You can learn to help others increase their quality of life and understanding of health with a Healthcare Management minor. You will gain the skills you need to provide for patient care and well-being while establishing a foundational understanding of management in health services and business management concepts.

The Healthcare Management minor will prepare you for a number of career opportunities, including health care advocacy and working in physicians’ practices and long-term care. You will gain experience with health services management, project management and business management, along with some exposure to information technology training.

Required courses include:

  • Chemistry in Everyday Life
  • Introduction to Management in Health Services
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Biomedical Ethics

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

#1
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
#2
FROM OUR BLOG
5 Things to Know about Physical Therapy and Regenerative Medicine

Rehabilitation and healing have a new ally — a set of regenerative procedures like stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma injections that will further strengthen the connection between orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy and their…

#2
General Blog
OUR BLOG
Carlow Today & Tomorrow

Fuel the future you with the latest trends, tips and news around your future aspirations.

New posts weekly!

General Blog
previous arrow
next arrow

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

#1
FROM OUR BLOG
How to Become a Physical Therapist

Becoming a physical therapist entails hard work and dedication. Those who are interested in entering the field need to be aware of the education, time, and steps required to successfully launch a career as a physical therapist.

#1
#2
FROM OUR BLOG
5 Things to Know about Physical Therapy and Regenerative Medicine

Rehabilitation and healing have a new ally — a set of regenerative procedures like stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma injections that will further strengthen the connection between orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy and their…

#2
General Blog
OUR BLOG
Carlow Today & Tomorrow

Fuel the future you with the latest trends, tips and news around your future aspirations.

New posts weekly!

General Blog
previous arrow
next arrow

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

#1
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
#2
FROM OUR BLOG
5 Things to Know about Physical Therapy and Regenerative Medicine

Rehabilitation and healing have a new ally — a set of regenerative procedures like stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma injections that will further strengthen the connection between orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy and their…

#2
General Blog
OUR BLOG
Carlow Today & Tomorrow

Fuel the future you with the latest trends, tips and news around your future aspirations.

New posts weekly!

General Blog
previous arrow
next arrow

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.

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

#1
FROM OUR BLOG
Literacy Coaches And Adolescent Reading Gains

Literacy remains a chief concern across the nation, with many American adolescents struggling to read at a level that allow them to perform well in school. According to the recent National Assessment for Educational Progress…

#1
#2
FROM OUR BLOG
Becoming a Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist

There is a growing need for speech-language pathologists fluent in languages other than English. This comes as no surprise considering a record 67.3 million U.S. residents spoke a language other than English at home, according…

#2
General Blog
OUR BLOG
Carlow Today & Tomorrow

Fuel the future you with the latest trends, tips and news around your future aspirations.

New posts weekly!

General Blog
previous arrow
next arrow

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.

Carlow University offers a new and innovative cohort-based physician assistant program. Accelerate your learning with this 25-month program designed to build upon your prior healthcare experience and the clinical skills you already have. There’s nothing like being in a holistic and supportive academic environment that provides personalized attention in the classroom and lab. Our program ensures that clinical application is a big part of your transformational educational experience. It consists of a three-phase curriculum, grounded in Carlow’s mercy values, taught in a multidisciplinary environment alongside other healthcare professionals. This environment equips students with integral skills including ethical leadership, compassionate care and interprofessional collaborative competencies.

Upon graduation, students are prepared to take the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE) and pursue a versatile and in-demand career as a physician assistant.

Start your application today! To get started, view or download our admissions policy for detailed admission requirements and application process (not all documents are necessary to start your application).

If you have any questions throughout the process or need guidance, our PA enrollment counselor, Kate Throckmorton, is here to help. You can reach her by email: kjthrockmorton@carlow.edu.

Final Deadline

  Apr. 1

Priority Deadline

Oct. 1

Black smiling male doctor look in camera in front of patient lying in bed and communicating with therapeutist. Surgeon or traumatologist, physical test, excellent education, polite personnel concept
Credits required:

102 credits

Cost per credit:

$978/credit

Time to degree:

6 semesters

Delivery:

On campus

Students progress through the physician assistant curriculum as members of a cohort in three phases: didactic, clinical experience and transition to practice. Interprofessional collaboration, a founding concept of the physician assistant profession, is at the core of each phase; providing students the opportunity to learn collectively with multiple healthcare disciplines. This collaborative education experience encourages meaningful alliances and ultimately prepares students to practice high-quality clinical care as a member of a healthcare team. 

