West Virginia State University

Accounting

The Post-Graduate Certificate in Accounting is designed for individuals who already hold a degree and wish to build the accounting coursework needed for professional advancement or to meet requirements toward CPA licensure. It provides advanced study across core areas of accounting.

Art

The purpose of the Department of Art is to provide the student with undergraduate competencies in the theoretical and applied forms and processes of visual art. Catering to both fine art majors and art education majors, the department emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, problem solving, and the development of self-motivation.

Art History

Art History is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Asset Management

The Certificate in Asset Management provides students with focused knowledge in the management of financial and physical assets. Open to undergraduates and to those with a prior degree, it develops applied skills in investment, financial planning, and asset stewardship to complement a broader course of study or professional background.

Biology

The Bachelor of Science in Biology provides students with a strong foundation in the biological sciences through coursework and laboratory and field experiences. Concentrations and options such as general biology, pre-med and biomedical sciences, and plant and soil sciences allow students to tailor their studies, preparing them for careers in science, health professions, and further graduate and professional study.

Biotechnology

The Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology is intended for persons with undergraduate degrees seeking to improve their skills and knowledge base but who do not have the time commitment required of a graduate degree program. Public high school science teachers and persons with science backgrounds wishing to retrain or enter the growing biotech workforce in West Virginia are expected candidates. The certificate requires completion of a 12-credit core sequence.

Biotechnology (MA)

The Master of Arts in Biotechnology provides instruction in the broad field of biotechnology along with specialized training in current concepts and technological advances. Suitable for students who do not need a research-based degree, it is interdisciplinary and flexible, built on a two-semester core sequence plus electives and graduate teaching experience, with a written and/or oral comprehensive examination in place of a thesis.

Biotechnology (MS)

The Master of Science in Biotechnology provides instruction in the broad field of biotechnology as well as specialized training in current concepts and technological advances, preparing students for careers in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, health care, and agricultural industries. The research-based degree requires a two-semester core sequence, biotech electives, and six hours of graduate thesis research culminating in an oral defense and public presentation.

Broadcasting

Broadcasting is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Business Administration

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration prepares students for careers in business and management by providing a broad foundation in accounting, economics, finance, management, and marketing. The program develops analytical, communication, and decision-making skills, and offers areas of emphasis so students can concentrate their studies to match professional goals in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

Chemistry

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry prepares students for careers in chemistry-related industries, government, health care, and chemical education, as well as for advanced study in graduate schools or professional schools in pharmacy or medicine. The department offers three options, including an American Chemical Society (ACS) certified program, applied chemistry, and pre-medical/pre-pharmacy sciences, with coursework across all major areas of chemistry.

Communications

The WVSU Communications program is unique in offering a Bachelor of Science in Communications. The combination of a theoretical framework with laboratory learning and applied, hands-on skill-building experience gives this degree an edge over other institutional offerings. Students prepare for careers across broadcasting, digital media, film, interpersonal and group communication, public relations, and theatre.

Computer Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science provides students with an advanced understanding of computer science concepts that enable them to adapt to and function in any current computing environment. The program advances understanding in algorithm analysis, computer architecture, and the theory of computing; teaches parallel and distributed computing; explores modern areas such as machine learning and data science; and provides opportunities for research.

Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science teaches students about object-oriented and procedural programming, data structures and database management, and operating systems and distributed computing, providing a fundamental understanding of the concepts of computer science that enable them to adapt to and function in any current computing environment. Concentration options include computer science and data science.

Creative Writing

Creative Writing is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice offers a curriculum that provides students with a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system and its interrelationship with society, including in-depth knowledge of crime problems, perpetrators, and theoretical causes of crime. Available on campus and fully online, it prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole, investigative and social services, and for graduate or law/professional school.

Criminal Justice Administration

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration prepares students for careers in the field of criminal justice and enhances the careers of those already in the field. Designed with flexibility, the program can be completed in a one-year or two-year track and includes a comprehensive final. Courses focus on administration, management, policymaking, law, and ethics.

