Bethany College (WV)

Accounting

The Department of Business at Bethany College prepares ethical and innovative leaders in accounting, finance, marketing, management, international business, and business administration at both the undergraduate and graduate levels through a rigorous education grounded in the liberal arts. Aligned with the College's mission, the department fosters critical thinking, effective communication, and professional adaptability in an environment that integrates study, work, and service.

Biology (BA)

The Department of Biology fosters lifelong learning about the natural world by providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in biology and environmental science. The faculty are dedicated to active learning strategies and meaningful research opportunities, empowering students to engage directly in the practice of biology and environmental science.

Biology, Biomedical

The Department of Biology fosters lifelong learning about the natural world by providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in biology and environmental science. The Biomedical Bachelor of Science track prepares students for professional and graduate programs in the health sciences through coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and biochemistry.

Biology (BS)

The Department of Biology fosters lifelong learning about the natural world by providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in biology and environmental science. The faculty are dedicated to active learning strategies and meaningful research opportunities, empowering students to engage directly in the practice of biology and environmental science.

Business Administration

The MBA Program at Bethany College provides a focused accelerated program, designed primarily for students to complete the program in one year. The accelerated program is designed with an emphasis on ethical decision making so that graduate students become thoughtful, compassionate, and ethical business leaders. This is an accelerated program requiring the completion of 30 credits, offered over a trimester academic year of summer, fall, and spring semesters.

Business Administration

The Bachelor of Business Administration program provides students with a strong foundation in business principles, leadership, and decision-making skills necessary for success in today's dynamic and competitive business environment. Through a comprehensive curriculum that blends theory with practical application, students gain expertise in key business functions, including management, marketing, and finance. Students can customize their degree by choosing from one of several tracks.

Chemistry

The Chemistry Program provides an inclusive and rigorous education that connects chemistry with other fields. It emphasizes scientific reasoning and analytical problem-solving across the broad areas of the discipline, including analytical, biochemical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Through active learning methods and laboratory experiences, students acquire the professional skills necessary for success in graduate programs, industry, or other areas.

Communications & Media Arts

The Department of Communications and Media Arts provides a liberal arts education that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application. The department is dedicated to preparing students as skilled oral and written communicators, critical thinkers, ethical practitioners, and lifelong learners. Through an emphasis on study, work, and service, students engage in creating and analyzing media and communication strategies to address diverse audiences and professional challenges.

Computer Science (BA)

The Computer Science and Cybersecurity Program is a comprehensive and focused curriculum designed to prepare students for careers at the intersection of security and computing. It integrates industry-recognized certifications and emphasizes leadership in applying high technology to innovate industry and government.

Computer Science (BS)

The Computer Science and Cybersecurity Program is a comprehensive and focused curriculum designed to prepare students for careers at the intersection of security and computing. It integrates industry-recognized certifications and emphasizes leadership in applying high technology to innovate industry and government.

Criminal Justice

The Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice is dedicated to providing a comprehensive liberal arts education that prepares students for positions in the fields of social work, criminal justice, and human services, while also equipping them with a strong foundation for continued professional growth and post-graduate education. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the department promotes critical thinking, ethical practice, and a strong commitment to service.

Cybersecurity

The Computer Science and Cybersecurity Program is a comprehensive and focused curriculum designed to prepare students for careers at the intersection of security and computing. It integrates industry-recognized certifications and emphasizes leadership in applying high technology to innovate industry and government. Students gain a strong foundation of knowledge, supported by hands-on project experiences and experiential learning opportunities such as internships and research.

Cybersecurity, Information Assurance

The Computer Science and Cybersecurity Program is a comprehensive and focused curriculum designed to prepare students for careers at the intersection of security and computing. The Information Assurance track integrates industry-recognized certifications and emphasizes leadership in applying high technology to innovate industry and government, equipping students to develop computer-based solutions and evaluate their implementations.

