Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Agribusiness Management

This curriculum includes five areas of concentration: general agricultural economics, agribusiness management, farm management, rural development, and resource economics. The general agricultural economics area provides a basic background for a variety of agriculturally-related careers. Agribusiness and farm management areas provide specialized training for careers in agribusiness, credit, government and farming.

Agricultural and Extension Education

The agricultural and extension education major is designed to prepare students for agricultural teaching, extension, and environmental technology employment positions. The curriculum provides flexibility in emphasizing teacher preparation, environmental technology, or communications and leadership. Graduates have entered positions in teaching, extension work, waste management, human resource management, and municipal environmental management.

AGRICULTURAL APPLIED SCIENCES

Animal Science

This curriculum provides an opportunity to acquire the necessary background in agricultural economics, agronomy, breeding, nutrition, pathology, and physiology for careers in animal, dairy, or poultry production and management. Employment is available in private industry, education, and federal and state agencies.

ARTS AND SCIENCES

BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE

Biology (AA)

The associate degrees in biology are intended to provide students with a core foundation in biology, chemistry and math so they can be successful in a bachelor's degree program. The associate of arts degree is intended to transfer into a bachelor of arts in biology program and requires six credit hours of a foreign language at the intermediate level.

Biology (AS)

The associate degrees in biology are intended to provide students with a core foundation in biology, chemistry and math so they can be successful in a bachelor's degree program. The associate of science degree is intended to transfer into a bachelor of science in biology program, and does not require a foreign language.

Business Administration

This program is for students who expect to complete a degree in the Chambers College of Business and Economics of West Virginia University at the WVU Morgantown campus in one of several baccalaureate programs including Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing, and Management Information Systems. A Business Administration degree is a good foundation for a variety of careers.

Business Management

The PSC Baccalaureate in business management prepares students for viable employment and entrepreneurial ventures by providing important lessons about accounting, economics, market research, human resources, marketing, finances, forecasting, expansion, and business law. A deep understanding of business gives graduates the confidence and knowledge necessary to make critical predictions and handle every business operation function smoothly.

Business Technology

This program prepares students for viable employment and entrepreneurial ventures by providing important lessons about accounting, economics, market research, human resources, marketing, finances, forecasting, expansion, and business law. These skills are useful in a wide array of industries from health care to retail. Graduates may apply for admission to the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Business Management.

Chemistry (AA)

The chemistry program includes the first two years of courses toward a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Courses provide a strong foundation in general and organic chemistry, and laboratory work includes classical wet chemistry, volumetric and instrumental analysis. The associate of arts degree is intended to transfer into a bachelor of arts degree and requires six credit hours of a foreign language.

Chemistry (AS)

The chemistry program includes the first two years of courses toward a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Courses provide a strong foundation in general and organic chemistry, and laboratory work includes classical wet chemistry, volumetric and instrumental analysis. The associate of science degree is intended to transfer into a bachelor of science degree and does not require a foreign language.

Child Development and Family Studies

The Child Development and Family Studies major (formerly titled Early Childhood Education) focuses on the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of children. This program will prepare students to plan programs and interact with young children in developmentally appropriate settings and to work with infants and toddlers in child care placements.

Communication Studies

The communication studies major will develop critical thinking, reasoning, and decision-making skills with the intent of empowering students to craft and deliver effective messages in their careers and their communities. The major will prepare students for admission to the B.A. in Communication Studies program offered by the Eberly College of Arts & Sciences in Morgantown.

COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Computer Information Systems

The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree provides students who have completed an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program with an opportunity to continue their education to the baccalaureate level. This statewide degree program requires 39 credit hours of upper-division course work and 30 credit hours in the Computer Information Systems area of emphasis.

Computer Information Systems

This program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and support computer hardware, software applications, operating systems, networking, and security of computers. Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to earn various industry-recognized entry-level certifications. The AAS in CIS also serves as the first two years of the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree.

Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree provides students who have completed an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree with an opportunity to continue their education to the baccalaureate level. Both a traditional and an online option are available. With a B.A.S. degree in Criminal Justice, students can enter the professional world of criminal justice or continue their education at the graduate level.

