Key takeaways
- Colleges in West Virginia offer high-quality education at a lower cost. 4-year colleges in West Virginia, public and private cost significantly lower than the national average.
- West Virginia has a higher supply/demand ratio for cybersecurity jobs than the national average, indicating a strong demand for cybersecurity talent in the state.
- West Virginia has a variety of educational institutions, including 4-year public and private colleges, as well as 2-year community and technical colleges.
- West Virginia is located near several states with high demand for cybersecurity professionals, such as Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
- Cybersecurity programs in West Virginia focus on practical learning, including technical labs, internships, and part-time employment opportunities so students gain practical experience.
- Colleges in West Virginia offer specialized cybersecurity programs, such as digital forensics and information assurance, catering to different areas of interest and career paths.
- West Virginia offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including historical tours, outdoor adventures, and opportunities to explore the state’s natural beauty.
- University of Charleston and Marshall University are just two of the best colleges in West Virginia for cybersecurity education.
Colleges in West Virginia have much to offer aspiring cybersecurity students. Whether you are considering pursuing an associate, a bachelor’s, or a master’s degree, you will find excellent cybersecurity programs in the state. But before you start searching for the best colleges in West Virginia, refer to our in-depth guide on cybersecurity degrees.
Besides excellence in cyber security education, West Virginia also provides promising career opportunities for aspiring cyber security professionals. The West Virginia National Guard and West Virginia Cyber Security Office are just two of the many organizations where graduates can explore employment opportunities.
In this article, we discuss West Virginia’s cybersecurity landscape and provide a list of colleges in West Virginia offering cybersecurity degrees.
Comprehensive list of cybersecurity colleges in West Virginia
It is natural to have a ton of questions about the degree you aim to pursue. We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions about a bachelor’s in cyber security. Before you move on to selecting a college, clear all your queries so that you make an informed decision.
West Virginia University
West Virginia University is one of the public 4-year colleges in West Virginia. The university offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cybersecurity. This program equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the field, covering areas like data security, software security, and human factors.
You’ll not only gain the technical skills to identify security vulnerabilities but also learn the ethical considerations and relevant cyber laws for each area. The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, ensuring you graduate with industry-recognized knowledge and skills.
The B.S. in cybersecurity from West Virginia University prepares you for a successful career across various sectors, including business, government, research, and even graduate studies.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Morgantown | 3.45 | 88% | $9,360 (in-state)
$26,568 (out-of-state) |
Marshall University
The Cyber Forensics and Security, B.S. at Marshall University is ideal for aspiring cybersecurity professionals with a passion for solving cybercrime. It offers students comprehensive learning in the field of digital forensics and information assurance.
The program focuses on building practical skills and real-world applications. Furthermore, it equips students with the knowledge and tools to investigate cybersecurity incidents, recover crucial evidence, and protect sensitive data.
Here, students learn from experienced faculty and utilize state-of-the-art forensic software, to gain a solid foundation in the field. The goal of the program is to prepare them for successful careers in cybersecurity, law enforcement, and private industry.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Huntington | 3.0 | 97% | $8,604 (in-state)
$19,568 (out-of-state) |
Concord University
Concord University offers a bachelor’s degree in cyber security (BS cyber security). The program specifically focuses on building a core understanding of cybersecurity principles. With cyberattacks targeting everything from networks to personal devices, a cybersecurity degree from Concord University equips you with the knowledge and skills to combat threats.
The program specifically focuses on preparing you to not only prevent attacks but also detect them, design secure systems, and effectively respond to incidents. You will develop a comprehensive skillset in the cybersecurity field which will open doors to a wide range of cybersecurity careers. You can also pursue further education in the field to develop expertise.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Athens | 3.48 | 91% | $9,100 (in-state)
$19,340 (out-of-state) |
University of Charleston
The Applied Computer Science, Cybersecurity program at the University of Charleston offers a comprehensive education for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. It focuses on practical applications and industry-recognized certifications. Thus, equipping equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of information security.
The university recognizes the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals and focuses on building in-demand skill sets. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared to pursue rewarding careers in various sectors, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations.
| Location | Minimum GPA | Acceptance rate | Tuition |
| Charleston | 2.5 | 68% | $31,900 |
What makes colleges in West Virginia ideal for cybersecurity students?
Whether you are looking for a 4-year public or private college or are interested in 2-year community college and technical institutions, West Virginia has something to suit your requirements. However, the availability of colleges is not the only reason why you should consider colleges in West Virginia.
Here are some of the reasons why top colleges in West Virginia are ideal for those wanting to pursue a bachelor’s in cyber security.
Excellent and vast educational institutions
According to the West Virginia Higher Education Commission, there are 12 4-year public higher education institutions and 6 not-for-profit 4-year private institutions in the state. Additionally, the state has several 2-year community and technical colleges offering associate degrees and certifications.
Ideally, aspiring cybersecurity professionals will start their academic journey with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. If they wish to advance their career and build competencies for managerial-level positions, a master’s degree in cyber security is the ideal next step.
However, students wishing to test the waters before committing to a 4-year program can look at associate degrees and technical certifications. It is important to note that the job opportunities available with said qualifications are limited to technical support positions.
Regardless of what direction you choose for your academic journey, you will find an extensive list of colleges in West Virginia.
Lower cost of education
The lower education cost is one of the greatest benefits of obtaining higher education in West Virginia. Education Data Initiative reports that 4-year public colleges in West Virginia cost 9.47% less than the national average. The total cost of attendance for in-state students is just over $20,000.
