West Virginia State University

200 Erickson Alumni Ctr, Institute, WV 25112

http://www.wvstateu.edu/

School Description

Provided by West Virginia State University

Founded in 1891, West Virginia State University is a public, land-grant, historically black university, which has evolved into a fully accessible, racially integrated, and multi-generational institution. The University, “a living laboratory of human relations,” is a community of students, staff, and faculty committed to academic growth, service, and preservation of the racial and cultural diversity of the institution. Our mission is to meet higher education and economic development needs of the state and region through innovative teaching and applied research.

The undergraduate education at the University offers comprehensive and distinguished baccalaureate and associate degree programs in business, liberal arts, professional studies, sciences, and social sciences. In addition, the University provides opportunities for graduate education.

West Virginia State University offers encouragement and education through flexible course offerings in traditional classrooms, in non-traditional education settings, and through distance learning technologies. With the goal of improving the quality of our students’ lives, as well as the quality of life for West Virginia’s citizens, the University forges mutually beneficial relationships with other educational institutions, businesses, cultural organizations, governmental agencies, and agricultural and extension partners.


West Virginia State University is a vibrant community in which those who work, teach, live, and learn do so in an environment that reflects the diversity of America. Our comprehensive campus, which includes the West Virginia State Community and Technical College, provides numerous educational opportunities for our students. We take great pride in our accomplishments and envision building upon associate degree programs, baccalaureate education, graduate offerings, and excellence in teaching, research, and service. The suburban University is located in Institute, WV, eight miles from downtown Charleston.

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West Virginia State University

From Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

West Virginia State University is a historically black (though now over 90 percent white) public college in Institute, an unincorporated area of Kanawha County, West Virginia, United States and suburb of Charleston. In the Charleston-metro area, the school is usually referred to simply as "State" or "West Virginia State". It is the smallest land grant college in the country. Hazo W. Carter, Jr. became the first president of West Virginia State University in 2004, after previously serving as the ninth president of West Virginia State College, when the school was granted university status.

History

Early history

The school was established as the West Virginia Colored Institute in 1891 under the second Morrill Act which provided for land-grant institutions for black students in the 17 states that had segregated schools.

From 1891 through 1915, the school provided the equivalent of a high school education, along with vocational training and teacher preparation for the state's then segregated system of public schools. In 1915, the school was renamed as the West Virginia Collegiate Institute and began to also offer college degrees. It was renamed West Virginia State College in 1929.

Desegregation

In 1954, the school began a rapid transition following the Brown decision to desegregate public education. The school surrendered its land-grant status, the only college ever to do so, and was incorporated into the general system of public colleges in West Virginia. Within a decade of the Brown decision, the college transformed from an all-black college with a primarily residential population to a heavily commuter school with over 90 percent of its students being white. The school remains over 90 percent white and commuter today, and its student body is largely older and part-time. However, to this day, African Americans make up the vast majority of students residing on campus, and the university's administration has always been heavily African American, even after integration. In 2001 the school's land-grant status was restored.

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Read the full entry on Wikipedia

Quick Facts

Chance of Admission:
Location:
Mid-Atlantic
Setting:
Small Town Setting
Type:
Public
Size:
Medium (2,000 to 5,000 Undergrad)
Mascot:
Yellow Jackets

Students & Campus Life

Undergraduate Enrollment:
3,335
On Campus Housing:
Available
Full Time Students:
86%
Athletic Programs:
Available
> More Students & Campus Life

Expenses

Average Tuition:
$ 8,104
Students Receiving Aid:
79%
> More Expenses & Financial Aid

Admissions

Selectivity:
Highly Selective
> More Admissions

Degree Programs at West Virginia State University

Bachelor's Level Programs

  • Arts & Humanities

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    • English Language and Literature See more schools with programs in English Language and Literature
      • English Language and Literature
        A general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.
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    • General Studies See more schools with programs in General Studies
      • General Studies
        An undifferentiated program that includes instruction in the general arts, general science, or unstructured studies.
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    • History See more schools with programs in History
      • History
        A program that focuses on the general study and interpretation of the past, including the gathering, recording, synthesizing and criticizing of evidence and theories about past events. Includes instruction in historiography; historical research methods; studies of specific periods, issues and cultures; and applications to areas such as historic preservation, public policy, and records administration.
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    • Visual Arts See more schools with programs in Visual Arts
      • Art/Art Studies
        Art and Art Studies is a general, introductory program that focuses on the study and appreciation of the visual arts. Students of these two or four year programs receive instruction in art, photography, and other visual communications media.
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  • Business