Criminal Justice Studies (AA)

The Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Studies provides students with the opportunity to complete the first two years of a criminal justice program and to transfer those credits into a four-year program. The program can also be used by existing law enforcement and corrections personnel for the purpose of job enhancement.

Criminal Justice Studies (AAS)

The Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Studies Degree provides students with the opportunity to complete a marketable two-year degree in criminal justice. The program is designed to prepare men and women for positions in law enforcement, the courts, community corrections, and institutional corrections. Graduates may apply for admission to the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Criminal Justice.

Criminology

Criminology treats crime as the product of complex social forces, seeking to understand its nature and causes as well as the successes and failures of criminal justice approaches and processes. Students acquire knowledge of social structure and culture along with analytical tools that are highly valued in careers in criminal justice, social services, and business.

Economics

This program is designed for students who expect to complete a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree in the Chambers College of Business and Economics of West Virginia University. The analytical nature of economics makes the major a very useful background for general management positions, as well as for general management and marketing consulting.

EDUCATION

Elementary Education

Elementary Education students complete the initial phases of degree work required to become a certified teacher. WVU Potomac State College offers direct classroom experience for prospective elementary educators as early as the first semester of study and a rigorous two-year approach designed to provide an interdisciplinary background. Graduates continue coursework at an accredited baccalaureate granting institution.

Engineering

An Associate of Science in Engineering prepares the student for a variety of engineering fields, including civil, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, and computer engineering. The 60 credit hours contain 17 credits of Fundamentals of Engineering coursework, plus specialized foundation instruction. Upon completion, students can apply for admission to specific engineering degree programs in the Statler College of Engineering.

English

Majoring in English will enable you to develop skills in writing, analytical reading, and critical thinking, communication, and focused creativity in preparation for numerous career paths. An English degree, when combined with certain other majors, is exceptional preparation for the job market and provides the foundation for a lifetime's education.

Forest Resource Management

Upon completion of the two-year program, and ultimately a four-year program at another institution, the student will be trained in a balanced approach to forest management. Graduates will have a wide range of employment opportunities with state and federal agencies as well as with private industry.

FORESTRY

General Agriculture

Upon completion of the two-year program at WVU Potomac State College, and ultimately a four-year degree at another institution, students in the general agricultural program will have completed the courses necessary for career opportunities. Employment for graduates includes owning a farm business, the private sector of agriculture business, and a wide range of public employment.

General Studies

This major serves a three-fold function: to provide an opportunity to examine the general areas of higher education and assist in choosing a major field of concentration; to serve as a program that, through appropriate elective courses, can be adapted for the specific requirements of any four-year college; and to provide a career curriculum for a student who does not plan to continue in a four-year program.

General Technical Studies

The general technical studies degree is designed to be versatile. It is intended to assist citizens who have earned credits, often from a variety of sources, to apply those credits toward an associate degree. The degree is nontraditional in that it provides opportunities for verifying competencies as a means for recognizing and awarding credits for learning through life experiences.

Health Sciences

An associate degree in health science prepares students to either enter the workforce in an entry-level position in a hospital or health care facility or to enter a bachelor degree program in health science. Three tracks are available: one in healthcare administration, one in science and one in social science, with multiple areas of emphasis such as Dental Hygiene, Exercise Physiology, Occupational Therapy, and Respiratory Therapy.

History

History is more than names and dates. It's about learning how we have been shaped by the past and how to apply historical knowledge and analysis to issues facing contemporary societies. A history degree prepares you for a modern economy with analytical skills and a deeper understanding of how the world works, providing a foundation for careers in teaching, law, politics, business, and journalism.

Horticulture

Horticulture is the science of production, processing, and marketing of fruit, vegetable, greenhouse and nursery crops. Students will study physiology, culture, harvest, quality control, sales and utilization of horticulture crops. The program prepares students to become employed as orchard managers, vegetable farmers, greenhouse managers, landscape contractors, golf course managers, and nursery inspectors.

Hospitality

This program is offered through WVU Potomac State on the WVU-Institute of Technology campus in Beckley, WV. It provides students the opportunity to complete a marketable two-year degree in tourism and hospitality with a culinary emphasis. Through required coursework and hands-on training in a modern commercial culinary kitchen, students gain in-depth knowledge of culinary aspects of hospitality and tourism businesses.

