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Academics
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I am not sure of my major and would like some help in selecting one.
- The General Studies Program gives you the opportunity to explore several areas from our 170 majors before picking one major. In the General Studies Program, you can fulfill general University requirements required for all majors for graduation. The program helps freshmen and/or sophomores explore several options while completing their core requirements.
- System of Interactive Guidance and Information (SIGI) is a computer system that allows students to assess their values, interests, and skills to help choose a tentative career and possible major. For more information, contact the Career Services Center at (304) 293-2221 or visit their web site.
- SIGI Plus recommends specific pathways through the program based on responses to questions about career interests. This allows students to explore nine separate yet interrelated sections in different degrees of detail, depending upon the amount and type of information needed. Printouts are available for review with a career counselor.
- Orientation classes can also be taken for credit during your freshman year. Such topics include, but are not limited to, Orientation to Majors and Professions, Introduction to Health Careers, and Finding the First Job.
- The Career Services Center offers career courses for credit. The classes are structured and coached courses to guide students with career decision-making and job searching skills. For more information call (304) 293-2221 or visit their web site.
- The Career Success Academy offers courses ranging from exploring career opportunities to resume building skills. In addition participants have access to a global network of alumni who act as mentors providing tips and hands-on experience. There is a nominal fee for students wishing to take these courses. For more information, call (304) 293-3612.
- WVU Admissions Counselors often assist with providing detailed information and contact points for the academic programs offered.
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What is the General Education Curriculum (GEC)?
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Will I have help selecting what classes to choose?
Once you are registered for Orientation a preliminary schedule will be made for you based on the major selection on your application. When you attend New Student Orientation you will meet with your Academic Advisor and make any necessary changes to your schedule. If you want to change your major you can do this as well by notifying Admission and records in writing. If you have further questions, you may contact the Undergraduate Academic Services Center at 304-293-5805.
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Can I get credit for WVU courses by examination?
- Advanced Placement Program (AP) - West Virginia University encourages you to work to your full capacity and to earn your degree at your own speed. You can take college-level courses at your school in conjunction with the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). The Advanced Placement Service administers three-one hour examinations to show competence equal to that received by taking the actual college course.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP) - If you apply for admission to WVU and you have gained a significant level of maturity through your life experiences, you may gain college credit for these educationally related experiences through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the CEEB. West Virginia Board of Trustees allows University credit to be awarded for successful completion of CLEP subject examinations, except English composition and freshman English.
- International Baccalaureate Program Credit
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When do I get an academic adviser?
You will be assigned an academic advisor when you enroll at WVU. You will have the opportunity to meet your advisor during New Student Orientation. For more information on advising you may contact Undergraduate Academic Services Center at 304-293-5805.
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Does WVU have an honors program?
Yes. The University Honors College provides students with courses designed to fulfill general education, liberal studies, and a few major requirements. Students also have the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research, guided study, undergraduate theses, and study abroad. The University Honors College attempts to insure that Honors students receive the best instruction in a variety of disciplines, giving them an opportunity to become truly liberally educated.
Entering freshmen are considered for admission to the University Honors College on the basis of their ACT or SAT composite standard scores and their high school grade-point averages or their status as National Merit Semi-finalists. Incoming, freshmen must meet the following criteria: an Enhanced ACT composite score of 28 (or an SAT combined score of 1240) and a minimum grade-point average of 3.8; an Enhanced ACT score of 31 (or an SAT score of 1360) and a minimum GPA of 3.5; or designation as a National Merit Semi-finalist with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Grade-point averages are weighted for advanced-placement courses and upper-division level science and mathematics courses.
Prospective students are considered for admission to the College after grades and scores have been verified by the high school counselor or have been obtained from the WVU admission application. Acceptance is dependent upon submission of an acceptable essay on a topic outlined by the College. The purpose of the essay is to assess the applicants' motivation for Honors study and to help the University Honors College staff become acquainted with them.
You may contact them at:
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What is the average class size?
You can expect an average class size of about 40 students during your initial years of study. As you select a major and enter upper division classes, the average class size drops to about 25. Graduate courses are even smaller, with an average class size of about 15. The student to faculty ratio at WVU is 22 to 1.
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Can I study abroad if I go to WVU?
Yes, WVU has several Study Abroad Programs. Check out the WVU Office of International Programs website for further detailed information.
- WVU Study Abroad Exchange Programs - Students from WVU exchange with students from WVU study abroad exchange institutions, often referred to as "sister" institutions. These programs work by "swapping" students - for every student who exchanges to a certain institution, a student from that institution can exchange to WVU. For these programs, each student pays his or her tuition and fees to their home university, then attends the host university. Room and board is paid to either WVU or to the host institution depending on the agreement. An application and interview process is required. Students who are accepted to a WVU Study Abroad Exchange Program are required to pay an administrative fee of $100. These are generally total immersion academic year programs. Deadlines are February 15 for Fall and September 15 for Spring. Consult the web pages for additional details.
- WVU Faculty Led Study Abroad Courses - These are programs developed and run by WVU faculty and are WVU courses held outside the US. Program prices are based on costs for tuition, travel, accommodation, and other expenses and vary among programs. These courses are, for the most part, island programs. Although, some courses feature some elements of Community based immersion. Deadlines vary among programs. Consult the web pages for additional details.
- WVU Affiliated Programs - WVU has institutional agreements with certain other institutions, for-profit and non-profit companies, and consortia. These agreements, in general, say that in return for WVU promoting their programs, the affiliate will offer WVU students increased services or financial bargains, such as a price reduction or access to scholarship opportunities. These programs generally offer elements of total immersion and island programs. Deadlines vary among programs. Consult the web pages for additional details.
- Amizade-WVU Global Service-Learning - WVU has partnered with the Amizade Global Service-Learning Consortium to encourage intercultural
exploration and understanding through community-driven service-learning courses
and volunteer programs. Consult the web pages for additional details.
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What if I am having trouble with classes? I need help improving my study and note taking skills.
- If you are having difficulty with a particular class there are many resources available to you; however, it is your responsibility to seek help. It is very important for you to attend classes and keep up on your homework. If you are having difficulties, start by speaking with your instructor. As required by the University, they have office hours and are willing to help you understand the material.
- WVU Learning Centers provide free group tutoring, peer advising, time management and study skills workshops, study groups, and "drop-in" tutoring hours. They are conveniently located on campus in the residence halls. The University also provides a peer mentoring hotline for the students.
- If you need additional help, visit one of our Learning Centers at WVU.
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I need help improving my mathematical skills.
The Math Learning Center is located on the third floor of Armstrong Hall in addition to the learning centers located in the residence halls. Students who do not qualify to enroll in College Algebra will be required to complete a Math Workshop, during which students will be able to further develop their math skills.
For more information about the learning centers available at the University, please visit http://firstyear.experience.wvu.edu/learning_resources.
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