CYBERSECURITY

Digital Media

Digital Media is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Digital Photography

Digital Photography is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Diversity Literature

Diversity Literature is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Drawing

Drawing is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Economics

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics provides students with an understanding of how individuals, firms, and governments make decisions and allocate resources. The program builds analytical and quantitative reasoning skills through the study of micro- and macroeconomic theory and applied economics, preparing graduates for careers in business, government, and public policy as well as for graduate and professional study.

Education

The Bachelor of Science in Education leads to a degree and meets the academic requirements for a license to teach in the public schools of West Virginia. The CAEP-accredited program nurtures future teachers through a rigorous academic content specialization combined with professional education courses and a yearlong clinical residency. Candidates may pursue content specialization areas across elementary and secondary (PreK-Adult) teaching fields.

EDUCATION, ELEMENTARY

EDUCATION, SECONDARY

Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering offers majors in Chemical Engineering and Civil Engineering. Chemical engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, and food, designing processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing. Civil engineers conceive, design, build, and maintain infrastructure projects in the public and private sectors, including roads, buildings, bridges, and water systems.

English

The purpose of instruction in the Department of English is to develop graduates who are proficient in analytical thinking, in critical reading of literary and non-fiction texts, and in a variety of writing modes. The Bachelor of Arts in English has a common core of courses in language, writing, literature, and critical theory, preparing students for careers and graduate study in fields that value strong communication and interpretive skills.

Environmental Science

The Environmental Science Certificate can be earned as an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate credential and is specifically designed to prepare students to take the State of West Virginia's environmental certification exams. It provides interdisciplinary coursework in the environmental sciences drawn from biology, chemistry, and related fields.

Film

Film is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Forensic Accounting

The Certificate in Forensic Accounting develops specialized skills in fraud examination, investigative accounting, and financial analysis. The program prepares students to detect, investigate, and prevent financial fraud, complementing accounting and business studies or professional experience.

French

French is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Graphic Design

Graphic Design is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Health Science

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science prepares students and health professionals with the knowledge and skills to assume positions in delivering health services, wellness education, and community health programs. Emphasis areas include Community Health Education, 2+2 Leadership in Allied Health, and Health Science Pre-Allied Health/Nursing, promoting lifelong healthy living and preparing graduates for health-related careers and further study.

History

The Bachelor of Arts in History develops students' understanding of the past and its relationship to the present through the study of diverse societies, cultures, and events. The program emphasizes critical analysis of primary and secondary sources, research, and written communication, preparing graduates for careers in education, law, government, and public service, as well as for graduate study.

HOME ECONOMICS

Human Diversity

The Certificate in Human Diversity is designed for students interested in acquiring knowledge about culturally, religiously, and racially diverse groups of people. It is offered jointly by the National Center for Human Relations (NCHR) and the general education program at West Virginia State University.

Instructional Leadership

The Master of Education in Instructional Leadership prepares candidates to serve as school administrators, curriculum supervisors, and central office officials, with an emphasis on social justice, fairness, and equity for all public school students and staff. The program develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills to improve teaching and learning and provides an opportunity for administrative licensure upon completion of West Virginia Department of Education requirements.

Instructional Leadership Licensure

The Instructional Leadership Licensure option is designed for educators who already hold a master's degree from an accredited program and are seeking administrative licensure only, for certification as principal, general supervisor, or superintendent. The licensure strand focuses on organizational issues necessary for implementing administrative actions and culminates in an administrative internship.

Interdisciplinary Studies

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree offers students the flexibility to combine coursework from multiple disciplines into a coherent, individualized program of study. Designed for students whose goals do not fit a single traditional major, the degree allows the integration of areas of study from across the university under faculty guidance to meet personal, academic, and career objectives.

