Cybersecurity Programs in West Virginia

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Updated January 30, 2023

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Is West Virginia where you plan to begin your cybersecurity career path? Explore the state's higher learning programs and career resources for tech professionals.

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Harpers Ferry, West Virginia in autumn Credit: Ali Majdfar / Moment / Getty Images

As more companies digitize their operations and enhance their services through cloud-based infrastructure and Big Data, the demand for skilled cybersecurity specialists continues to rise. Attending a West Virginia cybersecurity school can help you qualify for careers in this growing field.

West Virginia offers more than just the scenic beauty of its rolling hills. In addition to the state's coal and natural gas industries, over 2,000 tech businesses contribute to West Virginia's economy, according to 2022 data from CompTIA.

In this guide, we survey cybersecurity degrees and career opportunities in West Virginia.

West Virginia at a Glance

Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations

$71,360

Percentage of Workforce in Tech

2.8%

Economic Impact of Tech Industry

$2 billion

Number of Higher Learning Institutions

42

Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS

Why Go to School for Cybersecurity in West Virginia?

West Virginia is home to 42 higher education institutions, many of which offer cybersecurity undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Students can access various funding opportunities to help pay for these programs, including need-based grants and merit-based scholarships. For example, the state-funded West Virginia Invests grant program provides free tuition to eligible students enrolled in associate degrees and certificate programs at two- or four-year public institutions in the state.

Learners can attend West Virginia cybersecurity programs on campus or online. Distance learning options typically offer more flexibility for students with career and family obligations, although even virtual programs may require in-person components.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that information technology and cybersecurity employment nationwide will grow 15% between 2021 and 2031. A degree in cybersecurity can help students find exciting opportunities in this growing industry.

Education Statistics for West Virginia

Higher Education Statistics West Virginia Data National Data

Four-Year Colleges

27

2,520

Two-Year Colleges

15

1,216

Students Enrolled in Distance Education

72.4%

59%

Sources: NCES

Accreditation for West Virginia Schools

In West Virginia, higher education institutions are held to quality control standards from third-party accreditation agencies. Accreditation indicates that a school meets these accrediting bodies' benchmarks for rigor and academic quality.

Institutional accreditation is applied to an entire school and its academic offerings. Many colleges and universities in West Virginia, including the West Virginia University Institute of Technology and West Virginia State University, hold institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Programmatic accreditation is offered to specific programs or departments within an institution, verifying whether these degrees' curricula prepare enrollees for careers in the field. Computer science and cybersecurity programs may hold accreditation from ABET, a programmatic accrediting agency that audits science, engineering, and technology programs.

Considerations for West Virginia Cybersecurity Majors

Aspiring cybersecurity professionals should consider several factors when choosing a school, including program cost, available concentrations, and distance learning options.

West Virginia schools offer certificate programs as well as two-year and four-year degrees. Determine which of these credentials you need to pursue your chosen career path. Many schools also have graduate and professional programs in computer science, information technology, and cybersecurity for learners seeking to further advance their knowledge.

Fully online education in West Virginia is almost as popular as in-person and hybrid learning: In 2021, 48.7% of students enrolled exclusively in distance learning courses. The table below explores online enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Explore rankings for top cybersecurity programs around the country

Associate Degree Programs in Cybersecurity

Associate Degree Programs in Cybersecurity

Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs

Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs

Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs

Top Doctoral Degree Programs in Cybersecurity

Top Doctoral Degree Programs in Cybersecurity

Most Diverse Cybersecurity Programs

Most Diverse Cybersecurity Programs

HBCUs With the Best Cybersecurity Programs

HBCUs With the Best Cybersecurity Programs

Cybersecurity Concentrations and Similar Degrees

West Virginia schools offer several concentrations and degrees related to cybersecurity. Though learners can pursue a variety of career paths within the industry, the following concentrations may be particularly favorable for helping students take advantage of job opportunities in West Virginia specifically.

Security Software Development

Software developers in cybersecurity create programs that secure computer networks and databases. Security software development degrees combine elements of computer science, programming, and cybersecurity.

Security Engineering

Security engineering combines aspects of information security, cybersecurity, and IT, making this an ideal career path for future cybersecurity workers.

Information Systems Security

Information systems security professionals work in operational security, ensuring valuable data remains private. Specializations include web security, information systems planning and auditing, and business continuity.

Paying for Your Cybersecurity Degree

The average cost of tuition in West Virginia across all types of four-year institutions is lower than national averages for these kinds of schools. As NCES data indicates, the average in-state tuition at public four-year schools was $8,252 for the 2020-21 school year — over $1,000 lower than the national average of $9,375.

To reduce educational expenses, learners can apply for federal student loans as well as West Virginia grants and scholarships. Notable state-specific funding options include the West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program and the West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship.

In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition

West Virginia residents pay a lower tuition rate than their out-of-state counterparts at public schools: Average tuition at public four-year West Virginia institutions for the 2020-21 school year was $8,252 for in-state students, while the cost for out-of-state enrollees was $22,475.

However, out-of-state students may be eligible for in-state tuition rates: West Virginia and 14 other Southern states are part of the Academic Common Market, a reciprocity agreement that allows students from participating states to qualify for in-state tuition rates.

