Undergraduate Majors
Launch your career with a bachelor’s degree from WVU in one of 125 majors.
- Accounting
Accounting majors learn skills vital for every organization, from multi-national companies to government agencies and nonprofits. We provide the foundation you’ll need to prepare for professional tests like the Certified Public Accountancy (CPA) examination.
- Acting
Our program combines an intensive conservatory experience with the campus life of a major land-grant university. You’ll perform on our mainstage and in our laboratory theatre, and train with renowned faculty and guest artists (including Academy and Tony Award nominees).
- Advertising and Public Relations
We place a heavy focus on media innovation as well as traditional communication foundations to prepare you for the ever-changing media landscape. Many of our graduates work in traditional agencies, but many go beyond the media industry to work in such places as NASA, Interscope Records and Audi.
- Aerospace Engineering
With aerospace engineering’s broad applications in many industries, our grads can find jobs just about anywhere in the world. Focus your studies with an emphasis in aeronautical or astronautical engineering, or use the pre-medical focus to prepare for medical, dental and related careers.
- Agribusiness Management
Interested in turning your passion into profit? This program allows you to combine the breadth of business with the depth of an area that interests you.
- Agricultural and Extension Education
Over the next three decades, the global population is expected to grow by approximately two billion people, creating a greater demand for food production and emphasizing the critical need for worldwide agriculture education. Our program is preparing future leaders to fill that need.
- Agroecology
Interested in sustainable agriculture? Agroecology combines the concepts of crop production and environmental protection. You can focus on crop science, soil health, plant health management or entrepreneurship and agricultural business.
- Animal and Nutritional Sciences (BS)
Getting into veterinary (or any professional) school is extremely competitive. The Animal and Nutritional Sciences program provides challenging and innovative experiences to give you the best preparation possible.
- Animal and Nutritional Sciences (BSAgr)
With the world’s population continuing to grow, it’s now more important than ever to address the increasing demand for food and fiber. Gain valuable knowledge in animal behavior, health, nutrition and management that will prepare you to make an immediate impact.
- Anthropology
Watch the past come to life as you explore ruins and analyze artifacts. You’ll learn the origins of societies and understand how humans have interacted with themselves and nature for centuries, shaping how we live today.
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Microorganisms are everywhere — from plants and animals to air, soil and water. This major prepares you for careers related to the environment, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and food production and safety. In the accelerated option, you can earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years.
- Art Education
We combine the benefits of a small studio program with the resources and facilities of a major research university. Our graduates are certified to teach grades pre-K through 12 and have a high job placement rate.
- Art History
An interdisciplinary field drawing on philosophy, history, literature, religion and mythology, Art History examines works of art and their contexts. Our program combines the benefits of a small, close-knit program with the facilities and resources of a major research university.
- Athletic Coaching Education
This program will prepare you to coach athletes of varying ages and ability levels, including youth, masters, scholastic, intercollegiate and athletes with disabilities and special needs.
- Athletic Training
We combine challenging course work with clinical experiences. After successfully completing the program, you’ll be eligible to take the Board of Certification examination.
- Biochemistry
The path to medical, dental, pharmacy or graduate school starts here. Biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics courses will challenge you in the classroom, while you pursue solutions to the world’s biggest issues in the lab — and build the foundation you need for professional or graduate school.
- Biology
Biology majors study living organisms and the processes of life. Choose from four areas of emphasis to focus your studies: cellular and molecular biology, ecology and environmental biology, genomics and neuroscience.
- Biomedical Engineering
Want to be part of the latest advances in medical technologies and treatment and diagnosis strategies? In biomedical engineering, you can help revolutionize biomedical sciences and our healthcare system.
- Biometric Systems
Biometrics technology uses key tools in the areas of sensors, pattern recognition, algorithms, machine learning and cybersecurity.
- Ceramics
Our nationally recognized Ceramics program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. We offer an immersive art experience that combines a small studio environment with the resources of a major research university.
- Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering is a challenging, rewarding and satisfying major and career. You can pursue employment in many high-tech areas — including materials, energy and pharmaceuticals — or go on to graduate school and professional programs, such as law, dentistry and medicine.
- Chemistry
When you understand chemistry, you begin to understand the extraordinary nature of the world down to its most basic particles. Chemistry is the science of the materials we use, the medicine we take, the environment we live in and the food we eat.
