Health and Well-being, BA/BS
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for healthcare workers and health educators in the U.S. is growing faster than most other occupations, driven by efforts to promote healthier lifestyles, improve health outcomes, and address the rising prevalence of chronic disease.
The Health and Well-Being program combines foundational knowledge with applied learning, preparing you for careers in healthcare and health education. You’ll study the connections between lifestyle choices, disease prevention, and health outcomes, while gaining experience in nutrition, stress management, musculoskeletal health, and wellness program design. The program culminates with a capstone in which you’ll apply your skills through an experiential learning practicum.
Health and Well-being majors complete 1 of 2 tracks: Pre-Health Professions (BS) or Community Well-Being (BA).
Your Degree Plan
The Health and Well-Being program is designed to match your goals. Whether you see yourself working in a hospital, a non-profit organization, or moving on to graduate school before your career, the curriculum gives you room to take the electives that align with your path and prepare you for any direction.
Foundation Coursework
All Health and Well-Being students complete foundation coursework covering the dimensions of wellness, chronic disease prevention, health promotion, and health education. You’ll examine the physical, social, and mental factors that affect health across the lifespan and explore how policies, systems, and environments shape both individual and community well-being.
Professional Coursework
As a Health and Well-Being major, you’ll complete courses that focus on career exploration and professional preparation. In your first year, you’ll explore career options and map out the steps needed to reach your goals. By your junior year, you’ll go deeper into professional development through a more advanced career course.
To meet graduation requirements, you’ll complete a personalized capstone experience that aligns with your career path. This could include an internship, research project, or other applied opportunity designed to complement your professional goals, build practical skills, and give you a firsthand look at the tasks that are expected of a healthcare professional.
Enhancing Health and Well-Being
HWB 224
Gain knowledge and explore links among the eight dimensions of wellness: physical, mental, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, occupational, and financial.
Mindfulness for Health and Well-Being
HWB 359
This upper-level 3-credit class is designed to give students a primary understanding of stress, anxiety, anger, mindfulness, and other related positive psychology issues. Other components of the class will include exploration of the history of the field of mental health and current trends in mental health professions.
Methods of Health Coaching
HWB 375
Gain knowledge and skills to assess a client’s lifestyle behaviors and support them through behavior change. Health Coaches actively collaborate with clients, assisting them in unlocking their full potential to live healthy lifestyles. ACE Health Coach Certification exam.
Enhancing Community Well-Being
HWB 404
Using concepts, theories and methods of community organizing, health advocacy and communication to promote community well-being.
Foundation for Professional Health Programs (BS)
The BS track is flexible and built for students planning to continue their education after graduation. It includes the science coursework required for admission to health profession graduate programs in fields like physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, accelerated nursing, and other clinical health programs.
Community Wellness Programs (BA)
The BA track takes a preventive approach, preparing you with the knowledge and skills to promote lifelong health and well-being through evidence-based practice. You’ll learn to address the physical, mental, and societal factors that influence health across the lifespan and to foster the environments, policies, and practices that support healthy behaviors and positive health outcomes.
Foundation coursework is the same as the BS. Upper-level courses focus on individual and community health, wellness promotion, behavioral lifestyle management, and the application of evidence-based interventions.
Honors
Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
- Earn multiple certifications before you graduate and increase your marketability.
- Healthcare occupations were projected to grow by 18% from 2016-2026, a faster rate than the average for all occupations. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Curriculum allows electives that align with admission requirements for various graduate and professional programs.
Learn by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
- We partner with a strong network of health-related professional organizations to support student placements. Organizations include athletic training and healthcare facilities, such as the WVU Student Recreation Center, Mylan Aquatic Facility, WVU Extension, local fitness clubs, WellWVU, WVU Student Life, and clinics for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractic services.
- You can also get involved with research within CAHS or the larger University community, including the Research Apprenticeship Program and Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.
- The Center for Active WV is one opportunity within CAHS. The Center focuses on improving the health and quality of life of all West Virginians through changes to policy, systems, and environments. Current projects involve increasing access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities in rural communities, and the implementation of sustainable infrastructure to provide wellness opportunities for individuals in various settings.
View all of the student organizations you can join.
