Find your law and criminal justice degree at Carlow

You will learn to understand crime and law when you choose one of Carlow University’s criminal law and justice degree programs. You will delve into the concept of law, the types and measurements of crime, criminal behavior theories, the U.S. criminal justice system, law enforcement, and the courts. Accelerated options are available.

Understand why people break the law and the reasons for their behavior

With a bachelor’s in Criminology,  you will learn the nature of crime and the effectiveness and fairness of society’s efforts to prevent and control it.

You will engage in a cross-disciplinary approach to the study of crime, offenders and victims, as well as the agencies, laws, policies and processes of the criminal justice system. You will train to become an agent of change by developing critical thinking skills through problem-based learning in order to impact  the fields relevant to criminology professionals regardless of setting.

A psychology concentration is embedded within the program to ensure that you have the knowledge relevant to direct-practice professions in the field. This emphasis on psychology will help you develop an awareness of the critical role mental health plays in criminal behavior. 

Criminology major curriculum

Carlow University’s major in Criminology focuses on prevention and remediation strategies. Notable courses include Crime and Mental Health and Race, Class and Justice.

Quick facts

• Pair studies with additional minors in Pre-Law, Counseling, or Crisis and Trauma
• Enjoy flexible options for degree completion for non-traditional students and those outside of the region
• Benefit from internship opportunities

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.

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.

Admission requirements and application process

Criminology faculty

Joseph Roberts, PhD Professor, Program Director of MA in Psychology, MS in Fraud and Forensics, and Undergraduate Criminology

Mary C. Burke, PhD Professor, Psychology

Learn about crime theory with a minor in Criminology

If you are interested in studying issues such as the systems and administration of justice, crime theory, and the intersection of mental health and deviant behaviors, you can elect to minor in Criminology.

In this scientific study of crime and criminals, you will examine why crime exists,  its effects on society and the environment, and how to prevent or reduce criminal activity.

Criminology minor curriculum

This minor is open to any major. A minimum of 18 credits is required.

Required courses include:

• Criminology
• Criminal Justice
• 4 criminology electives

Prepare for graduate and professional study of law

With the Pre-Law minor, you will prepare for the rigors of graduate or professional education by enhancing skills in analytical reasoning, critical reading and effective communication. You will be ready for success in graduate studies or law school, and for a variety of careers in addition to law. The minor is a valuable addition to students in any major.

Pre-Law minor curriculum

The selection of required and elective courses for this multidisciplinary minor is based on recommendations established by the Association of American Law Schools. You will be required to take courses in American constitutional law and persuasion and a writing course.

Find your nursing degree at Carlow

Public Notice of CCNE Re-Accreditation Visit and Invitation for Third-Party Comments

The Carlow University School of Nursing will be hosting an on-site evaluation of the baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)from April 3 to 5, 2024. The purpose of this visit is to achieve re-accreditation of its nursing programs. 

In accordance with CCNE’s procedures, the Commission provides the opportunity for program constituents and other interested parties to submit, in writing, third-party comments concerning a program’s qualifications for accreditation.  These qualifacitions can be found in the CCNE Standards for Accreditation (2018).

Written third-party comments regarding the Carlow University nursing programs must be received by CCNE 21 days before the scheduled evaluation or no later than March 13, 2024. Only signed comments are accepted by CCNE. All third-party comments submitted to CCNE must be written in English, consistent with CCNE’s policy on Conduct of Business in English.  CCNE shares third-party comments with members of the evaluation team prior to the visit, but at no time during the review process are these comments shared with the program. Please submit comments to thirdpartycomments@ccneaccreditation.org.

Or, if you prefer, mail comments to:

 Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
 Attn: Third-Party Comments
 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750
 Washington, DC 20001

Become a licensed registered nurse: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Are you ready to make a difference in health care? As a graduate of Carlow’s highly regarded nursing program, you’ll be able to hit the ground running as a nurse, or take your nursing career to the next level. NCLEX pass rates for graduates of our pre-licensure BSN nursing program are among the highest in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Carlow’s urban location offers opportunities for student involvement in many dimensions of health care.

As you progress through the program, you will learn to think clearly and creatively, pursue intellectual endeavors, and respond ethically in a spirit of cultural competence and social justice. The program serves as a basis for graduate study and a foundation for lifelong learning.

BSN nursing curriculum

Carlow’s BSN nursing program requires 120 credits (63 must be completed at Carlow); the curriculum includes general education, supportive sciences, and liberal arts to develop a well-rounded student. You will enroll in the first clinical nursing course the first semester of your sophomore year after successful completion of required support courses. Clinical nursing experience is provided at various health agencies in the area.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum meets the requirements for NCLEX (the national licensure exam for Registered Nursing) and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories, should you wish to further your education in an advanced practice nursing role.

