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

You will graduate career-ready with this dual-degree program that offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management. You will study how biological processes impact the environment and how to manage environmental issues in this 3+2 program in collaboration with Duquesne University’s Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.

Environmental science degree curriculum

You will complete required biology/organismal biology and ecological courses in residence at Carlow University. You can apply to the master of science degree program in your third year, and if accepted, complete your fourth and fifth years at Duquesne.

Bachelor of science courses in Biology: Environmental Science and Management include General Biology, Zoology and Animal Physiology. Examples of courses taken in the master’s degree component include Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Toxicology, Air Quality, Business Ethics, Environmental Management and Environmental Law.

Quick facts

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Carlow at the end of your fourth year
• Earn a master of science degree in Environmental Science and Management from Duquesne at the end of your fifth year
• As a collaborative program graduate, have the same credentials as other biology students

Admission requirements and application process

Environmental Science faculty

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Meredith Eyre, MS, MEd Instructor

Amy Romesberg, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology

Beth Surlow, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology

The gateway to healthcare, research and advanced health profession degrees

As a Human Biology major, you will receive a solid foundation in the study of life. Through this holistic and interdisciplinary scientific study, you will examine and understand the complexities of humans through a variety of diverse fields.

Human Biology major studies will prepare you to enter professional training in all areas of health care, including medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathy, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, pharmacy and podiatry. 

Human Biology curriculum

Two required courses, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, are designed for the biology major preparing for careers in perfusion technology, the health professions or forensic science.

The required genetics course investigates the maintenance, inheritance, transfer and expression of genetic information at the molecular, cellular, organismal and population levels. This course also provides a brief introduction to genetic engineering and biotechnology.

Quick facts

• Choose elective courses
• Experience opportunities for research and scholarship near campus
• Pursue careers in research, health care and education

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.

Admission requirements and application process

Gain your competitive edge.

Ready for her future, Olivia Miller says Carlow equipped her with the tools to excel in the next chapter. “Going to Carlow, where it has a smaller, closer community gave me a lot of opportunities to get involved with things that will help me going into grad school. I feel very well prepared. I’d do it again; I wouldn’t change a thing.”

▸ Read Olivia’s story

Human Biology faculty

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Amy Romesberg, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology

Beth Surlow, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology

Build a strong foundation in the chemical sciences: Chemistry Major

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

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

Chemistry major curriculum

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

Hands-on laboratory skills are emphasized throughout the program curriculum, including training and use of modern chemical instrumentation and equipment. The curriculum is consistent with guidelines published by the Committee on Professional Training (CPT) of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Quick facts

• Complete required support courses in mathematics, biology and physics
• Complete a senior experience that may consist of an independent research project
• Continue your studies in the 4+1 MEd in Secondary Education program for students interested in teaching high school chemistry

Alternate degree completion option

Accelerated
Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Degree Partnerships and Options

• LECOM Early Acceptance Partnership 
• Duquesne University Pharmacy Partnership 
• Secondary Education Option – Need to add that information here. 

Admission requirements and application process

Carlow Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Affiliates

Start of Additional Information
One extracurricular benefit of the chemistry major at Carlow is the opportunity for the student to become a member of the Carlow Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Affiliates. Our student chapter of the ACS has been recognized by the national organization several times with awards for their activities. The ACS student affiliates group provides opportunities for professional development (seminars, conferences, field trips) as well as social networking with peers in a variety of science majors. 

Chemistry grad says Carlow program set her apart

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

Chemistry faculty

Frank Ammer, PhD Chair, Professor, Biology

Stephen Borecky, PhD Professor, Biology

Meredith Eyre, MS, MEd Instructor

Amy Romesberg, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology

Beth Surlow, PhD Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Biology

Minor in chemistry

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

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

Chemistry minor curriculum

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

Required courses include:

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

Minor in Mathematics

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

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

Mathematics minor curriculum

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

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

Unlock love of art in K-12 students: Art Education major

Art education is ideal for artists looking to pursue art as a career. With the Art major’s art education certification, you can develop your artistic voice while preparing to teach students about art, passing your own experience on to a new generation of artists.

This certification program includes eight weeks of full-time teaching in an elementary art room and eight weeks in a secondary art room under the direct supervision of a cooperating teacher and University supervisors.

Curriculum for art education major

Art with art education certification is a professional program offered in conjunction with the education program. It requires a minimum of 44 credits in art and a series of required courses in education and art education. Upon successful completion of the program, you may receive certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education as a teacher of art, grades K-12.