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    • General Business See more schools with programs in General Business
      • Business Administration and Management
        Generally, this program prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control a firm or organization. To aid them in taking a leading role in business, individuals in this program study management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
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  • Communication & Media

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    • Communication Studies/Speech Communication and Rhetoric
      A program that focuses on the scientific, humanistic, and critical study of human communication in a variety of formats, media, and contexts. Includes instruction in the theory and practice of interpersonal, group, organizational, professional, and intercultural communication; speaking and listening; verbal and nonverbal interaction; rhetorical theory and criticism; performance studies; argumentation and persuasion; technologically mediated communication; popular culture; and various contextual applications.
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  • Education

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    • Teacher Training See more schools with programs in Teacher Training
      • Elementary Education and Teaching
        A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the elementary grades, which may include kindergarten through grade eight, depending on the school system or state regulations. Includes preparation to teach all elementary education subject matter.
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      • Secondary Education
        A program that prepares individuals to teach students in the secondary grades, which may include grades seven through twelve, depending on the school system or state regulations. May include preparation to teach a comprehensive curriculum or specific subject matter.
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  • Fitness, Recreation and Leisure Studies

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    • Parks, Recreation and Leisure See more schools with programs in Parks, Recreation and Leisure
      • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
        A program that prepares individuals to develop and manage park facilities and other indoor and outdoor recreation and leisure facilities. Includes instruction in supervising support personnel, health and safety standards, public relations, and basic business and marketing principles.
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  • Health & Medical Services

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  • Life Science

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    • Biology See more schools with programs in Biology
      • Biology/Biological Sciences
        Students in this program study general biology at an introductory level. This major provides students with a broad overview of biology and includes instruction in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.
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  • Mathematics and Statistics

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    • General Mathematics
      A general program that focuses on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. Includes instruction in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.
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  • Natural Sciences

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    • Chemistry See more schools with programs in Chemistry
      • General Chemistry
        A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the composition and behavior of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena.
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  • Security and Protective Service Careers

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    • Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
      A program that focuses on the criminal justice system, its organizational components and processes, and its legal and public policy contexts. Includes instruction in criminal law and policy, police and correctional systems organization, the administration of justice and the judiciary, and public attitudes regarding criminal justice issues.
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  • Social Sciences

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    • Economics See more schools with programs in Economics
      • General Economics
        A general program that focuses on the systematic study of the production, conservation and allocation of resources in conditions of scarcity, together with the organizational frameworks related to these processes. Includes instruction in economic theory, micro- and macroeconomics, comparative economic systems, money and banking systems, international economics, quantitative analytical methods, and applications to specific industries and public policy issues.
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    • International Relations and Affairs See more schools with programs in International Relations and Affairs
      • General Political Science and Government
        A general program that focuses on the systematic study of political institutions and behavior. Includes instruction in political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of the government and politics of specific countries, and studies 0f specific political institutions and processes.
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    • Psychology See more schools with programs in Psychology
      • General Psychology
        A general program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and collective behavior, the physical and environmental bases of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. Includes instruction in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.
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    • Sociology See more schools with programs in Sociology
      • Sociology
        A program that focuses on the systematic study of human social institutions and social relationships. Includes instruction in social theory, sociological research methods, social organization and structure, social stratification and hierarchies, dynamics of social change, family structures, social deviance and control, and applications to the study of specific social groups, social institutions, and social problems.
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  • Social Work

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    • General Social Work
      A program that prepares individuals for the professional practice of social welfare administration and counseling, and that focus on the study of organized means of providing basic support services for vulnerable individuals and groups. Includes instruction in social welfare policy; case work planning; social counseling and intervention strategies; administrative procedures and regulations; and specific applications in areas such as child welfare and family services, probation, employment services, and disability counseling.
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  • Technology

