Develop skills to help people: Master’s in mental health counseling

The CACREP-accredited MS in Professional Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track is designed to transition you into a career in professional counseling and prepare you to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track will train you to work with children, adults, and families in diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and mental health agencies. The program cultivates respect for the uniqueness of individuals and is grounded in social justice and advocacy. It emphasizes a developmental focus across the lifespan and applies scholarship to clinical practice.

Mental health counseling degree curriculum 

The 60-credit M.S. degree in Professional Counseling consists of 51 credits of core courses, 9 credits of electives geared towards your professional interests, and 700+ clinical hours in counseling. You will tailor your degree by choosing a clinical mental health concentration: 

Adult Counseling Concentration 

The Adult concentration enhances counseling skills and knowledge needed to support adults in various stages of life while gaining insights into the unique psychological, emotional, and developmental needs of adults and older adults. 

PRC 718 – Advanced Counseling Skills  
PRC 732 – Human Sexuality
Elective in Counseling, psychology, or social work

Child & Adolescent Counseling Concentration:  

The Child and Adolescent concentration is designed for students who wish to work with children and adolescents in a variety of settings: community mental health agencies, school-based mental health counseling, family-based counseling, residential treatment centers, integrative pediatric care, and outpatient counseling. Students will specialize in child-based interventions and get an advanced understanding of assessment and play therapy. Students will also develop an advanced understanding of systemic advocacy and parent consultation to support the development of children and adolescents in their natural environments. 

PRC725 – Interventions with Children  
PRC749 – Play Therapy
PYM750 – Clinical Assessment of Children and Adolescents or ED 766 Children and the Media

Or School-Based Mental Health Concentration (graduates with 63 credits)  

PRC 725 Interventions with Children   
PRC 749 Play Therapy
PYM 750 Clinical Assessment of Children and Adolescents or ED 766 Children and the Media
PRC 751 School-Based Mental Health Counseling Field Experience

*Scholarships are available for the School-Based Mental Health Concentration. 

Clinical Evaluation Concentration  

The Clinical Evaluation concentration offers an opportunity to develop skills in assessing and diagnosing mental health disorders, conducting comprehensive assessments, interpreting diagnostic criteria, and formulating evidence-based treatment plans, providing essential support to individuals seeking mental health treatment.  

PYM740 – Trauma Assessment & Intervention  
PYM750 – Clinical Assessment of Children
Elective in Counseling, psychology, or social work

Corrections Counseling Concentration  

The Corrections concentration involves understanding the complexities of the correctional environment, including the unique psychological and behavioral needs of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. This concentration focuses on gaining foundational training and skills to work with individuals in the criminal justice system while promoting positive change and reducing recidivism rates. 

PYM720 – Foundations of Forensic Psychology or PYM723 – Poverty, Race, Gender in Criminal Justice
PYM721 – Systems of Crime and Justice
PYM722 – Psychology of Deviance

Trauma-Informed Counseling Concentration

The Trauma-Informed concentration involves gaining an awareness of the pervasive impact of trauma on life experiences and relationships in addition to recognizing trauma’s role in the thoughts, feelings, and worldview of individuals who have experienced trauma. 

PRC 718 – Advanced Counseling Skills
PRC 719 – Advanced Crisis Management
Trauma-specific elective in Counseling, psychology, or social work 

Generalist Concentration 

The Generalist concentration is designed as a comprehensive approach to counseling for individuals passionate about making a difference in diverse communities and prepares students for a wide range of professional opportunities. Students can learn more about these programs by speaking with their Faculty Advisor.   

9-credits of electives  

The child and adolescent concentration for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree includes three courses that address specific interventions, assessment and play therapy. If you choose to concentrate on those who have suffered chronic and/or acute trauma in their lives, you’ll receive training in crisis management, trauma assessment and interventions. You can choose the forensic concentration if you want to work in legal or correctional settings, studying the interaction of mental health with the justice system, the roles of practitioners in the legal system and the unique concerns of this population. 

