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.  

A behavioral neuroscience professor instructs a class of students. One student is in the middle using a neuroscience monitor.
Degree:

Bachelor of Science

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

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
A neuroscience anatomy model, primarily of the head.

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.

Career opportunities for neuropsychology

Graduates often find jobs assisting in mental health settings, such as psychiatric technicians. They also prepare for training that can ultimately lead to a career in clinical psychology.

Jobs in this profession are expected to grow about 3% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.


  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

Clara M. Cheng, PhD Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Professional Development; Director of Undergraduate Psychology Program; Professor

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

You can expand your physical science major with a minor in neuroscience. You will study how the functions and mechanisms of the nervous system affect behavior in animals and humans in conjunction with your major studies in biology, chemistry or psychology.

This minor is designed for students not majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience and is open to any major. A minimum of 21 credits is required;10 must be taken at Carlow University.

Required Courses Include:

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Foundations of Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Biological Bases of Behavior
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Neuroanatomy
  • Neurophysiology

As a Biology 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.

Concentrations are available in:

The biology major and its concentrations are offered in an accelerated format, giving you the opportunity to graduate with a dual-degree in as few as five years.

Two students sit at a table in biology class working on an experiment. They are surrounded by science equipment.
Emma Whealdon, left, (nursing, ’24) and Alexandra Archey (nursing, ’24) work on an experiment during a microbiology lab with Dr. Beth Surlow in A.J. Palumbo Hall, Thursday, November 18, 2021. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
Degree:

Bachelor of Science

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

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 align with your potential career path (cardiovascular perfusion, 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.

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’s 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. Admission to the graduate program is NOT guaranteed for those pursuing the cardiovascular perfusion concentration at the undergraduate level.

Bachelor of Science in Biology: Cardiovascular Perfusion, BS to MS Curriculum

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. 

Quick Facts

  • Pursue a concentration that interests you (cardiovascular perfusion, environmental science & management, human biology)
  • Be prepared to pursue a career or graduate studies
  • Apply for an early acceptance program with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
A biology student is dropping a liquid into a beaker. They are sitting in a lab setting.

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. 

Career opportunities with a bachelor’s in Biology

Biologists find jobs in such fields as ecology, wildlife and zoology, molecular and cellular biology, and education. A Bachelor of Science degree in biology sets the foundation for graduate programs in the healthcare, research or environmental fields.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth between 3% and 5% in a range of biological occupations from 2019 to 2029.


  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
  • First-year students applying to the cardiovascular perfusion concentration must have a minimum 3.500 cumulative high school GPA. Transfer students must have a minimum 3.500 cumulative college GPA and a minimum 3.500 GPA in college-level science courses. 
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

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.

Clara M. Cheng, PhD Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Professional Development; Director of Undergraduate Psychology Program; Professor

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

With this science-focused minor, you can enhance your biology background and pursue other career interests. A Biology minor prepares you for such fields as professional writing, business management, communications, psychology and social work. You will be ready for positions within organizations in the medical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

You must complete 18 credits, including two required courses and three advanced biology electives (at least two electives must be taken in residence at Carlow University).

Required courses include:

  • Foundations of Organismal Biology
  • Foundations of Molecular and Cellular Biology

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.

A Carlow professor leans over the desk of two students. They are discussing the classwork.
Professor Monique Hockman works with students, including Mary Opipery, left, (Class of ’22, biology)and Kinzie Walker (Class of ’22, biologry/perfusion) as they do redox titrations to determine the chemical composition of synthesized salt during a general chemistry II lab, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in AJ Palumbo Hall. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
Degree:

Bachelor of Science to Master of Science

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland & Duquesne University

Transfer credits:

Evaluated on an individual basis

You will complete required biology/organismal biology and ecological courses in residence at Carlow University. You can apply to the master of science degree program in your third year, and if accepted, complete your fourth and fifth years at Duquesne.

Bachelor of science courses in Biology: Environmental Science and Management include General Biology, Zoology and Animal Physiology. Examples of courses taken in the master’s degree component include Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Toxicology, Air Quality, Business Ethics, Environmental Management and Environmental Law.

Quick facts

  • Earn a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Carlow at the end of your fourth year
  • Earn a master of science degree in Environmental Science and Management from Duquesne at the end of your fifth year
  • As a collaborative program graduate, have the same credentials as other biology students
Carlow University college student uses a syringe to dispense liquid into a container.
Sabrice Turner-Johnson (health sciences/pre-PA, ’24) in molecular and cellular biology with Dr. Meredith Eyre, in A.J. Palumbo Hall, Tuesday, November 16, 2021. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)

Career opportunities for environmental science graduates

With the master’s degree training, you will have the skills required for careers in industry, regulatory agencies, academia and the public policy arena. Job titles may include climate change analyst, environmental restoration planner, environmental science teacher, fish and game warden, industrial ecologist, and soil and water conservationist.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs in this environmental science field to increase 11% from 2014 to 2024.