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    • Information Systems Operation and Management See more schools with programs in Information Systems Operation and Management
      • General Computer Science
        A general program that focuses on computers, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. Includes instruction in the principles of computational science, and computing theory; computer hardware design; computer development and programming; and applications to a variety of end-use situations.
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Master's Level Programs

  • Communication & Media

    See more schools with programs in Communication & Media
    • Mass Communication/ Media Studies
      A program that focuses on the analysis and criticism of media institutions and media texts, how people experience and understand media content, and the roles of media in producing and transforming culture. Includes instruction in communications regulation, law, and policy; media history; media aesthetics, interpretation, and criticism; the social and cultural effects of mass media; cultural studies; the economics of media industries; visual and media literacy; and the psychology and behavioral aspects of media messages, interpretation, and utilization.
      See more schools with programs in Mass Communication/ Media Studies
  • Life Science

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    • Biology See more schools with programs in Biology
      • Biotechnology
        Learn to develop new products through the commercial exploitation of microbes, plants, and animals. This program applies the principles of the biological sciences to produce marketable products. Biotechnology students take classes in bioinformatics, gene identification, phylogenetics and comparative genomics, bioinorganic chemistry, immunoassaying, DNA sequencing, xenotransplantation, genetic engineering, industrial microbiology, drug and biologic development, enzyme-based production processes, patent law, biotechnology management and marketing, applicable regulations, and biotechnology ethics.
        See more schools with programs in Biotechnology

Students

General

Full-Time vs. Part-Time
Full-Time 86%
Part-Time 14%
Men vs. Women
Women 53%
Men 47%
Race/Ethnicity
Caucasian 81%
African-American 15%
Other 4%
Hispanic 0%
Asian 0%

Geography

In State vs. Out-of-State
In-State 85%
Out-of-State 15%
Top States for Incoming Freshman
West Virginia 85%
Maryland 2%
Ohio 1%
New York 1%
New Jersey 1%
Percent of Students International: 0%

Housing

On-Campus Housing Available: Yes
Percent of Students Living On-Campus: 19%
Freshman Students Required to Live on Campus: No

Athletics

Member of: NAA, NCAA
Sports Include: Football (West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conf)
Basketball (West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conf)
Baseball (West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conf)
Track (West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conf)
Tuition & Fees (undergraduate) In-State Out-of-State  
Average Tuition for Full-Time Undergrads:
$ 3,528 $ 8,104  
Financial Aid Avg. Amount Received % of Students Receiving Aid  
Federal Grants:
$ 3,048 50%  
State and Local Grants:
$ 2,362 23%  
Institutional Grants:
$ 2,330 11%  
Student Loans:
$ 4,316 49%  
Any Aid:
  79%  

Selectivity (Undergraduate Only)

Acceptance Rate: 50% (Highly Selective)
Test Scores  
ACT Scores:  
% of Students Submitting ACT Scores: 87%
Bottom 25th Percentile: Composite: 15, Verbal: 14, Math: 15
Top 75th Percentile: Composite: 21, Verbal: 21, Math: 19

Application Requirements (Undergraduate Only)

Formal Demonstration of Competencies: Not Required
High School Diploma or Equivalent: Required
High School GPA: Required
High School Rank: Recommended
High School Record: Required
Recommendations: Not Required
TOEFL: Required
Test Scores: Required

College Advice

Yahoo

Question: would i fit in at west virginia university?

i'm from long island ny, but according to collegeboard.com most students from wvu are out of state... can anyone from ny or nj or a city tell me how they liked it?? or if they know anybody from one of those places that liked/disliked it
11 months ago

Best Answer

A lot of students from NY and NJ come to WVU. I'm sure you'd fit it. It's a great university both academically and entertainment wise. Come for a campus visit sometime this Spring. Once you come here and experience WVU, you won't want to go anywhere else. There's just something about this schools atmosphere that makes everyone around here love it.

Question: What is West Virginia University like? Is it easy to make freinds?

