Founded in 1867 as the Agricultural College of West Virginia, West Virginia University (WVU) has grown into the state‘s flagship land-grant research institution and a powerhouse of higher education in the Appalachian region. West Virginia University degree, West Virginia University diploma, West Virginia University certificate. Located in Morgantown—a suburban campus nestled in the heart of the adventure-inspiring Appalachian Mountains—WVU offers students a unique blend of world-class academics, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a close-knit community spirit that defines what it means to be a Mountaineer.
WVU’s origins are deeply rooted in the transformative vision of the Morrill Act of 1862, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, which offered federal land to states for the establishment of colleges focused on agriculture and the “mechanic arts”. The State of West Virginia, formed in 1863, accepted the terms of the Act, and on February 7, 1867, the legislature established the Agricultural College of West Virginia. Just over a year later, on December 4, 1868, the institution was renamed West Virginia University, marking the beginning of its journey toward becoming the comprehensive research university it is today.
The university’s history is marked by significant milestones: admitting its first woman graduate in 1891, establishing the College of Law in 1878 as its first professional school, and launching the nation’s first mining extension program in 1914 to train coal miners. Over 25 Rhodes Scholars have counted themselves among WVU alumni, a testament to the university’s longstanding commitment to academic excellence.
At WVU, you are never just a number. The university’s 2,800-acre campus offers a vibrant, safe, and supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Useful tips for earning the West Virginia University degree. With over 450 student organisations and 30 dining locations across the Downtown, Medical, and Evansdale campuses, there is always an opportunity to connect, explore, and lead. Instant Access to Your West Virginia University degree Duplicate.
WVU offers a wide variety of on-campus housing options, including the Bridge Living-Learning Community, located in Lincoln Hall, which provides targeted academic support and a strong sense of community for conditionally admitted students. Living on campus puts students within walking distance of classes, labs, libraries, and the Student Recreation Center, while offering 24-hour safety and support from dedicated professional staff. The Division of Student Life enriches the student experience through programs like Adventure WV, the Well-Being Adventure Series, and Project 168, which helps students turn outside-the-classroom experiences into transcript credentials.
At the heart of the campus community is the Mountaineer Creed, which calls upon students to practice academic and personal integrity, value wisdom and culture, and respect human dignity and cultural diversity. This values-driven culture is what makes WVU a family that cheers you on, challenges you, and always has your back.
