Skip to main content
Top
WVU Home Apply Now

Eberly Edge

College Core

What is the Eberly Edge Program? 

Through coursework and high impact learning experiences like internships, service learning projects, study abroad trips and student-directed research, Eberly College gives students the advantage of a multidisciplinary, multi-perspective education.

The Eberly Edge program guides  all undergraduate majors  through a common core curriculum that fosters opportunities for students to develop essential competencies they will need for their careers and lives ahead, including  critical thinking , ethics , civic responsibility , communication . 


Female faculty member with at board and student with hand raised

Courses, Skills and the Eberly Edge Program

Eberly College degrees are unified through the Eberly Edge College Core. Built around a series of six carefully crafted course areas intentionally developed by a group of faculty and administrators, the curriculum complements each of our degree programs so that all Eberly graduates leave with shared experiences and are prepared with the foundation for a successful personal and professional life.

EDGE 1 Data and Information Literacy

Our majors are taught the critical skills they need to evaluate data and information that they encounter in their professional life as well as in everyday experiences.

What is this AI everyone is talking about? Is this statistic representation complete? What is the source of this information? How will the data collected be used?

Example of courses that support this area:

  • DSCI 100 Data and Society (Fall 2025)
  • SUST 260 Natural Disasters (Spring 2026) Jump to Spotlight

EDGE 2 Effective and Civil Communication

Communicating with one’s family members, friends, and coworkers and managers is a challenge for all. Disagreements can often have grievous consequences—loss of a job, of a client, end to a friendship or a relationship.

How do I measure my tone? How do I disagree without alienating my audience? Is it my message that was wrong or the way I delivered it? What is the best way for me to present my arguments and convince my co-workers that I have a great idea?

Example of courses that support this area:

  • COMM 104 Fundamentals of Public Communication (Fall 2025) Jump to Spotlight
  • COMM 270 Presentational Speaking (Fall 2026)
  • WRIT 201 Public Writing (Fall 2026)
  • A specific course in the major approved by the College

EDGE 3 Ethics and Civic Responsibility

The privilege of living and working in a democracy brings with it some responsibility to live our lives through deliberate moral and just decisions.

Why should I vote? Why do we pay taxes? What thought process can help me make the best decision? Is giving to charities the right thing to do? What is life? Is using AI on my assignment acceptable?

Example of courses that support this area:

  • PHIL 130 Current Moral Problems (Fall 2025) Jump to Spotlight
  • BIOL 105 Environmental Biology (Fall 2025) Jump to Spotlight
  • MDS 110 AI, Ethics and Civil Responsibility (Fall 2025)
  • A specific course in the major approved by the College

EDGE 4 Global and Regional Cultural Awareness

Every day, we cross paths with individuals who have a different background than ours, who make decisions anchored in a different perspective than ours. In the workplace, employers value employees who can understand the needs of clients, regardless of where they are from.

How do I relate to someone who has different cultural values than mine? Why is it important that I can connect with someone from another region or another country? Why is it important to work collaboratively with individuals from another part of the country or another part of the globe?

Example of courses that support this area:

  • HUM 101 Introduction to Western Civilization 1 (Fall 2025) Jump to Spotlight
  • SUST 102 Global Sustainability (Fall 2025) Jump to Spotlight
  • MDS 111 Appalachian Others (Fall 2026)
  • A specific course in the major approved by the College

EDGE 5 Integration of Arts and Sciences

In this area, students are given the opportunity to sharpen their critical and analytical abilities through an examination of current issues. Edges 1-4 have provided the foundational training to engage with society’s most pressing problems through an interdisciplinary lens. Students will face the challenge of designing solutions using their unique perspectives to issues. Typically, these courses are team-taught by two Eberly faculty members from different disciplines, such as chemistry and philosophy, biology and communication studies, or history and geology.

Why is it important for people with different academic backgrounds to contribute solutions to the same problem? Why do complex problems requires complex, interdisciplinary solutions? How does someone trained primarily in the sciences approach a problem differently than someone who is trained primarily in the humanities or social sciences? Why is it important to bring researchers of all disciples to solve food scarcity? Homelessness? Vaccine policy?

