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Applied Learning And Real Impact

Through applied learning and research, our students gain the skills and experience to lead, teach, and support others in educational and counseling settings.

Student Spotlights

Our students are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Read about their experiences and how they are applying their knowledge in real-world settings.

Paige Grove

Class: 2026 Hometown: Johnstown, PA

B.S., Youth and Family Sciences

Read More : about Paige Grove

Being in the classroom every day made me more confident, and I always felt supported by my professors along the way.

Madison Zink

Class: 2026 Hometown: Baltimore, MD

B.A., Elementary Education

Read More : about Madison Zink

The professors in our program are outstanding educators and people. They are highly knowledgeable in their fields but remain compassionate and kind. They push students to think outside of the box and want nothing more for us than to succeed.

Shauna Riggs

Class: 2026 Hometown: Sistersville, WV

B.A. Elementary Education

Read More : about Shauna Riggs

Latest News

News and notes from around the School of Education and Counseling.


              Paige Grove stands in front of a mantle wearing a white dress and holding a gavel.

Grove finds her calling in child life

Sunday, May 03, 2026

Paige Grove came to WVU partly because of how welcoming the campus felt on visits, and partly because her mother is an alumna. She found her direction in Youth and Family Sciences, with a focus on child life, a healthcare specialty centered on supporting children and families through serious medical experiences. Hands-on time at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital put that training into practice and pointed her toward a master's degree in child life at the University of Georgia this fall.

Read More: Grove finds her calling in child life

              A group of WVU College of Applied Human Sciences student award recipients pose with their plaques and certificates in front of a CAHS step-and-repeat banner, with WVU's campus visible through the windows behind them.

CAHS honors top students at awards ceremony

Thursday, April 30, 2026

The College of Applied Human Sciences recognized outstanding students from across its two academic schools during its annual Student Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 24, at the Mountainlair on the WVU campus.

Read More: CAHS honors top students at awards ceremony

              Alaina Fry stands in front of her research poster at an academic presentation event, wearing a name badge.

Letter To Younger Self: Alaina Fry

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

As part of West Virginia University’s May 2026 Commencement celebration, Alaina Fry a mental health and addiction studies major from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience.

Read More: Letter To Younger Self: Alaina Fry

              A student smiles for a close-up outdoor portrait, wearing a blue floral top and a gold cross necklace, with trees visible in the background. Around the photo is a blue background with thin stripes.

Letter To Younger Self: Rachel Rapose

Sunday, April 26, 2026

As part of West Virginia University’s May 2026 Commencement celebration, Rachel Rapose, an elementary education major from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience.

Read More: Letter To Younger Self: Rachel Rapose

Read more stories about the School of Education and Counseling.