Devoted to Community Impact 

At Carlow University, our Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice empowers you to lead with purpose and serve with integrity. Whether you’re advancing your career or shifting your path, you’ll find a supportive, student-focused environment focused on making a lasting impact. Join a network of changemakers shaping a more just and merciful world. 

The program spans one year, with five specializations that are cross-disciplinary, and skills based. All students will complete the core program requirements (totaling 12 credits) and will select from two specialization tracks (each consisting of 9 credits for a total of 18 credits). Specialty tracks include Forensic Psychology, Public Safety, Fraud Investigation, Forensic Accounting, and Cyber Threat Analytics. 

Where Theory Meets Real-World Application

The Carlow MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice offers students a 30-credit graduate degree that can be highly specialized depending on the student’s career interests. The program has four core courses (MCR 700 Advanced Criminological Theory, MCR 701 Justice Policy, PYM 706 Research Methods for the Social Sciences, and PYM 721 Systems of Criminal Justice) that form the foundation on which to build specialization.

Students can match any two of our five dynamic practice tracks to form unique learning experiences relevant to their future careers. Are you interested in developing skills to address financial crimes and money laundering? Complete the specialization tracks in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation. Do you want to understand how psychological assessment and treatment affects police and those who are incarcerated? Complete the specialization tracks in Public Safety and Forensic Psychology. Have you considered entering federal law enforcement and pursuing bad actors on the dark web? Specializations in Cyber Threat Analytics and Forensic Psychology or Fraud Investigation may be your best academic option.

Quick facts

Whatever career path you are considering, the Carlow MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice can help support your training for those next steps. Unique aspects of the program include:

• Five unique specializations that are not commonly offered by competitor programs
• Heavy emphasis on applied skills development
• A potential blend of psychology and criminology options for those exploring both disciplines
• Professors with both research and field experience who not only teach, but engage with their area of specialized practice in the community

Specializations

The Forensic Psychology specialization develops students’ expertise at the juncture of psychology and the legal system, preparing them for roles in forensic, correctional, and clinical settings. Core courses cover competency evaluations, risk assessments, and ethical practice, while exploring criminal behavior’s psychological and social causes. Practical skills in motivational interviewing and offender treatment emphasize real-world application. This foundation prepares graduates to become ethical and effective forensic psychology professionals.

Fraud Investigation

The Fraud Investigation specialization equips students with knowledge and tools to detect, investigate, and prevent financial crimes in various settings. Students study white-collar crime motives and methods, money laundering mechanisms, and legal and investigative strategies. Ethics and prevention courses focus on risk minimization and fostering organizational integrity. This specialization suits those targeting careers in forensic accounting, compliance, corporate investigations, or financial regulation.

Forensic Accounting

The Forensic Accounting specialization prepares students to identify financial misconduct and support legal proceedings through investigative analysis. Foundational courses differentiate forensic from traditional accounting, emphasizing litigation support and fraud detection. Advanced study in financial statement examination and audit procedures builds skills in spotting red flags and employing controls to prevent fraud. The curriculum readies students for roles in fraud examination, financial forensics, compliance, and investigative accounting.

Public Safety

The Public Safety specialization is tailored for professionals working in high-pressure environments involving mental health, communication, and crisis response, especially first responders. Students learn to identify behavioral and substance-related signs in the field, apply de-escalation communication techniques, and adopt trauma-informed mental health approaches. Emphasis is placed on building trust, safety, and competence in complex situations. This program prepares students for enhanced public safety roles requiring psychological insight and crisis management skills.

Cyber Threat Analytics

The Cyber Threat Analytics specialization prepares students to detect, analyze, and respond to evolving digital threats. Courses on cybercrime cover tactics like hacking and identity theft, while dark web analysis trains safe and effective investigation of illicit online activity. Advanced cyber analysis focuses on using cutting-edge tools to identify patterns and generate actionable intelligence. This specialization is ideal for careers in cybersecurity, digital forensics, intelligence, and cybercrime investigation.

