The objective of this program is to provide doctoral students the opportunity to study and conduct research with faculty in areas of excellence in the Division of Resource Management, in particular, and in other divisions in the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, in general.
All students in the program complete a core consisting of research methods, graduate seminars and teaching practicum. Students choosing this major may focus their studies and research in the areas of education and human resources development, social and cultural improvement of the community, government issues and policy, economic growth and impact or areas associated with the students’ professional goals developed in consultation with their graduate advisory committee.
Career Profile
The primary objective of the Ph.D. is to educate professionals capable of meeting the demands at the highest levels of their chosen occupations.
Course Delivery Options
On-campus
Program Application Requirements
Resume/CV, Statement/Letter of Intent, 3 Letters of recommendation
Graduate Program Application Requirements
- Either a master degree in design discipline relevant to human and community development, or a master’s degree in a social science or humanities discipline relevant to human and community development, and
- At least two years equivalent of full-time relevant professional experience
Program Application Test Requirements
GRE
Application Deadlines
Fall Deadline
Feb 15
English Proficiency Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. WVU accepts either the TOEFL or the IELTS for this purpose. Learn more about our English language proficiency requirements.
Accreditation Information
WVU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
A candidate for the Ph.D. degree in Human and Community Development must meet all University, College, Division, and Program requirements as outlined in the WVU Graduate catalog.
Program Requirements
All Ph.D. degree candidates are required to follow a planned program of study. The student develops the plan of study during their first year in the program in conjunction with the graduate committee. The plan must be approved by the Director of the Division and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the Davis College.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required in all courses applied toward degree requirements.
- Course Requirements as determined by the Plan of Study
- Research
- Candidacy Exam
- Dissertation
- Dissertation Defense