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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. As a psychology major, you’ll deepen your self-awareness, improve your understanding of others and build skills in problem-solving, project management and information literacy.

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Program Overview

Program Delivery: On-campus

Psychology courses teach you the principles, methods and theories to better understand human and animal behavior. Studying Psychology lets you earn a liberal arts degree, giving you flexibility instead of training for a specific job.

Typically, Psychology students tailor their coursework 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.

In addition to BA and BS degrees, the Department of Psychology 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 and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.

    Also called: Clinician, Counselor, Mental Health Specialist, Mental Health 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, Counseling Psychologist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist

  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: Graduate Research Assistant, Research Assistant, Research Associate, Social Research Assistant

  4. Tutors

    Instruct individual students or small groups of students in academic subjects to support formal class instruction or to prepare students for standardized or admissions tests.

    Also called: Academic Coach, Academic Guidance Specialist, Professional Tutor, Tutor

  5. Residential Advisors

    Coordinate activities in resident facilities in secondary school 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

    Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization. May perform other activities in multiple human resources areas.

    Also called: HR Coordinator (Human Resources Coordinator), HR Generalist (Human Resources 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: Insurance Agent, Insurance Broker, Sales Agent, Sales Representative

  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: Department Manager, Meat Department Manager, Shift 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: Customer Service Supervisor, Reservations Supervisor, Sales Leader, Sales Supervisor

  10. Where Graduates are Working

    About 25% of our Psychology graduates pursue graduate training in psychology, medicine or law. Over 50% enter the workforce immediately.

    Employment opportunities are available in:

    • Assessment and treatment
    • Human resource management
    • Residential care
    • Community and social services
    • Alcohol and drug intervention
    • Inpatient and outpatient facilities for persons with chronic mental illness or developmental disabilities
    • Educational and occupational testing
    • Group home, geriatric or employment counseling
    • Youth center management, employment counseling and family planning