Tuition costs for public institutions increased by 2.40% and then again by 2.98% between the academic years 2020-2021 and 2022-2023. The cost for room and board averaged $11,555 and witnessed a 0.13% year-on-year increase for the above period.
Furthermore, the cost of attendance for 4-year private colleges in West Virginia is $22,576, which is 54.53% less than the national average. Tuition costs for private colleges increased first by 2.40 between 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 and then by 0.014% between 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.
Accommodation costs increased by 3.32% year-on-year coming to a total of $10,444 for the academic year 2022-2023.
Growing demand for cyber security professionals
According to Cyber Seek, West Virginia’s current supply-to-demand ratio for cybersecurity jobs is 101%, which means there are slightly more cybersecurity job openings than employed professionals in the state. This indicates a growing demand for cybersecurity talent.
West Virginia’s supply-to-demand ratio has been consistently higher than the national average over the past several years. This suggests a stronger demand for cybersecurity professionals in the state compared to the national trend. Currently, there are 3,982 employed cybersecurity professionals, and 822 more are needed to fulfill open positions.
Both the number of cybersecurity job openings and the employed workforce in West Virginia have been steadily increasing since 2010. This reflects a growing recognition of the importance of cybersecurity and a corresponding expansion of the cybersecurity industry in the state.
The higher supply-to-demand ratio suggests a potential skills gap in cybersecurity in West Virginia. There may be a need for more individuals to acquire cybersecurity skills to meet the growing demand for qualified professionals.
The increasing number of cybersecurity job openings presents promising career opportunities for individuals interested in this field. West Virginia’s growing cybersecurity industry offers potential for job growth and advancement.
Proximity to major cyber security employers
West Virginia is located at the center of some of the major states with high demand for cyber security professionals. To its southeast lies Virginia, a state with the third highest number of job openings in the United States as per Statista.
Other major states include Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east. Maryland has the seventh-highest number of cybersecurity job openings with 26,205 open positions. Pennsylvania has the ninth-highest number of job openings with 24,126 open positions.
Kentucky and Ohio bordering West Virginia on the southwest and northwest also provide employment opportunities even if they may not fall within the top 10 cybersecurity employers.
Aspiring cybersecurity professionals can pursue an affordable bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from one of the top colleges in West Virginia and seek out employment opportunities in states with high potential such as Virginia.
Exciting leisure and adventurous activities
The ideal higher education environment is so much more than the academic curriculum. College education is all about exploring interests and opportunities while obtaining professional training. These extracurricular activities play just as important a role in a student’s grooming as does the quality of education.
The best colleges in West Virginia offer both and in abundance. If you are a history buff, there are 7 historical tours you can take. Those who enjoy nature can explore the many national parks and waterfalls. If you are into adventure sports, then you can enjoy river rafting, hiking, zip-lining, and so much more.
How to find the ideal cybersecurity colleges in West Virginia?
The sheer number of available options of colleges in West Virginia can make college planning a daunting task. The state has some of the best colleges for cybersecurity in the US. Here is how you can individually review each to determine which offers the best value as per your career goals and aspirations.
Available specializations
Cybersecurity is a vast and continuously growing field. As cybercriminals become increasingly more persistent and attacks more sophisticated, learning in cyber security degrees evolves too. It is nearly impossible for one individual to have the complete set of skills needed to protect computer systems, IT infrastructure, and data.
Thus, aspiring cybersecurity professionals must choose a specialization area and focus on building niche-specific skills. Available specializations include digital forensics, data protection, cloud security, network security, and so on. Keep in mind your area of specialization governs what job opportunities you can avail yourself of.
Experiential learning opportunities
Cybersecurity is a technical field focusing more on applications rather than concepts. Students are encouraged to build a professional portfolio during their bachelor’s in cyber security and they can do so through multiple streams.
Firstly, look at the availability of technical labs and facilities in colleges in West Virginia. These labs should provide cutting-edge technologies that students use to apply skills learned in the classroom to prevent and solve cybercrime.
Secondly, students must explore internship opportunities colleges provide access to. These include internships at private technical firms and government institutions.
Thirdly, students can pursue part-time employment while pursuing their degree. This allows them to build professional competencies and an extensive portfolio while adding professional experience to their resume. Needless to say, experience matters in the cybersecurity field as it demonstrates you have had on-the-job training.
Strategic partnerships
Strategic partnerships such as those with local law enforcement agencies open many employment and experiential learning opportunities for students. They also ensure students have access to industry leaders and their professional expertise which helps pave the way for holistic learning.
Organizations such as the National Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security, and West Virginia National Guard all have cybersecurity wings students can gain apprenticeship opportunities.
Review best colleges for cybersecurity in the US.
Besides 4-year colleges in West Virginia, you can explore colleges in other states, especially those with a thriving cybersecurity job scene. A review of cybersecurity colleges by state provides a well-rounded sense of what an ideal cybersecurity program should be.
- Best Florida college for cybersecurity
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- Cybersecurity colleges in California
- Cybersecurity colleges in Maryland
Fight crime with a cybersecurity degree from one of the colleges in West Virginia!
Cybercriminal activity is growing at an unprecedented rate. The attempts to cause disruptions to daily activities across the globe must be prevented. Thus, an increasing number of colleges in West Virginia and other states are focusing on cybersecurity education. Enroll in a cyber security degree today to join the fight against cybercrime.