The Psychology Program of West Virginia State University serves varied purposes for its diverse clientele. For those students seeking training for professions in the field, we strive to present the necessary information, skills, and experience to prepare them for graduate school, careers, or both. For those students in our service courses, our goals are to present a balanced, comprehensive view of psychology as a legitimate area of science, while likewise emphasizing the practical importance of the subject matter in their daily lives.

In addition to scholarship, the program continues to maintain an active research profile, a referral service for those students in need of counseling, advising to all students interested in careers in the field, recognition of academic excellence through the departmental honor society, and an active voice in community service through off-campus classes and public speaking engagements.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
120 hours required for graduation  

• General Education - 39-41 Hours Major - 45 Hours
• PSYC 151, 175, 200, 315, 390, 412
  • Two courses from: PSYC 303, 306, 309, 310, 320, 325, 330
  • Two courses from: PSYC 245, 300, 304, 307, 308, 312, 330, 404
  • Two courses from: PSYC 207, 215, 301, 330, 335, 340, 398, 400, 401
  • Three additional courses from any of the above groups  
• Electives To bring total to 120 hours  

Minor in Psychology - 15-16 Hours

• PSYC 151
• Take the remaining 12 hours from any 2 of the 3 following groups.
  • Group One: 303, 306*, 309, 310, 320*, 325*, 330*, 200
  • Group Two: 245, 290, 300, 307*, 308, 312, 330, 200
  • Group Three: 207, 215, 301, 335, 340, 398*, 401, 330, 200.  

*If Statistics for the Social Sciences (PSYC 200) is a pre-requisite for any of the above listed courses, the student must take PSYC 200 first. 

This area is under construction.

Sociology provides many distinctive perspectives on the world, generating new ideas and critiquing the old. The field also offers a range of research techniques that can be applied to virtually any aspect of social life, such as street crime and delinquency, corporate downsizing, how people express emotions, welfare or education reform, how families differ and flourish, or problems of peace and war.  Because sociology addresses the most challenging issues of our time, it is a rapidly expanding field whose potential is increasing tapped by those who construct policies and create social programs.  Students with an interest in understanding how society influences people's behavior would find sociology stimulating and rewarding.  In addition to preparing students for graduate school, the sociology curriculum is of value to any student who desires to work with people.  It forms an excellent background for those who desire careers in the areas of social services (e.g., youth services), family counseling, law, ministry, government services, teaching, policymaking, population research, personnel management, industrial policies, marketing, criminal justice, etc.

The Sociology curriculum is designed with five student oriented goals:  

1. Students will be able to identify the structure of a sociological argument.
2. Students will be able to master the key concepts and theories in sociology.
3. Students will have developed critical thinking and will be able to evaluate theoretical concepts/perspectives.
4. Students will have learned to assess the role of social context in determining the social location of an individual.
5. Students will be able to design and implement an independent research project.

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology 
120 hours required for graduation  

• General Education - 35-40 Hours, Major  - 18 hours
• Core Courses
  • ​​SOC 101, 208, 310, 311, 320, 420
• ​Major Electives – 21 hours Choose any 7 sociology courses from the catalog. The student must choose 4 (i.e., 12 hours) courses from 300 level or above.
• Cognates - 19 Hours
  • PSYC 200, POSC 101, ECON 101, HIST 207 or 208, ENGL 112 or ENGL 201 or ENGL 204, Modern Foreign Language (3 hours) 
• ​Math Requirement
  • ​Math 120 or Math 111   
• ​(Six credit hours of Internship may be used for elective hours.) 
• Free Electives - no more than the amount of hours required to reach 120 hours required for graduation.
  ​Minor in Sociology - 15 Hours SOC 101, 310, 311 and two SOC electives. 
  
  The Philosophy faculty provides courses for various degree programs. Offerings include a minor and special interest courses. Philosophy courses are administered by the Department of Sociology and Philosophy.  
  
  Minor in Philosophy - 15 Hours Students enrolled in other degree programs at West Virginia State University can enhance their degree by adding a Minor in Philosophy. Requirements for a Philosophy Minor are 15 credit hours in Philosophy including:  

• PHIL 201 Introduction to Philosophy
• PHIL 202 Ethics
• PHIL 310 Logic
• Two elective courses in Philosophy from the following:  
  • ​​PHIL 203 Ancient and Medieval Philosophy of the West
  • PHIL 204 Modern Philosophy
  • PHIL 205 Existentialism
  • PHIL 220 Philosophy of Science
  • PHIL 303 Contemporary Philosophy
  • PHIL 316 Independent Study in Philosophy.
  • The following courses offered in the Political Science Department are also approved as Elective courses:
    • ​​POSC 401 Classical Political Thinkers  
    • POSC 402 Modern Political ThinkersStudents should consult the coordinator of the Department of Sociology and Philosophy for info

This area is under construction.

Academic Advising

Academic Advising is a crucial element to a positive baccalaureate experience. The prospective planning that each student undertakes with a member of the faculty can ensure successful navigation through college. Each student that majors in political science must meet with his or her advisor at least once per semester.

The faculty can help ascertain the necessary courses that facilitate in future planning for internships, careers, and graduate school opportunities. Please come prepared with questions and courses in which you are interested

Academic Calendar
Course Schedules
Current Students (Main Page)
MyState Registration System
West Virginia State University Catalog
WVSU Counseling and Academic Support Services
WVSU Online
WVSU Webmail