Quick facts

• Gain hands-on educational experiences
• Interact with teaching artists at The Campus Laboratory School
• Acquire experience in Pre-K-12 grade classrooms

Alternate degree completion options

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

Certification information

At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply through your academic advisor and attend a candidacy review meeting. In order to apply, you must:

Prospective students from Slippery Rock University will meet with both Carlow University and Slippery Rock University directors for a candidacy review to ensure they are on track for student teaching and certification after graduation.

Certification requirements

• Score a 4 or higher on both PDE 430 evaluation forms
• Pass the PRAXIS art content knowledge exam and fundamental subjects test
• Apply for certification

Prepare to make a difference in early childhood education 

In Carlow’s Early Childhood Education degree program, you will focus on learning to nurture the dignity, worth and uniqueness of young children from birth to fourth grade. You will learn to create welcoming classroom environments  where children can thrive and develop a love of learning. You will build close relationships with other students and our dedicated and caring faculty.  

The program is guided by child development pedagogy and early learning standards, and advocates for best 21st-century learning practices. Students utilize the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s three core considerations when planning learning environments: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, Power to the Profession and the Pennsylvania Department of Education‛s Teacher Certification Competencies.  As part of the certification program, students will earn a STEM endorsement.  

Carlow is one of the few private schools that accepts the following state-sponsored scholarship opportunities: TEACH Scholarship, Rising Stars and PASSHE 

Early Childhood Education degree curriculum

You’ll take courses in advanced child development, children’s literature, structured literracy, math and science methods, and community and family partnerships. Field experiences begin your freshman year. We believe the community is part of our classroom.  Experience visits to the museums, nature centers, makerspaces, and local community organizations as part of your Carlow education.   

Fifty percent of field and practicum experiences take place in The Campus Laboraotry School and Early Learning Center.  Steps away from the dorminotories at Carlow, and nestled in the heart of main campus, is a living education laboratory, a school for PreK-8^th graders and a childcare center for children ages birth to three.  Right from the start, Carlow Education students can be employed in the after-school program as educators, in the early learning center as assistant teachers, and as summer camp counselors or teachers in the robosut summer school program.  By junior or senior year, Carlow students can tutor in the Dyslexia Center and work as subsitute teachers in The Campus Lab School.

Quick facts

• Explore STEAM and learn programming, robotics, computational thinking and inquiry skills 
• Expand your literacy knowledge and be well prepared to teach children how to read 
• Network with educators through professional development opportunities and community fairs, and visit with community organizations that support learning   
• Engage in practicum and student teaching experiences in the Carlow Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center, and work with infants through sixth graders 

Admission requirements and application process

Note for all certification students: At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply to the education department through the coordinator of undergraduate programs. You must have 48 credits, have at least a 3.0 GPA, pass SKW 101, SKQ 101, a math course and a literature course, and pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or the CORE ETS Fundamental Skills Tests in reading, writing and math or meet equivalent course, ACT or SAT requirements.

Certification requirements: Carlow’s early childhood education program provides the necessary coursework required for Pre-K-4 teacher certification in Pennsylvania. Students must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation. Students may elect to take and pass the 5^th and 6^th grade add-on certification exams.  

Prepare to make a difference for children with disabilities

The major leads to certification in early childhood with special education.  Students complete all certification requirements for both programs in this unquely designed major. Carlow’s Early Childhood Education degree program, you will focus on learning to nurture the dignity, worth and uniqueness of young children from birth to fourth grade. You will learn to create welcoming classroom environments where children can thrive and develop a love of learning. You will build close relationships with other students and our dedicated and caring faculty.

In the special education program, you will learrn to address all aspects of special education from PreK-12^th grade. You will experience a range of field and practicum placements working with children with special intellectual, physical, behavioral, learning, and social/emotional needs.

You may elect to add an autism endorsement or STEM endorsement. 

Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) with Special Education Certification

You will learn inclusive practices, differentiated instruction, instructional and assistive technologies, universal design theory, positive behavioral interventions and culturally responsive education practices for young children with special needs. Explicit multisensory-based structured literacy practices and recent neuroscience inform special education practices targeting reading and dyslexia. 

Fifty percent of field and practicum experiences take place in The Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center.  Steps away from the dormitories at Carlow, and nestled in the heart of main campus, is a living education laboratory, a school for PreK-8^th graders and a childcare center for children ages birth to three. Right from the start, Carlow Education students can be employed in the after-school program as educators, in the early learning center as assistant teachers, and as summer camp counselors or teachers in the robust summer school program. By junior or senior year, Carlow students can tutor in the Dyslexia Center and work as substitute teachers in The Campus Lab School.

Alternate degree completion option

Accelerated

Fast track your way into this master’s program by taking graduate courses as a Carlow undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year. 