Courses Descriptions for the Professional Counseling Program

Quick facts

• 2024 PCA Outstanding Counselor Education Program
• Meet educational requirements for Pennsylvania licensure in professional counseling (LPC) and national counselor certification (NCC)
• Degree program centered around multicultural and social justice
• Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships Available

Clinical Fieldwork Experience 

“Professional practice, which includes practicum and internship, provides for the application of  theory and the development of counseling skills under supervision. These experiences will provide opportunities for students to counsel clients who represent the ethnic and demographic diversity of their community.” – 2016 CACREP Standards: Section 3 

During the practicum and internship experience, you will learn and practice, under supervision, a wide array of duties and responsibilities of a professional counselor who is employed at the site placement. These experiences are developmental in nature, as you grow in your competence, skills, and progress from practicum to internship experiences. Over the course of the clinical fieldwork experiences, you will complete a minimum of 700 clinical hours. 

Accelerated Masters of Professional Counseling Program 

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. If you are interested in becoming a professional counselor and you are currently a junior or senior, with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, consider applying for the Accelerated Masters of Professional Counseling Program. You will be able to take up to four (4) graduate level courses which are held on-campus.  

Graduate Courses 
PRC 708 Ethics and Professional Orientation
PRC 701 Human Growth and Lifespan Development
PRC 702 Social and Cultural Foundations
PRC 710 Counseling Theories

Accelerated Program – Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses
1) PY 122 Lifespan
2) PY 203 Personality Theory
3) PY 285 Intro to Counseling
4) Any additional 3 credits UG Psychology Course(s)

Contact your Carlow Faculty Advisor for details. 

Accreditation

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation to the following programs in the Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Criminology at Carlow University: Addictions Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling through 2029. 

The Professional Counseling Program emphasizes high standards of professional competence. The program is committed to its stated mission through ongoing accreditations by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). We emphasize ethical practice and keep current with state and national standards for certification and licensure for practice in clinical practice environments. In addition, we engage in ongoing program development and refinement based on accrediting bodies’ and licensure boards’ developments and recommendations, as well as sensitivity to licensure requirements, and legal and ethical issues.

Additional program information:

• Learn about the program (program description, annual report, mission statements and program objectives)
• Graduate statistics (NCE pass rates, completion rates and job placement rates)

Admission requirements and application process

Sign up for Professional Counseling Recruitment Events

Transfer students can transfer up to 9 credits earned at a CACREP-accredited program. International students can find more information on our International Admissions page.

The Professional Counseling Program’s application deadline for Fall semester is April 1st and November 1st for the Spring semester. We will continue to accept applications for review beyond those deadlines; however, preference will be given to those that applied by the designed deadlines. The preferred deadline for full consideration of graduate assistantship opportunities is February 1st. 

Once your completed application is received, the program faculty will review your application materials and the selected applicants will be scheduled for an interview. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Admission decisions include regular, provisional, and conditional admission to the program.  

Committed to diversity and inclusion

Neal Holmes ’18 said his time at Carlow was a great academic experience that transformed his work and how he sees the world as a human being. “I felt welcomed by the staff and students, and I could feel that there was a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion work in the graduate counseling program. I appreciate the university’s commitment to social justice which is so parallel to my work in the counseling field today.”

Professional Counseling faculty

Fawn T. Robinson, NCC, ACS, LPC, PhD Associate Professor & Director, Professional Counseling Programs

Aniela Scanlon, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS  Assistant Professor

Minor in Child Development

You can learn about the social, biological, emotional and cognitive factors that affect children’s development with Carlow’s Child Development minor, open to non-Psychology majors.

Child Development minor curriculum

The Child Development minor is open to any major. A minimum of 18 credits is required; at least 9 credits must be 200 level or higher, and 12 must be taken at Carlow.

Devoted to a Focus on Clinical Practice 

Program Overview

Carlow University’s PsyD program in Counseling Psychology is dedicated to training skilled depth-oriented counseling psychologists who are committed to social justice. The program is designed to prepare students to work in diverse settings and communities, with a focus on promoting positive change and addressing social inequalities. The program emphasizes evidence-based psychodynamic and depth-oriented approaches in counseling psychology as well as the biological, affective, cognitive and social bases of behavior. We provide students with rigorous training in assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and consultation for individuals, groups, communities, and organizations. Through a combination of coursework, practicum experiences, and research opportunities, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to become effective practitioners.  

At the heart of the program is a commitment to social justice, which is reflected in both the curriculum and the overall approach to training. Students are exposed to a wide range of social issues and are encouraged to critically examine their own beliefs and biases. They are also trained to work with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, and to address social and systemic factors that may be contributing to psychological distress. The program emphasizes the development of ethical and culturally humble practitioners who are able to work collaboratively with other professionals and community organizations.  