West Virginia's Cost of Living

Cost of living is a vital factor to consider when choosing a degree in any state. According to World Population Review's cost of living index, West Virginia scores 90.5, lower than the national baseline of 100. This indicates that necessary expenses such as food, utilities, housing, and transportation are, on average, less expensive than they are in other states.

Careers for Cybersecurity Graduates in West Virginia

Almost every economic sector has a need for cybersecurity professionals, providing graduates with the opportunity to work across many industries.

CompTIA estimates that over 13,000 professionals in West Virginia worked in tech roles as of 2021. Their data also shows IT services and telecommunications employ the highest numbers of cybersecurity professionals, accounting for over 9,000 of the state's tech jobs. The median tech occupation wages in West Virginia were also found to be 97% higher than the median wage for all jobs in the state.

Select Cybersecurity Careers in West Virginia

Incident Manager


Incident managers ensure organizations' computer systems and networks run smoothly. They identify, record, and resolve all technical issues, taking measures to prevent future problems.

January 2023 Average Salary for Incident Managers: $95,090


Security Architect


Security architects manage organizations' computer systems, evaluating them for vulnerabilities. They perform penetration tests and assess networks for weaknesses and inefficiencies.

January 2023 Average Salary for Security Architects: $133,710


Forensics Analyst


Computer forensics analysts work alongside law enforcement to investigate cybercrimes. They analyze cyberattacks and other illegal online activities using their knowledge of programming, data science, and cybersecurity.

January 2023 Average Salary for Forensic Analysts: $75,260

Data from the BLS and Projections Central about West Virginia employment trends in fields related to cybersecurity are highlighted in the following tables.

West Virginia Employment Trends

Projected Job Growth for Computer Hardware Engineers, Computer Network Architects, and Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Year State National

Computer Hardware Engineers

2020 Employment

240

66,200

2030 Projected Employment

240

67,300

Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030

0%

+1.7%

Computer Network Architects

2018 Employment

240

165,200

2028 Projected Employment

240

174,200

Projected Job Growth, 2018-28

0%

+5.4%

Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

2020 Employment

2,150

1,847,900

2030 Projected Employment

2,690

2,257,400

Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030

+25.1%

+22%

Source: Projections Central

Salaries for Cybersecurity and Related Careers, 2021
Career West Virginia Employment West Virginia Average Annual Wage National Average Annual Wage

Computer and Information Systems Managers

830

$127,770

$162,930

Computer Hardware Engineers

110

$109,690

$136,230

Computer Network Architects

170

$91,510

$120,650

Computer Network Support Specialists

630

$57,430

$71,350

Computer Programmers

380

$73,670

$96,650

Computer Systems Analysts

730

$79,550

$102,210

Information Security Analysts

170

$91,160

$113,270

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

1,090

$71,530

$91,250

Software Developers

1,640

$83,450

$120,990

Web Developers

440

$60,670

$81,320

Source: BLS OEWS

Average wages for information technology and cybersecurity jobs in West Virginia tend to be lower than the national averages. However, because of West Virginia's lower-than-average cost of living, these lower salaries may have higher purchasing power than larger salaries in more expensive states.

Though Projections Central does not project that computer hardware engineers or network architects will experience job growth in the coming years, software developer and software quality assurance analyst and tester jobs are projected to grow 25.1% between 2020 and 2030.

Cybersecurity Employers in West Virginia

TISTA Science and Technology Corporation: Headquartered in Maryland, TISTA Science and Technology Corporation provides IT solutions, operations and risk management services. The company offers job opportunities in West Virginia.

KeyLogic: An information technology company with operations in Morgantown, KeyLogic is a leading provider of IT services for the defense, energy, and federal civilian industries. The company was recently awarded a $99 million U.S. Department of Energy contract to provide services to the National Energy Technology Laboratory.

ManTech: A pioneer in mission-focused tech solutions, ManTech staffs cybersecurity professionals in West Virginia. The company recently received a $100 million U.S. Navy aircraft combat systems contract.

Professional Cybersecurity Organizations in West Virginia

  • ISSA Blue Ridge Chapter: Based in Martinsburg, the ISSA Blue Ridge Chapter was formed in 2007 to provide security professionals with an educational and professional platform as well as networking opportunities. West Virginia students are eligible for a discounted rate on membership dues.

Schools With Cybersecurity Degrees in West Virginia

Questions About Cybersecurity in West Virginia

  • Can I get a cybersecurity degree in West Virginia?

    Yes. West Virginia has 42 higher education institutions, a number of which offer undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs in information technology and cybersecurity. Students can choose from online, on-campus, and hybrid programs.

  • Are the best cybersecurity schools in West Virginia expensive?

    The average cost of tuition in West Virginia is lower than national averages. For example, in the 2020-21 school year, tuition for in-state public four-year schools in West Virginia was $8,252, while the national average was $9,375.

  • What cybersecurity jobs can I get with a degree from West Virginia?

    According to CompTIA, the leading areas of tech employment in West Virginia include software, IT support, and network engineering. Cybersecurity professionals can find these jobs in a variety of industries across the state.

  • Is cybersecurity a good career in West Virginia?

    Though average salaries for West Virginia cybersecurity careers are often lower than national averages, these wages still exceed the average salary for all workers in the state. CompTIA reports West Virginia employs over 13,000 tech workers. Many of these professionals are part of cybersecurity, information security, risk management, and incident response.


Page last reviewed on Jan 2, 2023

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