The graduate program at West Virginia University consists of four doctoral areas
of study (Behavior Analysis,
Behavioral Neuroscience,
Clinical Psychology, and
Life-Span Developmental Psychology). Our award-winning Junior Colleague Model of Training provides intensive mentoring in research and teaching in the modern Life Sciences Building on WVU's downtown campus. We do not operate online graduate training programs.
Over 200 people apply to our graduate program each year, but only four or
so are admitted into each of the areas of study noted above. Area admissions
committees (including area faculty members and graduate-student representatives)
thoroughly review each application to determine the best matches between each applicant’s
qualifications and interests and the training opportunities we offer. We invite
applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, and do not discriminate
based on age, color, disability, ethnic origin, marital status, pregnancy, race,
religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Applicants must meet our minimum criteria to be admitted. Recently, competitive students have had cumulative grade-point averages around 3.5 or higher (where 4.0 = A) and relevant experiences and interests that are compatible with those of program-area faculty.
The GRE is not currently being accepted for admission; scores will NOT be considered if submitted.
If our program interests you, go to West Virginia University’s Office of Graduate
Education and Life
“how to apply” website. For a checklist of the items needed to complete your
application,
click here.
Note that the deadline for completing the application is December 1st. Applications
received after the respective deadline may be reviewed at the discretion of the
admissions committee.
To avoid problems, start the submission process early. Note that the department does
not receive your application until it is fully complete, so it’s important to make
sure that all needed materials are part of your file by the deadline. Your complete
application will be reviewed in December or January by the admissions committee
of the graduate area of study to which you are applying. Like all committees in
our department, admission committees are composed of faculty and graduate student
representatives. Highly competitive applicants will be invited to attend the Department’s
Interview Weekend. Our program is a signatory of the
Council of Graduate School’s April 15 Resolution. All applicants to the graduate
program are considered automatically for financial aid in the form of graduate
assistantships. We are committed to providing financial aid for each of our students
in the form of a tuition waiver and modest stipend.
Please reach out if we can provide any further assistance in helping you to decide if WVU is a good fit, or with navigating the application process.
Sincerely,
Melissa Blank, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Training