Students have the opportunity to work with faculty members who are experienced practitioners and researchers in the field, and to engage in a range of professional development activities. Overall, Carlow University’s PsyD program in Counseling Psychology provides students with a comprehensive depth-oriented and socially responsible education. 

The program was granted accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA) in July 2011 and was re-accredited according to the standard seven-year interval in the fall of 2018. The program is currently accredited for the maximum of 10 years, with a 2028 return visit expected from APA. 

Doctorate of Psychology Curriculum 

Training Model: Practitioner-Scholar 

The Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology at Carlow University is implemented through the practitioner-scholar model of training and the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree is conferred.  

The program prepares Counseling Psychologists to apply knowledge grounded in psychological science and theory in support of clinical practice. Specifically, the program is committed to training scientifically sophisticated practitioners who evaluate treatments, make informed decisions, understand the limitations of scientific knowledge, and cultivate an intellectual curiosity in their professional activities. 

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree focuses on training skilled clinicians who intend to be licensed and primarily practice as licensed psychologists. Applicants who are exclusively or primarily interested in assuming positions as researchers or academics are encouraged to consider more research-oriented training programs, such as those implemented through the scientist-practitioner model of training. 

Quick facts

• Enroll in a top-50 doctoral program
• Learn through emphasis on social justice values
• Take advantage of practicum relationships with agencies in the Pittsburgh region

Accreditation

Carlow University’s doctoral program in Counseling Psychology (PsyD) has had its accreditation reaffirmed by the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Commission on Accreditation. The next site visit to be made by the commission will be in 2028. 

▸ Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

What is the difference between Counseling Psychology and Clinical Psychology?

Training programs in Counseling Psychology and Clinical Psychology share many similarities, but historically there were key differences in their foci, goals, and the populations they served. Here’s an overview of the main distinctions between these two fields:

• Counseling Psychology: Our counseling psychology program focuses on helping individuals with everyday life challenges, personal growth, and adjustment issues.  We aim to promote mental well-being, resilience, and self-actualization. Though historically, counseling psychology has placed less emphasis upon the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of individuals with severe and complex psychological disorders, our program does prepare clinicians to treat the full spectrum of psychological concerns. The primary goal of our program is to train clinicians to provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to help clients improve their overall functioning and quality of life regardless of the severity of their concerns.
• Clinical Psychology: Traditionally, clinical psychology programs have tended to place a greater emphasis upon psychopathology and more severe and complex psychological disorders.

Because of the historical differences between counseling and clinical psychology, a perception may linger that counseling psychologists are not well suited for work in settings that engage with more serious psychopathology, such as hospitals and prisons. 

Licensure and Certification

Both counseling psychologists and clinical psychologists may pursue licensure to practice independently as licensed psychologists. The specific requirements for licensure vary by state or country but generally include completing a doctoral program, supervised clinical experience, and passing a licensing exam. 

The Student Experience

University-Wide Student Support Services

Students have access to a wide range of support services including Wellness and Fitness Services, The Office of Career Development, Financial Aid, and the Center for Academic Achievement

Counseling Psychology Doctoral Student Association 

The primary purpose of the Counseling Psychology Doctoral Student Association (CPDSA) is to offer students a structured way to connect around issues of shared importance and advocate for their interests and concerns. Early during each spring semester, students will elect three representatives (one from each cohort) to serve on the Counseling Psychology Doctoral Student Association Council of Representatives. Student representatives are invited to attend formally scheduled program faculty meetings and are encouraged to report to the CPDSA a summary of the meetings.

Student Mentor (Buddy) Program

In the summer before first-year doctoral students begin their training, all students are matched with a more advanced doctoral student in the program. The seasoned students assist the new students in helping orient them to the Pittsburgh region and in navigating the rigors of advanced graduate studies in psychology. 

Program Director, Clinical Coordinator, & Academic Advisors

The Program Directors, Clinical Coordinator, and Academic Advisors are faculty members who support student learning and growth during doctoral level training. Students should feel free to approach the Program Directors, Clinical Coordinator, PsyD Core Faculty, or their Academic Advisors for guidance with academic or professional issues at any point during their training.

Internship Application Preparation Seminar

An informal seminar is provided for students applying for internship by the Clinical Coordinator. It takes place the fall term during which applications are submitted. Under faculty mentorship and through peer support, students are provided with an overview of the internship application process and helped with preparation of their curricula vitae and cover letters.

