Academics
What can you become at WVU? Just about anything you want to be!
We currently offer 185 degree programs, making your possibilities nearly limitless. New
programs continue to be added as the University adapts to the current needs of our
students and the ever-changing job market. Many majors result in extremely high job
placement rates (for example, nursing = 100%, mining engineering = 100%, pharmacy =
100%).
Our proud tradition of academic excellence attracts some of the region’s best high school
seniors. Whether your goal is to be a nurse, speech pathologist, forensic investigator,
opera singer, physicist, reporter, aerospace engineer, athletic trainer, CEO, interior
designer, lawyer, or pharmacist, our 15 colleges and schools can make it happen.
We’re proud to have produced:
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25 Rhodes Scholars, winners of the world’s most prestigious scholarship
(President Hardesty was one)
32 Goldwater Scholars (America’s premier science scholarship)
20 Truman Scholars (given by the U.S. Congress for exceptional public service)
6 members of USA Today’s All-USA College Academic First Team
2 Udall Scholarship winners (given to undergraduates in areas related to the
environment and Native American studies)
2 British Marshall Scholars (awarded to undergraduates and graduates for two or
three years of study in the United Kingdom)
1 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholar (awarded to college seniors and
recent graduates for six years of graduate study)
History/Role
About
Home » About » History/Role
The West Virginia University Alumni Association was founded on June 19, 1873,
by 16 graduates who met in the University Chapel at the call of Reverend
Alexander Martin, the University's first president.
The group was composed of Marmaduke H. Dent (first president of the Alumni
Association), Class of 1870; Oliver H. Dille, Class of 1871; William E. Jolliffe,
Class of 1871; Benjamin W. Smith, Class of 1872; and these members of the
Class of 1873: Daniel B. Purinton, Edmund T. Bullock, Taylor B. McClure, John
T. Harris, Charles M. Babb, James T. Waters Jr., William T. Pritchard, James F.
Brown, George P. Lynch, William L. Boughner, Thomas H. Price and Marcellus
L. Temple, who signed the first Constitution in that order.
Today, the Alumni Association takes great pride in representing more than
170,000 graduates who reside in every county in West Virginia, every state in the
Union and approximately 60 foreign nations. With nearly 100 registered chapters
and constituent groups, the Alumni Association's 28,000 dues-paying members
support Homecoming, the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni and dozens of
other social and philanthropic programs. The organization is involved in
numerous activities including student recruiting, public service, University
advocacy and career networking. The Erickson Alumni Center serves as the
home away from home for alumni and friends of WVU.
Academy of Distinguished Alumni
Awards & Scholarships
Home » Awards & Scholarships » Academy of Distinguished Alumni
The Academy of Distinguished Alumni honors West Virginia University graduates
who have attained national or international distinction in their profession or
discipline. The award has been established by the West Virginia University
Alumni Association in cooperation with the University's 13 schools and colleges.
Since 1988, this prestigious award has been bestowed on more than 70 West
Virginia University alumni, including Jerry West, David Selby, Dr. Nancy Nielsen,
Rod "Hot Rod" Hundley, Sam Huff and Gen. Robert H. Foglesong.
Inductees are nominated by the general membership of the Alumni Association
or their respective schools or colleges. Information on the honorees is
permanently displayed in the Erickson Alumni Center. To be considered for this
prestigious recognition, nominees must hold a degree from West Virginia
University; he/she should be recognized in his/her profession at the national or
international level; and he/she cannot be present WVU, WVU Alumni
Association, or WVU Foundation, Inc. employees. (However, this would not
necessarily exclude members of the Board of Governors, Foundation Board,
etc.).
WVU Alumni Association membership/support, WVU support, WVU Foundation,
Inc. support or monetary support to any of these three are not limiting factors for
nomination.
You can nominate individuals for this award by completing the on-line form or by
downloading/completing the nomination form and submitting it, along with all
required documentation, to the WVU Alumni Association at P.O. Box 4269,
Morgantown, WV 26504-4269. Deadline for 2010 nominations is Nov. 13, 2009.
2009 Inductees
Celebrating its 22rd anniversary, the West Virginia University Academy of
Distinguished Alumni bestowed its highest honor on three outstanding graduates,
including Gregory Babe, President and CEO, Bayer Corporation and Bayer
MaterialScience LLC; Dr. Nancy Nielsen, president of the American Medical
Association; and Scott Widmeyer, Chairman of Widmeyer Communications.
These distinguished alumni were inducted into the Academy on Feb. 9.
Backyard Brawl
Traditions
Home » Traditions » Backyard Brawl
West Virginia's annual football and basketball games with Pitt are referred to as
"The Backyard Brawl" because of the close proximity of the two schools. West
Virginia University and the University of Pittsburgh have been playing football
games for 94 straight years, representing the nation's 14th oldest football rivalry.
The two basketball teams have played 163 times since 1904.
Country Roads
Traditions
Home » Traditions » Country Roads
The theme song of West Virginia University, Country Roads, has been performed
at every home football pre-game show since 1972. The song also is played after
every home win and fans are encouraged to stay in the stands and join in singing
Country Roads.
