Academics

Undergraduate Mission Statement

WVU undergraduate students take advantage of the unique instructional, research, and service opportunities at West Virginia’s only land-grant research university. Choosing from among a great variety of academic and student-life experiences, they obtain the comprehensive education required to succeed in a changing and complex career environment, to achieve enriching personal lives, to respect individual differences, and to serve as responsible citizens.

While pursuing an undergraduate degree at WVU, students will:

  • Acquire the essential knowledge and skills in their majors to excel in their careers or to succeed in graduate or professional school.
  • Gain hands-on exposure to the latest technology in their areas of specialization.
  • Obtain broad understanding of the arts, humanities, and natural and social sciences, which enhances their ability to solve problems through creative and critical thinking, express complex ideas in a variety of ways, including though the written and spoken work, and continue professional and personal growth with a spirit of inquiry and a zest for lifelong learning.
  • Benefit from the uniqueness of the research university by partnering with faculty scholars engaged in advancing knowledge through scholarly activity.
  • Take advantage of the land-grant university’s direct and continuing contact with West Virginia’s citizens and communities through Extension, continuing education, service-learning, and other outreach programs.
  • Complement their academic experiences through structured out-of-classroom programs and services that clarify personal values and individual identities, support intellectual growth, and contribute to sound interpersonal relationships.
  • Advance their understanding and respect for human dignity and appreciation of individual differences.
  • Prepare to serve as leaders and responsible citizens, respectful of the environment and conscious of their impact on the local and global community.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color, or national origin in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities, or with respect to admission or employment. Further, faculty, staff, student, and applicants are protected from retaliation for filing complaints or assisting in an investigation under the University’s Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Plan. Inquiries regarding the University’s nondiscrimination policy may be directed to the director, Affirmative Action Office/Equal Employment Opportunity Programs, West Virginia University – Office of the President.

West Virginia University is governed by the West Virginia University Board of Governors and the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.