Technological Support 

The Carlow Information Technology Department provides a broad range of technology services for all members of the Carlow community. Information technology staff is available for student, staff and faculty support and free, non-credit computer courses for all members of the community are offered regularly. There are 10 student computer labs located across campus, and most classrooms are classified as “smart classrooms.”

Program Resources

As a PsyD student, you will have access to a wide range of resources in support of enhancing the clinical training experience. The campus is well equipped with regard to technology and the doctoral program has discipline-specific material to augment student learning in the practice of psychology. 

Student Funding 

Currently two to four graduate assistantships (GA) are offered each year and are typically reserved for first year students. Graduate Assistants provide administrative and research support to program leadership and teach one undergraduate course. Graduate Assistants receive an annual stipend and tuition remission for 6 credits in both the fall and spring semesters.

Courses are offered in the evening to accommodate students who must work part-time while pursuing the doctoral degree. Since all Program students have a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field, many are involved in the provision or supervision of psychological care in relation to their employment.

Students working on their dissertation are eligible to apply for up to $400.00 each to defray associated expenditures.

Physical Facilities

While the program has access to the physical facilities of the University across campus, the Counseling Psychology program is housed in Antonian Hall. Antonian Hall is adequately equipped with smart-classrooms and wireless internet access. The program itself is on the fifth floor where faculty offices are in close proximity to student work space and the student lounge, which allows for regular interactions among those in the program community. The student lounge is equipped with three computers and access to a copier/scanner, as well as a microwave and a refrigerator.

Training Materials and Equipment

In support of training in psychological assessment, students have access to over 60 different personality, achievement, and intellectual instruments, many of which include multiple copies to ensure availability.  

The main campus library collection is housed on three floors of the newly updated University Commons building in the heart of campus and the library also offers an extensive collection of virtual resources. On campus, space is available for both quiet study and group meetings. Reference Librarians are available during most library hours to offer the students one-on-one reference assistance. 

Internship Application Preparation 

All students are required to participate in the APPIC Match which takes place the of third year of study. An informal seminar is provided for students applying for APPIC Match internship by the Clinical Coordinator.

Under faculty mentorship and through peer support, students are provided with an overview of the internship application process and helped with preparation of their curricula vitae and cover letters.

The APPIC Internship Match is a national placement process that will necessitate a relocation. Practically speaking this means that you will need to plan to relocate for your internship year.

Practicum Training 

The program has established relationships with a significant number of agencies in the greater Pittsburgh area. These training sites are varied with regard to population served and services provided, thereby affording students access to rich clinical experiences. Examples of training sites include hospitals, college counseling centers, community and rural mental health practices, private practices, and specialty sites focusing on forensic and neuropsychological practice.

Pennsylvania regulations that went into effect on August 12, 2019, now permit doctoral psychology students to count practica hours in lieu of post-doctoral hours, if a total number of pre-doctoral hours are achieved. To facilitate direct entry into psychological practice as per Pennsylvania regulations that went into effect on August 12, 2019, now permit doctoral psychology students to count practica hours in lieu of post-doctoral hours, if a total number of pre-doctoral hours are achieved. To facilitate direct entry into psychological practice as per Pennsylvania state regulations, Carlow University’s PsyD program in counseling psychology requires 18 credits of practicum training (6 semesters of practicum seminar assuming 3 credits are earned each semester of practicum seminar). This will total 1800 hours of direct and indirect field placement experience. Typically, a single commitment to a practicum training site experience is a year-long (three semesters: summer, fall, and spring).

Students are strongly discouraged from planning to work full-time while they complete the doctoral program. Many students who have worked full-time during their bachelor’s or master’s level training believe they will be able to do so with their doctoral training experiences, however, doctoral level training is much more demanding than bachelor’s and master’s level training. Nearly all students who attempt to work full-time after commencing practicum training in the summer of the first year find that they cannot meet the 50+ hours per week expectation of training and simultaneously maintain full-time employment.

International Training Opportunities

Currently, the Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology at Carlow University offers opportunities for international study in Ireland and Uganda.  

IRELAND

This one-week program is designed jointly by faculty from Carlow University and St. Angela’s College in Sligo, Ireland. Students learn about the mental health system in Ireland and about the content and process of service delivery to those with special needs. In addition, students explore issues related to diversity and social justice within the Irish culture and how they relate to psychosocial functioning and mental health. The trip is further characterized by exposure to a different culture through touring and educational outings. The course includes readings that are to be completed prior to departure, full participation in activities in Ireland and a major paper or project. 

UGANDA

Doctoral students can participate in a number of ways in the collaborative work being done by Ugandan citizens and Carlow faculty.  

Initiative 1

Counseling, Trauma and Gender Based Violence Training  

This initiative is being carried out with Carlow faculty and doctoral students in collaboration with Advocacy for Vulnerable Children’s Rights (AVCR). According to annual crime statistics by the Uganda Police, domestic violence and sexually related offences account for a significant proportion of complaints received by law enforcement. Those studying or otherwise interested in this social problem attribute domestic violence in the country (most notably violence against women) to culture and tradition. The Uganda government struggles to provide an infrastructure to meet the needs of its citizens which means that not unlike many societies, change must begin at the grassroots level.

Collaboratively established goals include: Mobilizing and engaging community members (e.g., women, men, local institutions, and policy makers in the region) to collaboratively determine how they may be involved in creating a movement in their region to promote more safe and equitable relationships, provide psychoeducation through a series of ongoing lectures and discussion groups about safe relationships/gender violence, create and implement an advertising campaign (through the very popular use of radio) about the dangers of gender violence, and to create a Uganda-culture specific school-based curriculum to propose to regional schools.

Initiative 2

Human Trafficking Uganda: Community-based Collaboration in Support of Prevention of Trafficking and Survivor Identification.

This initiative is being carried out through in collaboration with the Ugandan government and citizens. Two regions were identified as the initial focus of the work of this project; the Mukono District and Soroti.

Overarching goals are to increase the extent to which citizens are able to decrease vulnerability to trafficking by: Increasing regional awareness about the issue, increasing self-sufficiency, and increasing accessibility of school, especially for girls.  

Initiative 3

Strengthening Community Resources in the Village of Soroti

This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with Advocacy for Vulnerable Children’s Rights (AVCR).

The primary focus at this time is the building of a health clinic.

Primary goals of the initiative are to: Increase access to education for vulnerable children in Soroti, increase ease of access to food and water, increase ease of access to health care, and decrease vulnerability to human trafficking.

Admission Requirements and Application Process 

Admission Requirements

Applicants to Carlow University’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Counseling Psychology program must possess a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a closely related field (such as social work).

The master’s degree must have been granted by a regionally accredited institution in higher education. Master’s degrees are considered closely related if they include coursework in the following areas:

• Human growth and lifespan development 
• Social & cultural foundations or diversity training for helping professionals 
• Helping relationships or counseling skills and techniques, counseling or personality theory 
• Abnormal psychology or psychopathology 
• Group counseling 
• Research methods (statistics and quantitative methods) 
• Psychological assessment, appraisal, or tests and measurements 
• Counseling practicum and internship 

Applicants who have a deficit in one or more of the areas listed above, and who otherwise would qualify for entrance into the program, may be considered for admission with the understanding that the deficit must be remedied during the first year of the doctoral program. If an applicant has too many prerequisite deficits, Carlow may need to defer application for admittance to the following year while the student completes the necessary coursework. 

Preference will be given to applicants with strong academic credentials and relevant experience as a helping professional. Applicants who are finalists for admission will be invited to campus for a personal interview with representatives from the department in mid to late February of each year. 

Application Process

Note: The PsyD Program in Counseling Psychology utilizes a cohort-based training model, which entails a set sequence of courses meant to be taken in an established progression over the four years of the program. Cohort based training models expect that students will take the courses required in order along with the rest of their cohort members, and do not afford students the ability to create an individualized course sequence.

Therefore, students can only start the program in the fall semester. There are no spring or summer start dates.

Apply by:

January 7

Start term:

Fall

The following is required for application to the PsyD program in Counseling Psychology:

• Choose an art track for your specific learning focus
• Two essays: one personal and one reflective
  • Personal Essay – is autobiographical in nature and focuses on the applicant’s developmental history, cultural background and experiences, and explains the applicant’s reasons for pursuing doctoral studies in counseling psychology (3-6 pages of double-spaced text) 
  • Reflective Essay – addresses the applicant’s thoughts and understanding regarding the etiology of client distress and the nature of the change process (2-3 pages of double-spaced text).
• Current resume or curriculum vitae 
• Three letters of recommendation from professionals (i.e., academics and practitioners) who can address the applicant’s suitability for doctoral study. It is in the applicant’s best interest to submit letters from those that have doctoral degrees. Still, it is expected that some letters from practitioners may be best addressed by those with Master’s degrees in a clinical field that have supervised the applicant. 

