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.
- On-campus facilities include the Quin Curtis Center, Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, WVU Health Sciences, WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities and Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute.
- Among the most popular majors in the Eberly College, with 200+ graduating each year.
- SpeakWrite certified (incorporates and develops written, verbal, visual and mediated communication skills).
- 90% of graduates report having a job or have applied to graduate/professional school upon graduation.
- Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
- 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
- Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.
Living Learning Communities
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.
ProfOrgs and Assistantships
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.
Coursework
Explore a few of our popular courses:
Featured Courses
Capstone Projects
Psychology students take PSYC 491 Psychology Field Experience as their capstone experience. During the course, they're placed at a community agency performing work relevant to psychology for academic credit.
Explore Career Paths
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
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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
Mental Health Counselors -
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
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists -
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
Social Science Research Assistants -
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)
Tutors -
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
Residential Advisors -
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
Human Resources Specialists -
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
Insurance Sales Agents -
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
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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
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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