Human Nutrition and Food

The associate's program in human nutrition and food provides the first two years of a bachelor's degree program which is a pathway to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist. Alternatively, the associate's followed by the bachelor's degree can provide a pathway to various pre-professional programs, including medical school. The program provides a foundation in biology, chemistry, math, and psychology.

Integrated Studies

The Bachelor of Integrated Studies allows flexible learning options with integrative coursework, aligned with a student's future professional and academic goals and interests. It may also utilize credit for prior learning. The major focuses on communications and integrative skills that prepare graduates for future employment or continuing education. Areas of emphasis include Business Administration and Criminal Justice.

JOURNALISM

LPN to BSN

The WVU School of Nursing: Keyser Campus Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN) Program provides a seamless pathway for a current LPN to earn a baccalaureate degree to enter the registered nursing (RN) profession. Courses are offered afternoons/evenings and weekends to accommodate the working LPN's schedule. Students earn 22 hours of escrow credit for LPN licensure and experience.

Mathematics (AA)

The associate's program provides the foundations of mathematics through our calculus series needed to transfer into a bachelor program in mathematics. The associate of arts program requires six credit hours of a foreign language at the intermediate level. The field of mathematics provides courses for education, computer science, physical and social sciences, and business and economics.

Mathematics (AS)

The associate's program provides the foundations of mathematics through our calculus series needed to transfer into a bachelor program in mathematics. The associate of science degree is intended to transfer into a bachelor of science degree and does not require a foreign language. The field of mathematics provides courses for education, computer science, physical and social sciences, and business and economics.

Mental Health and Addiction Studies

The Mental Health and Addiction Studies major provides a broad knowledge base in mental health prevention, intervention and community impacts, with an in-depth focus on addiction treatment and recovery. Students in the major also take a variety of elective courses in diversity, aging, disabilities and wellness. The major prepares students for careers that lead to individual, family and community transformation.

Multidisciplinary Studies

The associate of arts degree in multidisciplinary studies (MDS) provides the first two years of the four-year bachelor's program. The program provides the opportunity for students to choose three focus areas, in areas such as psychology, sociology, english, business, and biology. Choosing three focus areas allows students to gain knowledge and skills in multiple related fields to create a unique and individualized degree.

Nursing

The basic (traditional) baccalaureate (BSN) program is available for high school graduates who aspire to a career in nursing. The BSN curriculum offered on the WVU Keyser (Potomac State) campus includes courses in the humanities, social sciences, basic sciences, and nursing science. The program equips graduates to begin professional nursing practice with patients of all ages in any healthcare setting.

Physical Education

The Physical Education program prepares students to work with athletes and to teach, motivate, and shape lives in physical education, movement, wellness, and sport-based environments. It is offered with three emphases: Coaching and Performance Science, Physical Education Teacher Education, and Sport Management. Graduates are prepared to apply to four-year programs and pursue coaching or teaching certifications.

Physics (AA)

The associate of arts in physics provides students with a core foundation in physics, math, and the humanities. The associate of arts degree is intended to transfer into a bachelor of arts degree. The courses in physics provide a mix of theoretical concepts and practical examples, allowing a student to acquire the combination of physical insight and mathematical skill needed for today's demanding job markets.

Physics (AS)

The associate of science in physics provides students with a core foundation in physics, math, and the humanities and is intended to transfer into a bachelor of science degree program. The associate of science degree in physics is more flexible in that more free elective choices are available, helping prepare a student for a career that combines a science background with subsequent professional training.

Political Science

Political Science offers students a chance to explore the dynamics of control that shape our world, here in America and internationally. Its strengths are logic, appropriate data, analysis, and communication. Honing these skills prepares students for careers in law, politics, government, the military, academia, private enterprise, and non-profit service.

Pre-BSN Nursing

The Associate of Science in Pre-BSN Nursing prepares students to apply specifically to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offered by West Virginia University's School of Nursing on the Beckley, Keyser, and Morgantown campuses. The first year provides a foundation in biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, math and psychology, and includes all the prerequisite courses required for admission into the BSN program.

