course. Both provide an advantage for you as you pursue a career or graduate studies.

Faculty & staff

Our faculty and staff are devoted to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment, so our graduates are well prepared to achieve their goals with the skill sets needed to be successful in the 21^st century workforce.

Alison Bauer, DNP, FNP-C Assistant Professor

Ruth Foreman, DNP, RN, APRN, FNP-BC Assistant Professor

Renee Ingel, PhD, MSN, RN Program Director, Associate Professor, Health Coach

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Deborah Mitchum, DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair, Graduate Nursing Department

Bernadette Sherman Director, Clinical Education, Associate Professor

Ann Spence, DNP, RN, NEA-BC Assistant Professor

Kathleen Tennant Professor

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View our education department handbook

Department Points of Pride

Choose your concentration:

Environmental Science 

You will graduate career-ready with this dual-degree program that offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management. You will study how biological processes impact the environment and how to manage environmental issues in this 3+2 program in collaboration with Duquesne University’s Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. 

Cardiovascular Perfusion 

As you work toward your bachelor of science degree in Biology through Carlow University, you will complete requirements at UPMC Shadyside, while beginning your clinical training. In this accelerated Cardiovascular Perfusion program, you will pursue Biology within the tradition of the liberal arts while accumulating the technical proficiency and professional skills required of health care professionals. 

The Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion is offered in coordination with the UPMC School of Perfusion. Up to 15 students per year are accepted into the Master of Science program. 

Human Biology 

Through this holistic and interdisciplinary scientific study, you will examine and understand the complexities of humans through a variety of diverse fields. Be prepared to enter professional training in all areas of health care, including medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathy, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, pharmacy and podiatry.

Discover the advantages of hands-on learning in chemistry and computer science courses at Carlow.

Now more than ever, our nation’s schools need skilled and compassionate educators, curriculum specialists, and instructional leaders.

In Carlow University’s Education programs, you will gain specialized knowledge and hands-on teaching experience. Just as importantly, you will come away with a deeper understanding of how to care for the whole student as an empathetic instructor and mentor.

Carlow purposefully offers programs devoted to the unique needs of today’s diverse student populations. Program options include art education, early childhood development, special education, and secondary education.  Certificate options include dyslexia, online teaching, and autism. Learn firsthand from passionate faculty and recognized experts in the field.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Computer Science is for everyone.

We offer the opportunity for all students to participate in a unique industry mentorship program with Google Pittsburgh.

Our chemistry degree provides a foundation for your future career in medicine, pharmacy, or education through programs like Early Acceptance into Lake Erie College of Medicine (LECOM) Program, Pre-Pharmacy Program with Duquesne University’s Mylan School of Pharmacy, and Chemistry Secondary Education.

All STEM students are welcome to join our award-winning American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Affiliates Chapter.

Use your STEM education to gain hands-on work experience in our science labs while supplementing your financial aid.

Enjoy networking and individualized mentoring and coaching through our Celtic STEM Student Learning Community.

We support students outside the classroom with our peer and professional tutoring staff for major STEM courses.

Faculty & staff

Our faculty and staff are devoted to supporting and preparing the next generations of chemists and computer scientists. Our hands-on, student-centered approach to teaching and learning provides a unique, supportive environment to foster growth in all students in our programs.

Alison Bauer, DNP, FNP-C Assistant Professor

Ruth Foreman, DNP, RN, APRN, FNP-BC Assistant Professor

Renee Ingel, PhD, MSN, RN Program Director, Associate Professor, Health Coach

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Deborah Mitchum, DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair, Graduate Nursing Department