Quick facts

• Gain experience with multiple diagnostic tools
• Employ special education strategies and assessments in multiple practicum placements
• Participate in special education practicums and student teaching experiences 
• Learn from dyslexia specialist instructors
• Gain early intervention experience

Admission requirements and application process

Note for all certification students: At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply to the education department through the coordinator of undergraduate programs. You must have 48 credits, have at least a 3.0 GPA, pass SKW 101, SKQ 101, a math course and a literature course, and pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or the CORE ETS Fundamental Skills Tests in reading, writing and math.  

Certification requirements: Carlow’s Early Childhood Education with Special Education Certification program provides the necessary coursework required for Pre-K-4 teacher and special education certification in Pennsylvania. You must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation. You must complete a degree program; score a 4 or higher on both Pennsylvania Department of Education 430 evaluation forms; and pass the PECT Pre-K-4 exam.

Beyond traditional classrooms: Early Development and Learning degree

If you want to work with young children outside of a traditional elementary classroom, Carlow’s Early Development and Learning degree will give you the skills you need.  This unique major prepares you for educator roles in out-of-school learning environments, community based centers, childcare centers, museums, or nonprofit organizations. In your senior year, you’ll complete a personalized internship individually tailored for your career interests.

Carlow University accepts state-sponsored scholarship opportunities, including TEACH, Rising Stars and PASSHE.

Curriculum for degree in early childhood development

Carlow’s early childhood development degree program includes a unique apprenticeship model option for full-time child care providers working in licensed childcare centers. You will learn about children experiencing homelessness through a service-learning course in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and participate in educational experiences at our on-campus Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School.  You will take coursework in children’s literature, grant writing, building school partnerships, and early literacy and STEAM based practices.  Carlow’s early childhood development degree program includes a unique apprenticeship model option for full-time child care providers working in licensed childcare centers.. You can will learn about children experiencing homelessness through a service-learning course in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and participate in educational experiences at our on-campus Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School.  You will take coursework in children’s literature, grant writing, building school partnerships, and early literacy and STEAM based practices.

You will use the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) three core considerations when planning learning environments for young children: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness, and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators and Power to the Profession.

Alternate degree completion option 

Accelerated

Fast track your way into this master’s program by taking graduate courses as a Carlow undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Quick facts

• Participate in grant-funded projects that make sustainable changes to the early childhood workforce 
• Complete an individualized senior capstone internship
• Utilize the CREATE Lab

Become part of a supportive community

“Every staff member in the Education Department really cares about you, your education and your long-term goals. … Every student in the Education Department is there for you when you need them, we really have been through it all!”

— Bailey Pallus ’20

Admission requirements and application process

Testimonial

Jeremy Rhine, Early Development and Learning graduate 
 
“I selected Carlow because coming from a bigger high school experience, I knew I wanted to be more than a number and be somewhere I would be given unique opportunities. Here at Carlow, this is true, and there is still history to make.  

“I absolutely love how early you dive into the classroom experiences. The professors are always willing to help you out in any way that they can. You not only get experience within traditional classroom settings, but also in nontraditional settings as well! I loved all of the different times I got to connect, present and share ideas with professionals from all around the Pittsburgh region in early and higher ed.” 

Bailey Pallus, Early Development and Learning Program graduate 

“I selected Carlow for their small class sizes and amazing education program. There are so many pathways for success and the programs are really tailored to your specific needs. I knew I would be getting a high quality education by attending Carlow. 

“Every staff member in the Education Department really cares about you, your education and your long-term goals. I feel so comfortable around all my teachers and really view them all as strong mentors in my education career. I also love the Carlow friendships I have made throughout the years. Every student in the education department is there for you when you need them, we really have been through it all!”

Prepare for your principal certification

Carlow’s Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification Prep will prepare you to become a highly effective visionary leader. You will enhance the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to create academic programs that optimize each student’s potential for academic success in a safe, supportive, equitable, and culturally responsive school environment.   You will be eminently prepared to take the School Leaders’ Licensure Assessment for PA principal certification at the conclusion of the program.   

Carlow’s collaboration with area schools will give you access to meaningful internship experiences alongside mentor principals.  

Principal Certification curriculum

The curriculum includes specialized coursework in improvement science, systems thinking and building networked communities. Test-prep resources and seminars are aligned to the licensure exam. Principal certification in Pennsylvania requires a master’s degree. If you already have a master’s degree, completion of these 18 credits and the state licensure exam results in certification. The 18 credits may also be completed as part of the full master’s degree in educational leadership.  

Completion of courses results in graduate credits that can either be transferred into a full educational program or account for required licensure continuing education units.

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.

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