- Child Development and Family Studies
Our hands-on program will prepare you for jobs in nursery schools, child care centers, infant-care and after-school programs, and many other settings. You’ll get real-world experience at the WVU Nursery School and through internships at local agencies and care centers.
- Child Development and Family Studies - Online
Our online program is ideal for those who need to earn a degree in Pre-K to maintain employment – or anyone who wants to enter the field of early education with a four-year degree.
- Civil Engineering
Civil engineers specialize in engineering issues related to civil infrastructure development and environmental challenges. Our graduates pursue careers in industry, government, consulting, management, teaching, research, marketing and sales.
- Communication Studies
We prepare skillful communicators at both the theoretical and applied levels. Choose from four areas of emphasis (health, interpersonal or strategic/organization communication and social media and communication technology) — or complete the integrated communication track for a more general focus.
- Computer Engineering
Our program provides a particularly strong emphasis on real-time and embedded systems. You’ll also have unique opportunities to participate in national student competitions against other universities.
- Computer Science
Computer Science majors learn to program, but they also learn how to use computers to solve problems and develop the skills to pursue great careers in fields like data analytics, software development, cybersecurity or artificial intelligence.
- Criminology
Go beyond the legal definitions of criminality. Criminology seeks to understand the nature and causes of criminality, as well as the successes and limitations of criminal justice approaches and processes.
- Dance
Develop and hone your techniques in a program that offers both experiential and theoretical dance education. You’ll study a variety of dance genres and subjects — ballet, modern, jazz, tap, world dance, choreography, dance history and dance criticism.
- Dental Hygiene
Our four-year program opens the door to many career options, from providing clinical care to research to public administration.
- Design Studies
This flexible, interdisciplinary program prepares you to work in creative industries and provide innovative solutions to challenges facing our world today.
- Economics (BA)
The Economics BA program emphasizes a broad liberal arts education. With 40+ hours of unrestricted electives, you can expand your skill set with a second major or a variety of minors.
- Economics (BS)
The field of economics is very broad and can be applied many ways. Our graduates can do just about anything — government, law school, teaching or finance fields like insurance and banking.
- Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers are the tool builders of the information age. They apply principles from math and physics to build systems and components for a wide range of products, from cell phones to automobiles to airplanes.
- Elementary Education
Our program provides 600+ hours of classroom experience before you graduate. You’ll gain a wealth of experience in the local school systems with experienced educators as mentors.
- Energy Land Management
This program melds natural resource management, business and development of energy resources. Our graduates emerge as highly trained and sought-after professionals, equipped with the skills needed to make an immediate impact in the energy industry.
- English
Majoring in English develops skills in communication, research, critical thinking and focused creativity. You’ll deepen your understanding of people and cultures while learning how to use language effectively in a variety of contexts.
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Along with preparing you to start your own business, this major will teach you to use your creativity to solve business problems or help existing organizations launch new products and enter new markets.
- Environmental Geoscience
Are you interested in environmental issues — and changing the world around you? This major combines geoscience and environmental awareness to examine the impact of human behavior on the our world.
- Environmental and Energy Resources Management
Offering a broad curriculum in energy, the environment, economics and entrepreneurship, the E*Quad program will prepare you to enter multiple sectors of a fast-growing industry.
- Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
With this major’s flexibility, you can design a program of study tailored to your environmental and natural resource interests, such as water use and quality, soil protection, waste management, ecosystem management or land use.
- Environmental, Soil and Water Sciences
This major combines interdisciplinary training in environmental protection sciences with a specialization in either pest management or soil and water conservation.
- Exercise Physiology
Looking for a pre-medical or pre-dental program? This major combines basic science knowledge with clinical applications, including courses like human anatomy with a dissection cadaver lab.
- Fashion, Dress and Merchandising
Fashion is one of the most dynamic, globally integrated and culturally significant industries in the world. Peer behind the gloss and glamour to discover how design concepts come to life – and then are marketed to consumers.
- Finance
We stress hands-on learning. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Certified Financial Planner, Certified Valuation Analysis and Certified Financial Analyst exams.
- Forensic and Investigative Science
We stand above all universities nationally with the largest forensic science and crime scene training complex in the nation — four crime scene houses, a vehicle processing garage, a ballistics test center and special outdoor venues.
- Forest Resources Management
Learn about the balancing act of managing land for timber production and wood products while considering wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and water quality.