Accreditation

The Carlow MCRM program does not have any required accrediting bodies.

Criminology faculty

Joseph Roberts, PhD Professor, Department Chair, Program Director of MA in Psychology and MS in Criminology & Criminal Justice

Alexa Piacquadio, PhD Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Psychology and Master of Arts in Psychology

Jonathan Uhl, PhD Assistant Professor of Criminology, Program Director of Undergraduate Criminology

Discover the Carlow social work difference

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

Carlow’s social work programs provide high quality, flexible pathways to a promising career in the growing field of social work. Our BSW program offers online options to pursue the BSW, with multiple concentrations in health care social work, forensic social work, crisis and trauma, and restorative justice. Our trauma informed MSW program offers an online program where courses have both synchronous and asynchronous formats within a virtual setting. The MSW Program offers three specializations: direct practice, macro practice, and school social work.

Interdisciplinary BSW concentrations in health care social work, forensic social work, crisis and trauma, and restorative justice.

The Carlow Community Scholars supports college success among former foster youths and/or homeless youths

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

Carlow University’s School-Based Mental Health Training Institute is a U.S. Department of Education grant-funded training institute to promote mental health prevention and intervention, including advocating for historically marginalized populations.  While funding is available eligible students can apply for scholarships for relevant course and field work.

Federally funded interdisciplinary CURE grant providing financial stipends for MSW student field placements in behavioral heThe CURE Program is  a grant-funded initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The CURE program provides a limited number of qualified MSW students with financial stipends for field placements in integrated health settings in urban and rural underserved areas.alth in urban and rural underserved areas

Faculty & staff

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

Kathryn Bonach, PhD, LSW, LPC Chair, Social Work Department, BSW Program Director, Associate Professor

Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Faculty, MSW Program

Jessica Friedrichs, MSW, MPA Assistant Professor, Social Work and Director, BSW Field Education

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Sophie Rice CURE Project Coordinator

Ashley Barr, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Elizabeth Zimmerman-Clayton Assistant Professor, Social Work

Accreditation

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

Department Points of Pride

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

They are also actively pursuing scholarly work in their areas of expertise, presenting at national conferences and publishing peer-reviewed work. They have collaborated with others to bring in grants worth over 10 million dollars in recent years.

In the Healthcare Social Work concentration of Carlow University’s online BSW, you’ll gain a conceptual, ethical and practical framework for social work practice in healthcare.

Healthcare Social Work Concentration (for BSW Majors only) 

The Healthcare Social Work concentration provides the student with a conceptual, ethical, and practice framework for social work practice in health care. Emphasis is on an overview of the United States health care system, the unique knowledge and skill base of social work in health care, the biopsychosocial/spiritual impact of illness on patients and their family members and/or support system, and the special psychosocial needs of populations most often served in health-related social work. The  introduction to biomedical ethics is provided as well as the fundamental medical terminology necessary for social work practice in health care. 11 required credits (4 courses) plus  9 pre-requisite credits (3 courses) 

*Students who wish to take a course(s) and are not a Healthcare Social Work Concentration, may request to enroll in the course with permission from the department chair/program director approval. 

** Minimum of six credits in Healthcare Social Work must be taken at Carlow University. 

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Get your college career off to a great start!

Discover the pathway that may be best for you in pursuit of an undergraduate degree at Carlow University.

Ugandan boat ride

Experience campus living

Experience campus living

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Engage in a variety of direct service-learning projects

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Explore Your Passion and Empower Global Communities

Welcome to a unique, first-semester educational opportunity that helps you in getting to know yourself better, while helping others. The Carlow faculty have designed this immersive experience so you immediately can apply your learnings in real-world settings to make a meaningful impact. In addition to core curriculum courses that you can apply to most majors, you will spend 4 weeks abroad in Uganda.