Bernadette Sherman Director, Clinical Education, Associate Professor

Ann Spence, DNP, RN, NEA-BC Assistant Professor

Kathleen Tennant Professor

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Department Points of Pride

• November 2023: The Computer Science program kicks off the Carlow-Google Mentorship program, a program unique to Carlow in which students are matched with Googlers as industry mentors.
• October 2023: The Carlow chapter of the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates (ACS-SA) are nationally recognized with a Commendable status for their inclusive and educational on- and off-campus activities.
• August 2023: The Google-endorsed Computer Science major program officially launched.
• May 2023: Dr. Ericka Mochan of the Computer Science program was awarded the Max and Esther Sestili Award for Excellence in Teaching.
• April 2023: Dr. Allison Rice of the Chemistry program was awarded a $5000 grant from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP) under their annual College Equipment Grants program.
• February 2021: The National Science Foundation awards the department $649,826 to fund STEM student scholarships in an S-STEM grant titled “Supporting Undergraduate STEM Graduation and Career Pathways Through Student and Faculty Learning Communities” (PI: Dr. David Gallaher).
• August 2020: Dr. Ericka Mochan of the Computer Science program was awarded $4960 in the Dorothy Weber Cochran ’43 Award for Excellence in Faculty Scholarship and Research.
• April 2020: Dr. David Gallaher of the Chemistry program was awarded a $6000 grant from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP) under their annual College Equipment Grants program.

Discover the Carlow OT Difference!

The Carlow Difference is student focused, interprofessional, and service driven. We host small class sizes, in face to face, hands-on learning. The OT curriculum design, aligned with Catholic intellectual tradition and Mercy values, has an overarching mission of occupational justice, a foundation in health and wellbeing, and threads that support the structure and the path to transformational learning. 

The bridge image conveys a journey of overcoming barriers to promote full participation and represents a path where one moves from old self to new self, writing the next chapter in the story of life. It is critical that students bridge classroom concepts to clinical practice and Mercy values to their civic engagement as socially responsible citizens. Our program is alive with transformative learning experiences in the “City of Bridges” as we explore the world around us and seek to be innovative pathfinders for occupational justice, access, and opportunity for all people, communities, and populations.

Faculty & staff

Our faculty are devoted to the health and wellbeing of each student. We are intentional about ensuring the development of healthy occupations during graduate school, in order to create a healthy and sustainable career in healthcare. Our faculty are student-focused and develop instructional design practices that celebrate the diversity of learning styles, supporting the gifts and talents of each student. As faculty we recognize that our students are the future of the OT profession, and our connection is just beginning. We are all part of the Carlow family from the classroom to your first job and beyond!

Alison Bauer, DNP, FNP-C Assistant Professor

Ruth Foreman, DNP, RN, APRN, FNP-BC Assistant Professor

Renee Ingel, PhD, MSN, RN Program Director, Associate Professor, Health Coach

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Deborah Mitchum, DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair, Graduate Nursing Department

Bernadette Sherman Director, Clinical Education, Associate Professor

Ann Spence, DNP, RN, NEA-BC Assistant Professor

Kathleen Tennant Professor

Accreditation

The Doctorate program in OT has been granted “pre-accreditation” by the Accreditation Council of OT Education (ACOTE) and will complete the final onsite visit in fall of 2024.

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Department Points of Pride

• Elizabeth Sherman:
  • Accepted to the National Intergroup Dialogue Institute – June 2024 at University of Michigan
  • Carlow Cares: Sligo, Ireland faculty advisor
  • Planning Committee Member for the Inaugural Greater Pittsburgh Food Systems Summit organized by the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council – Food Systems Summit — Pittsburgh Food Policy Council
• Erin Phillips:
  • Outstanding Alumni Award for 2024; Washington University Program in Occupational Therapy
• Blythe Westendorf:
  • Completed the AOTA Board Certification in Pediatrics

Discover the Carlow social work difference

We are preparing ethical, competent professionals seeking a more just and merciful world. We are preparing leaders committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals, their families, their communities, and societies here and abroad. At Carlow, we care about teaching. We are devoted to our students and their futures as social workers. You will never be a number here.  Your faculty members are experienced social workers who know your name. You will receive hands-on experience in class and in professionally supervised internships. You will be prepared to be a culturally humble social worker, ready to work with diverse populations and seek social justice.