- General Business
Having a hard time choosing just one area of business? General Business allows you to choose from many different career paths and customize your curriculum to meet your goals.
- Geography
Geography opens worlds of discovery. You’ll learn to analyze the variation of human activity that exists among places, regions and countries, and examine the relationship between the natural environment and human activities.
- Geology
Geologists look back millions of years in the past, conduct experiments in the present and predict what the earth’s future might be. Geology is an interdisciplinary science that trains you to study the natural resources that shape our lives.
- Global Supply Chain Management
If you want a dynamic and challenging career that puts you in the center of the action, requires you to see the big picture and lead, this is the major for you.
- Graphic Design
Our immersive art experience combines a small studio environment with the resources of a major research university. You’ll get the skills, theory and aesthetic practice you’ll need for a career in the ever-evolving field of graphic design.
- Health Informatics and Information Management
Do you enjoy technology, business and science? HIIM draws on each of these fields to make sure patients’ vital health information is complete, accurate and protected.
- History
History helps us discover new meaning in the past, present and future. Our students learn the best practices of historical research while developing skills for a successful career: thinking critically, communicating effectively and tackling complex problems.
- Horticulture
Our students study the physiology, culture, harvest, quality control, sales and utilization of horticultural crops.
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
Are you a people person? Do you like hosting people? Through course work, internships and on-site learning labs, we’ll teach you the skills needed to succeed in the worldwide service industry.
- Immunology and Medical Microbiology
If you’re interested in a career in healthcare or research, consider Immunology and Medical Microbiology. Our curriculum uses a hands-on research approach to learning, which also makes it excellent preparation for medical, dental and veterinary school, or other graduate work.
- Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineers are often thought of as "efficiency experts" for reducing costs and increasing throughput in a manufacturing setting. You’ll also find them in sales, hospitals, warehousing, distribution, construction, finance, retail and virtually any organization.
- Interdisciplinary Studies
The Interdisciplinary Studies degree program is comprised of three related minors and emphasizes flexibility and problem-solving.
- Interior Design
Our graduates do much more than design houses; they design hospitals and hotels, offices and schools, textiles and furniture. They represent manufacturers, create lighting systems and preserve historic buildings.
- Intermedia and Photography
Our program offers an immersive art experience that combines a small studio environment with the resources of a major research university. You'll build a portfolio to jump-start your career in photography, digital editing, video or animation.
- International Studies
This interdisciplinary program includes courses in political science, languages, geography, history, sociology, anthropology, economics and other topics. You'll gain valuable real-life experience through study abroad, global service learning, internships and Model UN.
- Journalism
Being a journalist today is about connecting people to the world 24/7 and engaging with audiences on the go. Our program prepares you to be an innovative, adaptive, problem-solving storyteller.
- Landscape Architecture
Landscape architects design for landscape and community sustainability, solve practical issues — from soil to water to poverty — and combine qualitative analysis with the design process. The ultimate goal: creating a vision for the future.
- Latin American Studies
Concentrate your course work on a region of the world with unquestioned social and economic importance.
- Management
Management is flexible enough to be used in any industry, of any size. Add an area of emphasis (we have four to choose from) to enhance your degree and make yourself super-marketable.
- Management Information Systems
Do you enjoy solving problems and playing with technical toys? MIS will teach you to analyze business problems and to design, build and maintain computer applications for solving those problems.
- Marketing
If you’re interested in business, psychology or social studies, you may be well-suited for Marketing. This major covers everything from advertising to market research, and you can choose from three areas of emphasis to personalize your plan of study.
- Mathematics
Mathematics can be found in almost every sector of the world. Our faculty’s interdisciplinary approach to mathematics will prepare you for careers as research analysts, technical consultants, computer scientists, educators and systems engineers.
- Mechanical Engineering
This broad-based discipline spans most industries, so you’ll have stable, rewarding employment opportunities across West Virginia, the U.S. and just about anywhere in the world. Unlock even more options with our dual degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering.
- Medical Laboratory Science
Do you want a bachelor’s degree that prepares you for immediate employment? The national shortage of medical laboratory scientists means our students typically have jobs waiting for them when they graduate.
- Mining Engineering
This major addresses society's needs for mineral resources and the management, health, safety and environmental impacts associated with producing and processing these resources in a sustainable and responsible way.
- Multidisciplinary Studies (Eberly College of Arts and Sciences)
Tailor your education to your interests by completing three related minors.
