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At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can Support
At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can SupportEnter the workforce ready to make a change
Studies in the area of Restorative Justice will provide you with a foundational focus in addressing community-based issues pertaining to inequities in the justice system. You will also be introduced to alternate methods for addressing crime-related issues beyond the typical incarceration models most often employed by the United States.
You will be encouraged to consider how race and class affect interactions with the police and court systems. This concentration provides a solid foundation of theory, policy and research to help students become active change agents as they enter the workforce
Degree:
BSW
Delivery:
On campus & online
Campus:
Oakland
Transfer credits:
Up to 90 credits
Restorative Justice concentration curriculum
Students are required to complete the Restorative Justice sequence — Communities, Organizations in Praxis and Race, Class and Justice, as well as two courses from the following:Violence and Victims of Crime, Crime and Mental Health, Prison and Society and/or Juvenile Delinquency. Prior to taking these courses, students must complete Introduction to Social Work and Introduction to Criminal Justice.
Quick Facts
- Students are required to satisfy the requirements for the Social Work or Criminology major
- Concentration requires 12 credits, not including prerequisites
- A minimum of six credits of the selected Restorative Justice courses must be taken at Carlow University
Alternate degree completion options
Online Degree
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
Career opportunities for Restorative Justice graduates
Restorative justice provides social workers with a framework and set of practices to repair or produce resolution, to the extent possible in individual, family, community situations that may or may not involve the criminal justice system. At the macro or societal level, social workers advocate for social justice policy as well as provide resources for disenfranchised members of society.
Social workers may be working with individuals victimized by a crime or individuals court-ordered to treatment because of offending behaviors. Applications of restorative justice may be used by social workers within the criminal justice system such as in jails or prisons; or re-entry initiatives for incarcerated individuals; or within the child welfare system in cases of child abuse and neglect; or in educational settings where restorative practices are used by school social workers to build community and respond to conflict.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and reviews. Carlow University’s next accreditation visit will be in 2028.
View or download the following for more information:
- View or download the Bachelor of Social Work field manual [pdf]. It contains information and documents specific to the field placement component of the program
- View or download the Bachelor of Social Work program handbook [pdf]. It contains policies, procedures and information about the program
- View or download the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf].
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
Social Work faculty
Kathryn Bonach, PhD, LSW, LPC Chair, Social Work Department, BSW Program Director, Associate Professor
Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)
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)
Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
Friedrichs, Jessica
Jessica Friedrichs is Assistant Professor and Director of BSW Field Education in the Social Work Program. She previously served as Director for Carlow’s Service-Learning & Outreach Center, Just and Merciful … Continued
Frank, Marsha
Education PhD, Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa. MSW, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa. BA, Psychology, Chatham College, Pittsburgh, Pa. Research Program evaluation of a girls residential program, Auberle Treatment Center, … Continued
Bonach, Kathryn
Kathryn Bonach is the Chair of the Social Work Department, Director for the BSW Program, and Associate Professor. She holds a Master’s and Doctorate in Social Work from the University … Continued
Combine business and social work with a MSW-MBA dual degree
You will be prepared to take on high-level leadership roles when you complete this dual Master in Social Work and Master in Business Administration degree program in as little as three years.
In this MSW-MBA dual degree program, you will learn to be a competent leader who can meet the challenges of social work. You can be an advocate for the social work profession and the people you serve while having the ability to make effective business decisions. You will learn how to manage employees, interpret data for decision making and develop business plans.
You can specialize in either social work direct practice or social work macro practice.
Credits required:
63-84 credits
Cost per credit:
$675/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 7 semesters
Delivery:
Online
MSW-MBA dual degree program curriculum
Quick facts
- Choose from direct practice or macro practice social work specializations
- Engage in trauma-focused learning
- Graduate with two master’s degrees
Career Opportunities for MSW-MBA graduates
MSW-MBA graduates are effective in diverse roles, including managing a private practice or taking on a leadership role in a business or social service organization. A master’s degree is preferred to become a clinical social worker, and a firm understanding of business further prepares graduates to take on leadership roles.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of social workers to grow 13% between 2019 and 2029.
Accreditation
Carlow University’s Master of Social Work program received Initial Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation in June 2020 and has upheld its accreditation status since. CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensure that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and program reviews.
Please note that Social Work programs cannot accept life experience or work experience for credit.
