Ah, research. The endless hours in the lab, the original hypotheses, the evenings combing the library shelves. Not everyone loves research. But if you do, you should find a graduate program that provides the environment and support you need to get your hands dirty.
To start, you’re probably looking for a university that lives and breathes research: an R1 Doctoral University. Based on the Carnegie classification system, R1 institutions have the highest research activity of any American institutes of higher learning.
As an R1 Doctoral University, West Virginia University offers many graduate programs designed to promote rigorous academic exploration. Read on for five options for you to consider.
Get a Computer Science Degree
As you might expect, students enrolled in WVU’s doctoral program in computer science begin advanced study in all the hot topics being discussed in tech circles today.
However, the primary focus of this computer science program is research, research, and, you guessed it, research. Students conduct research activities throughout their time in the program, leading up to an original thesis, research paper, scholarly project, or dissertation.
Ph.D. graduates leave WVU ready to take on leadership roles at tech industry giants and fill the ranks of the faculties of nationally recognized universities.
Pursue a Ph.D. in English
English probably isn’t the first subject you would associate with rigorous academic research, but think again. Students in the English doctoral program at WVU complete a lengthy dissertation on a research topic focused on English language literature or culture.
The program is designed to prepare students for a life of research, writing, and thinking analytically. So the research in this field certainly doesn’t stop after graduate school. In fact, for many of our graduates, this program is a stepping stone to a promising career in academia.
Earn a Master’s in Mining Engineering
Here in West Virginia, mining is part of our heritage. The graduate programs offered by our Department of Mining Engineering are among the top in the country.
Our Master’s in Mining Engineering program provides students with the solid foundation of advanced engineering principles needed to enter the mining engineering field. And don’t think we forgot about the research. Students in the program conduct research to form an original thesis on topics such as surface mining, rock mechanics and ground control, mineral processing, mine subsidence engineering, and mine ventilation.
Graduates leave WVU ready for a career in mining engineering. But more importantly, they’re equipped to contribute to the field’s scholarly body of knowledge through independent research.
Build a Body of Research with a Ph.D. in Psychology
WVU’s behavior analysis program trains students in basic research, theory, and applications of behavior principles through a combination of research, courses, and clinical practice. Doctoral students develop their own research projects in applied behavior analysis or basic applied research. And students have access to five labs and have the opportunity to conduct clinical research with faculty members.
This Ph.D. program provides students with extensive research and clinical experience. Graduates leave the program with the ability to function in academic or applied roles. And they’re prepared to advance the field’s understanding of the principle of behavior through further research.
Check Out WVU’s Other Research-Intensive Graduate Programs
Remember, these are just five of WVU’s graduate and professional offerings. And it’s important to note that the vast majority of master’s and Ph.D. programs at WVU are research-intensive.
So if we haven't touched on it already, we're confident you’ll find the graduate program that speaks to you. Also, to learn more about specific courses, click here for a list of all graduate school course descriptions.
Are you interested in learning more about graduate study? We’ve compiled a resource— A Guide to Research-Based Graduate Programs — to help you in your search.