Learn in our simulated hospital environment

The Celtic Simulation Center for Innovative Learning (CSCIL) is a simulated hospital environment designed for student experiential learning. Primarily during the didactic phase, physician assistant students, alongside other healthcare disciplines, experience predetermined scenarios to practice clinical decision-making, diagnosis, procedures, and patient communication and interaction in a safe and realistic environment.

Curricular phases

  • Phase 1: Didactic: An intense period of instruction meant to impart clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes in preparation for clinical practice
  • Phase 2: Clinical experience: An experiential phase of education whose purpose is to apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for patient care in a supervised environment, includes:
    • 8 clinical rotations in areas including family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, behavioral medicine, women’s health, pediatrics and elective
    • 5 weeks, full-time (average of 40 hours per week)
    • Sites are practices and healthcare systems located in southwestern Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, as well as across the country
  • Phase 3: Transition to practice: The final period of the formal education program intended to prepare graduates for successful entrance into the profession and clinical practice
Woman in lab coat and gloves in Carlow's simulation lab at a table.
Destiny Ray, a family nurse practitioner graduate student, demonstrates suturing during a lab class in Curran Hall, Wednesday, November 17, 2021. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)

Rotation disciplines

  • Family medicine
  • Internal medicine
  • Emergency medicine
  • Surgery
  • Behavioral medicine
  • Women’s health
  • Pediatrics
  • Elective

What is a Physician Assistant?

“Physician assistants (PAs) are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications and often serve as the patient’s principal healthcare provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile and collaborative. PAs practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty, improving health care access and quality.” American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)

Additional resources can be found on the AAPA website including the history of the profession, scope of practice and ethical conduct.

Positive job outlook & lucrative salary

A career as a Physician Assistant provides one of the most versatile and flexible opportunities in healthcare, with the ability to work in any medical or surgical specialty or sub-specialty. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, PA jobs are projected to rise 30% through 2028 with a median pay of $112,260.

A number of state and national organizations provide PAs with advocacy, education, and support including:

Program information, outcomes & policies

View or download the following files:

Required program policies for applicants:

View or download the following policies:


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.

Sitting at a table, a hand is holding a pen over accreditation papers.

ARC-PA accreditation status

At its September 2024 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) placed the Carlow University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Carlow University on Accreditation-Probation status until its next review in September 2026. 

Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC- PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation – Provisional or Accreditation – Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.

Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn.

Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA’s website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-carlow-university/.

The College of Health and Wellness and Carlow University fully support the Physician Assistant Program and are actively addressing the concerns raised by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). We remain committed to student success and delivering a high-quality program.

Carlow’s unique interprofessional curricular design will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to enter into professional practice as a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist working in any clinical environment.

What makes Carlow’s program different?

Carlow’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is committed to interprofessional collaborative education and was inspired by the view that effective team collaborations improve the quality of clinical service delivery. 

Students will train to prevent, assess, and treat communication and swallowing disorders within a learning environment comprised of faculty, clinical educators, and students from several different professions including:

  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Education
  • Nursing
  • Physician Assistant
  • Respiratory care therapy

Students will learn the value of interprofessional collaborative practice in leading high-quality, evidence-based, person-centered care across a variety of communication and swallowing disorders.

Lock in your tuition!

If you plan to start your speech-language pathology (SLP) degree in Fall 2024, you are eligible to lock in your per-credit tuition rate for your whole program duration as long as you are continually enrolled in the program.

Get started today!

Credits required:

60 credits

Cost per credit:

$978*/credit

Time to degree:

5 semesters

Delivery:

On campus

*Additional University Fees as well as software and textbook costs are not included in the 2024-2025 scheduled credit cost and fees

How will I gain clinical skills?

