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Degree Programs at West Virginia University

West Virginia University appears in our ranking of the Top 25 Most Affordable Online Business Graduate Degrees.

Earning a college degree provides more benefits than the possibility of a higher salary. There is research that indicates that college graduates are also much happier in their jobs than those who hold only a high school diploma. West Virginia University offers several degrees that can help individuals obtain a more advanced position and find more satisfaction in their careers.

There are 14 colleges and schools at West Virginia University, offering a wide range of degree programs that can help individuals move into a new career or advance in their current career. These colleges and schools include:

  • Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
  • College of Creative Arts
  • College of Education and Human Services
  • College of Law
  • College of Physical Activity and Sport Science
  • Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
  • Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
  • John Chambers College of Business and Economics
  • Reed College of Media
  • School of Dentistry
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Pharmacy
  • School of Public Health

The College of Creative Arts offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Puppetry that is available only on the Morgantown campus. The program includes intensive study in children’s theatre, puppetry as a theatrical form as well as an educational and creative dramatic activity used for learning and self-development for children. Courses required may include Puppet Construction, Puppetry for Educators and Children’s Theatre.

The Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies is available both on campus and online through the College of Education and Human Services. It is a hands-on program preparing students for careers in childcare centers, after-school programs and more. Students attending on campus are provided real-world training at the WVU Nursery School while those attending online are able to gain experience through internships in their area. Courses required may include Infant Development, Adolescent Problems and Disorders, as well as Family Interaction and Communication.

The John Chambers College of Business and Economics offers a Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity Management online that takes 12 to 24 months to complete. Students must attend an orientation residency and an experiential capstone presentation that corresponds with summer graduation. The program is designed to allow students from all backgrounds to get up to gain an understanding of cybersecurity. Courses required may include Data Management and Inquiry, Business Information Security Assurance Management and Fraud Data Analysis.

The Master of Arts in Communication Studies offered through the Eberly Collee of Arts and Sciences and is designed for working professionals who want to improve their communication skills. The program provides instruction in how to navigate organizational networks effectively as well as how to influence clients, coworkers, and administrators. It requires 36 credit hours and is available completely online. Courses required may include Communication in the Organization, Organizational Culture, and Persuasion.

About West Virginia University

The Agricultural College of West Virginia opened in 1862 as part of the Morrill Land-Grant Act. The focus of the school was military, agricultural and mechanical arts. The school was located on grounds that had previously housed the Monongalia Academy, Morgantown Female Academy and the Woodburn Female Seminary. In 1868, the name of the school changed to West Virginia University.

Initially, students were required to attend daily chapel services and roll call which limited recreational time. Once those requirements were eliminated, students had more time for extracurricular activity, leading to the establishment of sports, organizations, and clubs.

Today, West Virginia University is ranked highly by US News & World Report and the Center for World University Rankings.

West Virginia University Accreditation Details

West Virginia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation indicates to parents, students, and employers that programs at the university are of the highest quality and prepare graduates for leadership roles in their chosen careers. West Virginia University programs are also accredited by the following organizations:

  • Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
  • Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
  • Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
  • Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
  • American Chemical Society
  • American Dietetic Association
  • American Psychological Association
  • Applied Science Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Association for Behavior Analysis
  • Association for Clinical Pastoral Education
  • Association of American Law Schools
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International
  • College of American Pathologists
  • Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
  • Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association
  • Commission on Peer Review & Accreditation, National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
  • Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
  • Council on Education for Public Health
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission of the American Academy of Forensic Science
  • Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy
  • Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals
  • Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
  • Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architecture
  • Liaison Committee on Medical Education
  • National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
  • National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design
  • National Association of Schools of Music
  • National Association of Schools of Theatre
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
  • North American Society of Sport Management
  • Society of American Foresters
  • Society of Wood Science & Technology

West Virginia University Application Requirements

Applicants for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Puppetry and the Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Studies must provide official high school transcripts. West Virginia residents must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 while those who live outside West Virginia must have a 2.5 GPA. Applicants must also provide official ACT or SAT scores. Applicants transferring from other colleges must have a 2.0 GPA in all college work attempted. Those who have earned less than 24 credits must also meet freshmen admission requirements. Applicants must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Applicants to the Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity Management must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. They must also provide official GRE or GMAT scores. Applicants to the Master of Arts in Communication Studies must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and have a 2.75 undergraduate GPA.

West Virginia University Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Puppetry is $413 per credit hour for residents and $1,112 for non-residents. Tuition for the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management is $820 per credit hour for both residents and non-residents. Tuition for the Master of Arts in Communication Studies is $631 per credit hour.

In order to qualify for financial assistance, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Grants, scholarships or loans may be offered to undergraduate students who attend on campus or online. Those who attend on campus may also be offered federal work-study programs. Graduate students are offered loans although they may seek scholarships and grants on their own. They may also be provided assistantships or fellowships if they attend classes on campus.

West Virginia University offers several programs that prepare students for careers in psychology and counseling. Some of the programs at West Virginia University are offered in online formats that make it easier for non-traditional students to earn their degrees. High school students may also complete some of their college-level requirements before high school graduation through the West Virginia University High School ACCESS Program.

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