Pre-Engineering

An Associate of Science in Pre-Engineering prepares the student for a variety of engineering fields, including civil, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, and computer engineering. The 60 credit hours contain 14 credits of Fundamentals of Engineering coursework plus specialized foundation instruction. Upon completion, students can apply for admission to specific engineering degree programs in the Statler College of Engineering.

Pre-Forensic and Investigative Science

The associate degree program in pre-forensic and investigative science fulfills the first two years of undergraduate study required for admittance into the West Virginia University Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Forensic and Investigative Science program. Courses provide a foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and statistics needed to be successful in the Forensic and Investigative Science bachelor program.

Pre-Nursing (General Studies)

The Associate of Science in Pre-Nursing (General Studies) program prepares students to seek admission to an associate or bachelor's degree R.N. program. The degree only provides prerequisite courses for many nursing programs and does not provide the required training to receive an R.N. license. The program provides a foundation in biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, math, psychology and sociology.

Pre-Pharmacy

The associate of science in pre-pharmacy program fulfills the course requirements necessary for admittance to the doctorate of pharmacy (PharmD) program at West Virginia University School of Pharmacy. The pre-pharmacy program provides the foundation in biology, chemistry, and math required for admission into and success in the Pharm D program.

Pre-Social Work

The Pre-Social Work curriculum prepares students for transfer to the Division of Social Work at West Virginia University and can be adapted to the needs of those planning to transfer to other institutions. The Pre-Social Work student at WVU Potomac State is automatically under the Social Work standards of the WVU Division of Social Work, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Pre-Veterinary Medicine

This major has a flexible design allowing students to acquire the necessary first two years of study in agricultural biochemistry, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and modern concepts of biology. Students begin preparation for entrance to professional schools of veterinary medicine, human medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy or graduate study in agricultural biochemistry, animal breeding, animal physiology and nutrition.

Psychology (AA)

The psychology curriculum prepares students to transfer as psychology majors to the baccalaureate program at West Virginia University and can be adapted to the needs of those planning to transfer to other institutions. The associate of arts degree is intended to transfer into a bachelor of arts degree. Courses convey principles and methods for a better understanding of behavior and personality.

Psychology (AS)

The psychology curriculum prepares students to transfer as psychology majors to the baccalaureate program at West Virginia University and can be adapted to the needs of those planning to transfer to other institutions. The associate of science degree is intended to transfer into a bachelor of science degree, and primarily varies from the A.A. in the foreign language and math requirements.

Regents Bachelor of Arts

The RBA is an innovative degree program designed to meet the unique needs of the adult student. Specifically, this program provides students with a comprehensive general education based on individualized skills and learning outcomes. Eligible students may acquire college credits based on their professional experiences in select subject areas and earned certifications. Areas of emphasis include Business Administration and Criminal Justice.

Secondary Education

Secondary Education majors complete the initial course work required to become a certified teacher. WVU Potomac State College offers direct classroom experience for prospective secondary educators as early as the first semester of study. Secondary Education teacher education has a two-part focus: the content area (English or Social Studies) and educational design and delivery.

Sociology

A degree in sociology and anthropology prepares you for a career in the public or private sector. Sociology and anthropology examine the structure of human societies and of the social processes that operate in all groups, organizations, and institutions. Students learn about how past issues affect the present and how social change can occur.

Surgical Technology

An associate of applied science degree in surgical technology prepares students to enter the workforce in a hospital to assist with surgeries. The program provides both theory and application of concepts within surgical technology, such as aseptic technique and surgical procedures. Students also learn skills in a mock operating room on campus and complete clinical experiences in various types of surgeries in local hospitals.

Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship

Graduates of the AAS Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship (SAGE) degree will be able to develop enterprises to address the expanding micro-scale production of wine/beer, craft food industries, food desert concerns, and the farm to table movements. The SAGE degree is aimed at those who are driven to learn the production and business skills to successfully meet this demand with safe and healthy products.

Wildlife and Fisheries Resources

Upon completion of the two-year program, and ultimately a four-year program at another institution, the student is prepared for professional positions such as wildlife and fish biologists, wildlife managers, planners of wildlife conservation programs, and wildlife communication specialists. Students obtain a diverse background in biology, ecology, and natural resource management.