Resources
- View or download the Master of Social Work Student Handbook [pdf]
- View or download the Master of Social Work field manual [pdf]
- View or download the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf]
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for admission to the MSW Program.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Faculty
Kathryn Bonach, PhD, LSW, LPC Chair, Social Work Department, BSW Program Director, Associate Professor
Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)
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)
Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
Learn how children grow and evolve
You will develop a scientific approach to the study of human behavior and experience in Carlow University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program. As a Child Development Psychology major, you will investigate the biological, behavioral, emotional, cognitive and social factors that shape how humans grow and change. This concentration is helpful if you wish to pursue employment or graduate training in developmental psychology, counseling and fields in which additional knowledge of children’s growth and development is helpful.
By the end of the program, you will be ready to enter training in social service and mental health programs in areas such as therapeutic activities, rehabilitation, casework, child care work and service coordination.
The program provides a foundation for graduate study in psychology and counseling but can be a path to other careers. You can go on to law school or graduate school or work in business, education or other fields.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery:
On campus, some online
Campus:
Oakland
Transfer credits:
Up to 90 credits
BA Psychology curriculum
In the Child Development Psychology major you must satisfy the regular requirements for the major and complete at least 9 credits in human development. You can complete an internship at a local facility or conduct field research.
Quick facts
- Dig deeper in the study of children’s growth
- Collaborate with faculty on research
- Gain real-world career experience with an internship
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 for Child Development Psychology major
Jobs you might consider with a Child Development Psychology major are child psychologist, career counselor, psychiatric technician, rehabilitation specialist or case manager. As noted on CareerProfiles.com, these jobs require skills a bachelor’s degree in Psychology provides, such as the ability to evaluate the needs of a client, keep accurate and organized records, express empathy and compassion, and work toward the best interests of clients.
Employment of psychologists is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job prospects should be best for those who have a doctoral degree in an applied specialty.
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
A well-rounded college experience
Psychology major Morgan Mattie ’21 liked the amount of care and respect shown by Carlow advisors. “I never felt like just another student to them, they always had my best interest in mind and knew me well enough to help me make the best decisions for me. The psychology program is so well-rounded and really helps you understand not only psychology as a whole, but also your specific track.”
Psychology faculty
Kathryn Bonach, PhD, LSW, LPC Chair, Social Work Department, BSW Program Director, Associate Professor
Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)
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)
Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
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.
Find your social and behavioral sciences degrees at Carlow
Carlow University offers a variety of social and behavioral science degree programs to prepare you for a career in social work or counseling. You will develop social work skills that can be translated into practice with individuals, families, organizations and communities, and learn the theories of human behavior related to how personality, environment and culture interact with one another to shape an individual.
Program Name
Offered
Degree Earned
Understand the cultural history of gendered experiences: Minor in Women’s & Gender Studies
With the Women’s and Gender Studies minor, you can explore the historical condition of women and the interpretation of women and gender in the various disciplines. You will come to understand the present and future position of women in society and issues of intersectionality, such as race, gender, social class and sexuality. With this minor, you will be equipped to debate gendered situations today.
A minor in Women’s and Gender Studies is valuable in careers in advocacy, social services-related occupations, community development and government.
Women’s and Gender Studies curriculum
The Women’s and Gender Studies minor requires three courses and three electives totaling 18 credits.
Required Courses
- Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies
- Visions of Social Change: Global Women’s Writing
- Feminist Theories
Transform lives, transform your career.
This evidence-based Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program uses a trauma-informed lens to prepare you for future advanced-level social work practice. Our experienced faculty continually provide opportunities and individualized coaching to provide you pathways into your preferred social work setting.
Carlow University’s MSW program includes interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration with three distinct specializations – direct practice, macro practice, and school social work.
This program is offered online. Our online courses have both synchronous and asynchronous formats within the virtual setting.
Quick Facts
- Be prepared for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) master’s exam and for professional licensure.
- You can complete your MSW degree with respect to your unique lifestyle. A faculty advisor will assist you with this planning.
- Learn from world-class faculty devoted to your future success who are actively practicing and publishing in the discipline.
The mission of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at Carlow University is to educate and prepare ethical, compassionate professionals committed to a more just and merciful world. The MSW program promotes a trauma and research informed approach to professional social work practice to promote human and societal well-being and human rights. The program is committed to preparing exemplary leaders to critically engage in service to and advocacy for diverse populations and complex systems using a cultural humility lens to promote racial, social, economic, and environmental justice.
