Undergraduate Catalog

General Information - West Virginia University

West Virginia University (WVU) was founded in 1867 as a result of the 1862 Land-Grant Act, otherwise known as the Morrill Act. As the state’s flagship, land-grant university, WVU’s mission reflects its dedication to serving the state and citizens of West Virginia through access to higher education, research and scholarship, and comprehensive health sciences. The WVU system includes the flagship campus in Morgantown, WVU Institute of Technology in Beckley, WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and several other locations across the stat serving health science programs. The West Virginia University Rocert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center has five schools serving undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at four locations in Morgantown, Charleston, Bridgeport and Martinsburg.

West Virginia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Many WVU programs hold specialized accreditation.

WVU Morgantown provides programs of instruction through 11 colleges and schools and offers over 300 majors at the baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral, and professional levels, as well as numerous certificate programs, both in-person and online.

WVU Morgantown facilities are built on more than 1,000 acres and include several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

WVU Potomac State College, situated in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle in Keyser, offers associate and baccalaureate degree programs and serves both residential and commuting students. WVU Institute of Technology is located in Beckley, and serves the region and the state by offering technology-intensive baccalaureate degree programs.

The WVU Extension Service has offices in all of West Virginia’s 55 counties, staffed by county agents. WVU operates experimental farms and forests throughout the state, as well as WVU Jackson's Mill, near Weston, WV, home of West Virginia 4-H camping and the West Virginia Fire Academy.

Visit About WVU for updated WVU facts and achievements.

In this section:

• WVU Mission
• WVU Vision
• WVU Values
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities
• Office of Accessibility Services

WVU Mission

As a land-grant institution, the faculty, staff and students at West Virginia University commit to creating a diverse and inclusive culture that advances education, healthcare and prosperity for all by providing access and opportunity; by advancing high-impact research; and by leading transformation in West Virginia and the world through local, state and global engagement.

WVU Vision

As One West Virginia University, we are purposeful in our studies and our work so that we can partner with our communities-both near and far-to bring needed and valued solutions to real-life problems within the pillars of education, healthcare and prosperity.

WVU Values

Service: We seek opportunities to serve others and are committed to providing the highest quality of service.

Curiosity: We ask questions, seek new opportunities, and change through innovation.

Respect: We are respectful, transparent and inclusive with each other.

Accountability: We perform at our very best every day to create a University that is responsive, efficient and effective.

Appreciation: We support and value each other’s contributions as we build a community that is One WVU.

Research and Scholarship

As West Virginia’s flagship research institution, WVU undertakes scholarly activity to improve the lives of West Virginians and others across the globe. WVU is classified as a Doctoral University-Highest Research Activity (R1) in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Service

West Virginia University’s land-grant mission underscores its obligation to serve the public and the state of West Virginia by promoting economic development, enhancing the well-being and the quality of life of the people of West Virginia, and increasing opportunities for the citizens of the state through workforce education, lifelong learning, and outreach to every county.

West Virginia University is the only institution in West Virginia to earn the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching “Community Engagement Classification.”

WVU’s dedication to its service mission is manifested through its instructional programs, educational outreach, and initiatives and centers that engage external constituencies and support public service.

WVU Extension Service

The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 created a Cooperative Extension Service for each land-grant institution. The purpose of the Extension Service was to disseminate the findings of the universities’ agricultural stations and provide training and programs on home economics and other practical subjects. WVU has sustained its commitment to the state by supporting an Extension Service office with a presence in all of West Virginia’s 55 counties, staffed by county agents.

The educational programs and initiatives of the WVU Extension Service focus on service to the state and exemplify West Virginia University’s commitment to the public good by connecting the knowledge and research of WVU with citizen and community needs. The Extension Service’s programs are driven by four major initiatives: (1) 4-H youth development; (2) family and health; (3) agriculture and natural resource education; and (4) community, workforce, and economic development.

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Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

West Virginia University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by promoting diversity, inclusion, equality, and intercultural and intercommunity outreach. Accordingly, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, marital or family status, pregnancy, veteran status, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or gender expression in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities, or with respect to admission or employment.

In keeping with this commitment, members of the academic community are expected to demonstrate civility and mutual respect for all persons as well as understanding and appreciation for all persons, to express that perspective in every dimension of the institution’s life and mission, and to work cooperatively, representing not only the interests of their own groups but also those of the wider community.