Carlow’s program is different from other graduate programs in speech-language pathology because of its focus on the development of clinical skills. Beginning in your first semester, each of your core courses will be accompanied by a dedicated skills laboratory to ensure you are able to translate theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom into hands-on practical clinical skills under the mentorship of program faculty. In addition, you will advance your clinical skills through a variety of learning platforms including: 

  • Safe and supportive lifelike simulated case scenarios
  • Access to both on-campus clinic and school-based settings
  • Local and out-of-state outpatient, healthcare, and school-based externship settings

Students will use various labs and campus facilities including:

What is the Carlow experience?

Carlow places high value on a teaching-learning climate of compassion, mutual respect, professionalism, and ethical accountability as these elements are fundamental to cultivating a higher level of professional practice. The program is dedicated to providing transformational educational experiences through innovation, close faculty mentorship, diverse learning experiences, and interprofessional collaborations. 

Career Opportunity for Speech-Language Pathologists

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 29% over the next 10 years, largely driven by the medical needs of an aging population.


As of July 15, 2024, Carlow University is accepting applications for review for Fall 2025 matriculation. All applications should be submitted and verified on or before February 1, 2025 through CSDCAS, a centralized application service endorsed by the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Science and Disorders (CAPCSD). No additional application materials should be sent to the program.

Apply by:

Priority deadline: Feb. 1

Start term:

Fall semester

Department of Speech-Language Pathology

Application Open: March 15
Applications Closes: May 1
Interview Invitations: May 1-May 14
Decisions: May 15 
Amount: $10,000 tuition remission

  • Two (2) graduate assistantships are offered through the Department of Speech-Language Pathology.
  • Each graduate assistantship is for a 1-year appointment (Fall and Spring semesters).
  • Students are required to work 5 hours per week for 16 weeks in the Fall semester and 16 weeks in the Spring semester.
  • Each assistantship provides $10,000 tuition remission for the appointed year.
  • Any student accepted into the Carlow M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Program may apply for one of the assistantships.
  • The primary activities for this position are to support faculty members with research activities, provide general support and assistance with administrative type work, and perform duties for special projects and initiatives. 

Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald, RSM PhD Speech-Language Pathology Scholarship

The Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald, RSM PhD Speech-Language Pathology Scholarship Fund was created in 2023 in honor of Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald, RSM PhD and her rich legacy at Carlow University. As a Sister of Mercy, Sister Rita Alice Fitzgerald joined the Carlow community in 1956. In 1964, she was appointed to be the first Chairperson of Carlow’s Department of Speech Pathology and served until 1989. She had a remarkable career as a speech-language pathologist with numerous awards and honors including one of the highest professional honors, Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She has been described as a person of integrity and honesty, who devoted herself to Carlow’s mission. She was an inspiration to all and a pioneer in providing transformational educational opportunities. Any student accepted into the Carlow M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology Program is eligible to apply for the scholarship.

Application Open: March 1
Applications Closes: April 15
Decisions: May 1

Carlow University Endowed Scholarships

Carlow University offers a variety of endowed scholarships. These opportunities are available in late Spring and awarded in early summer. Watch your email for more information to come.

Carlow University-Wide Graduate Assistantships

Carlow University offers variable university-wide graduate assistantships. Students will be informed when these opportunities are available.

Other Scholarships and Awards Resources

For more information regarding financial aid, please click here and/or contact your assigned financial aid advisor.

Camree Nelson, a gradate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program, and first-generation college student, on the fourth floor of University Commons, Friday, October 15, 2021. (Rebecca Droke/Carlow University)

Speech Language Pathology student chose Carlow for unique program

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 or attending an enrollment event.

Follow us and stay up-to-date on events and opportunities to learn more about our program and faculty.

Accreditation

The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Carlow University is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, +1 (800) 498-2071 or +1 (301) 296-5700. Candidacy is a “pre accreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.

You can develop your artistic skill in the studio or lab with one of our on-campus art and design degrees. During your undergraduate or graduate studies you can pursue the art and design track of your choice while developing your 2D or 3D skills. You will graduate with a professional portfolio of work.