- Multidisciplinary Studies (College of Education and Human Services)
Design your own plan of study by combining three minors, two of which must be offered by the College of Education and Human Services.
- Multidisciplinary Studies (Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design)
Choose three minors and a program of elective courses that fit your career objectives. This program is for students who want to focus on academic programs in the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.
- Multidisciplinary Studies (Eberly College of Arts and Sciences) - Online
Tailor your education to your interests with the Multidisciplinary Studies program that consists of three minors of your choosing.
- Multidisciplinary Studies (Reed College of Media)
Design your own plan of study by completing at least two College of Media minors plus one College of Media shared minor or a minor outside of the College.
- Multidisciplinary Studies (College of Creative Arts)
Our MDS program gives you the flexibility of selecting three minors to create an individualized educational plan. At least two of the minors must be selected from programs offered by the College of Creative Arts.
- Music
The Music BA program is for students who wish to specialize in music and still have time to explore WVU's academic offerings. It’s also perfect if you want to combine the study of music by double majoring in a non-music field.
- Music (Contemporary and Integrative Performance)
This program focuses on contemporary music performance within an integrative curriculum that includes electives from arts, theatre, dance, industry and philosophy.
- Music Composition
Society's increased interest in the arts is creating many new opportunities for professional composers and teachers. This program will prepare you to be a composer in both acoustic and electronic styles.
- Music Education
If you successfully complete this program (and all tests required by the West Virginia Department of Education), you’ll qualify for a Birth–Adult Music professional certificate that allows you to teach instrumental, vocal and general music in West Virginia schools.
- Music Industry
Learn the fundamental analytical, regulatory and creative knowledge and skills necessary for jobs in the music industry.
- Music Performance: Instrumental
In the School of Music, you’ll be surrounded by elite faculty who are some of the nation's brightest and most adept musicians. You’ll have weekly lessons, chamber music coaching, large ensemble rehearsal and opportunities in musical organizations.
- Music Performance: Jazz Studies
Jazz Studies encourages study, training and performance in all forms of creative improvised music, jazz and world music. You’ll expand your creative vision and gain a global perspective.
- Music Performance: Piano
The Music Performance: Piano program is designed for students who want to prepare as performers or teachers. Society’s increased interest in the arts is creating many new opportunities for professional musicians and private music teachers.
- Music Performance: Voice
The Music Performance: Voice program is designed for students who want to prepare as performers or teachers. Society's increased interest in the arts is creating many new opportunities for professional musicians and private music teachers.
- Music Therapy
Music therapists use a variety of instruments and musical experiences to help babies, children, adolescents, adults and older adults work toward non-music goals related to education, health, rehabilitation and wellness needs.
- Musical Theatre
We combine an intensive conservatory experience with the college experience of a major university. You’ll perform on our mainstage and in our laboratory theatre, and train with renowned faculty and guest artists (including Academy and Tony Award nominees).
- Nursing
Our students receive hands-on experience with real-life situations, so they're learning the best possible care practices before they see patients.
- Nursing (BS to BSN)
The BS-BA to BSN program is an accelerated, full-time program for college graduates who wish to become a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree in nursing.
- Nursing (RN to BSN) - Online
The RN to BSN program offers graduates of diploma and associate degree nursing programs the opportunity to complete requirements for the BSN at the Charleston, Morgantown and Beckley campuses.
- Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists help people of all ages participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.
- Organizational Leadership
Make a difference in your community. Learn the skills and knowledge you need to be a leader in the nonprofit, public or private sectors.
- Painting
We offer an immersive art experience that combines a small studio environment with the resources of a major research institution. You'll train in traditional and experimental oil and acrylic media and explore both figurative and abstract imagery.
- Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
Want to be part of today's most dynamic and interesting engineering fields? Petroleum and natural gas engineers drive progress and innovation. Our graduates enjoy some of the highest starting salaries across all departments in the University.
- Philosophy
Philosophy acts as a form of intellectual exercise that makes it easier to identify problems, seek out arguments against your own views and critically evaluate solutions. These skills, along with the ability to read, write, listen and communicate effectively, can prepare you for virtually any career path.
- Physical Education Teacher Education
Learn how to design and deliver physical education programs, how to use and integrate technology into your classwork and get hands-on, real-world experience. Graduates are eligible for certification in Pre-K-Adult Physical Education and Health Education.
