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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of Psychology
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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.
B.A. Plan of Study B.S. Plan of Study
Two students sit at a table in the Department of Psychology entrance

Psychology is the science of behavior. This major allows you to increase your intrapersonal and interpersonal understanding and develop problem-solving, project management and information literacy skills.

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Program Overview

Program Delivery: On-campus

Psychology is the science of behavior. Courses convey the principles, methods and theories necessary for a better understanding of human and animal behaviors.

Studying Psychology allows you to work toward a liberal arts degree rather than a specialized degree that prepares you for a specific type of job. The major allows you to increase your intrapersonal and interpersonal understanding and develop problem-solving, project management and information literacy skills.

Typically, students tailor their schedules according to their future career paths, which generally fall into three categories: graduate studies, a career applying principles of psychology to human problems or a career in a non-related field.

The Department of Psychology also offers a Behavior Analysis Certificate Program. The certificate may be particularly valuable if you're interested in special education, drug and addiction research, animal training, impulsivity, promoting health, physical rehabilitation and muscle dynamics, or human or animal behavior.

Admissions Requirements

New students who meet West Virginia University  admission requirements are directly admitted into psychology. 

Description of Undergraduate Courses

The Department of Psychology offers many courses that cover a variety of topics. A current listing of undergraduate courses offered by the Department can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Opportunities

Explore the WVU Difference through this program's academic, research, and student life opportunities.

Living Learning Communities

Find a community where you can live with others who share your interests. You will have opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and professionals in areas aligned with your LLC's emphasis. Learn more about WVU Living Learning Communities.

Student Organizations

To explore more organizations, visit WVUEngage where you can browse and manage organizations, find events, and showcase your involvement.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Research and Opportunities

Psychology students can participate in Professional Field Experience in Psychology, a course that involves placement at a community agency performing work relevant to psychology.

Undergraduate student and faculty in a research lab

Explore Career Paths

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

  1. Mental Health Counselors

    Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.

    Also called: Clinician, Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Therapist

  2. Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

    Assess, diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

    Also called: Clinical Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist, Applied Behavior Science Specialist, Child Psychologist, Clinical Therapist, Counseling Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Psychotherapist, Pediatric Psychologist

  3. Social Science Research Assistants

    Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

    Also called: Research Analyst, Research Assistant, Research Associate, Research Specialist

  4. Tutors

    Provide non-classroom, academic instruction to students on an individual or small-group basis for proactive or remedial purposes.

    Also called: Academic Guidance Specialist, Educational Advisor, Learning Services Coordinator, Tutorial Laboratory Supervisor (Tutorial Lab Supervisor)

  5. Residential Advisors

    Coordinate activities in residential facilities in secondary and college dormitories, group homes, or similar establishments. Order supplies and determine need for maintenance, repairs, and furnishings. May maintain household records and assign rooms. May assist residents with problem solving or refer them to counseling resources.

    Also called: Residence Hall Director, Residence Life Director, Resident Assistant, Resident Director

  6. Human Resources Specialists

    Perform activities in the human resource area. Includes employment specialists who screen, recruit, interview, and place workers.

    Also called: Employment Representative, Human Resources HR Generalist, Human Resources Specialist (HR Specialist), Recruiter

  7. Insurance Sales Agents

    Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.

    Also called: Agent, Insurance Agent, Insurance Broker, Sales Agent

  8. First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

    Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

    Also called: Assistant Manager, Department Manager, Manager, Store Manager

  9. First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers

    Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

    Also called: Branch Manager, District Sales Manager, Inside Sales Manager, Sales Manager