In 1980, John Denver performed his hit song during pre-game festivities to a
sold-out crowd of Mountaineer fans. His performance of Country Roads marked
the dedication of Mountaineer Field and the first game for head coach Don
Nehlen.
Lyrics to Country Roads are also available here: Country Roads Lyrics.
Read fellow Mountaineers' tales of Country Roads or tell us, where have you
traveled and sang/heard Country Roads? E-mail us at alumni@mail.wvu.edu.
Freshman General Admissions Requirements
To be considered for freshman admission, a student must successfully complete
the following high school credits:
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4 units of English (including grammar, composition, and literature)
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4 units of college preparatory mathematics
>>Three units must be Algebra I and II and Plane Geometry
Select majors may require a fourth math considered to be higher than
Algebra II
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3 units of social studies (including U.S. History)
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3 units of science (ALL units must be laboratory science.)
>> Recommended units include: Biology, Chemistry, Physics,
Anatomy, and Environmental Science
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2 units of a foreign language, must be the same language.
>> American Sign Language is acceptable for this requirement
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1 unit of fine arts
>> Recommended units include: Music, Band, Art, Theater, Dance,
Drama, and Performance
These requirements are in addition to the GPA and test score criteria needed to
review the applications, as noted below under "Minimum Requirements for
Application Review."
Transcripts
Don't forget: all applications must be accompanied by an official transcript. Send official
transcripts of all of your previous schoolwork to WVU. You can send these with your
application or have your high school send them separately. Also send official transcripts
of any college work you have completed.
Send transcripts to:
WVU Admissions
PO Box 6009
Morgantown, WV 26506-6009
Fax: 304-293-8832
Essays and Recommendations
The WVU undergraduate admissions application does not include an essay.
Recommendations are not required, but the admissions staff may request that you submit
a recommendation if they need additional information. When you apply for some WVU
scholarships and special programs, you may be asked to submit essays and/or
recommendations.
Minimum Requirements for Application Review
(meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission)
West Virginia residents must have at least a 2.0 grade-point average and
either a composite ACT score of 19 or a combined Math and Critical
Reading SAT score of 910.
Nonresidents must have at least a 2.5 grade-point average and either a
composite ACT score of 21 or a combined Math and Critical Reading SAT
score of 990.
Please note that WVU does not mix and match sub scores from different test
dates for admissions and scholarship consideration. Only the best composite
score is used in determining eligibility.
WVU does not require students to take the optional written component of the
ACT examination.
Grade-point average (GPA) is based on information received from a student's
high school transcript. The most recent cumulative GPA on the transcript is used
when determining admission to the University. This is the same GPA used by the
Undergraduate Scholarship Office when determining scholarship eligibility. The
Office of Admissions does not re-calculate GPAs for scholarship consideration
after the initial high school transcript is received.
Additional Requirements for Specific Programs
Some colleges and programs within WVU have admission standards that exceed the
minimal University admission requirements. Admission to the University does not ensure
admission into a specific school, college, or program. Please review the Additional
Requirements page for more information about college- or program-specific
requirements.
2009 Freshman Class Profile
The average student enrolled in WVU's Fall 2009 freshman class had a 3.31 high school
grade point average, a composite ACT score of 23.6, and/or SAT Math + Critical
Reading score of 1048.
Home Schooled Applicants and Applicants Graduating from NonAccredited High Schools
Home schooled applicants and applicants graduating from non-accredited high schools
must meet the minimum requirements for application review and also submit a typed
manuscript or description of their class background. Minimally, this documentation must
include:
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The student’s name
A list and description of courses completed. Descriptions should include duration
of study, content of the course, and measurement of student assessment
Grades earned for the courses completed
The number of credits earned for each course
The courses must be broken down by 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years. The
transcripts must bear the signature of the person who administered the
curriculum.
Detailed guidelines are available at
http://www.arc.wvu.edu/admissions/home_school_guidelines.htm.
GED Applicants
GED scores may be used for admission consideration. You need to submit an average
standard score of 45 or above for consideration.
To determine the average standard GED score, please follow one of these two
steps:
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For three-digit scores, divide by 5 to determine the average standard score.
For four-digit scores, divide by 50 to determine the average standard score.