Full-time Faculty

Fawn T. Robinson, NCC, ACS, LPC, PhD Associate Professor & Director, Professional Counseling Programs

Aniela Scanlon, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS  Assistant Professor

Earn a certificate in Addiction Counseling

Carlow University’s Post-Masters Addiction Counseling certificate is a four-course sequence for new as well as experienced clinicians who want to enhance their knowledge and understanding of addictions. The Post-Master’s Addiction Counseling certificate is housed within the Professional Counseling Program in the Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Criminology, College of Arts & Sciences. The Professional Counseling Program offers a variety of CACREP-accredited programs: 60-credit Masters of Science in Professional Counseling Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Addictions Counseling; 12-credit Post-Masters Certificate in Addictions Counseling; 9-credit Post-Masters Certificate in School-Based Mental Health Counseling; and the Accelerated Masters Professional Counseling Program for Carlow Undergraduates. 

The Post-Master’s Addiction Counseling certificate (12 credits) meets the Addictions-specific education requirements for the IC&RC Examination for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselors (AADC exam) and PA Certification Board – Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). Through this program, students will build the foundation for competency in Addiction Counseling.   

Curriculum for Addictions Counseling Certificate

The four certificate courses are: 

Quick facts

• Complete in one year
• Accumulate 180 hours of addiction-specific coursework needed for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) certification
• Degree program centered around multicultural and social justice

Admission requirements and application process

Admission Criteria

Admission Criteria

An undergraduate and graduate 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.

Counseling faculty

Fawn T. Robinson, NCC, ACS, LPC, PhD Associate Professor & Director, Professional Counseling Programs

Aniela Scanlon, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS  Assistant Professor

Learn to understand the relationship between brain and behavior

Earn a Behavioral Neuroscience degree in the neuropsychology track

The neuropsychology program will give you new insights into how the brain thinks, reasons, formulates and processes. 

You will be prepared to work in neuropsychology and clinical psychology, where neuropsychological assessments are an important part of clinical work. With the behavioral neuroscience degree, you will gain knowledge of the biological and physiological mechanisms that drive the nervous system and better understand the relationship between the brain and behavior. 

The Behavioral Neuroscience major is an interdisciplinary program that builds on the strengths of Carlow University’s biology, psychology and chemistry programs.  

Neuroscience degree curriculum

Carlow’s neuroscience program allows undergraduates to take courses in neuropsychology as well as to learn under scholar-practitioners. The curriculum includes a genetics course in which students investigate the maintenance, inheritance, transfer and expression of genetic information at the molecular, cellular, organismal and population levels. The cognitive psychology course explores its basic concepts and contemporary topics, such as will perception, attention, pattern recognition, consciousness, memory, the representation of knowledge, language, cognitive development, thinking and artificial intelligence.

Quick facts

• Gain hands-on learning experiences

• Leverage Carlow’s relationships with nearby research centers 

• Be prepared for graduate work in psychology and neuropsychology

• Start taking Master’s courses as an undergraduate and earn a graduate degree faster for less money

Alternate degree completion 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

Behavioral Neuroscience faculty

Fawn T. Robinson, NCC, ACS, LPC, PhD Associate Professor & Director, Professional Counseling Programs

Aniela Scanlon, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS  Assistant Professor

Transforming lives through creative healing.

If you have a passion to help people through the healing power of art, the Art Therapy major from Carlow University can help you develop your skills to prepare for graduate-level work in art therapy. Our art therapy degree program is an interdisciplinary educational path that combines the principles of art and psychology to train students in using artistic expression as a therapeutic tool to help individuals process emotions, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being.

With Carlow’s location in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Innovation District, you’ll have convenient access to medical and therapeutic sites.

Art Therapy major curriculum

The Art Therapy major curriculum consists of art, art therapy and psychology courses. You will have access to on-campus facilities such as the 2D and 3D studios, as well as the Carlow University Art Gallery, which showcases professional artists.

Internship opportunities are available at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Dream Big Studio, a television and radio studio for children that is part of the hospital’s Creative and Expressive Arts Therapy program. Students are usually placed with an art therapist or psychologist.