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Interpersonal and Group Communication

Interpersonal and Group Communication is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Leadership Studies

The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership Studies is an innovative online program aligned with WVSU's mission, vision, and core values. Designed for working adults and delivered in a two-year cohort model, it emphasizes fairness, diversity, and social justice consistent with the institution's HBCU heritage. Students conduct their own field-based inquiries, culminating in an action-research based dissertation to enhance organizational practice and effect change.

LEADERSHIP STUDIES

Literary Studies

Literary Studies is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Mathematics

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics gives students a sound background for a basic understanding of science, prospective teachers a strong subject-matter foundation, and all students an appreciation of mathematics as a living and vital discipline applied in the classroom and across fields of industry. Areas of concentration include classical, applied, and computational science.

Media Studies

The Master of Arts in Media Studies is an integrated, interdisciplinary program intended for students with a traditional undergraduate education and some experience in communications and digital media. Graduates are prepared for expanding careers in graphic design, digital video production, interactive and multimedia production, electronic publishing, and online information services across commerce, education, government, and the nonprofit sector.

Music Performance

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Performance is an intensive professional degree for students preparing for careers as performing musicians. The program emphasizes applied study, ensemble participation, music theory and history, and the development of advanced musicianship, providing the concentrated performance training needed for professional and graduate-level pursuits.

Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing leads to a degree that meets the academic requirements for a license to practice as a Registered Nurse. The department offers courses in theory, history, assessment, and leadership, and students participate in a professional nursing internship in the final semester. A traditional BSN track (122 hours) and an LPN-to-BSN hybrid track (120 hours) are available; the program is accredited by CCNE.

Painting

Painting is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Peer Mentoring

The Certificate of Completion in Peer Mentoring prepares students to serve as peer mentors who support fellow students' academic and personal development. The program combines coursework in mentoring principles and interpersonal skills with practical mentoring experience.

Photography

Photography is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Political Science

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science examines government, politics, public policy, and political behavior at the local, national, and international levels. The program develops skills in critical analysis, research, and communication, preparing students for careers in law, government, public administration, and nonprofit organizations, as well as for graduate and professional study.

Printmaking

Printmaking is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides students with a scientific understanding of behavior and mental processes. The program covers core areas of psychology along with research methods and statistics, developing analytical and interpersonal skills that prepare graduates for careers in human services and related fields, and for graduate study in psychology and allied disciplines.

Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration, offered through the Political Science Program, is for those interested in public management and service. Utilizing a cohort model geared toward busy professionals, the curriculum prepares students for careers in the public sector and helps those already in public service enhance their competencies, developing visionary leaders and policy analysts. The curriculum is designed to align with NASPAA accreditation standards.

Public Relations

Public Relations is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Regents Bachelor of Arts

The Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) is a flexible degree-completion program designed primarily for adult learners returning to higher education. It allows students to earn credit for prior college work, standardized examinations, and documented work and life experience, combining these with regular coursework to complete a broad, individualized baccalaureate degree.

Social Work

Social Work is one of the oldest human service professions, using the social and behavioral sciences to understand and help individuals, families, groups, and communities realize their full potential. Fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, this program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Social Work, prepares students for beginning generalist professional practice, and makes graduates eligible to take the social work licensure examination.

Spanish

Spanish is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Sport Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Sport Studies prepares students for careers in exercise science, coaching, sport programs, and related fields within the Department of Health and Human Performance. The program promotes healthy living and fitness and offers general and pre-professional tracks, equipping graduates with the cognitive and psychomotor skills needed for professional practice and advanced study.

Sport Studies

The Master of Science in Sport Studies provides a master's-level education with an emphasis on general health and wellness. The program affords students the opportunity to engage in applied research and study innovative coaching, training, managing, teaching, and safety education. Organized in core, advanced, and internship phases, it prepares graduates for state and national certification and for management and leadership roles in their fields.

Technical Writing

Technical Writing is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

Theatre

Theatre is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.

World Literature

World Literature is a Certificate program offered by West Virginia State University.