Our students have interned with:
- Anatomical Designs
- Aquatic Center at Mylan Park
- Center for Active WV
- Chiropractic Care Center Nutter Fort Office
- Country Roads Physical Therapy
- Encompass Health
- Gorilla Strength and Fitness, LLC
- Healthworks Rehab and Fitness
- Profile, Morgantown, WV
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway
- The Shack Neighborhood House
- Therapy Services, LLC
- WellWVU
- WVU Extension Safety and Health
- WVU Sports Medicine
- WVU Student Life
- WVU Student Recreation Center
- Interpersonal Skills: service orientation, social skills, cultural competence, teamwork, and oral communication
- Intrapersonal Skills: ethical responsibility to self and others, reliability and dependability, resilience and adaptability, and empathy and cultural awareness
- Thinking and Reasoning Skills: critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, scientific inquiry, and written communication
- Science Competencies: research methods, human behavior
Careers and Outcomes
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Social and Community Service Managers
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $78,240
Possible Job Titles: Child Welfare Services Director, Social Services Director, Transitional Care Director, Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $61,340
Possible Job Titles: Fitness and Wellness Coordinator, Fitness and Wellness Director, Fitness Coordinator, Fitness Director
Health Education Specialists
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $63,000
Possible Job Titles: Clinical Instructor, Health Education Specialist, Health Educator, Public Health Educator
Community Health Workers
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $51,030
Possible Job Titles: Community Health Outreach Worker, Community Health Program Coordinator, Community Health Promoter, Community Nutrition Educator
Chiropractors
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $79,000
Possible Job Titles: Chiropractic Doctor (DC), Chiropractic Neurologist, Chiropractic Physician, Chiropractor
Occupational Therapists
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $98,340
Possible Job Titles: Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), Occupational Therapist (OT), Pediatric Occupational Therapist (Pediatric OT), Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR)
Physical Therapists
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $101,020
Possible Job Titles: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Home Care Physical Therapist (Home Care PT), Inpatient Physical Therapist (Inpatient PT), Pediatric Physical Therapist (Pediatric PT)
Recreational Therapists
Median Salary: $60,280
Possible Job Titles: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Recreation Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Rehabilitation Therapist
Athletic Trainers
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $60,250
Possible Job Titles: Athletic Instructor, Athletic Trainer, Certified Athletic Trainer, Personal Trainer
Medical and Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Some positions may require professionals to have certifications offered by National Association of Medical Sales Representatives or the Independent Medical Dealers Association. Pharmaceutical sales positions may require a professional to be a Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative.
Suggested WVU minors for students seeking this career:
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
- Informational interview with a medical or pharmaceutical sales representative
- Intern with the marketing department of a company
Related Professional Organizations
- National Association of Medical Sales Representatives
- National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives
Athletic Trainer
Suggested WVU minors for students seeking this career:
- Sport and Performance Psychology
- Personal Training and Group Fitness
- Physical Training and Performance
- Biology
- Gerontology
- Leadership Studies
- Medical Humanities and Health Studies
- Human Services
Required Certifications for this career
- Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer
- State licensing board requirements to practice as an athletic trainer
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
- Informational interview with an athletic trainer
- Shadowing an athletic trainer on the job
- Volunteering to help an athletic trainer provide services to athletes in an education setting
Related Professional Organizations
Chiropractor
This career requires a graduate degree. Search the American Chiropractic Association’s list of Accredited Chiropractic Colleges to find a program.
Suggested WVU minors for students seeking this career:
- Personal Training and Group Fitness
- Physical Training and Performance
- Gerontology
- General Business
- Human Services
- Entrepreneurship
Required Certifications for this career
- National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
- Additional licensure requirements depending on state
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
- Informational interview with chiropractor
- Shadowing chiropractors at work
- Working in a chiropractic office
Related Professional Organizations
Health Education Specialist
Suggested WVU minors for students seeking this career:
Required Certifications for this career
- Certified Health Education Specialist
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
- Volunteering with WellWVU
- Informational interview with a Certified Health Education Specialist
- Working at the Student Recreation Center
Related Professional Organizations
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Certifications for this career are available through the National Resource Center for OSHA Training and WVU Extension Occupational Safety and Health. Visit WVU Extension Training and Certifications for details.
Suggested WVU minors for students seeking this career:
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
- Informational Interview with an occupational health and safety specialists
- Shadowing an an occupational health and safety specialists
- Complete an internship with WVU Extension Occupational Safety and Health
Related Professional Organizations
Occupational Therapist
Suggested WVU minors for students seeking this career:
- Sport and Performance Psychology
- Biology
- Gerontology
- Human Services
- Medical Humanities and Health Studies
Required Certifications for this career
- National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
- Informational interview with occupational therapist
- Shadowing an occupational therapist
- Volunteering with an occupational therapist in a hospital or clinic
- Working in a supportive role within a hospital or health-related setting
Related Professional Organizations
Orthotists and Prosthetists
To become an orthotist and prosthetist you need to complete a master’s degree program along with a residency program accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education. Visit the NCOPE website to find a degree and residency program.
