Minor in neuroscience

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.

Behavioral Neuroscience Minor curriculum

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

Major in biology and make your own discoveries

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:

Some of these concentrations are offered in an accelerated format, giving you the opportunity to graduate with a dual-degree in as few as five years.

You can receive up to $10,000/year through our C-STEM Scholars Program.Learn more

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

Bachelor’s in biology curriculum

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 an opportunity to conduct student research or complete a hands-on, professional internship through the senior capstone experience. Both provide an advantage as you pursue a career or graduate studies.

Quick Facts

A biology student is dropping a liquid into a beaker. They are sitting in a lab setting.

Liberal Arts advantage

As a Carlow University student, you have the opportunity to pursue a well-rounded liberal arts education full of career-readiness pathways including our honors program, internships, service-learning, study abroad and research.

Carlow Compass logo

The Carlow Compass is our general education curriculum that allows you to develop your knowledge and skills as you discover what you want to study or pursue as a career.

Learn more about the curriculum

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’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.

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.

You can receive up to $10,000 per year through our C-STEM Scholars program.

Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

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.

Biology 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.

Increase your career potential with a minor in Biology

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.

Biology minor curriculum

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

Learn to operate heart-lung machines during surgery with a joint BS/MS degree

You can combine a liberal arts education with hands-on clinical experience with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and track into an accelerated master’s degree program in Cardiovascular Perfusion. 

You will learn how to operate the heart-lung machine during surgery. As you work toward your bachelor’s degree in Biology, 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.

Three students, in blue gloves, stand together conducting an experiment in class at Carlow University.
From left, Makaylah Ballard (health sciences/pre-PA, ’24), asks a question of Dr. Meredith Eyre as Ella Witt (health sciences, ’24) looks on during a molecular and cellular biology lab in A.J. Palumbo Hall, Tuesday, November 16, 2021. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)
Degrees:

BS to MS

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Individually evaluated

Cardiovascular Perfusion program curriculum

You will complete your bachelor’s degree in Biology directly through Carlow University. The Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion is offered in coordination with the UPMC School of Perfusion. Up to 20 students per year are accepted into the master’s program.

Quick facts

  • Gain 18 months of clinical training at UPMC Shadyside
  • Graduate with BS and MS degrees in under 5 years
  • Prepare for an in-demand health care career
A biology student works during class at his desk. On his desk is an anatomy model.

Career opportunities for Perfusionists

Most perfusionists work in medical operating rooms. The American Society for Extracorporeal Technology expects hospitals to hire more perfusionists in coming years to compensate for the aging American 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.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

Cardiovascular Perfusion 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.

Safeguard humanity’s future by protecting air, water and soil quality

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

Environmental science degree curriculum

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.

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.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

Environmental Science 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 gateway to healthcare, research and advanced health profession degrees

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

Human Biology curriculum

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)

Alternate degree completion options

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.

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.
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

Human Biology 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.

Build a strong foundation in organic, analytical, physical and inorganic chemistry

As a Chemistry major, you will learn the theory and research skills needed by chemists. You will study the composition, structure and properties of substances at the atomic and molecular levels and learn the interactions and transformations of matter, and how to apply this knowledge to develop new and improved products.

Chemical technologies enrich our lives by providing new solutions to problems in health, materials and energy usage and products to enhance our lifestyles. In this program, you will receive hands-on training in the use of the most modern chemical instrumentation that complements and enhances theory taught in the lecture courses.

You can receive up to $10,000/year through our C-STEM Scholars Program.Learn more

Four students are at a lab table conducting an experiment. Each of them sit at a station with notes and a beaker.
Degree:

Bachelor of Science

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Up to 90 credits

Chemistry major curriculum

The program provides instruction in each of the four major subdisciplines of chemistry: organic, analytical, physical and inorganic. 

Laboratory skills are emphasized throughout. The curriculum is consistent with guidelines published by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Quick facts

  • Complete required support courses in mathematics, biology and physics
  • Complete a senior experience that may consist of an independent research project
  • Continue your studies in the 4+1 MEd in Secondary Education program for students interested in teaching high school chemistry
Two chemistry students work together on an experiment in class. They are filling a beaker with liquid.

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 for Chemistry majors

Chemistry is touches almost every aspect of our existence. It is essential for meeting our basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, health, energy, and clean air, water and soil. 

Chemistry graduates find jobs in a wide variety of areas across industry, academia and government, or go on to graduate or professional school. Job titles for chemists include teacher, chemical technician, clinical research coordinator, quality control analyst, chemical plant and systems operator, and water resource specialist.

Employment for chemists is expected to grow 3% between 2014 to 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

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.

You can receive up to $10,000 per year through our C-STEM Scholars program.

Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

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

Chemistry grad says Carlow program set her apart

Chemistry graduate Lizzie Shumaker ’18 said individual attention from professors allowed her to gain confidence in course material and laboratory skills. “Carlow’s Chemistry program set me apart from others, especially when interviewing for jobs in my field, because their curriculum offered me hands-on training of the theory and operation of analytical equipment and the presentation skills needed to effectively communicate my research. The laboratory skills I learned at Carlow translated to my career and I am so grateful to have studied chemistry at Carlow.”

Chemistry 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.

Minor in chemistry

If you have an interest in understanding the basics of chemistry and the composition and behavior of matter, a minor in Chemistry is an excellent choice to accompany your chosen major. 

A Chemistry minor is also a great selection for one of the three legs of a Liberal Studies major. 

Chemistry minor curriculum

The Chemistry minor is open to any major. A minimum of 18 credits is required (four required courses, two elective courses).

Required courses include:

  • General Chemistry I and II
  • Organic Chemistry I and II
  • 5 credits in approved 200-level or higher chemistry courses

Minor in Mathematics

You can deepen your knowledge of pure and applied mathematics while customizing a Mathematics minor to enhance any major field of study.

You will solidify your logic, critical thinking and problem-solving skills through this versatile course of study.

Mathematics minor curriculum

This minor is open to any major. A minimum of 20 credits is required.

Carlow offers a diverse set of upper-level electives so you can choose a pure mathematics focus with electives such as Number Theory or Modern Algebra, or an applied mathematics focus with electives such as Differential Equations or Linear Programming.

Required courses include:

  • Calculus I and II
  • Linear Algebra
  • 2 mathematics electives

Get on track to become a physical therapist with a 3-Year Bachelor’s Degree Program

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, though you can opt to finish it in four. Upon completion, you will meet the curricular prerequisites for Carlow’s graduate-level Health Sciences programs, as well as most health science 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:

Individually evaluated

Pre-Physical Therapy curriculum

You will take 16 credits in the fall, 17 in the spring and 9 in the summer, with summer classes being offered completely online. You will gain hands-on experience with practicums, labs and internships.

First-year courses include Introduction to Health Professions, Foundations in Organismal Biology and General Chemistry I. Second-year courses include Introduction to Psychology, Quantitative Reasoning, Communication, Personal to Professional, 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 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.

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.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

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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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