Quick Facts

• Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab, CSCIL
• Participate in clinical experiences in an intensive care unit 
• Study in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical district and benefit from Carlow partnerships with area health care providers
• Prepare for NCLEX success under the guidance of faculty mentors

explore our simulation lab (CSCIL)

Admission requirements and application process

Learn from passionate faculty

Nursing graduate Tayler Godfrey ’18 said her professor’s passion and dedication was a huge plus. “I had the pleasure of taking Microbiology with Dr. Cianciarulo as the professor and continued working with her on student research. She took a great deal of time, while teaching many courses, to help me better understand microbiology and proper research techniques and was always available to students for questions or concerns.”

Nursing faculty

Janice Nash, DNP, RN Professor/Chair of the Undergraduate Nursing Department

Ashley Cole, DNP, RN, CCRN Program Director of Undergraduate Nursing & Assistant Professor

P. Maria Flavin, DNP, MSN, CRNP, FNP-BC, RN Interim Program Director, RN-BSN & Associate Professor

Jessica Huber, PhD, MSN, RN, CCRN, CPN Director of Experiential Learning and Assistant Professor in the College of Health and Wellness

Angela Simmons, DNP, MSN-NCEL, RN Assistant Professor, Founding Program Director, Practical Nurse Program

Tiffany Johnson, DNP, MSNEd, RN Assistant Professor

Teya Kamel RN, MSN, RYT Faculty, Instructor of Nursing & Yoga

Angela G. Kelly DNP, RN Nursing Faculty

Diana Kozlina-Peretic, DNP, CRNP, MSN, RN Associate Dean

Lisa Spagnolo, MSN, RN Instructor

Angela Summer, DNP, MPA, RN, CVRN-BC Assistant Professor and Director of Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Program

Margaret Myers Faculty

Erin Welling Instructor

Accelerate your way to a nursing career with an accelerated second degree BSN

You can use your bachelor’s degree from any field to fast track your way into one of the world’s most in-demand professions by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with Carlow’s second degree nursing program.

With this degree in hand, you’ll be sought after by health care entities around the country. Carlow prepares nurses with critical thinking and problem solving skills. Not only is Carlow in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical district with close proximity to clinical sites, its strong, reputable nursing program has a high NCLEX pass rate. 

Go for your dream job

The Carlow University Second Degree BSN program gave Matthew McGrogan ’20 the foundation necessary to land his dream job in a cardiovascular ICU.

“This BSN program is perfectly paced because it was created for people who have already earned a degree and are ready to jump right in. I was worried that some classes would feel unnecessary and slow, however, all of the classes we took were fast-paced and gave us the information needed to become well-rounded nurses. The professors took the time to get to know all of us on a one-on-one basis.”

Accelerated Second degree BSN curriculum

Carlow’s second degree BSN curriculum is in an accelerated format over 15 months. The program requires 32 credits of nursing support courses and 63 credits of nursing courses, including theory courses, clinical experiences and NCLEX seminars. As a convenience, some courses are offered in 8-week sessions, while others are 16 weeks long. 

Clinical nursing experience is an integral part of the program and is completed at various health care agencies in the area.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The curriculum meets the requirements for NCLEX and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories.

Quick facts

• Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab, CSCIL
• Study in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical district and benefit from Carlow partnerships with area health care providers 
• Take advantage of an accelerated 15-month curriculum
• Prepare for the NCLEX in a program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, with pass rates among the highest in Southwestern Pennsylvania

explore our simulation lab (CSCIL)

Alternate degree completion options

Earn your second degree in nursing while attending Carlow as a part-time student. View or download a sample plan of study [pdf].

Admission requirements and application process

BSN faculty

Janice Nash, DNP, RN Professor/Chair of the Undergraduate Nursing Department

Ashley Cole, DNP, RN, CCRN Program Director of Undergraduate Nursing & Assistant Professor

P. Maria Flavin, DNP, MSN, CRNP, FNP-BC, RN Interim Program Director, RN-BSN & Associate Professor

Jessica Huber, PhD, MSN, RN, CCRN, CPN Director of Experiential Learning and Assistant Professor in the College of Health and Wellness

Angela Simmons, DNP, MSN-NCEL, RN Assistant Professor, Founding Program Director, Practical Nurse Program

Tiffany Johnson, DNP, MSNEd, RN Assistant Professor

Teya Kamel RN, MSN, RYT Faculty, Instructor of Nursing & Yoga

Angela G. Kelly DNP, RN Nursing Faculty

Diana Kozlina-Peretic, DNP, CRNP, MSN, RN Associate Dean

Lisa Spagnolo, MSN, RN Instructor

Angela Summer, DNP, MPA, RN, CVRN-BC Assistant Professor and Director of Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Program

Margaret Myers Faculty

Erin Welling Instructor

If you have specific questions about the program, contact Angela Summer.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family (Individual) Across the Life-Span Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program

Make a difference in the lives of individual patients, entire families and communities as a whole and advance your career with Carlow’s Master of Science in Nursing: Family (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner degree. 