  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

Clara M. Cheng, PhD Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Professional Development; Director of Undergraduate Psychology Program; Professor

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

As a Human Biology major, you will receive a solid foundation in the study of life. Through this holistic and interdisciplinary scientific study, you will examine and understand the complexities of humans through a variety of diverse fields.

Human Biology major studies will prepare you to enter professional training in all areas of health care, including medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathy, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, pharmacy and podiatry. 

Human biology students work together at a table during class.
Students work in small groups as they study the anatomy of eyes and ears during an anatomy and physiology lab with Dr. Stephen Borecky in A.J. Palumbo Hall, Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Foreground from left, Joshua Weidman and Anna Rosso; center row from left Olivia Hartman and Becca Boles; background from left Collin Pritchard, Matthew Popichak and David Trombetta. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
Degree:

Bachelor of Science

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Two required courses, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, are designed for the biology major preparing for careers in perfusion technology, the health professions or forensic science.

The required genetics course investigates the maintenance, inheritance, transfer and expression of genetic information at the molecular, cellular, organismal and population levels. This course also provides a brief introduction to genetic engineering and biotechnology.

Quick facts

  • Choose elective courses
  • Experience opportunities for research and scholarship near campus
  • Pursue careers in research, health care and education
Human biology students discuss with their professor.
From left, Dr. Stephen Borecky talks with students, Emma Nahas, biology/cardiovascular perfusion ’23, Karissa Miller, human biology ’24, and Bryan Pan, biology ’23, after an anatomy and physiology lab in A.J. Palumbo Hall, Tuesday, November 9, 2021. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)

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.

Career opportunities with a bachelor’s in Biology

A bachelor’s in Biology sets the foundation for graduate programs in the medical fields. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth between 3% and 5% in a range of biological occupations from 2019 to 2029.


  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

Olivia Miller
Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.

Gain your competitive edge.

Ready for her future, Olivia Miller says Carlow equipped her with the tools to excel in the next chapter. “Going to Carlow, where it has a smaller, closer community gave me a lot of opportunities to get involved with things that will help me going into grad school. I feel very well prepared. I’d do it again; I wouldn’t change a thing.”

▸ Read Olivia’s story

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

Get on track to become a Speech-Language Pathologist: 3-Year Degree 

You can prepare for graduate-level studies and a career in health care with a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Speech-Language Pathology from Carlow University. You will gain hands-on experience; learn the skills needed to become a compassionate, responsible, ethical leader; develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to provide the best in patient care; and learn to work as part of a team.

The program is designed to be completed in three years. Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for Carlow’s graduate-level Speech-Language Pathology program, as well as most SLP programs around the country.

Katie Schaefer, left, kindergarten teacher, stages a photograph to demonstrate speech pathology with Zoe Shaffer, at the Campus Lab School, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
Degree:

Bachelor of Science

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Evaluated on an individual basis

Pre-Speech-language pathology curriculum

First-year courses include Foundations of Cell and Molecular Biology, Foundations of Organismal Biology Introduction to Health Professions, Foundations of Writing I, Introduction to Psychology, Life Span Developmental Psychology, and Quantitative Reasoning. Second-year courses include Physics of the Human Body, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Basic Applied Statistics, Introduction to Audiology, Phonetics, Speech and Hearing Sciences, and Communication and Reading Development. Third-year courses include Pathophysiology, Pathology for Rehabilitation, Biomedical Ethics, Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Cognitive Psychology, and Epidemiology.

Quick facts

  • Save money and time by fast-tracking your education
  • Give your health care career a competitive edge
  • Be prepared for graduate-level studies
Speech therapist working with little boy in office

Career opportunities for Pre-Speech Language Pathology

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for speech-language pathologists, a job that often requires a master’s degree, is expected to grow 25% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the medical needs of an aging population.


Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
  • Must have a minimum 3.250 cumulative high school or college GPA.
Apply

anytime

Start term:

Fall

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If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

Get on track to become a physician assistant: 3-Year Degree

Carlow’s Pre-Physician Assistant program positions you to become a PA faster. By accelerating your undergraduate studies, you’ll be ready to continue on to a master’s degree or pursue employment in a health-related field sooner.

Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons and other health care professionals. As a physician assistant, you will examine, diagnose and treat patients, often serving as a patient’s principal health care provider. PAs typically need a master’s degree from an accredited program to practice.

In this program, you will develop compassionate and responsible leadership traits and learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in the field. 

Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for admission consideration into Carlow’s Physician Assistant master’s program, as well as most Physician Assistant programs around the country.

Degree:

Bachelor of Science

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland Campus

Transfer credits:

Evaluated on an individual basis

Health Sciences: Pre-Physician Assistant curriculum 

Courses are taken across fall, spring and summer terms. All summer courses are available completely online. The program includes labs, internships and a practicum. 