Individuals believing they may have been illegally discriminated against by any member of the university community at West Virginia University may file a complaint with the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

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Center for Excellence in Disabilities

The WVU CED is available for students, staff, and faculty. The federally funded center supports a 80+ team of specialist who provide services for individuals with disabilities of all ages. Clinics and community programming is available throughout the state to address needs related to any disability. The center is also the home of the WV assistive technology (AT) program and family support program (F2F). These and other services provide support for the classroom, community living, and the workplace. Additional training opportunities are available for students. Students of all disciplines can work in multidisciplinary groups to provide clinical and community services at the center and throughout the state. Trainings and innovative research initiatives also incorporate disability services and awareness and support the Department of Disability Services undergraduate minor and graduate certificate courses (DISB) and micro-credentials/badges. 

WVU CED is recognized, and trusted, as a leader and innovative agent in a statewide network of individual and community supports that promote respect, inclusiveness, interdependence, and access for everyone.

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Office of Accessibility Services

The Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities and providing equal access for students with permanent and temporary disabilities at West Virginia University and all of its campuses. We provide a range of services and assist in the implementation of accommodations that  lead to academic and personal achievement.

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Commitment to Assessment

West Virginia University conducts comprehensive and systematic assessment of student learning across all locations and delivery methods. Continuous improvement of student learning is faculty-driven (authentic and embedded), conducted at the course, program, and institutional levels, and grounded in the work of the colleges and individual academic programs, the Provost's Office, the Undergraduate Council, and the Graduate Council.

The Provost's Office collaborates with the Faculty Senate's Curriculum Committee to ensure quality and rigor of academic programs and courses, the Teaching and Assessment Committee to ensure quality and rigor across sections of courses regardless of modality of delivery or location, and the General Education Foundations Committee to oversee all aspects of the general education program. The Provost's Office works to strengthen the effectiveness of assessment across all programs by:

• Overseeing, reviewing, and approving program creation and review policies, process and governance.
• Serving as an institutional-level resource for curricular design, program evaluation, and assessment of learning best practices.
• Facilitating faculty professional development in curricular design, program evaluation, and assessment of learning.
• Providing consulting to departments to enhance their program improvement based upon assessment planning and reporting.
• Compiling supporting documentation and evidence of the assessment work at WVU in support of institutional accreditation.