Is it easy to make freinds, when your from out of State? and no one else you know is going there. I'm from ky and I want a school with big sports programs. Is the housing nice?
12 months ago

Best Answer

I love it here at WVU. Im not from out of state and half my high school went here, but I do know that many people make lifelong friends in the dorms. The nicest dorm (cleanest) is called Lincoln hall. It's also one of the most expensive. Its right next to the PRT (you use it to get to class downtown) and another dorm that has a cafeteria. A lot of people live in Towers-right beside lincoln. Towers isn't the nicest or cleanest, but its really social and it's a pretty fun place to live. Both of these dorms are on evansdale (engineering/health sciences/creative arts education buildings). If your looking for somewhere a little less loud and tempting to go out and party every single night, I'd live on evansdale. Downtown can be really loud and crazy. If you live downtown, I suggest boreman or dadisman. Again, neither of these are the cleanest or nicest places to live, but they are better than other places down there. If you are going into the honors program, stalnaker is also downtown and it's pretty nice. Just go with an open mind. You'll meet all kinds of people on your hall. Go downtown a few times to the bars with people on your floor. Just don't get in the habit of going out and drinking every night or you will flunk out (WVU is much harder than people give it credit for). If all else fails, join a fraternity. I love it here and you are definitely a smart person for choosing this school. I hope you like it! If you want to know anything else, send me a message!

Question: Can I get into Ohio State University and West Virginia University with this?

I have 20 on ACT..every time i took it but still waiting for December score. Overall High School GPA is around 3.5- 3.8 I have or am been involved in these clubs: Health Science Technology Acedemy Health Occupation Students of America- Surgeon of Arms. Students Against Drinking and Driving- President. Speech and Debate Team Track and Field Softball- only one year. Student Council I have done community service before. I have recieved awards at speech tournaments. What is the deadline to apply for Autumn 2009 semester? Do you think I will get in? by the way, I'm applying as an out-of-state student and an Indian. thank you. :)
13 months ago

Best Answer

Average ACT score for incoming freshman was 24-28 at Ohio State West Virginia is 21-26

Question: Michigan State University or West Virginia University?

Which one do you think is the better university including all factores such as location, academics, sports, parties, food, dorms.....
15 months ago

Best Answer

WVU OF COURSE!! Forget Michigan.. A basketball team thats going to the national championship this year? I'm pretty sure WVU will be there this year. We were amazing last year and we're going all the way this year. WVU has an amazing atmosphere and its in an absolutely gorgeous state. WVU is a great school with rising academics and many incredible programs. WVU is located close to a lot of big cities such as pittsburgh, DC, Baltimore.. Parties? We were the number one party school in the nation last year, I don't think you could meet a group of people who can party harder than WVU students. There are all kinds of places to go out to eat here, many different ethnic choices as well as restaurant chains. Food in the dorms is decent Ive heard, but I've never ate at a dorm so I couldn't tell you first hand. There are a whole bunch of dorms, some nicer than others. I'd say the nicest one is Lincoln hall, but if you're looking for somewhere pretty lenient on rules you should stay at Towers. Transportation in Morgantown is pretty nice, too. We have the PRT (personal rapid transit)http://admissions.wvu.edu/undergraduate/... and many busses that can take you pretty much anywhere you need to go. Theres even a "drunk bus" that picks up students and takes them back to the dorms partying downtown at night (http://dubvnightlife.com/). As for a hick school, absolutely not true. I wish people would come visit this beautiful state before they pass bias judgement. This state, along with the school, and people are all amazing. I'm proud to be a part of this state and school, and I'm proud to be a West Virginian. So if you want to go to a school with many incredible, nationally accredited programs, winning athletic teams, an energetic atmosphere, and some of the friendliest people in the country, come check us out. Oh, and Morgantown, WV was rated 25 out of 400 of the best sports towns in the country, out beating many places with professional sports teams. (http://www.msnsportsnet.com/page.cfm?story=13477)

Question: Which university is better, Bradley University, Cleveland State University or West Virginia University?

also, which one of these cities are better to live, Peoria, IL... Cleveland, OH... Morgantown, WV???
36 months ago

Best Answer

Definitely West Virginia university, it is within the world top 500. I can't seem to find others on the top500 list.

Question: What school is better to play basketball at Benedict College or West Virginia State University?

For like to play basketball which school is better...Both are divison 2 schools. So which one would you pick?
38 months ago

Best Answer

I would pick West Virginia State because it has a better athletic history and you would have a better chance of getting noticed by D1 schools in case you wanted to transfer.

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West Virginia State University
Institute, WV 25112
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