College of Business and Social Sciences Degree Programs

College of Business and Social Sciences

Department of Psychology and Sociology

Course Descriptions
Curriculum

Psychology and Sociology

PSYCHOLOGY 
As psychology is an ever more technical field, the program strives to expand computer facilities and increase opportunities for students to gain necessary experience in this area. Courses will continue to be updated to reflect new information, particularly in the biological areas of the discipline. Other areas, including those in the social sciences, social work, and nursing, will continue to profit from the expertise of psychology as it relates to their disciplines.  

Our program continues to attract quality students through its qualified instructors, challenging courses, and modern facilities. Our small faculty-to-student ratio contributes to an intimate learning atmosphere that is furthered by a group of dedicated, accessible faculty. Classes are conveniently scheduled to accommodate the wide variety of students that our program attracts. The West Virginia State University psychology program will continue its efforts to provide proper instruction, on all levels, to those who seek our knowledge, advice, and guidance.

SOCIOLOGY
Sociology is the scientific study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior.  Sociologists investigates the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts.  Since human behavior is shaped by social factors, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious cults; from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture; and from the sociology of work to the sociology of sports.  In fact, few fields have such broad scope and relevance for research, theory, and application of knowledge.

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. 

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
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