Course that supports this area:

  • ARSC 380 Practicing Arts and Sciences (Fall 2027)

EDGE 6 High Impact Learning Experience

High Impact Experience. Employers insist on the importance of hiring educated individuals who also have professional, “real life” experience. For this reason, all Eberly graduates have completed at least one high impact experience either through they major (Social Work field placement, Forensic internship, Geology field camp) or through other opportunities (research, study abroad, online internships, service learning, etc.).

Is my application competitive? Have I practiced my interview skills and applied what I learned about communicating with future employers and coworkers?

Example of courses that support this area:

  • ARSC 491 Professional Experience
  • Some courses numbered 497 Research Experience
  • A specific course in the major approved by the College

Fulfilling the Eberly Edge 

Students typically have two options to fulfill the program requirements for Eberly Edge 1 through 4:

One to three courses in your major

Each major fulfills the goals of program through one to three courses in the major that have been approved by the college and the department as adequate development of students’ skills in the Edge areas 1 through 4.  See the major classes that apply to the Eberly Edge. 

Special sections of general courses

For those goals that are not covered in the major, students will take special sections of general course offerings as detailed below. 

Questions to ask the Eberly Academic Affairs Office:

I am a transfer student, will completing the Eberly Edge Program requirements delay my graduation? 

I am bringing a lot of AP credits and dual enrollment classes, how will this impact my time to completion?

How are the Eberly Edge courses unique?

While the college offers these courses in regular sections to all students across West Virginia University, the classes created for the Eberly Edge help build tangible skills that employers look for in recent graduates.
Eberly Edge Sections:
Taught by experienced faculty members who are deeply committed to the Eberly Edge 
Size of class is between 50-60 students   
Instruction is done through applied examples, real world problems worked out in group. 
Instructors actively encourage engagement of all students with peers through applied questions and assignments 
Students may take examinations; in addition, acquisition of skills is measured against national standards 
Students will be asked in at least one assignment to connect course content with their future career 

Edge Course Spotlights

Choose from our engaging and innovative courses in the arts and sciences that showcase the diverse academic opportunities available to undergraduate students.

EDGE 3

PHIL 130: Current Moral Problems

3 Credit Hours | Transform How You Think About Today's Biggest Issues

Ready to dive into the debates that shape our world? This isn't your typical philosophy class—it's where abstract thinking meets real-world impact. You'll tackle the moral dilemmas dominating headlines, social media, and dinner table conversations across America.

What You'll Explore:

  • Life & Death Decisions: Navigate the complex ethics of abortion, euthanasia, and medical choices
  • Justice & Equality: Examine gender equality, affirmative action, and what fairness really means
  • Rights & Responsibilities: Debate animal rights, economic justice, and when society can limit individual freedom
  • Modern Controversies: Analyze sexual ethics, pornography, punishment, and global security issues

Why This Matters to You:

Whether you're heading into law, medicine, business, social work, or any field where you'll make decisions affecting others, this course builds the critical thinking skills employers value most. You'll learn to argue persuasively, think systematically about complex problems, and understand multiple perspectives on issues you'll encounter throughout your career and life.

The Experience:

Expect lively discussions, thought-provoking case studies, and debates that will challenge your assumptions. You'll leave with a toolkit for ethical reasoning and the confidence to engage thoughtfully with controversial topics in professional and personal settings.

Perfect for students seeking to develop critical thinking skills while engaging with contemporary social issues.

EDGE 4

SUST 102: Global Sustainability

3 Credit Hours | Shape the Future of Our Planet

Want to be part of the solution to climate change, inequality, and resource scarcity? This course puts you at the center of the sustainability revolution happening right now across the globe. You'll discover how real people and organizations are tackling our biggest challenges—and learn how you can make a difference too.

What You'll Discover:

  • Global Game-Changers: Explore innovative solutions from bustling megacities to remote rural communities
  • Systems Thinking: Understand how environmental, social, and economic forces interconnect and influence each other
  • Scaling Impact: Examine how local grassroots movements grow into international policy changes
  • Solution Building: Learn the strategies individuals and organizations use to create lasting change

Real-World Focus:

From urban farming in Detroit to renewable energy cooperatives in Denmark, from fair trade initiatives in Guatemala to waste reduction programs in Singapore—you'll study actual case studies of sustainability in action. See how different cultures, economies, and environments approach the same global challenges with creative, locally adapted solutions.

Why This Matters to You:

Every industry is going green, and employers are seeking graduates who understand sustainability challenges and solutions. Whether you're interested in business, policy, technology, or social work, this course gives you the global perspective and problem-solving framework that sets you apart in today's job market.

