Carnegie R1 institutions are recognized as some of the strongest research universities in the country — and West Virginia University is one of them.
At R1 institutions, research study spans the academic spectrum, engaging graduate students with critical research opportunities from the creative arts and humanities to the social sciences and applied sciences.
If you’re interested in earning a research-focused degree from a Carnegie R1 university like WVU, here are five to consider.
Earn a Data Science Degree
What is data science? Unlike traditional analysis, which includes processing historical data, data scientists explore data from many angles and utilize “various advanced machine learning algorithms to identify the occurrence of a particular event in the future.”
Fueled by the academic innovation coming out of WVU’s own graduate school community, the data-focused graduate programs at WVU serve as a hub for research, knowledge-sharing, and data-driven innovation — all with the goal of advancing technology and industries that perpetuate progress.
Consider Being a Neuroscience Major
Neuroscience graduate programs focus on research on the function and dysfunction of the brain and nervous system. Students learn innovative approaches to understanding neural mechanisms responsible for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, brain injury and repair. Additionally, students gain a fundamental understanding of cellular and molecular neurobiology, motor and sensory systems, neural processing, cognition, behavior, and neural development.
WVU’s doctoral program in Neuroscience is committed to training the next generation of researchers and educators. Successful completion of degree requirements is based on research and scholarly achievement. Graduate researchers will have opportunities to experience and acquire the skills needed for successful careers as independent scientists, including critical thinking, problem-solving, writing, public speaking, and leadership.
WVU is also home to the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, which is a premier multidisciplinary institute for patient care, research, and education. With the latest technologies, an ecosystem of partners, and an integrated approach, WVU's RNI is making tangible progress. Our breakthroughs in neuroscience are strengthening our efforts to combat public health challenges ranging from addiction to Alzheimer’s.
Plus our collaborations with elite athletes and members of the military to optimize human performance are leading to new innovations. We're proud to break barriers in research and patient care to better serve the people of West Virginia and beyond.
Explore a Robotics Major
Robotics is a sophisticated branch of technology that blends disciplines like computer science, engineering, and cyber-physical systems to create, evaluate, and utilize intelligent machines that are capable of working in tandem with or in place of humans.
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, robotics technology is largely used in “such industries as automobile manufacture to perform simple repetitive tasks, and in industries where work must be performed in environments hazardous to humans.” Many robots use artificial intelligence and even have the ability to see, feel stimulation, and sense temperature.
Fueled by the academic innovation coming out of WVU’s own graduate school community, the Robotics program at WVU serves as a hub for research, knowledge-sharing, and data-driven innovation — all with the goal of advancing technology and improving the lives of others.
Get a Master’s Degree in Marketing
Marketers today work in a world filled with emerging technologies, increasingly-intelligent analytic tools, and an unprecedented amount of user information. But the rate of innovation has resulted in a marketing industry filled with experimenters — not experts.
In order to bridge the gaps among different departments, silos, and specialists, a solid understanding of data is critical. Whether you’re a marketing specialist, a senior-level strategist, or young professional aspiring to break into the industry, you must be able to make data-driven decisions at every stage of the marketing production process.
WVU offers a master’s degree in data marketing communications — a degree that’s perfect for both emerging and experienced marketing professionals who are seeking to harness the power of data.
Pursue a Public Health Degree
From the national opioid crisis to what we experienced with COVID-19, it’s clear that our public health system is vulnerable. The field needs skilled strategists and analysts who can conduct research, gather data, identify patterns, and facilitate data acquisition, modeling, and prediction.
By engaging with data and research, data-minded public health professionals make it possible to identify and provide solutions for communict’ public health needs.
WVU’s School of Public Health strives to prepare graduates to make individuals and communities happier, healthier, and safer by preparing new generations of health leaders. Within the School of Public Health, there are five departments that offer experienced-based graduate studies and opportunities to work with expert faculty and industry partners.
Experience the Benefits of attending a Carnegie R1 Institution at WVU
At WVU, you have the opportunity to join a thriving research university. WVU is an internationally recognized R1 institution where you'll learn with and from a community of driven, research-focused professionals who are making a positive impact across industries.
WVU offers a variety of graduate programs designed to prepare you for a successful career. For a list of current programs, visit our graduate programs page.
Learn more about obtaining a graduate degree at
one of the best research universities in the U.S. —
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