Quick facts

• Experience campus living and a structured self-reflection learning program focused on reinvigorating your passions and your purpose in life 
• Serve alongside your peers, through service-learning projects in the fields of education, healthcare and more  
• Benefit from onsite counseling to help you discover and process your strengths, interests and skills throughout your experience
• Minister to the needs of Ugandans, igniting your global perspective of the ways in which you can best serve yourself and the world around you

Your Discovery Program experience

On-campus discovery and preparation

You will begin your self-discovery living on Carlow University’s charming, urban campus in the heart of Pittsburgh’s exciting Oakland area.

Service Learning in Uganda (30 days)

Apply what you learned, sharpen your problem-solving skills and make positive contributions through service and volunteer opportunities at Ugandan schools and health care clinics.

One of your guides and mentors abroad will be Global Center Director, Susan O’Rourke. She has led study abroad programs for decades and is committed to helping you become immersed in the Ugandan culture with amazing moments and adventures. Alongside Susan will be a counselor available to students, both are trained in healthy relationships, stress management practices and study-abroad protocols.

Serve, Learn & Volunteer

• Volunteer (provide tutoring and engage in fun learning activities) at Noah’s Ark School for Children with Disabilities in Entebbe
• Participate in service projects (plant orchards and tend to school gardens) for Bright Kids Uganda on Lake Victoria Island
• Serve (provide instruction and adapt learning materials for children with disabilities) at Silver Memorial Inclusive Community Learning Center (SMILE) in Opucet
• Assist with vision assessments and distribution of donated eye glasses for seniors and school children

Meet a New Culture

• Hear inspiring life stories from locals, young and old; learn about their history including the effects of living as a British colony and subsequent years of conflict
• Become familiar with local customs and their challenges
• Interact with people living in remote villages without access to electricity, clean water, phones or computers
• Prepare, taste and eat authentic Ugandan food 

Take amazing adventures

• Visit the source of the Nile River and go white water rafting 
• Take a hike to the tallest waterfall in eastern Africa, Sipi Falls 
• Observe animals in their natural habitat on a three-day safari 
• Visit Chimpanzee Island

An impactful experience

“I would go back and serve in Uganda in a heartbeat. I wish I had more time there. It had a huge impact on my life after returning and loved the opportunity to be able to have an impact on the lives of those there.”

– Kaylee Goblesky, Carlow University Nursing student

Program Director

Susan O’Rourke, EdD
Global Center Director

Global Center Director, Susan O’Rourke has been working in Uganda for 10 years (since 2012). She has personally selected the comfortable and secure living facilities for the Uganda service-learning program and prearranged secure transportation through established partners in Uganda. Dr. O’Rourke has developed experiential learning and service projects through established partnerships and non-government organizations (NGOs).

Partners such as:

• Noah’s Ark School for Children with Disabilities
• Bright Kids Uganda
• Silver Memorial Inclusive Community Learning Center (SMILE)
• Prime Tower Primary School

Twiss, Pamela C.

Pamela Twiss joined the MSW faculty at Carlow in the fall of 2021. She currently serves as Chairperson of the Department of Social Work, which includes a CSWE-accredited BSW Program … Continued

Stott, Carrie

Carrie L. Stott joined the faculty of Carlow University in January 2020 as an assistant professor with the Masters of Social Work Program and has served as the MSW Program … Continued

Smythe-Leistico, Kenneth

Dr. Ken Smythe-Leistico is the Director of Field Education (MSW) and Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at Carlow University. His areas of expertise include parent-family-community engagement, school … Continued

Roth, Jennifer K.

Dr. Roth conducts research with students in her lab examining performance at sound localization for the sport of blind and low vision tennis. Students recruit and conduct research studies in … Continued

Rashid, Anne

Education PhD, English, Binghamton University, Binghamton, N.Y.MA, English, Binghamton University, Binghamton, N.Y.BA, English, Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich. Research Literature of environmental justice Contemporary women’s poetry African American literature  Publications … Continued