The Experience:

Engage with multimedia case studies, collaborate on solution-design projects, and connect local issues to global patterns. You'll develop the systems thinking and cross-cultural awareness essential for leadership in our interconnected world.

Ideal for students passionate about making a positive impact and building a sustainable future.

EDGE 4

HUM 101: Introduction to Western Civilization 1

3 Credit Hours | Discover the Origins of Modern Culture

Ever wonder where our ideas about democracy, justice, love, and beauty actually come from? This course takes you on an epic journey through the civilizations that built the foundation of the modern world. From ancient Greek theaters to medieval cathedrals, you'll explore the masterpieces and revolutionary ideas that still shape how we think, create, and live today.

What You'll Experience:

  • Ancient Powerhouses: Dive into Greek democracy, Roman engineering marvels, and the philosophical debates that launched Western thought
  • Cultural Treasures: Analyze iconic art, literature, and music that defined entire civilizations and continue to inspire creators today
  • Big Ideas: Trace the evolution of concepts like individual rights, romantic love, and scientific thinking from their ancient origins
  • Medieval Marvels: Discover how the "Dark Ages" were actually filled with stunning architecture, groundbreaking scholarship, and cultural innovation

Connections You'll Make:

See how Plato's ideas influenced the Constitution, how Roman law shapes modern legal systems, and how medieval romance literature created our concepts of love and chivalry. You'll also explore how Greek philosophy traveled through Islamic scholars to medieval Europe, how Roman trade networks connected diverse cultures, and how medieval universities became international centers of learning. You'll recognize these cross-cultural influences everywhere—from global political systems to international art movements to multicultural literature.

Why This Matters to You:

In our interconnected global economy, understanding diverse cultural perspectives is essential for success. This course builds crucial global awareness by exploring how Western civilizations interacted with other cultures—from Greek trade networks to medieval Islamic-Christian exchanges. You'll develop the cross-cultural understanding and historical perspective that international employers seek, preparing you to work effectively in multicultural teams and navigate complex global relationships across any field.

The Experience:

Immerse yourself in virtual museum tours, analyze primary sources, and engage with multimedia presentations that bring ancient worlds to life. You'll develop the analytical skills and cultural awareness that distinguish educated leaders.

Perfect for students who want to understand the "why" behind modern culture and develop the global cultural awareness that's essential for leadership in our interconnected world.

EDGE 2

COMM 104: Fundamentals of Public Communication

3 Credit Hours | Master the Art of Persuasive and Civil Discourse

Ready to command attention, build trust, and inspire action? In our polarized world, the ability to communicate clearly, persuasively, and respectfully isn't just valuable—it's essential. This course transforms you into a confident communicator who can bridge divides, influence decisions, and lead meaningful conversations in any setting.

What You'll Master:

  • Strategic Message Design: Learn to craft compelling arguments using time-tested rhetorical principles that have influenced leaders for centuries
  • Ethical Persuasion: Develop skills to influence others responsibly while maintaining integrity and respect for diverse viewpoints
  • Active Listening: Build the foundation of civil discourse through genuine engagement with opposing perspectives
  • Critical Analysis: Sharpen your ability to evaluate arguments, identify logical fallacies, and respond thoughtfully rather than reactively

Civil Communication Focus:

In an era of heated debates and online hostility, you'll learn to disagree without being disagreeable. Practice facilitating productive conversations across difference, finding common ground in contentious issues, and maintaining respectful dialogue even when stakes are high. These skills are crucial for building bridges in our increasingly divided society.

Why This Matters to You:

Whether you're presenting to clients, leading team meetings, advocating for causes you believe in, or navigating difficult conversations, clear and civil communication is your competitive advantage. Employers consistently rank communication skills as their top priority, and this course gives you the framework to excel in interviews, presentations, negotiations, and leadership roles across any industry.

The Experience:

Practice through real-world scenarios, receive personalized feedback on your speaking style, and engage in structured debates that challenge your thinking while building your confidence. You'll develop both the technical skills and ethical foundation needed to be a persuasive yet principled communicator.

Global Relevance:

Learn communication strategies that work across cultures and contexts, preparing you to engage respectfully with diverse audiences and contribute to constructive dialogue in our interconnected world.

Essential for students who want to lead with integrity, build consensus, and communicate effectively in professional and civic life.