DIGITAL MARKETING

Economics

The Economics Program, offering focuses in managerial or international economics, combines economic theory with both international and managerial perspectives. Rooted in the liberal arts, the program fosters critical thinking, ethics, and a deep understanding of economic theories within the global economy. The curriculum emphasizes rigorous academic study, quantitative reasoning, and the application of knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Economics and Mathematics

This dual major is designed for students who would like to strengthen their degrees in either mathematics or economics by demonstrating skills in the other discipline. For example, students wishing to attend graduate school in economics or in applied mathematics, but who would not be able to complete a double major, may pursue this major. Majors will have two advisors, one in each program.

English

The Department of Humanities fosters intellectual growth and cultural understanding through the study of religious studies, English, and world languages. Aligned with the College's mission, the department cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills to prepare students for meaningful contributions in an interconnected world. The English major features a Creative Writing focus, developing craft, technique, and a professional writing portfolio across genres.

Environmental Science (BA)

The Department of Biology fosters lifelong learning about the natural world by providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in biology and environmental science. Students completing a major in Environmental Science earn either a Bachelor of Science degree or a Bachelor of Arts degree, engaging directly in scientific problem-solving and research in the field of environmental science.

Environmental Science (BS)

The Department of Biology fosters lifelong learning about the natural world by providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in biology and environmental science. Students completing a major in Environmental Science earn either a Bachelor of Science degree or a Bachelor of Arts degree, engaging directly in scientific problem-solving and research in the field of environmental science.

Exercise Science, Allied Health

The Department of Biology fosters lifelong learning about the natural world by providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in biology, environmental science, and exercise science. The Allied Health track validates scientific knowledge and skills equivalent to the standards of graduate program entry, preparing students to become effective communicators and professionals in exercise science.

Exercise Science, Applied Health

The Department of Biology fosters lifelong learning about the natural world by providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in biology, environmental science, and exercise science. The Applied Health track prepares students to apply and adapt industry standard guidelines associated with the professional practice of their focused career field in exercise science.

FINANCE

Game Development

The Game Development Program is a comprehensive and focused curriculum designed to prepare students for the rapidly changing industry of game development. The program prepares students to work in a variety of game development fields, including becoming experts in virtual reality and interactive simulation systems. Students gain a strong foundation of knowledge, supported by hands-on project experiences and the encouragement to present research.

HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION

History

The Department of History and Political Science is dedicated to advancing the College's mission of teaching and learning by providing a rigorous liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and informed citizenship. The department strives to foster a deep understanding of historical contexts, political systems, and global perspectives while preparing students for professional excellence, graduate study, and engaged participation in their communities.

Human Services

The Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice provides a comprehensive liberal arts education that prepares students for positions in the fields of social work, criminal justice, and human services, while also equipping them with a strong foundation for continued professional growth and graduate education. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the department promotes critical thinking, ethical practice, and a strong commitment to service.

Interdisciplinary Studies

The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies empowers students to address complex, real-world challenges through innovative programs that cross traditional academic boundaries. By offering flexible, individualized degree pathways alongside faculty-initiated majors, the department fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Student-initiated majors must include at least 36 credits and be approved by the Faculty Committee on Interdisciplinary Studies.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

International Studies

The Department of History and Political Science is dedicated to advancing the College's mission of teaching and learning by providing a rigorous liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and informed citizenship. The International Studies major fosters a deep understanding of global systems and challenges, preparing students for careers and graduate study in government, law, corporate, and non-profit sectors.

MANAGEMENT

MARKETING

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 4+1

Mathematics

The Mathematics Program offers majors designed to provide the student with a broad knowledge of mathematics. Through theory- and application-based coursework, the program prepares students for research in mathematics or a related discipline and focuses on building a foundation for students looking at future careers in business, scientific, or technical fields.

Music

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Bethany College fosters creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness through the study and practice of art, music, and theatre. Aligned with the college's mission to provide a challenging liberal arts education, the department prepares students for meaningful careers, graduate study, and active contributions to their communities. Through rigorous coursework and collaborative opportunities, students master their craft in music.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS STUDIES

Political Science

The Department of History and Political Science is dedicated to advancing the College's mission of teaching and learning by providing a rigorous liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and informed citizenship. The department fosters a deep understanding of historical contexts, political systems, and global perspectives while preparing students for professional excellence, graduate study, and engaged participation in their communities.