Carlow’s social work programs provide high quality, flexible pathways to a promising career in the growing field of social work. Our BSW program offers on-campus and online options to pursue the BSW, with multiple concentrations in health, forensics, and trauma and crisis. Our trauma informed MSW program offers an online program option as well as an in-person/hybrid option enabling students to take a select number of courses in a traditional classroom on Carlow’s main campus while the others are taken online. The MSW Program offers three specializations: direct practice, macro practice, and school social work.

Bachelor of Social Work

Improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities

Interdisciplinary BSW concentrations in health care, forensics, and crisis and trauma

Carlow Community Scholars program focused on supporting college success among former foster youths and/or homeless youths

Interdisciplinary BSW concentration in health care linked to placement opportunities at UPMC hospitals

Federally funded School-based Mental Health Training Program which provides paid placements for MSW students in the School Social Work track and offers a pathway for those with an MSW to obtain their School Social Work certification

Federally funded interdisciplinary CURE grant providing financial stipends for MSW student field placements in behavioral health in urban and rural underserved areas

Faculty & staff

Our social work programs are supported by experienced social work educators and staff members who are devoted to our students and their futures. They are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment and flexible pathways for student success.

Alison Bauer, DNP, FNP-C Assistant Professor

Ruth Foreman, DNP, RN, APRN, FNP-BC Assistant Professor

Renee Ingel, PhD, MSN, RN Program Director, Associate Professor, Health Coach

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Deborah Mitchum, DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair, Graduate Nursing Department

Bernadette Sherman Director, Clinical Education, Associate Professor

Ann Spence, DNP, RN, NEA-BC Assistant Professor

Kathleen Tennant Professor

Accreditation

The programs in the department of social work are accredited nationally by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE. Successful graduates are eligible to sit for the appropriate social work licenses at the baccalaureate and master’s levels. The state of Pennsylvania has a title protection law. Only social workers with CSWE accredited degrees can carry the job title of “social worker.”

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Department Points of Pride

Start Our faculty members demonstrate their social work values in the classroom and in the world outside the University. Carlow social work faculty are actively engaged in diverse university coalitions and efforts to address community problems. Their work is focused on aging, Appalachian community development, childhood trauma, diversity, environmental issues, equity and inclusion, ethics in health care, prison re-entry, SUD recovery to workforce initiatives, veterans and military social welfare, and more.

They are also actively pursuing scholarly work in their areas of expertise, presenting at national conferences and publishing peer-reviewed work. They have collaborated with others to bring in grants worth over 7 million dollars in recent years.

Discover the advantages of Carlow University’s Business Programs

In honoring the Mercy tradition of Carlow University, the Department of Business Management, Accounting, and Ethics empowers students to be competent, critical, and responsive stewards of disciplinary degree knowledge. We provide students with the knowledge to make meaningful, ethical contributions to their professions and the community for a just and merciful world.

The Department of Business Management, Accounting, and Ethics works collaboratively with industry, government, and non-profit organizations to enhance the student experience from outside of the classroom to the workplace. All undergraduate majors are required to complete an internship as a graduation requirement.

Carlow purposefully offers programs devoted to the unique needs of today’s diverse student populations. Program options include Business Management, Human Resource, Esports Business Management, and the MBA options. Students can easily complete a double-major or major-minor(s) within our department. 

Carlow has one of the few Esports Business Management bachelor’s degree programs in the area. We have a new state-of-the-art Esports Lab that is utilized for classes and the Esports team.

Faculty & staff

Our faculty are devoted to fostering an environment of analysis and application of skills for students. We prepare our graduates to apply their knowledge and skills to help make their workplace an environment that contributes to creating a more just and merciful world.

Alison Bauer, DNP, FNP-C Assistant Professor

Ruth Foreman, DNP, RN, APRN, FNP-BC Assistant Professor

Renee Ingel, PhD, MSN, RN Program Director, Associate Professor, Health Coach

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Deborah Mitchum, DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair, Graduate Nursing Department

Bernadette Sherman Director, Clinical Education, Associate Professor

Ann Spence, DNP, RN, NEA-BC Assistant Professor

Kathleen Tennant Professor

Accreditation

The BSM, HR, and MBA Programs are accredited by IACBE. The Esports Business Management major will be accredited within the next year.