Distinguished Professors

• Kashy Aminian,  Charles T. Holland Professor in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
• James Anderson, Davis Michael Professor of Forestry and Natural Resources
• Vinay Badhwar, Gordon F. Murray Chair of Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Karl Barth, Samples Professorship of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Robert M. Bastress, John W. Fisher II Professor of Law
• Debangsu Bhattacharyya, GE Plastics Professor in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
• Robert E. Blobaum, Eberly Family Distinguished Professor of History
• Forest J. Bowman, Jackson Kelly Professor of Law, Emeritus
• Gregory W. Bowman, William J. Maier, Jr. Dean
• Naomi Boyd, Fred T. Tattershell Chair in Finance
• Laura Brady, Eberly Family Professor of Outstanding Teaching
• John F. Brick, JF Brick Endowed Chair in Neurology
• William I. Brustein, Eberly Family Distinguished Professor of History
• Vincent P. Cardi, Bowles, Rice, McDavid, Graff and Love Professor of Law
• Timothy Carr, Marshall S. Miller Energy Professor of Geology
• Linda M. Carson, Ware Distinguished Professor, Emerita
• Judie F. Charlton, Judie F. Charlton Chair for Glaucoma Outreach
• Shawn A. Chillag, Patricia T. Ayash Distinguished Professorship
• Nigel N. Clark, George B. Berry Chair of Engineering
• Roger Congleton, BB&T Chair of Economics
• Patrick W. Conner, Eberly Centennial Professor in English, Emeritus
• Jody L. Crosno, Joseph E. Antonini Chair in Marketing
• Annie Peng Cui, Kmart Chair in Marketing
• Reagan P. Curtis, Chester E. and Helen B. Derrick Teacher College of Education and Human Services Endowed Professor
• Robert Dailey, Davis Michael Professor of Animal and Nutritional Sciences
• Lisa DeFrank-Cole, Harriet E. Lyon Professorship in Women's and Gender Studies
• Walter Dekeseredy, Anne Deane Carlson Endowed Chair of Social Sciences
• A. Courtney DeVries, John T. and June R. Chambers Chair of Oncology Research
• Lisa DiBartolomeo, Armand E. and Mary W. Singer Professor in the Humanities
• Robert DiClerico, Eberly Family Professor Outstanding Teaching, Emeritus
• Charles R. DiSalvo, Woodrow A. Potesta Professor of Law
• Gregory Dudley, Eberly Family Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
• Richard Dull, GoMart Professor in Accounting Information Systems
• Barry A. Edelstein, Eberly Family Professor of Psychology
• Emma Morton Eggleston, Quad/Graphics Chair in Internal Medicine
• James R. Elkins, Arthur S. Dayton Professor Law
• Eloise Elliott, The Ware Family Distinguished Professorship
• Judith Feinberg, Dr. Edmund B. Flink Chair of Internal Medicine #1
• John W. Fisher, II, William J. Maier Jr. Dean, Emeritus and Robert M. Steptoe and James D. Steptoe Professor of Property Law, Emeritus
• Paula F. Fitzgerald, Nathan Haddad Professor of Business Administration
• Kenneth Fones-Wolf, Stuart and Joyce Robbins Chair in History
• Stephanie Foote, Jackson and Nichols Chair of English
• Mathis P. Frick, O. F. Gabriele Chair of Radiology
• James J. Friedberg, Hale J. and Roscoe P. Posten Professor of Law
• Hota S. GangaRao, Wadsworth Professorship
• Laura Gibson, Alexander B. Osborn Distinguished Professor in Hematological Malignancies Research
• Richard M. Goldberg, Lawrence S. and Jean DeLynn Chair of Oncology
• Alan Goodboy, Peggy Rardin McConnell Chair in Communication Studies
• Rakesh K. Gupta, Berry Chair of Chemical Engineering
• Michael Gutensohn, Ray Marsh and Arthur Pingree Dye Professor
• Joseph D. Hagan, Barnette Professor of Political Science
• Trevor M. Harris, Eberly Family Professor of Geography
• Hannah W. Hazard-Jenkins, Jean and Laurence DeLynn Chair of Oncology
• Erik Herron, Eberly Family Professor of Political Science
• John Hu, Statler Chair in Engineering for Natural Gas Utilization
• Tara Hulsey, E. Jane Martin Professor of Nursing
• James Iovino, Ogden Newspapers Visiting Assistant Professor of Media Innovation
• Glen P. Jackson, Ming Hsieh Teaching Professor of Forensic and Investigative Science
• H. Keith Jackson, Philip J. Faini/Falbo Family Dean of the College of Creative Arts
• Thomas Kammer, Eberly College Centennial Professor, Emeritus
• Vlad Kecojevic, Murray Chair of Mining Engineering
• Peter E. Konrad, JW Ruby Chair for the Study of Neurosciences and Neurosurgery
• Alexander Kurov, Fred T. Tattersall Chair in Finance
• Kennon A. Lattal, Eberly College Centennial Professor of Psychology
• Nathan Lerfald, Anthony G. DiBartolomeo Professorship in Medicine
• Lian Li, Robert L. Carroll Chair of Physics
• Xingbo Liu, Statler Endowed Chair of Engineering
