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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of Psychology
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Undergraduate Psychology Majors

We aim to prepare our program graduates for long term professional success with rigorous coursework, experiential learning opportunities and a dedicated faculty and staff.

Psychology is among the most popular majors in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. We also partner with the Department of Biology and the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute to offer a Neuroscience major.

200+
undergraduate students in our graduating class each year
75%
of our students earn a Bachelor of Arts, the rest a Bachelor of Science

Courses in this discipline convey the principles, methods and theories that are necessary for a better understanding of human and animal behaviors — psychology is the science of behavior.

The mission of the Psychology BA/BS programs at West Virginia University aligns with our land-grant institution's commitment to education, healthcare, and societal progress. We aim to prepare students for both science-focused and applied careers related to psychology, as well as the pursuit of advanced degrees in psychological science, healthcare, education, law, and other service-oriented and STEM professions. Through a combination of coursework, research, experiential opportunities, and community engagement, our goal is to foster the growth of students who think critically, communicate effectively, and understand the complexity and diversity of human behavior.

Among the most popular majors in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, our program graduates nearly 200 students each year.  Approximately 25% of our students earn the Bachelor of Science degree, with the majority earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. All are trained in the science of behavior.

As one of the largest majors in the Eberly College, we aim to prepare our program graduates for long term professional success (see  report on the professional success of liberal arts and sciences majors by the Association of American Colleges and Universities ).

SpeakWrite Certified Program TM

The bachelor of science in psychology and bachelor of arts in psychology are  SpeakWrite Certified Programs TM . SpeakWrite Certified programs incorporate and develop students’ written, verbal, visual and mediated communication skills across the curriculum.

How will I focus my studies?

Studying psychology at WVU allows students to work toward a liberal arts degree rather than a specialized degree that prepares them for a specific type of job. Typically, students tailor their schedules according to their career paths. These decisions generally fall into three categories:

  • Graduate school
  • Careers applying psychology to human problems
  • Careers in non-related fields

Psychology Programs

With the coursework, research and applied experiences undertaken as a Psychology major, about half of our WVU graduates pursue graduate training in psychology, medicine, or law. More than half of our degree recipients enter the work force immediately, taking jobs in community mental health and human services, finance, security and other applied areas.

Psychology, B.A./B.S.

The Department of Psychology offers two undergraduate degree programs, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology.

Psychology Major Program

Neuroscience, B.S.

A joint program between the Departments of Psychology and Biology, students choose from behavioral neuroscience or cellular neuroscience.

Neuroscience Major Program

Certificate in Behavior Analysis

Foundational knowledge in behavior analysis prepares students for graduate study or direct employment.

Undergraduate Certificate Details

We also offer a Minor in Psychology

If you're interested in understanding people, improving your communication and analytical skills, or adding a versatile tool to your academic and professional toolkit, a minor in psychology is a great choice. Learn more about how a Psychology minor will complement your future goals.

Resources and Opportunities

You will find many opportunities available to you as an undergraduate student in our department. Our faculty and staff encourage questions and we are all committed to your success.

Experiential Opportunities

Explore the many experiential learning opportunities in our program: research experience, teaching experience, field experience, training in gerontology, and service and leadership.

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Professional Field Experience

Psychology majors can participate in PSYC 491 which involves placement at a community agency performing work relevant to psychology.

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Advising

Advising resources including information about declaring the major, success planning, and capstone. We are here to help you customize your academic experience!

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Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology

Psi Chi was founded to encourage excellence in scholarship and advance the science of psychology

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WVU Psychology Club

The WVU Psychology Club is a student organization that offers educational workshops, service activities, and opportunities for students to interact with faculty and other professional psychologists outside of the classroom.

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PUMP-UP Mentorship Program

The Psychology Undergraduate Mentorship Program for Underrepresented Populations (PUMP-UP) is inviting undergraduate students from minoritized / underrepresented backgrounds to join our mentorship program!

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