Majors, Minors and Certificates

Anthropology is the study of what makes us human. Its immersive, field-based and interdisciplinary approach seeks to understand the full sweep and complexity of cultures across all of human history.

Biology majors study living organisms and the processes of life. Our program meets the foundational needs for careers in the broad area of life sciences or health sciences.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:

• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Ecology, Ecosystems and Global Change
• Integrative Biology

Pursue your individual goals in an inclusive, flexible curriculum designed for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:

• Global Health
• Human Health

Chemistry is the science of the materials we use, the medicine we take, the environment we live in and the food we eat.

We prepare skillful communicators at both the theoretical and applied levels. Our program is flexible, allowing you to tailor the curriculum to meet your individual career and personal goals.

Criminology majors study why crimes occur and how the criminal justice system functions. This major prepares you for careers in criminal justice, business, government or further education like law school.

As a Data Science major, you will develop quantitative and computational skills to solve real-world problems. Customize the degree to fit your interests by choosing a focus area to create a degree with practical applications.

As an Earth and Environmental Science major, you'll learn about Earth systems, the processes that drive them, their impacts on human society and how to apply the scientific method to investigate real-world problems

Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:

• Climate and Environmental Science
• GIS Methods
• Geoscience and Sustainable Energy

Majoring in English develops skills in communication, research, critical thinking and focused creativity. You will deepen your understanding of people and cultures while learning how to use language effectively in a variety of contexts.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:

• Creative Writing
• Literary and Cultural Studies
• Professional Writing and Editing

Deep within nearly every cell is a unique set of genetic markers. When a crime occurs, recovering those genetic markers and determining who they belong to is a job for forensic biologists.

We're a national leader in forensic science education and research. Our graduates work in law enforcement and forensic science laboratories across the country.

With world-class training facilities and a solid STEM foundation, this major prepares you to tackle the investigation of a crime from start to finish.

History helps us discover new meaning in the past, present and future. Our students learn the best practices of historical research while developing skills for a successful career: thinking critically, communicating effectively and tackling complex problems.

This interdisciplinary program includes courses in political science, languages, geography, history, sociology, anthropology, economics and other topics. You'll gain valuable real-life experience through study abroad, global service learning and internships.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:

• Global Connections
• Security and Diplomacy

Mathematics can be found in almost every sector of the world. Our faculty’s interdisciplinary approach to mathematics will prepare you for careers as research analysts, technical consultants, computer scientists, educators and systems engineers.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:

• Actuarial Science
• Computational Mathematical Science
• Mathematical Biology
• Mathematics Education
• Physical Applied Mathematics
• Pure Mathematics

Tailor your education to your interests by completing three related minors.

Tailor your education to your interests with the Multidisciplinary Studies program that consists of three minors of your choosing.

A degree in neuroscience can take you to a rewarding (and lucrative!) career in science, medicine, government or private industry.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Cellular, Molecular and Systems Neuroscience

Philosophy is a form of intellectual exercise that makes it easier to identify problems, seek out arguments against your own views and critically evaluate solutions.

How does the universe work? Where does gravity come from? How do cells communicate? What makes bridges support heavy loads? These are all questions that physicists explore.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:

• Computational Physics
• Medical Physics
• Physics Teaching
• Professional Preparation
• Space Physics

Studying political science will help you understand why courts make the decisions they do, why legislatures pass the laws they do and why countries make the choices they make in the international arena.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:

• American Politics and Policy
• Elections and Campaigns
• International Relations, Comparative Politics and National Security
• Pre-Law and Legal Studies

Regardless of what other subjects you're interested in and what careers you’re considering, PWE will improve your writing and communication skills — skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Psychology is the science of behavior. As a psychology major, you’ll deepen your self-awareness, improve your understanding of others and build skills in problem-solving, project management and information literacy.

A degree in STW provides you with the experience and credentials you need to write, design and communicate complex topics.

Can you name a teacher who made a difference in your life? How about a book that changed the way you think? Being an English education major will give you the knowledge and skills needed to bring both of those gifts to other students.

In this major, you'll learn to provide high quality instruction in the five areas of the social studies: history, geography, politics, economics and culture.

Online program designed for students who hold an associate degree or at least 58 credits by anticipated start of fall semester. WVU's online BSW program integrates course-based learning with hands-on field experience, ensuring that students gain practical skills and knowledge.

If you're a compassionate individual with an interest in human diversity and a desire to help others, then a Bachelor of Social Work can help you reach your goals.

Sociology is the study of social life, social change and the causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies, and how people interact within a society

In Sustainability Studies, you'll take courses that combine geoscience, environmental, social and humanities research methods that involve geospatial analysis, mapping, development practice and community engagement.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking courses in one of these areas:

• Environmental Studies
• GIS Methods
• Sustainable Development

Learn to see past stereotypes and explore the ways gender, socioeconomic class, sexual identity, gender identity, nationality, race, ethnicity and age shape experience.