Credits required:
39-60+ credits
Cost per credit:
Varies
Time to degree:
As few as 4 semesters
Delivery:
Online
Master of Social Work Program Specializations
Direct Practice
Direct Practice specialization focuses on teaching best practices for a range of assessment and intervention methods in working with individuals, families, and groups. It is grounded in:
- the person-in-the-environment framework
- trauma-informed approaches
- human rights
- social and economic justice for a more merciful world
This specialization is designed for students seeking careers providing direct services to clients experiencing various challenges across their lifespan within a variety of settings, including:
- hospitals
- health and mental health agencies
- public safety organizations
- correctional facilities
- community counseling centers
- various social service organizations
Macro Practice
Macro Practice specialization is designed to develop strengths-based and trauma-informed ethical leaders and managers of human services organizations and social change leaders who advance human well-being. Students are taught best practices for working with larger systems, including communities, organizations, and societies.
The macro curriculum is grounded in a commitment to human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. It is designed for students seeking a future in:
- human services leadership and management
- policy analysis and advocacy
- social change leadership at the local, state, and national levels
School Social Work
School Social Work specialization builds on key components of the MSW program’s direct practice track, teaching best practices for various assessment and intervention methods in working with individuals, families, and groups in schools and school-based settings.
The school social work curriculum is grounded in the person-in-the-environment framework, trauma-informed approaches, human rights, and social and economic justice.
This specialization provides students with the knowledge and skills required for ethical leadership within:
- schools
- across larger educational programs and systems
- for policy practice related to public and private preschool, elementary, and secondary schools
Students who successfully complete this specialization will be awarded Carlow’s School Social Work Certificate and will be eligible for certification as Pennsylvania School Social Worker Educational Specialists.
Carlow also offers a Master of Business Administration and Master of Social Work (MBA/MSW) dual degree program. This is a unique interdisciplinary degree, which offers the opportunity to examine both the theoretical and practical aspects of business administration while also studying social work.
Who can apply?
You do not need a BSW to enter the MSW Program. People with a wide variety of undergraduate degrees can enter the MSW program to become a social worker. Traditional MSW students can earn their MSW at Carlow by taking a minimum of 60 credits.
Advanced Standing
If you already have a BSW from an CSWE-accredited program, you will qualify for application for advanced standing. This track allows you to complete this degree at Carlow in as few as 18 months (39 credits).
Students who have earned an undergraduate social work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program within the past 7 years qualify for advanced standing status. Advanced standing students are able to earn their MSW at Carlow by taking a minimum of 39- credits (an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is required for advanced standing status).
Career opportunities for MSW Graduates
Graduates find employment and become leaders in many practice settings. These include integrated behavioral health settings such as hospitals, community mental health centers, substance use facilities, school systems and criminal justice facilities. Graduates work with underserved populations including children, adults, elders, individuals with disabilities and those experiencing a crisis. They are also prepared to work in the policy arena and to serve and lead in larger systems such as NGO’s, non-profit entities and governmental organizations as well as engaging in community advocacy.
Be supported at Carlow
What stood out for MSW graduate Brandy Patterson ’20 was how supportive Carlow’s faculty and staff were, especially in the Social Work Program. “I always felt like I was able to reach out to whomever I needed at the time to get the help that I needed. If I were to give a yelp review for the Masters of Social Work program I would say it is very supportive and flexible which is great for adult students. You will never feel alone or lost in this program.”
Accreditation
Carlow University’s Master of Social Work program received Initial Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation in June 2020 and has upheld its accreditation status since. CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensure that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and program reviews.
Please note that Social Work programs cannot accept life experience or work experience for credit.
Resources
- View or download the Master of Social Work Student Handbook [pdf]
- View or download the Master of Social Work field manual [pdf]
- View or download the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf]
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for admission to the MSW Program.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall & Spring*
*Summer start is possible for advanced standing only
MSW faculty
Learn from world-class faculty devoted to your future success who are actively practicing and publishing in the discipline.
Kathryn Bonach, PhD, LSW, LPC Chair, Social Work Department, BSW Program Director, Associate Professor
Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)
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)
Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
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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.