At Carlow University, we view creativity and the visual arts as foundational to our society. Our art program is designed to empower the next generation of artists, designers, educators, art therapists and curators with the skills, knowledge, and ethical foundation to transform their creativity into a force for social change. Situated in the heart of a vibrant city, Carlow University offers unparalleled access to a vibrant art community, prestigious museums, and a rich cultural ecosystem, setting the stage for an immersive educational experience.

As a an art major, you can choose to focus your studies in the following areas:  

  • Studio Art (2D, 3D, Ceramics) 
  • Graphic Design 
  • Media Art and Animation 
  • Art Therapy 
  • Art Education 
  • Curatorial and Visual Studies 
Three students look at a computer screen. One is pointing. They are all smiling.
Degree:

Bachelor of Art

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer credits:

Individually evaluated

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

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

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

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

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

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

The curriculum has enough flexibility to allow you to customize your studies to fit your career or academic goals. One of the keystones to the bachelor’s in Art program is its emphasis on high-impact, experiential learning. Facilities include the interdisciplinary University Art Gallery, Soda kiln (one of three in the region), 2D and 3D art studios, digital lab and fab lab. 

Areas of focus 

  • Studio Art – 2D, 3D Art and Ceramics (An immersive educational experience in the visual arts, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of various artistic mediums and techniques, alongside opportunities for personal creative expression and professional portfolio development.) 
  •  Graphic Design (Equips students with the creative, technical, and critical thinking skills needed to produce visual concepts and communicate ideas through typography, imagery, color, and form in various multimedia contexts.) 
  • Media Art and Animation (Create compelling visual narratives and digital animations using cutting-edge technology and software, preparing students for careers in film, gaming, and various digital media industries.) 
  • Art Therapy (An interdisciplinary educational path that combines the principles of art and psychology to train students in using artistic expression as a therapeutic tool to help individuals process emotions, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being.) 
  • Art Education (Prepares students to teach art, encompassing both practical artistic skills and pedagogical techniques, aimed at fostering creativity and critical thinking in students of all ages. 
  • Curatorial and Visual Studies (Combines the analytical and practical aspects of curating art exhibitions and arts management with a critical examination of visual culture, equipping students with the skills to interpret, manage, and present artworks within historical and contemporary contexts to effectively engage with art collections and audiences.) 

Experiential and interdisciplinary learning (graphic design, exhibition-making, field placement in Art Therapy and Art Education, capstone project) are built into the art major curriculum  

Community partnerships include:
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
The Warhol Museum
Carnegie Museum of Art
Assemble PGH
The Documentary Works 

Quick facts

  • Choose an art track for your specific learning focus 
  • Learn from studio work and hands-on opportunities 
  • Gain professional experience at our on-campus art gallery 
  • Tap into Pittsburgh’s thriving arts scene 
  • Pursue a graduate degree in Studio Art, Art Education, and Expressive Arts Therapy 
College student sitting in the art gallery, smiling.
Modern creative artist sculptor woman female creator student at art studio workshop workplace exhibition with wooden paintbrushes drawings, sketches and gypsum plaster sculptures: horse, male portrait

Career Opportunities for Art majors

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the employment rate is growing in the fields of art, design, curatorial and museum practice. Career opportunities include: 

  • Film and Video Editors – 18% job growth 
  • Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers – 11% job growth 
  • Digital Designers – 8% job growth 
  • Technical Writers – 7% job growth 
  •  Social Media Specialists – 7% job growth 
  • Multimedia Artists and Animators – 4% job growth 


  • 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

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 gain a well-rounded introduction to the arts and cultivate your critical thinking skills and passion for creativity with an Art minor from Carlow University. 
You can take advantage of Pittsburgh’s thriving creative scene, with visits to public art installations and access to the Carlow University Art Gallery, where you can gain professional experience. You can learn essentials like design and drawing in Carlow’s studio spaces.

The Art minor requires a minimum of 18 credits; 9 must be taken at Carlow. You will take four art electives.

Required courses include:

  •  Introduction to Art/Visual Culture I or Introduction to Art/Visual Culture II 
  •  Basic Art I/Drawing I or Basic Art and Design

© Copyright 2024 Carlow University. All rights reserved.
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.