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Department Points of Pride

• We have a new state-of-the-art Esports Lab that supports the Esports Business Management major and team.
• Carlow MBA students who specialize in Human Resource Management and Project Management are prepared to sit for the nationally recognized Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) exams.

Devoted to Making a Difference in Students’ Lives

At Carlow, we strive to develop ethical leaders who will take compassion, mercy, and a passion for inclusivity and fairness into their classrooms. That’s why our secondary education program is designed for those who are devoted to discovering how to make a difference in the lives of their future students.

With a degree in secondary education, you can teach biology, chemistry, mathematics, social studies, or English to students in grades 7-12. After completing the program, you will have the skills needed to educate and guide your students in a safe and unbiased learning environment.

Curriculum for Secondary Education

The number of courses in this major will vary depending on the content area for each student. Students are required to choose an area of focus from biology, chemistry, mathematics, social studies, and English. In addition to classroom work, field work and student teaching are a requirement of this major. Carlow will connect students with opportunities for both field work and student teaching. Students will be prepared to be just, merciful, and culturally responsive educators.

Quick Facts

• This program is rooted in the values of the Sisters of Mercy to prepare just and merciful educators who are committed to inclusivity and who are able to adapt to cultural differences.
• Through field experience, students will be well-prepared to become ethical leading educators in our region’s schools.
• Carlow University has partnerships with area school districts for field work, student teaching, and the residency program.
• This program prepares students for Pennsylvania Department of Education teaching certification.
• Opportunities for field work and student teaching can be done on campus at the Carlow University Laboratory School.

Faculty & staff

Keely Baronak, EdD Chair, Professor, Education

Sean Freeland Assistant Professor

Marissa McClure-Sweeny Faculty and Program Director, Early Childhood 

Patricia McMahon, PhD Professor, Education

MiIsha Reid Assistant Professor, Special Education

Susan O’Rourke, EdD Professor, Special Education

Curriculum for degree in special education

Carlow’s special education degree majors will embody the spirit of mercy while learning how to create effective and appropriate teaching strategies for various mental, physical, social, emotional, and behavioral disabilities in a variety of diverse settings—all the while helping to create an environment where special needs students feel safe, respected, and valued.

Quick Facts

• There are 39 total courses (29 major courses and 10 Compass Core Courses)
• Students in this program will be required to complete fieldwork hours embedded within individual courses. Those particular hours will vary depending on the course.
• Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, students in this program must also complete a 12-week student teaching experience.
• Carlow’s BSPED Certification program provides the necessary coursework required for special education certification in Pennsylvania.(Students must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation.)

Carlow University’s New EdD Program: Devoted to the Future of Education

EdD courses at Carlow are different from other programs because they feature a distinctly integrated doctoral study design, with each course building upon previous ideas while preparing students to engage with new concepts that can inform their practice. Throughout the program, students are invited to study systems design, to engage in discursive deliberation, and to explore new transformational approaches to education.

Quick Facts

• Our EdD is rooted in our rich history and traditions of social justice and mercy values.
• We invite and respect diversity of thinking and expression as we learn together to challenge social injustices and inequities in schools.
• This program positions students as innovative thinkers as they present their ideas and practice-based research.
• Students can learn and work with other innovative system thinkers.

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 towards both degrees. Apply for this option after your sophomore year.

Full-Time Faculty

Keely Baronak, EdD Chair, Professor, Education

Sean Freeland Assistant Professor

Tammi McMillan Director, Early Childhood Apprenticeship Hub

MiIsha Reid Assistant Professor, Special Education

Patricia McMahon, PhD Professor, Education

Valerie Piccini, MEd Instructor, Reading Specialist, Education

Marissa McClure-Sweeny Faculty and Program Director, Early Childhood