This program will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed for advanced practice nursing in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, private offices and practices, clinics, private homes and schools. 

Upon graduation, you will be eligible for board certification and licensure, and prepared to assume a leadership position in nursing. The Master of Science in Nursing: Family (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner serves as the basis for doctoral studies and lifelong learning. 

For your convenience, this program is offered at all four of our campuses (Oakland, Greensburg*, Cranberry* & Online). (*available based on enrollment)

95% AANP & 97% ANCC certification exam pass rate

Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum

Our high-tech, learner-centered curriculum focuses on your development towards advanced nursing practice. You will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to manage acute chronic conditions, promote health, prevent disease, educate, and provide counseling services to individuals and families across the lifespan.

At the core of the curriculum is teamwork and collaboration, providing you with the opportunity to develop a peer network – a valuable career resource.

Hybrid classes are offered one evening every other week.  For all students, clinical practica require clinical hours (600 hours) over the course of the program in a mix of urban and rural healthcare agencies. 

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for board certification as a family nurse practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. 

100% ANCC pass rate
95% AANP pass rate 

The curriculum for the MSN Family (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner program meets the requirements for national board certification and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories. 

Quick facts

• Enroll part time or full time
• Available at 4 locations: Oakland,  Online, Greensburg*, Cranberry*  (*available based on enrollment)
• Build a professional, resourceful network for your future
• Pursue doctoral studies (Doctorate of Nursing Practice)

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.

Certificate option

Post-master’s certificate

If you have already earned an MSN and are looking to add a credential, we offer post-master’s certificates in Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. Upon certificate completion, you are eligible to sit for board certification.

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

An undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required.

The program director will schedule an interview with qualified applicants.

Tuition reimbursement or discounts may be available through your current employer, contact your employer to learn more.

Nursing graduate student says Greensburg campus is key

Theresa MacBlane ’21 said Carlow’s Greensburg campus has been key to furthering her education. “I receive quality instruction from doctoral professors still active in the field without driving to Oakland. The intimate classes allow for more one-on-one instruction and student work groups. Greensburg campus is perfect for working professionals.”

Family Nurse Practitioner faculty

Our full-time faculty are doctorally prepared and board certified. Each practice as nurse practitioners in their specialty, within the community of Pittsburgh and conduct research in both clinical and academic settings.

Deborah Lynn Mitchum DBP, ANP, WHNP Chair of Department of Graduate Nursing

Vivian Boyer Adjunct Lecturer

Linda S. Burkett, DNP, MSN, RN HRSA Grant IMPACT Project Clinical Coordinator, Assistant Professor

Ruth Madden Foreman DNP, FNP-BC, CRNP, RN, CNE Associate Professor

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Lea Ochs Adjunct Lecturer

Study Abroad Opportunities:

This Boyer Model Application-like project combined efforts of interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate students to improve awareness on common comorbidities that afflict native Jamaican individuals, specifically Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. Student education and patient testing related to these comorbidities may improve quality of living as well as equip them to monitor their current health status via use of donated medical equipment. Subsequent follow-up is planned for Spring of 2025 when another interdisciplinary, international student experience is anticipated to commence. 

A multidisciplinary team (consisting of faculty from the Colleges of Health and Wellness and Arts and Science, together with students enrolled in the Family and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner graduate programs provide education and medical evaluation/treatment to the children of Bright Kids Uganda Children’s home and the communities of Oukut, Opucet and Kanyanga in Uganda each summer. This work seeks to improve medical outcomes for all children by preventable disease screening, creating inclusive learning environments, reducing disability and disease through improving access to clean water has context menu.  

HRSA IMPACT Grant

Carlow University was approved for a 2.6-million-dollar HRSA Grant with disbursement of funds over the next 4 years ending in 2027. This grant focuses on placing FNP students into medically underserved areas to complete their primary care rotations and a specialty rotation with a focus on women’s and behavioral health.  The goal of the grant is to make a BIG IMPACT on students, preceptors, and the underserved population through “Impacting Diversity and Education of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses for Healthy Communities” .  Current full time FNP students are eligible to apply for up to $23,000 in tuition reimbursement. 

HRSA Grant Faculty
Shannon Robertson, MSN, MBA, CRNP, FNP-C, CMC, Project Coordinator
Linda Burkett, DNP, RN, Clinical Coordinator
Monte Stone, Administrative Assistant 

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Women’s Health Gender related Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)   

Carlow’s Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a women’s health gender related nurse practitioner will allow you to promote women’s health issues while also advancing your nursing career. 

