College Profile:
Carlow University

A daring group of Irish women, The Sisters of Mercy, founded Carlow University and forged new territory in Pittsburgh, and much of the same spirit can be found among Carlow University students today.

When Carlow University was established in 1929 atop a hillside in Oakland, the Sisters of Mercy shared a strong sense of identity and mission. Today, that mission means that Carlow University inspires all of its students, both traditional and nontraditional student, to think clearly and creatively and to render competent as well as compassionate service to their communities.

A small liberal arts setting provides Carlow University students, who primarily though not entirely women, with such an opportunity to really make a difference in their classes, their communities, and eventually their professions.

In order to meet our students’ needs wherever they are in life, the college has devised programs in a variety of formats including accelerated, online, and weekend courses. Students at Carlow University receive the attention and support that is impossible to offer at larger institutions. The typical class size is about 15 to 20 students, so the format of courses involves active engagement and discussion on the part of students.

Carlow University continues to be gratified by what its graduates go on to do and to achieve. While Carlow University has longtime reputation for more traditional programs in nursing, education, and social work, it is fast becoming known for more nontraditional areas for women such as in math and science.

With the recent addition of a $12.5 million science and technology center on campus, students take advantage of many new program opportunities in math and science such as a bachelor’s degree in biology with a certification in perfusion technology. Carlow University also offers unique dual-degree partnership programs with other institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, and UPMC Shadyside. The A.J. Palumbo Hall of Science and Technology provides modern facilities, including an operating room-style lab for human cadaver dissection.

While offering excellent programs in math and science, Carlow University also provides opportunities for students who are passionate about the arts. It is the only college in Pittsburgh to offer art education as well as an art therapy program. Carlow University also offers a unique professional writing program that provides various tracks of specialization. Carlow University is also the new home of the International Poetry Forum run by distinguished poet and Pennsylvania Poet Laureate, Dr. Samuel Hazo.

What also distinguishes the environment at Carlow University is a extraordinary commitment to life balance issues for all students. The college is committed to every aspect of student wellness: academic, spiritual, emotional, and physical. As a result, there are an expanding number of programs and services in place and in the planning stages to help students with such issues as health and fitness, stress reduction, smoking cessation, and nutrition. There are also women’s varsity athletic programs in basketball, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball.

We also routinely recognize women leaders in the community and nation who demonstrate our commitment to academic excellence and service. We created a widely recognized name for the honor: the Carlow University Woman of Spirit. When students come to Carlow University, they immediately feel a part of a long list of distinguished people of spirit.

This is an exciting time to be at Carlow University. With plans to become a university by 2005, Carlow University is expanding its programs, activities, and educational opportunities. For instance, in the fall of 2003, Carlow University is launching a new core curriculum for its students, one that will better prepare students to meet their professional and personal goals.

Carlow University’s aim is to foster a desire in students to become lifelong learners. Carlow University is a leader in adult education and graduate education. In the 2002 edition of the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges, Carlow University is the highest ranked school in Pittsburgh, and the only Pittsburgh school rated in the top 125 among Best Master’s universities in the northern region.

Editorial provided by Carlow University.