Pre-Engineering/Physical Science

The Pre-Engineering Program/Physical Science aims to provide students with a solid foundation in both theoretical and applied knowledge, emphasizing scientific reasoning and analytical problem-solving in the areas of theoretical and experimental physics, all within the context of the liberal arts tradition. Through classroom instruction and laboratory experiences, the program prepares students with the skills needed to formulate and address complex scientific questions.

Psychology and Social Work

The dual major in Psychology and Social Work is designed for those students interested in clinical social work or mental health practice. Students completing the dual major must complete all of the Requirements for the Psychology Major with a Human Services or a Scientific Emphasis, plus all of the Requirements for the Major in Social Work.

Psychology (BA)

The Department of Psychology is committed to fostering the transformative power of a liberal arts education by equipping students with strong written communication skills, critical and ethical thinking, and specialized knowledge in the field. Through a shared foundation of core courses, diverse career preparation, and opportunities for faculty-led research, internships, and involvement in student organizations, we strive to enhance learning and promote personal and professional growth.

Psychology (BS)

The Department of Psychology is committed to fostering the transformative power of a liberal arts education by equipping students with strong written communication skills, critical and ethical thinking, and specialized knowledge in the field. Through a shared foundation of core courses, diverse career preparation, and opportunities for faculty-led research, internships, and involvement in student organizations, we strive to enhance learning and promote personal and professional growth.

Religious Studies

The Department of Humanities fosters intellectual growth and cultural understanding through the study of religious studies, English, and world languages. Aligned with the College's mission, the department cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills to prepare students for meaningful contributions in an interconnected world. The department's interdisciplinary approach encourages the exploration of world religious traditions, language, and artistic expression.

Social Work

The social work curriculum is designed to acquaint students with the basic values, theories, research techniques, and applied practices of social work; to qualify students for entry-level generalist social work positions in a variety of social work fields requiring professional social work education from an accredited program; and to prepare students for graduate professional study. The Council on Social Work Education accredits the program at the Bachelor of Social Work level.

Spanish

The Department of Humanities fosters intellectual growth and cultural understanding through the study of religious studies, English, and world languages. Aligned with the College's mission, the department cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills to prepare students for meaningful contributions in an interconnected world. The Spanish major develops proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening across formal and informal contexts.

Sport Management

The Master of Arts in Sport Management at Bethany College is committed to developing ethical, innovative, and strategic leaders in the sport industry. Through a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theory with practical application, students gain expertise in leadership, marketing, finance, governance, and emerging technologies within the dynamic field of sport management. The program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and collaborative problem-solving.

Sport Studies

The Department of Sport Studies at Bethany College is committed to advancing the mission of the college by providing a transformative liberal arts education that prepares students for professional success and informed citizenship. The department prioritizes teaching and learning within an engaging atmosphere of study, work, and service, fostering critical thinking and ethical reasoning.

Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching is a graduate program at Bethany College intended to enable a career change for professionals in fields other than education and to provide educators a path to enhance their certification and teaching credentials. Admission to the MAT/M.Ed. graduate program requires a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

Teaching and Learning

The Master of Education program equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of higher education. Emphasizing ethical leadership and critical analysis, the program fosters the ability to address personnel challenges, conduct meaningful research, and uphold professional standards. Graduates are prepared to manage regulatory and accreditation processes, ensure institutional compliance, and utilize data-driven strategies to enhance organizational effectiveness.

THEATER

Theatre

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Bethany College fosters creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness through the study and practice of art, music, and theatre. Aligned with the college's mission to provide a challenging liberal arts education, the department prepares students for meaningful careers, graduate study, and active contributions to their communities through study of theatre history, dramatic literature, and performance theory.

Visual and Performing Arts

The Visual and Performing Arts program provides study in the disciplines of Music, Theatre, and Visual Art. It promotes understanding of the historical and aesthetic unity of the disciplines and enhances understanding of that unity through creative practice, promoting life-long participation in the arts and preparing students for careers and graduate study.

Visual Art

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Bethany College fosters creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness through the study and practice of art, music, and theatre. Aligned with the college's mission to provide a challenging liberal arts education, the department prepares students for meaningful careers, graduate study, and active contributions to their communities. Students develop advanced technical and conceptual skills in a range of visual art media.