National workforce data indicates that many women’s health gender related nurse practitioners are nearing retirement age. Carlow University is responding to this critical need by offering the only WHNP graduate program in Western Pennsylvania. This MSN program is leading the way with many regional providers of women’s health care by providing qualified, compassionate and dedicated women’s health gender related nurse practitioners specifically trained to provide obstetrical and gynecological care. 

Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat patients as part of a health care team. They may order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications. Women’s health gender related nurse practitioners provide preventive care for women in private practice settings. They may also provide adolescent health care, pregnancy testing, fertility evaluation, prenatal visits, after-pregnancy care and menopausal care.  

Carlow’s MSN program is a foundation for doctoral studies and lifelong learning. Upon completion, you will be prepared to take leadership positions in nursing and will contribute to the discipline of nursing through evidence-based practice efforts. 

MSN: Women’s Health Gender related Nurse Practitioner curriculum

The program curriculum meets the requirements for national board certification and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure in all U.S. states and territories. Graduates are eligible to sit for board certification as a women’s health gender related nurse practitioner through the National Credentialing Center (NCC). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

Quick facts

• Enroll part time or full time
• Available at 3 locations: Oakland, Greensburg* and Cranberry* (*available based on enrollment) 
• Complete 600 clinical hours in a mix of urban and rural health care agencies

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.

Certificate option

Post-master’s certificate

If you have already earned an MSN and are looking to add an additional credential we offer post-master’s certificates in Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. Upon certificate completion, you are eligible to sit for board certification.

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required. 

Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner faculty

Deborah Lynn Mitchum DBP, ANP, WHNP Chair of Department of Graduate Nursing

Vivian Boyer Adjunct Lecturer

Linda S. Burkett, DNP, MSN, RN HRSA Grant IMPACT Project Clinical Coordinator, Assistant Professor

Ruth Madden Foreman DNP, FNP-BC, CRNP, RN, CNE Associate Professor

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Lea Ochs Adjunct Lecturer

Study Abroad Opportunities:

This Boyer Model Application-like project combined efforts of interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate students to improve awareness on common comorbidities that afflict native Jamaican individuals, specifically Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. Student education and patient testing related to these comorbidities may improve quality of living as well as equip them to monitor their current health status via use of donated medical equipment. Subsequent follow-up is planned for Spring of 2025 when another interdisciplinary, international student experience is anticipated to commence. 

A multidisciplinary team (consisting of faculty from the Colleges of Health and Wellness and Arts and Science, together with students enrolled in the Family and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner graduate programs provide education and medical evaluation/treatment to the children of Bright Kids Uganda Children’s home and the communities of Oukut, Opucet and Kanyanga in Uganda each summer. This work seeks to improve medical outcomes for all children by preventable disease screening, creating inclusive learning environments, reducing disability and disease through improving access to clean water has context menu. 

Empower patients as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate allows students who already have a Master’s of Science in Nursing to be certified as nurse practitioners for individuals and families. The post-master’s certificate will prepare you for advanced practice nursing in home health agencies, physicians’ offices, health maintenance organizations, family health centers, and clinics in both urban and rural communities.

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to be certified as family/individual nurse practitioners across the life span.

As a certified nurse practitioner, you’ll diagnose and treat acute, episodic or chronic illness, working with a physician and as part of a health care team. Nurse practitioners may order, perform or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and X-rays and may prescribe medication.

Post-Master’s Certificate for Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum

You will complete 36 course credits as well as 600 clinical hours, which may take place in a variety of urban and rural health care agencies in the Pittsburgh region.

Quick facts

• Prepare for FNP certification
• Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab, CSCIL
• Take classes in Oakland, Greensburg or Cranberry

Alternate certificate completion option

Online Certificate

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

Admission requirements and application process

An undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required. 

Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.

Family Nurse Practitioner faculty

Janice Nash, DNP, RN Professor/Chair of the Undergraduate Nursing Department

Ashley Cole, DNP, RN, CCRN Program Director of Undergraduate Nursing & Assistant Professor

P. Maria Flavin, DNP, MSN, CRNP, FNP-BC, RN Interim Program Director, RN-BSN & Associate Professor

Jessica Huber, PhD, MSN, RN, CCRN, CPN Director of Experiential Learning and Assistant Professor in the College of Health and Wellness

Angela Simmons, DNP, MSN-NCEL, RN Assistant Professor, Founding Program Director, Practical Nurse Program

Tiffany Johnson, DNP, MSNEd, RN Assistant Professor

Teya Kamel RN, MSN, RYT Faculty, Instructor of Nursing & Yoga

Angela G. Kelly DNP, RN Nursing Faculty

Diana Kozlina-Peretic, DNP, CRNP, MSN, RN Associate Dean

Lisa Spagnolo, MSN, RN Instructor

Angela Summer, DNP, MPA, RN, CVRN-BC Assistant Professor and Director of Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Program

Margaret Myers Faculty

Erin Welling Instructor