Suggested WVU minors for students seeking this career:
- Sport and Performance Psychology
- Biology
- Gerontology
- Human Services
- Medical Humanities and Health Studies
Required Certifications for this career
- American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
- Conduct an informational interview with a orthotist and prosthetist
- Shadowing an orthotist and prosthetist
- Volunteering with an orthotist and prosthetist in a hospital or clinic
Related Professional Organizations
Physical Therapist
Suggested WVU minors for students seeking this career:
- Personal Training and Group Fitness
- Sport and Performance Psychology
- Biology
- Gerontology
- Human Services
- Medical Humanities and Health Studies
Required Certifications for this career
- National Physical Therapy Examination
- Additional licensure requirements depending on state
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
- Shadowing a physical therapist
- Volunteering with a physical therapist in a hospital or clinic
- Working in a supportive role within a hospital or health-related setting
Related Professional Organizations
Physician
Suggested WVU minors for students seeking this career:
- Sport and Performance Psychology
- Biology
- Gerontology
- Medical Humanities and Health Studies
- Human Services
Required Certifications for this career
- Standardized national exam
- Board certifications in your specialty
- Additional licensure requirements depending on state
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
- Conduct an informational interview with a physician
- Shadowing a physician
- Volunteering with a physician in a hospital or clinic
- Working in a supportive role within a hospital or health-related setting
Related Professional Organizations
Physician Assistants
Suggested WVU minors for students seeking this career:
- Sport and Performance Psychology
- Biology
- Gerontology
- Medical Humanities and Health Studies
- Human Services
Required Certifications for this career
- Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
- Conduct an informational interview with a physician assistant
- Shadowing a physician assistant
- Volunteering with a physician assistant in a hospital or clinic
- Working in a supportive role within a hospital or health-related setting
Related Professional Organizations
Accelerated Nursing Degree
If you are interested in becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), such as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Practitioner, you will need to become an RN first. Since Health and Well-being students will graduate with a bachelor’s of science degree, we recommend students explore the accelerated nursing degree pathway as a means to become an RN.
Suggested WVU minors for students seeking this career:
Required Certifications for this career
- National Council Licensure Examination
- State-dependent licensing or registration
Suggested Experiences and Résumé Builders
- Informational interview with a registered nurse
- Shadowing a registered nurse
- Working in a healthcare setting as a nursing assistant, orderly, or other position that provides opportunities to interact with medical care providers and patients
Related Professional Organizations
Graduate programs to consider
- Chiropractic
- DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy
- MS, Athletic Training
- MS, Health Sciences
- MS, Occupational Therapy
- MS, Physician Assistant
- MPH, Public Health
- PhD, Occupational Therapy
- DO, Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine
- BS, Nursing
Our graduates have gone on to study at:
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, The Christ College of Nursing in Cincinnati, Ohio.
- MS in Prosthetics and Orthotics, University of Hartford
Meet Your Community
The Health and Well-being family will inspire you.
Christiaan Abildso
Professional Highlights
- Co-chair of the PAPREN (Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network) Rural Workgroup, 2018-2024
- American Public Health Association, Physical Activity Section Member
- Fellow, Physical Activity and Public Health Research Course, hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and University of South Carolina
Emily Murphy
Professional Highlights
- Past WVU Faculty Senate Chair (2019-20)
- WVU Board of Governors Member
- Research emphasis in obesity prevention for individuals, families, and communities
"I believe what separates this program from others is the professors and staff, not to mention the variety of classes I was able to experience. I was able to create more meaningful and impactful relationships with my professors, and it just completely turned my life in the right direction. It opened opportunities for me to choose where I wanted to go in life and so many job internship experiences that I never would have known of.”
Kylie Dempsey
"Having a great hands-on experience has shown me what day-to-day life in a hospital looks like and has helped me build confidence in interacting with patients, working alongside healthcare professionals, and understanding how a team functions to provide care. It’s reassuring to know that my degree in Health and Well-Being at WVU can open doors to a wide range of opportunities, not just one set career path."
Jade Stark
"The program has prepared me greatly for my next step, which is physical therapy school. The internship program through the WVU Sports Medicine program that allowed me to work with the football program was a huge benefit for me. During my time in the internship, I learned how to network professionally, how to treat patients in a sports setting, how to act during games and practices as a team’s physical therapist, and much more. This opportunity helped me get the most out of my education."
Valerie Brunner
"My program did an amazing job of preparing me for my future career in many different ways. My practical experience also helped me learn what my interests are and what they are not. WVU provides many resources to its students to help us prepare for post-graduation and getting started in our careers. Whether it's by taking the career readiness class or scheduling appointments with career services, there is always someone willing to help."
Heather Bond
"I had played several sports and been around weightlifting throughout my life, so having the opportunity to pursue a career in the field has been a dream of mine. I like to help people and teach them how to treat an injury the proper way. I want to make a difference in helping people so that they can live in a happier and healthier environment."
Joshua Wingard
Places and Spaces
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Student Recreation Center
The Aquatic Center at Mylan Park
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Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Health and Well-being major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
Tuition and Aid
How much does Health and Well-being at WVU cost? And how can you save?
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.
Ways to Save
Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.
Financial Aid
The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Health and Well-being, BA/BS is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Ohio Tuition Reciprocity
As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Health and Well-being can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.
Start at Another WVU Campus
You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
Request Info
Want to know more about Health and Well-being at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.
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