First-year courses include Introduction to Health Professions, Foundations in Cell and Moecular Biology, Foundations in Organismal Biology, Pre-Calculus, and General Chemistry I and II. Second-year courses include Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Introduction to Psychology, Organic Chemistry I and II, Quantitative Reasoning, Basic Applied Statistics Communication, Personal to Professional Communication, and Global Health (Service Learning/ Ethics/Social Responsibility). Third-year courses include General Physics I, Pathology for Rehabilitation, Cognitive Psychology, and Communication and Health Care. 

Quick facts

  • Save time and money
  • Gain a direct path to a physician assistant master’s program
  • Find earlier entry into an in-demand physician assistant position or immediate employment in a health-related field

Career opportunities for physician assistants

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 30% through 2024. Licensed PAs are versatile and able to work in various health-related fields including offices of physicians, general medical and surgical hospitals, and outpatient care centers.


Admission requirements and application process

  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
  • Must have a minimum 3.250 cumulative high school or college GPA. 
Apply

anytime

Start term:

Fall

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Health Sciences faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

The Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physical Therapy from Carlow University will prepare you for graduate-level studies or to work in the health care field. You will gain hands-on experience; learn the skills needed to become a compassionate, responsible, ethical leader; develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to provide the best in patient care; and learn to work as part of a team. 

The Pre-Physical Therapy major is intended to be completed in three years. Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for Carlow’s graduate-level Physical Therapy program, as well as most Physical Therapy programs around the country.

Three students look at a computer screen. One is pointing. They are all smiling.
Degree:

Bachelor of Science

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Evaluated on an individual basis

First-year courses include Introduction to Health Professions, Foundations in Cell and Molecular Biology, Foundations in Organismal Biology, Pre-Calculus, and General Chemistry I and II. Second-year courses include Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Introduction to Psychology,  Quantitative Reasoning, Basic Applied Statistics Communication, Personal to Professional Communication, Medical Terminology, and Global Health (Service Learning/ Ethics/Social Responsibility). Third-year courses include General Physics I and II, Pathology for Rehabilitation, Pathophysiology, Cognitive Psychology, Eoidemiology, and Communication and Health Care.

Quick facts

  • Save time and money by fast-tracking your education
  • Prepare yourself for graduate-level studies and an in-demand career
  • Gain hands-on experience through practicum courses
Female Patient Working With Physiotherapist In Hospital

Career opportunities for Pre-Physical Therapy

With a bachelor’s in Pre-Physical Therapy from Carlow University, you will be ready to pivot into graduate-level studies to become a physical therapist or move elsewhere in the healthcare world.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for physical therapists is expected to increase 18% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the medical needs of an older population.


  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
  • Must have a minimum 3.250 cumulative high school or college GPA. 
Apply

anytime

Start term:

Fall

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If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

Get on track to become an occupational therapist: 3-Year Degree

You can prepare for graduate-level studies or move into work in health care with a Pre-Occupational Therapy 3-Year Degree from Carlow University. In this fast-track program, you will establish a working knowledge of Occupational Therapy and learn critical thinking and leadership skills.

Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for Carlow’s graduate-level Occupational Therapy program, as well as most Occupational Therapy programs around the country. 

A group of college students sit outside the library. Some are on laptops and some are reading books.
Degree:

Bachelor of Science

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Evaluated on an individual basis

Pre-Occupational Therapy degree curriculum

The Pre-Occupational Therapy program allows you to take courses in fall, spring and summer, with summer courses offered completely online. 

First-year courses include Introduction to Health Professions, Introduction to Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Foundations of Cell and Molecular Biology, Foundations of Organismal Biology, Quantitative Reasoning, Foundations of Writing I, and Contemplation and Action. Second-year courses include Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Introduction to Sociology, Physics of the Human Body, Life Span Developmental Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology. Third-year courses include Pathology for Rehabilitation, Pathophysiology and Clinical Kinesiology, General Chemistry I, Microbiology, Epidemiology, and Communications in Health Care. The program also includes practicums, labs and internships.

Quick facts

  • Save time and money with a shorter program
  • Enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies faster
  • Attain the curricular prerequisites for graduate study at Carlow
Giving crutches. Curly young dark-haired nurse giving crutches to aged woman wearing glasses after leg surgery

Career opportunities for Pre-Occupational Therapy

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for occupational therapists is slated to grow 16% over the next 10 years.


Admission requirements and application process

  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
  • Must have a minimum 3.250 cumulative high school or college GPA. 
Apply

anytime

Start term:

Fall

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FROM OUR BLOG
Putting Healing At The Center Of Your Health Care Practice

Healing is described in many ways: a process of restoring health; an emotional and physical journey; and freedom from injury and illness. Importantly, it is the primary goal of health care. Patients need healing, and…

#1
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Health Sciences faculty

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.