Carlow’s Art + Design Program  is a hub for innovation, creativity, and practical skill development through an emphasis on experiential learning. Studio art making and praxis lie at the core of our program. We understand that practice is essential for growth and development as an artist. Our studios, fabrication laboratory, and professional art gallery provide dynamic environments for you to experiment, explore new techniques, allowing you to manifest your ideas into tangible forms of expression. . 

The art program part of the highly interdisciplinary Department of Art, Communication and English. As such we center storytelling and curating as vital skills in the art world, and our program recognizes their significance. Whether you aspire to become a curator, designer, or art educator, our courses in art history and curatorial studies will immerse you in the world of art narratives, cultural heritage, and exhibition curation. You’ll learn how to communicate the story behind artworks, contextualize them within historical and cultural frameworks, and curate engaging exhibitions that captivate audiences. 

Artists, designers and creatives thrive in a supportive community where they can exchange ideas, receive feedback, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Through group projects, collaborative exhibitions, and interdisciplinary workshops, you’ll have opportunities to collaborate with fellow artists, designers, and scholars, expanding your horizons and enriching your artistic practice and professional networks. 

In addition to honing your artistic abilities, our program emphasizes the development of essential skills such as information literacy, critical thinking, and design thinking. We believe that artists have a unique ability to solve complex problems and make a positive impact on society. Our curriculum integrates ethics and social justice, allowing you to explore the role of art in promoting equality, inclusivity, and social change. 

With our comprehensive undergraduate program serving as a strong foundation, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue advanced studies through our master’s degree program. Our master’s program provides a unique platform for you to specialize further in your chosen field of art. Under the guidance of distinguished faculty mentors, you’ll undertake advanced coursework, engage in critical discourse, and produce a culminating thesis or project that reflects your artistic vision and research interests.  

The Art Program and Department of Art, Communication, and English aim to create an ethical, equitable, career-focused and student-centered academic institution for the 21^st century. 

Quick facts

• Study near prominent medical and therapeutic locations
• Gain real-world career experiences with an internship
• Build a foundation for graduate-level studies 

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

Art Program Learning Outcomes

1. Ethical and Socially Responsible Design: Graduates of this program will be able to demonstrate an understanding of ethical principles and social responsibility in design and art-making practices. They will have the ability to identify and analyze ethical and social issues related to their work, and to make informed decisions that take into account the impact of their art and design on society and the environment. 

2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Graduates of this program will be able to work collaboratively across different disciplines to develop innovative and creative solutions to complex problems. They will be able to communicate effectively with team members from different backgrounds, and to integrate diverse perspectives and knowledge into their work. 

3. Critical Thinking and Analysis: Graduates of this program will be able to analyze and evaluate art and design works critically and effectively. They will have the ability to think independently, identify and challenge assumptions, and articulate arguments in a clear and concise manner. 

4. Information Literacy: Graduates of this program will be able to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively and responsibly. They will be able to navigate the complex landscape of information resources, and to understand the ethical and legal implications of using and sharing information. 

5. Studio Art Making and Praxis: Graduates of this program will have the ability to create and produce art and design works that demonstrate technical proficiency, conceptual depth, and aesthetic innovation. They will be able to apply a range of techniques and methods to their work, and to experiment with new media and materials. They will also have the ability to reflect critically on their own art-making practices and to engage in ongoing self-reflection and evaluation. 

6. Storytelling and Curating: Graduates of this program will be able to develop and communicate compelling narratives through their art and design works. They will have the ability to curate exhibitions and design experiences that engage and educate diverse audiences. They will also have the ability to use storytelling and curating as tools for social justice, activism, and community engagement. 

Art Therapy faculty

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

Kimberly McMahon, MA Adjunct Lecturer

Sarah Zeffiro Program Director, Instructor of Art Education

Ethan Gagorik Adjunct Lecturer, Art

Kathy Kienholz Adjunct Lecturer, Art

Debra Kahler Adjunct Lecturer, Art

Minor in Art Therapy

You can supplement your psychology or artistic training with an Art Therapy minor from Carlow University. The Art Therapy minor will give you an introduction to art basics and psychology essentials, including counseling, and foundational knowledge of theory and practice. Your learning experience will be supported by Carlow’s location near a comprehensive medical and therapeutic complex.

Art therapy curriculum

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