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Accounting
Advertising
Aerospace Engineering +
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Agribusiness Management and Rural Development
Agricultural and Extension Education
Agricultural and Resource Economics
Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences
Agroecology
Agronomy
Animal and Food Sciences
Animal and Nutritional Sciences
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Art
Art Education
Art History
Athletic Coaching Education
Athletic Training
Audiology
+ Double major available in Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
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Key:
= Bachelor /
= Master /
= Doctorate/Professional
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Biochemistry
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry/Biology
Biochemistry/Chemistry
Biology
Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs
Biometric Systems +
Broadcast News
Business
Business Administration
Business Administration (Executive MBA)
Business Management
+ Double majors available in Biometric Systems & Computer Engineering and
Biometric Systems & Electrical Engineering
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= Bachelor /
= Master /
= Doctorate/Professional
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Cancer Cell Biology
Cellular and Integrative Physiology
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Child Development and Family Studies
Civil Engineering +
Communication Studies
Community Health Education
Computer Engineering +
Computer Science (Eberly)
Computer Science (Engineering) +
Counseling
Counseling Psychology
Creative Writing
Criminology and Investigations
Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum, Literacy, and Cultural Studies
+ Double majors available in Civil Engineering & Mining Engineering, Computer
Engineering & Biometric Systems, Computer Engineering & Computer Science,
Computer & Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science & Electrical
Engineering
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= Bachelor /
= Master /
= Doctorate/Professional
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Dental Hygiene
Dentistry
Design Studies
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Key:
= Bachelor /
= Master /
= Doctorate/Professional
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Economics
Educational Leadership
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology/Child Development & Family Studies
Educational Psychology/Program Evaluation and Research
Electrical Engineering +
Elementary Education
Elementary Education/Science #
Endodontics
Engineering
English
Entomology
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Environmental Geoscience
Environmental Microbiology
Environmental Protection
Exercise Physiology
+ Double majors available in Electrical & Computer Engineering, Electrical
Engineering & Biometric Systems, and Electrical Engineering & Computer
Science
# Five year/entry level program leading to a bachelor's in subject/area in the
Eberly College of Arts & Sciences & a master's degree in Education
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Family and Consumer Sciences
Fashion Design and Merchandising
Finance
Foreign Languages
Forensic and Investigative Science
Forest Resources Management
Forest Resources Science
Forestry
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= Bachelor /
= Master /
= Doctorate/Professional
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Genetics and Developmental Biology
Geography
Geology +
+ Double major available in Geology & Mining Engineering
General Studies is not itself a major, but an area of study in the Liberal Arts
Program until students declare a major. Students who are not yet accepted into a
pre-major or major program are also included in the General Studies category.
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= Bachelor /
= Master /
= Doctorate/Professional
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History
Horticulture
Human and Community Development
Human Nutrition and Foods
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= Bachelor /
= Master /
= Doctorate/Professional
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Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis
Individualized Major
Industrial and Management Systems Engineering
Industrial Hygiene
Industrial Mathematics and Statistics
Industrial Relations
Instructional Design and Technology
Integrated Marketing Communications
Interdepartmental Studies
Interior Design
International Studies
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= Bachelor /
= Master /
= Doctorate/Professional
= Master /
= Doctorate/Professional
= Master /
= Doctorate/Professional
J
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Journalism
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= Bachelor /
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Kinesiology
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= Bachelor /
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Landscape Architecture
Law (Jurisprudence) (first-professional)
Learning, Instructional Design, and Technology
Legal Studies
Liberal Studies
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= Bachelor /
= Master /
= Doctorate/Professional
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Management
Management Information Systems
Marketing
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering +
Medical Laboratory Science
Medicine * (first-professional)
Microbiology and Immunology
Mining Engineering +
Multidisciplinary Studies (Eberly)
Multidisciplinary Studies (Davis)
Music
Music Education
+ Double majors available in Civil Engineering & Mining Engineering, Geology &
Mining Engineering, and Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
* This program is highly competitive, and preference is given to West Virginia
residents.
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= Bachelor /
= Master /
= Doctorate/Professional
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Natural Resource Economics
Neuroscience
News-Editorial
Nursing
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= Bachelor /
= Master /
= Doctorate/Professional
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Occupational Safety and Health
Occupational Therapy */**
Orthodontics
* This program is highly competitive, and preference is given to West Virginia
residents.
** Five year, entry-level program
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= Bachelor /
= Master /
= Doctorate/Professional
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Pathologists' Assistant
Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Pharmacy *** (first-professional)
Philosophy
Physical Education/Teacher Education
Physical Therapy *
Physics
Physiology
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Plant and Soil Sciences
Plant Pathology
Political Science
Professional Writing and Editing
Program Evaluation and Research
Prosthodontics
Psychology
Public Administration
Public Health
Public Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs
Public Relations
* This program is highly competitive, and preference is given to West Virginia
residents.
*** Minimum of two years pre-pharmacy followed by a four-year professional
program leading to a PharmD
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Reading
Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Resources
Regents Bachelor of Arts
Rehabilitation Counseling
Religious Studies
Reproductive Physiology
Resource Management
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= Bachelor /
= Master /
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Safety Management
= Doctorate/Professional
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School Health Education
Secondary Education
Secondary Education/English #
Secondary Education/Foreign Languages #
Secondary Education/Interdisciplinary Studies
Secondary Education/Mathematics #
Secondary Education/Science #
Secondary Education/Social Studies #
Slavic and East European Studies
Social Work
Sociology
Sociology and Anthropology
Software Engineering
Soil Science
Special Education
Speech Pathology
Speech Pathology and Audiology
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Sport Management
Statistics
# Five year/entry level program leading to a bachelor's in subject/area in the
Eberly College of Arts & Sciences & a master's degree in Education
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= Master /
= Doctorate/Professional
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Theatre
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Wildlife and Fisheries Resources
Women's Studies
Wood Science and Technology
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY