University of Charleston

Accounting

The Accounting major leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and prepares students for careers in public, corporate, and governmental accounting. The curriculum builds competency in financial and managerial accounting, auditing, taxation, and accounting information systems, laying the groundwork for professional certifications such as the CPA within the 120 institutional credits required for the degree.

APPLIED COMPUTER SCIENCE

Artificial Intelligence

The Artificial Intelligence major within the Applied Computer Science program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop intelligent systems that can analyze, predict, and optimize complex problems. The curriculum offers foundational courses in mathematics, data analytics, programming, and software development, along with specialized AI topics such as machine learning and natural language processing, with emphasis on both theory and the ethical deployment of AI.

Biology

The Biology major provides a strong foundation in the biological sciences through coursework and laboratory experience in areas such as cellular and molecular biology, ecology, and physiology. The program prepares students for careers in health professions, research, conservation, and education, or for graduate and professional study, and offers concentrations that let students focus their studies within the 120 credit hours required for graduation.

Business Administration

The Associate of Science in Business Administration provides foundational knowledge across the core business disciplines, including accounting, economics, management, and marketing. The degree gives students an entry point into business careers and a pathway toward the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration through completion of the 60-credit associate program.

Business Administration

The University of Charleston MBA is designed for current and emerging professionals who want to advance their careers, focusing on the practical application of theory to develop business and problem-solving skills for decision making. The 33-credit-hour program is divided into eleven seven-week courses offered fully online and in a hybrid format, with a Strategic Decision-Making capstone and a choice of concentrations.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MANAGEMENT

Business Analytics

The MBA Business Analytics Certificate gives business professionals the skills and proficiency to accurately assess data and make judicious decisions in a data-driven corporate environment. Delivered in seven-week online and hybrid courses, the 12-credit graduate certificate covers business analytics, data visualization, data mining, and quantitative methods, and the credits may be applied toward the MBA degree.

Business Analytics

The Business Analytics major leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and prepares students to turn data into business insight. Coursework develops skills in data analysis, statistics, data visualization, and decision modeling, enabling graduates to support data-driven decision-making across organizations within the 120 institutional credits required for the degree.

Business and Data Analytics

The Master of Science in Business and Data Analytics prepares students with the strategic, quantitative, and technological skills required by business leaders to meet the demands of a work environment immersed in big data, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence. Offered in-seat and online, the 30-credit-hour program consists of ten three-credit courses and can be completed in a one-year or flexible two-year pathway.

Chemistry

The Chemistry major offers rigorous training in the fundamental areas of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry, supported by extensive laboratory work. The program prepares graduates for careers in industry, research, and education, as well as for graduate study and professional health programs.

Chemistry-Biology

The Chemistry-Biology dual major is a specially designed Bachelor of Science that integrates coursework from both disciplines, combining chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics. The interdisciplinary program is well suited for students preparing for medical and other health professional schools, biomedical research, or graduate study in the molecular life sciences.

Communication

The Communication major prepares students for careers that require strong interpersonal, organizational, and mediated communication skills. Through coursework spanning theory and applied practice, students develop competencies in public speaking, writing, media, and relational communication and complete internships and projects that connect classroom learning to professional practice within the 120 credit hours required for the bachelor's degree.

Contemporary Leadership

The Contemporary Leadership Certificate prepares emerging leaders capable of self- and small-group leadership in their communities and organizations, demonstrating ethical responsibility, creating a positive workplace culture, and communicating data-driven decisions. The 21-credit program develops foundational and applied leadership skills.

Criminal Justice Leadership

The Criminal Justice Leadership Bachelor of Science program empowers current and future leaders in the criminal justice field. Through a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving, students gain a strong understanding of the criminal justice system, and the 120-hour degree-completion program includes 48 core leadership credits, 45 elective hours, and 27 foundation-course hours.

Cybersecurity

The Cybersecurity major within the Applied Computer Science program prepares students to provide comprehensive, effective solutions to protect individuals, businesses, and organizations from cyber threats in addition to the core computer science coursework. Students learn topics such as risk assessments, vulnerability testing, incident response planning, and security training, emphasizing a proactive approach that includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption.

Cybersecurity

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity expands upon the undergraduate cybersecurity program, giving bachelor's-prepared individuals the opportunity to gain competency at the graduate level. Graduates are prepared to lead in strategy, intelligence, and information assurance, and the 30-credit-hour program covers the seven main categories of cyber operations to prepare students for managerial and leadership careers in cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity

The Associate of Science in Cybersecurity is a two-year, online degree program designed for entry-level students and working adults. Graduates are prepared to contribute to the evolving dimensions of information technology related to cybersecurity and to conduct the seven main categories of cyber operations defined by the National Cybersecurity Workforce framework, with lab and hands-on activities using industry certification material throughout the curriculum.

DATA ANALYTICS

Data Science

The Data Science major is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to gather, analyze, and interpret complex data sets to drive data-informed decision-making across industries. The program covers statistical analysis, data visualization, machine learning, and database management, and students gain hands-on experience working with real-world data sets using tools such as Microsoft Excel, R, and SQL to analyze data and communicate results effectively.

Digital Marketing

The Digital Marketing major leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and focuses on marketing in the digital era. Students study social media, content and search marketing, analytics, and consumer behavior, gaining the applied skills to plan and execute digital campaigns and measure their results within the 120 institutional credits required for the degree.

Digital Media Design

The Digital Media Design major combines creativity and technology, preparing students to design and produce digital content across platforms. The curriculum blends visual design, graphics, web and interactive media, and multimedia production, giving students a portfolio of applied work and the technical and creative skills needed for careers in the evolving digital media industry.

Elementary Education (K-6)

The Elementary Education (K-6) major is a teacher-certification track leading to a bachelor's degree and West Virginia teaching certification. Built on the Professional Education Core and a strong field-experience component that begins in the freshman year and culminates in Residency, the program prepares committed, reflective educators to teach in elementary classrooms across diverse school settings.

Elementary Education (K-6) Early Education (Pk-K)

This teacher-education major leads to a bachelor's degree and West Virginia certification in Elementary Education (K-6) with Early Education (Pk-K). In addition to the Professional Education Core and elementary content, students complete specialized early-childhood coursework in developmentally appropriate practice, early childhood environments, and curriculum and assessment for young children.

Elementary Education/Special Education (K-6)

This dual-certification teacher-education major leads to a bachelor's degree and West Virginia certification in both Elementary Education (K-6) and Special Education (K-6). Combining the Professional Education Core with specialized coursework in inclusive practices, behavioral support, and high-incidence disabilities, the program prepares educators to serve elementary learners with and without exceptionalities.

Elementary Studies and Child Development

Elementary Studies and Child Development is a non-certification education major focused on learning and development for early and middle childhood. It does not result in a West Virginia teaching certificate, instead preparing graduates for careers in child-serving organizations, community education, and related fields through the Professional Education Core and an internship in educational studies.

ENGLISH

English and Professional Writing

The English and Professional Writing major develops students' abilities in critical reading, literary analysis, and effective writing across genres and professional contexts. Students study literature alongside practical writing skills applicable to careers in publishing, communications, education, and business, completing the 120 credit hours required for the bachelor's degree.

Entrepreneurship

The Entrepreneurship major leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and prepares students to launch and grow new ventures. The curriculum emphasizes opportunity recognition, business planning, financing, and small-business management, giving students hands-on experience developing and pitching business ideas within the 120 institutional credits required for the degree.

Executive Leadership

The Doctor of Executive Leadership develops leaders capable of integrating theory with practice at the executive level for sustainability and service in organizations, communities, or institutions. Premised on the Carnegie Foundation's research on doctoral education, the 58-credit-hour program includes 27 leadership core credits, 12 research credits, 10 credits for pro-seminars and portfolio, and 9 dissertation credits, delivered online with an annual on-campus residency.

Exercise Science

The Exercise Science major provides a foundation in the scientific study of human movement, including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and exercise prescription. Structured to be completed in the traditional four-year timeframe, the program offers concentrations that prepare students for careers in strength and conditioning, health and fitness, and for graduate and professional programs in the health sciences.

Family Nurse Practitioner

The Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus prepares registered nurses for advanced practice providing primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan. The 42-credit-hour program combines advanced coursework in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment with supervised clinical practicum experiences leading to national certification eligibility.

Financial Planning

The Financial Planning major leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and prepares students for careers helping individuals and families manage their financial futures. Coursework covers investments, insurance, retirement and estate planning, and taxation, aligning with professional financial-planning standards within the 120 institutional credits required for the degree.

Frontline Leadership

The Associate of Science in Frontline Leadership is a degree-completion program that prepares professionals carrying out daily organizational small-group and team-leading functions. The 60-credit-hour cohort-based program develops leadership skills for supervising, coaching, mentoring, goal setting, and managing resources, and includes 24 foundational leadership credits, 24 University foundation-course credits, and 12 elective hours.

General Studies

The General Studies major is an individualized, interdisciplinary degree that allows students to design a course of study across multiple disciplines to meet their personal and professional goals. Working with an advisor, students build a coherent program drawing on the University's general curriculum and elective coursework, culminating in the 120 credit hours required for a bachelor's degree.

Healthcare Administration & Management

The Healthcare Administration and Management major prepares students for leadership and administrative roles across the healthcare industry. The 124-credit-hour program combines business and management fundamentals with healthcare-specific coursework in policy, economics, informatics, and operations, developing graduates who can manage healthcare organizations effectively.

Healthcare Management

The MBA Healthcare Management Certificate prepares students to excel in leadership positions within the healthcare sector by providing a strong base of business fundamentals and healthcare management. The 12-credit graduate certificate covers healthcare economics, informatics, policy, and ethics, and the credits may be applied toward the MBA degree.

History-Political Science

The History-Political Science dual program is a unique interdisciplinary degree focusing on the development of institutions and ideas, the role of significant historical and political actors, and the cultural values and structures that shape society. It prepares graduates for careers in government, legal careers after law school, and higher education, and requires an internship and a Senior Thesis within the 120 credit hours required for graduation.

Information Technology

The Information Technology major within the Applied Computer Science program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the technology industry. The program covers a broad range of topics, including computer programming, database management, networking, cybersecurity, and web development, and emphasizes soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving through an experiential learning approach.

Management

The MBA Management Certificate gives students an extensive knowledge of management and leadership fundamentals, emphasizing moral decision-making and competent communication. The 12-credit graduate certificate incorporates leadership and ethics, organizational behavior, and operations management, and the credits may be applied toward the MBA degree.

Management

The Management major leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and develops the leadership and organizational skills needed to manage people and processes. Students study organizational behavior, human resources, operations, and strategy, preparing them for supervisory and managerial roles across industries within the 120 institutional credits required for the degree.

Marketing

The Marketing major leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and prepares students to identify customer needs and create value through effective marketing strategy. The curriculum covers consumer behavior, marketing research, promotion, and brand management, developing skills applicable across products, services, and markets within the 120 institutional credits required for the degree.

Mental Health Counseling

The Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling prepares graduates for licensure and professional practice as clinical mental health counselors. The program combines counseling theory, clinical skills, ethics, assessment, and supervised practicum and internship experiences to develop competent, ethical practitioners who serve individuals, families, and communities.

Multidisciplinary Studies

The Multidisciplinary Studies major enables students to combine coursework from two or more academic areas into a single, individualized bachelor's degree. Designed for students whose interests span several fields, the program is built in consultation with a faculty advisor and satisfies the University's general curriculum requirements within the 120 credit hours required for graduation.

Nurse Anesthesia Practice

The Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice prepares registered nurses for advanced practice as certified registered nurse anesthetists. The doctoral program integrates advanced coursework in anesthesia principles, pharmacology, and physiology with extensive supervised clinical experience, preparing graduates for the highest level of professional anesthesia practice and national certification.

Nursing

The Associate Degree Nursing program prepares graduates for entry-level registered nursing practice and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. The 61-credit-hour program combines nursing theory with extensive clinical experiences, developing the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment needed to provide safe, patient-centered care.

Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares students for professional registered nursing practice and eligibility for NCLEX-RN licensure. Building on prerequisite and general education coursework, the program develops competencies in evidence-based practice, leadership, community health, and patient-centered care across the 120 credit hours required for the degree.

Nursing (RN to BSN)

The RN-BSN completion program allows licensed registered nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while continuing to work. The program builds on prior nursing education and licensure, advancing knowledge in leadership, community and public health, research, and evidence-based practice toward the 120 credit hours required for the degree.

Nutrition

The Nutrition major provides a science-based study of human nutrition, food science, and the role of diet in health and disease. The 120-credit-hour program prepares graduates for careers in nutrition, wellness, and community health, and for further study in dietetics and other health professions.

OCCUPATIONAL SCIENCE

Occupational Therapy

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy prepares graduates to practice as occupational therapists who help clients across the lifespan participate in the meaningful activities of daily life. The program combines coursework in occupational science, therapeutic practice, and evidence-based intervention with fieldwork experiences that develop entry-level clinical competence.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program prepares students to work under the supervision of occupational therapists to help clients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. The 63-credit-hour associate program combines classroom instruction with fieldwork and prepares graduates for certification and entry-level practice.

Organizational Leadership

The Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership is a 120-hour degree-completion program that develops individuals for departmental and team leadership using a foundation of liberal education and core leadership competencies. Created for working professionals, the cohort-based program combines 48 core leadership credits, 45 elective hours, and 27 foundation-course hours to develop scholar-practitioners who can lead teams and departments across sectors.

PHARMACY

Physical Therapy

The University of Charleston Doctor of Physical Therapy program prepares skilled physical therapists to address the diverse physical healthcare requirements of the greater Appalachian region and beyond. Featuring an innovative hybrid curriculum with a central theme of contemporary patient pain management, the program awards the DPT degree upon completion of 120 credit hours over eight graduate terms including didactic, laboratory, and clinical experiences.

Physician Assistant Studies

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies prepares graduates to practice medicine as physician assistants under physician supervision. The 110-credit-hour program combines a didactic year of medical sciences with supervised clinical rotations across the specialties, developing the clinical knowledge and skills needed to diagnose and treat patients across the lifespan.

Political Science

The Political Science major prepares students to understand government, public policy, and political institutions through study of American government, comparative politics, political theory, and research methods. With concentration options in areas such as pre-law, public policy, and criminal justice, the program readies graduates for careers in public service, law, and advocacy within the 120 credit hours required for graduation.

POLITICAL SCIENCE-CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Professional Selling

The Professional Selling major leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and focuses on the skills of consultative, relationship-based sales. Students develop competencies in prospecting, negotiation, account management, and sales analytics, preparing them for high-demand careers in business-to-business and business-to-consumer sales within the 120 institutional credits required for the degree.

Psychology (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology introduces students to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, covering areas such as developmental, social, cognitive, and abnormal psychology along with research methods and statistics. The BA emphasizes breadth and preparation for a range of careers and graduate study, completed within the 120 credit hours required for graduation.

Psychology (BS)

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology provides a science-intensive study of behavior and mental processes, with added emphasis on research methods, statistics, and laboratory experience. The BS is well suited for students preparing for graduate study or research-oriented and applied careers in psychology and the behavioral sciences, completed within the 120 credit hours required for graduation.

Public Health

The Public Health major prepares students to promote and protect the health of populations and communities. The 120-credit-hour program covers epidemiology, health promotion, environmental health, and health policy, developing graduates for careers in community health, health education, and public health agencies.

Radiologic Science

The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science prepares students for professional careers in medical imaging. The program combines radiologic science coursework, health sciences, and clinical education, developing the technical skills and patient-care competencies needed to practice as a radiographer, with completion requiring 120 credits for graduation.

Radiologic Technology

The Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology prepares students for entry-level practice as radiographers who produce diagnostic medical images. The 63-credit-hour program integrates university and program requirements with extensive clinical education, preparing graduates for certification and careers in medical imaging.

Secondary Special Education (5-Adult)

The Secondary Special Education (5-Adult) major is a teacher-certification track leading to a bachelor's degree and West Virginia certification to teach special education at the secondary through adult levels. The program pairs the Professional Education Core with specialized coursework in inclusive classrooms, positive behavioral support, collaboration, and high-incidence disabilities, along with an extensive field-experience and Residency component.

Security Analysis

The Security Analysis Certificate provides security analysis skills to defend the security domain and introduces learners to the foundational concepts of cybersecurity at the analysis level. The 12-credit program consists of four courses that can be completed in two semesters, and students may transfer the credits toward the University's Associate of Science in Cybersecurity.

SOCIAL SCIENCE EDUCATION

Sport Analytics

The Sport Analytics major leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and applies data analysis to the sport industry. Students learn statistical methods, data visualization, and analytics tools used to inform decisions in areas such as player evaluation, operations, and fan engagement within the 120 institutional credits required for the degree.

Sport Business

The Sport Business major leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and prepares students for management careers in the sport industry. Coursework covers sport marketing, finance, event and facility management, and law, combining business fundamentals with industry-specific knowledge within the 120 institutional credits required for the degree.

Sport Media

The Sport Media major leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and prepares students to create and manage media content for the sport industry. The curriculum blends media production, communication, and digital platforms with business fundamentals, readying graduates for careers in sport broadcasting, journalism, and content creation within the 120 institutional credits required for the degree.

Strategic Leadership

The Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership explores principles of leadership theory and examines elements of strategic leadership required to navigate complex environments, influence others, build teams, manage change, and set strategic organizational direction. The 12-credit-hour certificate consists of four graduate core courses, and completers may continue toward the Master of Science in Strategic Leadership.

Strategic Leadership

The Master of Science in Strategic Leadership prepares motivated adult learners for strategic leadership roles as scholar-practitioners. This research-based professional degree focuses on leadership across disciplines and boundaries in a global environment, requiring 36 credit hours consisting of 27 core credits and 9 credits from a chosen specialization area culminating in a strategic leadership capstone.

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE

Technology Applications

The Technology Applications major within the Applied Computer Science program is designed to give students flexibility while completing their degree. Students choose restricted electives in computer science, cybersecurity, data science, digital media and design, mathematics, or video game development. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in a wide variety of industries, including software development, project management, and user experience design.

Video Game Development

The Video Game Development major within the Applied Computer Science program gives students hands-on experience developing video games from concept to launch. Through projects, internships, and other experiential learning, students develop technical skills in programming, game engines, 3D modeling, animation, and sound design, while building soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and leadership by working in teams.

Workforce Leadership

The Associate of Science in Workforce Leadership develops workforce-ready leaders with knowledge, skills, and experience in leading small groups and teams. The 60-credit-hour cohort-based program targets adults seeking to enter the workforce or enhance their employment through upskilling, combining workforce readiness, contemporary leadership, and workforce transition coursework with career development and an internship.

Workforce Readiness

The Workforce Readiness Certificate prepares individuals to enter or advance in the workforce by developing communication capabilities, personal and interpersonal skills, and technology tools to ethically address workplace issues and trends. Its courses focus on personal and professional development skills for communication, technology, and career development.

Workforce Transition

The Workforce Transition Certificate develops workforce-ready leaders to enter the workforce or enhance their employment opportunities through upskilling while employing soft and technical skills in a selected career path. The 18-credit program includes project management, workplace health and safety, process improvement, and workforce leadership internships.