• Paul Lockman, Douglas D. Glover Endowed Chair of the Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Anne Marie Lofaso, Arthur B. Hodges Professor of Law
• Yi Luo, Charles E. Lawall Endowed Chair for Energy and the Environment in Mining Engineering
• Joseph Lupo, J. Bernard Schultz Endowed Professor of Art
• J. Wallis Marsh, The Bernard Zimmerman, MD Chair in Surgery
• Diana Martinelli, Widmeyer Professorship in Public Relations
• Thomas Mauger, Jane McDermott Shott Chair of Ophthalmology
• Marjorie A. McDiarmid, Steptoe and Johnson Professor of Law and Technology
• Patrick C. McGinley, Charles H. Haden, Jr. Professor of Law
• James McGraw, Eberly Family Professor of Biology
• Maura McLaughlin, Eberly Family Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy
• Daniel McNeil, Eberly Family Professor for Outstanding Public Service
• Mark D. Miller, Dana L. & Peggy M. Farnsworth Chair in Educational Psychiatry
• Brijes Mishra, Syd and Felicia Peng Professor of Mining Engineering
• Keith Morris, Ming Hsieh Distinguished Professor of Forensic and Investigative Science
• Tracy Morris, Eberly Family Professorship for Outstanding Teaching
• Charles J. Mullett, Margaret T. & Larry K. Pickering Chair in Pediatrics
• Scott Myers, Peggy Rardin McConnell Chair of Communication Studies
• R. Osvaldo Navia, Grace Kinney Mead Chair of Geriatrics
• Randy J. Nelson, Hazel Ruby McQuain Chair for Neurological Research
• Steven Neuenschwander, Mabel DeVries Tanner Endowed Professor of Theatre
• Peter Ngan, Branson-Maddrell Endowed Professorship in Orthodontics
• Timothy Nurkiewicz, E. J. Van Liere Medicine Professorship
• Daniel Panaccione, Davis Michael Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences
• Syd S. Peng, Charles E. Lawall Chair in Mining Engineering, Emeritus
• William P. Petros, Gates E. Wigner Endowed Deanship
• Jason Phillips, Eberly Family Professor of Civil War Studies
• Ubolrat Piamjariyakul, WVUH Evidence Based Research Endowed Professorship
• L. Christopher Plein, Eberly Family Professor for Outstanding Public Service
• Joseph Prudomme, Christopher Cline Chair in Orthopedic Surgery
• Hassan H. Ramadan, Stephen and Patricia Wetmore Chair in Otolaryngology
• Ronald Reed, Arthur I. Jacknowitz Chair for Clinical Pharmacy
• Hayne W. Reese, Centennial Professor of Psychology, Emeritus
• Ali Rezai, John D. Rockefeller IV Chair in Neuroscience
• Larry A. Rhodes, James H. Walker, MD Chair of Pediatric Cardiology
• Patricia Rice, Eberly Family Professor for Outstanding Teaching, Emerita
• Bryan Richmond, William J. Maier, Jr. Chair of Research
• Richard A. Riley, Louis F. Tanner Distinguished Professor of Public Accounting
• Terry L. Rose, Ernest L. Hogan Chair of Life Insurance
• J. Michael Ruppert, Jo and Ben Statler Eminent Scholar and Chair, Breast Cancer Research
• Kathleen “Katy” O’Hearn Ryan, Eberly Family Professorship for Outstanding Teaching
• John P. Saldanha, Sears Chair in Global Supply Chain Management
• Arif R. Sarwari, Dr. Edmund B. Flink Chair of Internal Medicine
• R. Charles Scatterday, Shott Teaching Assistant Professor
• Ludwig Christian Schaupp, David W. and Nancy F. Hamstead Professor of Accounting
• Earl Scime, Oleg D. Jefimenko Professor of Physics
• Mohindar Seehra, Eberly Professor in Physics, Emeritus
• Partho P. Sengupta, Abnash C. Jain Chair in Cardiology
• Sunil Sharma, N. Leroy Lapp Endowed Professorship
• Kenneth Showalter, C. Eugene Bennett Distinguished Chair in Chemistry
• James Simpkins, Barbara B. Highland Chair in Stroke
• Gordon Smith, Stuart and Joyce Robbins Distinguished Professor in Epidemiology
• Xueyan Song, George B. Berry Chair of Engineering
• Samuel F. Stack, Chester E. and Helen B. Derrick Teacher Education Endowed Professor
• Gay Stewart, Eberly Professor of STEM Education
• Michael Strager, Davis Michael Professor of Resources Economics Management
• Donley Studlar, Eberly Family Professor of Political Science, Emeritus
• Timothy Sweet, Eberly Professor of American Literature
• John Taylor, Jackson Kelly Professor of Law
• Angel Tuninetti, Armand E. and Mary W. Singer Professor in the Humanities
• Richard Turton, Russell and Ruth Bolton WVU Professorship for Outstanding Teaching
• Stephen Valentine, Eberly Family Professor of Chemistry
• Kung Wang, Eberly Family Professorship of Chemistry
• Bryan Weaver, Dr. Edward C. Armbrecht Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Professorship
• Jessica Wilkerson, Stuart and Joyce Robbins Chair in History
• Alison Wilson, Skewes Family Chair for Trauma
• Charles Yuill, Davis Michael Professor of Design and Community Development
• John Zaniewski, Asphalt Technology Professorship
• C. Q. Zhang, Eberly Family Professorship of Mathematics
• Sam Zizzi, Dr. Pat Fehl Endowed Professor