Cybersecurity Programs in West Virginia
Updated January 30, 2023
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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
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Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
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Percentage of Workforce in Tech |
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Economic Impact of Tech Industry |
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Number of Higher Learning Institutions |
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 |
2,520 |
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Two-Year Colleges |
1,216 |
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Students Enrolled in Distance Education |
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
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.
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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. |
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Security Engineering |
Security engineering combines aspects of information security, cybersecurity, and IT, making this an ideal career path for future cybersecurity workers. |
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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
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
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Computer Hardware Engineers |
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2020 Employment |
66,200 |
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2030 Projected Employment |
67,300 |
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Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
+1.7% |
|
|
Computer Network Architects |
||
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2018 Employment |
165,200 |
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2028 Projected Employment |
174,200 |
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Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 |
+5.4% |
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Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers |
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2020 Employment |
1,847,900 |
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2030 Projected Employment |
2,257,400 |
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Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 |
+22% |
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Source: Projections Central
| 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 |
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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.
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Cybersecurity Employers in West Virginia
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.
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College West Virginia University Marshall University American Public University System Salem University
Questions About Cybersecurity in West Virginia
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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