EDGE 3

BIOL 105: Environmental Biology

Understand Your World, Shape Your Future

3 Credit Hours | Perfect for Non-Biology Majors

Why This Course Matters to You

Ever wonder why extreme weather events seem more frequent? Concerned about plastic in our oceans? Curious about what's really happening to wildlife populations around the globe? Environmental Biology gives you the scientific foundation to understand the environmental challenges defining our generation—and your future.

What You'll Explore

This isn't just another science requirement to check off. You'll dive into the real issues shaping our world:

  • Population Dynamics: Understand how human population growth affects everything from housing costs to food security
  • Ecosystem Health: Discover why biodiversity loss matters for medicine, agriculture, and planetary stability
  • Climate Reality: Get the facts about global climate change and its impacts on your future career and lifestyle
  • Pollution Solutions: Explore everything from microplastics to air quality and what can actually be done about it
  • Environmental Justice: Learn how environmental issues affect different communities and why this matters

Perfect For You If...

  • You're majoring in business, political science, education, or any non-biology field
  • You want to understand environmental news and policy debates
  • You're curious about sustainability in your future career
  • You need science credits but want something relevant to real life
  • You're planning to vote, work, or live on this planet (so, everyone!)

Skills You'll Gain

  • Critical thinking about complex, interconnected problems
  • Data interpretation skills for evaluating environmental claims
  • Systems thinking to understand cause-and-effect relationships
  • Communication skills for discussing environmental issues confidently

The Bottom Line

Environmental Biology isn't about memorizing plant parts or animal classifications. It's about understanding the science behind the headlines, making informed decisions as a citizen and consumer, and preparing for a world where environmental literacy is essential—no matter what career path you choose.

Ready to see the bigger picture? Your planet is waiting.

EDGE 1

SUST 260: Natural Disasters

Decode the Data Behind Earth's Most Powerful Forces

Ever wondered why some earthquakes devastate cities while others barely register? How scientists predict volcanic eruptions? Or why certain communities are more vulnerable to natural disasters than others?

SUST 260: Natural Disasters 3 Credit Hours | Master the Data Behind Earth's Most Powerful Forces

Ever wonder why some earthquakes devastate cities while others barely register? How scientists predict volcanic eruptions with stunning accuracy? Or why certain communities face higher disaster risks than others? This course puts you at the cutting edge of disaster science, where data analysis meets life-saving decisions.

What You'll Experience:

  • Real-World Data Analysis: Work with actual datasets from USGS, NOAA, and international monitoring networks to decode seismic patterns, flood probabilities, and volcanic activity
  • Statistical Detective Work: Learn to interpret frequency-magnitude relationships, probability distributions, and trend analysis that scientists use to forecast natural hazards
  • Geographic Intelligence: Master GIS technology to visualize disaster vulnerability patterns and evaluate mitigation strategies using spatial data
  • Evidence-Based Solutions: Analyze the effectiveness of disaster preparedness measures through quantitative case studies and risk assessment models

Connections You'll Make

Discover how earthquake data from Japan influences building codes in California, how hurricane tracking algorithms protect millions of lives, and how flood modeling guides urban planning decisions. You'll explore how climate datasets reveal changing disaster patterns, how population data identifies vulnerable communities, and how economic analysis shapes disaster response policies. You'll see these data-driven connections everywhere—from insurance pricing to emergency planning to infrastructure investment.

Why This Matters to You

In our data-driven world, the ability to interpret and analyze complex datasets is essential across countless careers. This course builds crucial analytical skills by working with real scientific data that shapes emergency response, urban planning, and climate policy. You'll develop the data literacy and evidence-based thinking that employers seek in fields ranging from environmental consulting to public policy to risk management, preparing you to make informed decisions in any career path.

The Experience

Analyze real-time earthquake feeds, interpret satellite imagery of natural disasters, and work with interactive mapping tools that bring disaster science to life. You'll develop the analytical skills and data literacy that distinguish informed leaders in our increasingly complex world.

Perfect for students who want to understand the science behind the headlines and develop the data analysis skills that are essential for leadership in our evidence-based society.

Eberly student support

Successfully navigate your college experience by utilizing the many support services that we offer: the Office of Academic Affairs, the Eberly Center for Career Development, the STEM Learning Center, and the Eberly Writing Studio.

Eberly Student Support Details  Apply Now