- Physics
Physics is crucial to understanding the world around us, the world inside us and the world beyond us. It is the basis of many other sciences, including chemistry, engineering, oceanography, seismology and astronomy (and can be applied to biology or medical science).
- Political Science
Studying political science will help you understand why courts make the decisions they do, why legislatures pass the laws they do and why countries make the choices they make in the international arena.
- Pre-Pharmacy
To prepare for the professional pharmacy curriculum, you must complete a pre-pharmacy curriculum that emphasizes the biological and chemical sciences. You’ll also take a variety of courses in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
- Printmaking
Our BFA program focuses on the development of personal imagery while cultivating foundational skills. Along with the resources of a major research university, we offer an immersive art experience in a small studio environment, providing individual attention to promote student growth.
- Psychology
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.
- Public Health
Founded on the principle of social justice, the concept of public health ensures that all citizens have the opportunity for good health. It is the art and science of protecting and improving population health through education, service and prevention.
- Puppetry
Puppetry course work includes intensive study in children’s theatre, the practice of puppetry as a theatrical art form, and educational and creative dramatic activity as methods of learning and self-development for children.
- Recreation, Parks and Tourism Resources
We’re passionate about the power of outdoor experiences to transform peoples’ lives — and communities — for the better. If you love the outdoors and working with people, RPTR is a great choice.
- Regents Bachelor of Arts - Online
Have you gone as far as you can in your career without a bachelor’s degree? The RBA program is an innovative bachelor’s degree that is both flexible and cost effective for adult learners already juggling family, work and other obligations.
- Religious Studies
Explore the great religions of the world and immerse yourself in fascinating cultures. Religious Studies offers instruction in the history and practice of many world religions, including Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Near Eastern religious traditions.
- Sculpture
Our BFA program provides training in many different materials and processes for making three-dimensional work. We offer an immersive art experience that combines a small studio environment with the resources of a major research university.
- Slavic and East European Studies
Discover the diverse languages, cultures, history, geography, politics, economies, religions and societies of Eastern Europe. The demand from government and the private sector for individuals specializing in this resurgent area of Europe has renewed in recent years.
- Social Work
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? Social workers help people function the best they can in their environment and circumstance. They provide direct services to people in their homes or places of work and help people to help themselves.
- Sociology
Sociology opens your mind to the hidden structures of social power that affect our everyday life and the major events that are happening around the world.
- Speech Pathology and Audiology
This pre-professional undergraduate program provides a thorough understanding of the basic processes involved in speech, hearing and language.
- Sport Management
The sport industry is ever-growing and requires a properly trained workforce. We’ll provide you with the actual skills and experiences you need to succeed in the profession.
- Sport and Exercise Psychology
Combine your passion for sports with an evidence-based approach to psychology. You’ll learn about the theory and practice behind working with athletes, exercisers and performers from all backgrounds and domains.
- Sports and Adventure Media
With its big-time college sports programs and beautiful natural setting, the Mountain State is a mecca for sports and adventure enthusiasts, and the perfect setting for a major designed to prepare you for careers in sports journalism and adventure media communications.
- Theatre
The BA Theatre program allows you to explore and customize your education to include a more multidisciplinary approach to theatre studies, including performance, design and technology, dramaturgy and playwriting.
- Theatre Design and Technology
We provide hands-on training through work on the Theatre and Dance mainstage. Working side by side with faculty, you'll develop a variety of theatre environments using the most current technology and tools available.
- Undecided or Undeclared
Not sure about a major? You are not alone. Many first-year students start college as undecided/undeclared students. At WVU you’ll have the guidance and support to explore majors, create an academic plan and turn your lifelong passion into a successful career.
- Wildlife and Fisheries Resources
If you’re passionate about the outdoors and the conservation of natural resources and animal habitats, this major is for you.
- Women's and Gender Studies
Don’t let the name mislead you. Women’s and Gender Studies is not just about women, nor is it about male-bashing or gender wars. Rather, our courses cover a broad range of subjects with sensitivity to gender, race, sexual orientation and class.
- Wood Science and Technology
The wood products industry employs 1.6 million people nationwide, yet only 21 American universities offer programs specifically designed to educate professionals to manage and provide technical expertise to the industry. WVU is one of them.
- World Languages, Literatures and Linguistics
In today’s increasingly global economy, you can use foreign language study to add a valuable international dimension to myriad career opportunities, such as teaching, business, economics, government work, journalism, law, medicine, computer science and other scientific research.