Cyber Security Colleges in West Virginia

Cyber Security Colleges in West Virginia

Earning a cyber security degree lets people pursue a career in the field. This field combines security and tech. This career path allows a person to help protect data and computer systems. Yet, few schools offer them. The U. S. Dept. of Ed’s College Scorecard says there are 71 colleges in West Virginia. Just 12 offer cyber security degrees in West Virginia. Here is a list of the top schools in the state for this subject. It is based on the number of graduating students.

• American Public University System – 361
• Blue Ridge Community and Technical College – 24 
• Marshall University – 16
• Valley College-Martinsburg – 15 
• BridgeValley Community & Technical College – 5
• University of Charleston – 3
• Valley College-Beckley – 3

Online Cyber Security Programs in WV

Online cyber degree programs in West Virginia may be an attractive option. They let students learn from home. Students can work while they go to school. Many who have children or other responsibilities will benefit from this program option. Since cyber is an internet related field, online learning may work well. Only a few schools offer it, though. The following schools offer online cyber degrees. The type of learning method may differ. Yet, most offer flexible learning options. 

American Public University System

American Public University offers an online B. S. in Cyber Security. It is a part of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math. Students will learn solutions for internal and external hackers. They will learn about cyber security defense in public and private sectors. This program is completed fully online. It has an 8 week format. Students can also customize the degree by wireless and mobile security or general.

Marshall University

Marshall University offers an online program. Students may learn fully online. One option is an M. S. in Cyber Security. This program aims to teach those with a bachelor’s degree. Many times, students are already working in the field. They want to concentrate their degree. They may be looking to earn a Ph. D. This program aims to prepare students to pursue private sector and government work.

Valley College – Martinsburg

The Valley College – Martinsburg option is a bit different. Students may enroll in this program throughout the year. It typically takes about 16 months to complete the program. The school offers two options. One is a Cyber Security associate degree. A second option is a bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security. This second option usually takes about 31 months to earn. All of these programs are available online. There are virtual labs provided. That allows for real time scenarios. The program is done fully online. Multiple start points are available during the year.

BridgeValley Community & Technical College

BridgeValley Community & Technical College is another option for WV students. This school offers a two year program. Students may earn an Associate in Cyber Security through this school. This program is fully online. It allows for flexible learning. Students may work at their own pace. They may get entry level info tech education. There are numerous elective options. This lets students concentrate their education.

Valley College – Beckley

Valley College’s second location is in Beckley. Students may take the same degree programs as they may in Martinsburg. This includes an associates in cyber security. That fully online program typically takes 16 months to complete. A second option is a bachelors degree. It usually takes about 31 months to earn. Students may pursue careers in a range of IT careers after earning their degree. This could include IT auditor and IT security specialist. Some may desire to work in security admin. This school’s program includes a virtual lab. That lets students use real life tools right from home.

University of Charleston

The University of Charleston is another school. It offers an online program. This a bachelor’s degree in cyber security. The degree typically takes two years to earn. Students may learn skills to pursue a career in a range of jobs. The program is developed with the National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. Students may pursue work in public or private jobs. This aims to help students work as information security analysts.

Cyber Scholarships in WV

There are various ways to save money on school costs. Some people choose a student loan. Other financial aid is available, too. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify, Others may seek out grants. Some schools offer private scholarships to students. There are also local, state, and national scholarships available. Some are just for cyber security. Here are a few options to explore to help pay for education.

Rural Technology Fund Cyber Security Scholarship

This scholarship is given to students in a rural community in WV. Students need to attend an accredited school. They must be studying computer tech fields with a security focus.. To qualify, students need to complete a set of essay questions. The goal is to show interest in security topics. It also helps to show insights into the field. Students need to provide other info, too. This may include transcripts. The Rural Technology Fund Cyber Security Scholarship awards up to $1000 to students.

Cyber Corps Scholarships for Service

The Cyber Corps offers a Scholarship for Service opportunity. This program provides skill knowledge and financial support. Students must attend a participating school. They must be working to earn a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. Some doctoral programs may work. The goal is to provide hands on experience to students in this program. That is why a summer internship is required. The program awards up to $25,000 to undergrad students each year. It awards up to $34,000 to grad students. Students will gain networking options with government agencies. 

Center for Cyber Safety and Education

The ISC or Center for Cyber Security Safety and Education Scholarship is another option. It is for undergrad students. It provides up to $5,000 for qualified students. Students must have a GPA of 3.3 or higher. Students need to provide a resume and transcripts. They also need to provide a letter of recommendation. There is an essay requirement. The program aims to encourage students to study cyber security and information security.

Ralph W. Shrader Graduate Diversity Scholarship

The Ralph W. Shrader Graduate Diversity Scholarship is available to WV students. This is a STEM focused scholarship. It is available to those who are grad students. It provides up to $3,000. Students who are women or minorities can apply. They must be U. S. citizens. They also need to be in a full time grad program. A 3.5 GPA is also necessary. The goal for this scholarship is to encourage advanced learning. To apply students need to provide two letters of recommendation. They must have official transcripts and a resume. They also need to complete an online app.

AFCEA Cyber Security Scholarship

The AFCEA Cyber Security Scholarship is for STEM students. Cyber security qualifies. This program aims to help cover educational costs for those who want to work in the field. It is for under grad students. Students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher. They must be enrolled full time. They can use the funds for tuition and other school costs. Transcripts and two letters of recommendations are necessary. There are two short essays to complete, too. Fill out an online app. This scholarship provides up to $5,000.

Cyber Workshops and Conferences in West Virginia

Learning is a critical component to the cyber industry. Staying up to date on newest threats is a very important part of this field. School is a part of it. Workshops and conferences may help. They provide students and pros in the field with access to current knowledge. They also provide access to new products and tools. Many times, employers want people who attend these conferences. It helps them to remain up to date on threats. There are several conferences in West Virginia. It is also possible to explore other opportunities in nearby states. 

SecureWV – Hack3rCon

This conference is held in Charleston each year. It is small enough to allow individuals to talk to experts. The program invites conversations. It encourages people to share insights and concerns. It also allows students to spend time networking. It is an insightful opportunity and is a part of the Infosec community.

West Virginia Cyber Security Conference

This program is an annual event each October. The agenda includes keynote speakers. There are vendors showcasing their products. The goal is to open communication on best practices. Experts offer insights on new threats. This event is aimed at state employees. However, anyone can attend. It is an opportunity to discuss and network in the industry.

There are also several workshops in WV. Workshops are a bit more hands on. Some meet more often. Here are a few options:

ISSA Blue Ridge Chapter

This local group meets each month. It is for Information System Security Association members. Many can join. The goal is to bring in speakers to discuss risks. Because of its location, many are from Homeland Security and the U. S. Dept. of Defense. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is also a component of some events. Students can get discounted memberships.

Coding & Cyber Summit

This event happens in December each year. It brings tech experts and business owners together. The idea is to help support talent in the cyber security industry. Students will engage in various activities. Speakers are present. Education leaders from the Mountain State are invited.

IoT Lockdown

This event takes place in December. It is a one day event and virtual conference. The focus is on internet of things. It also includes education and support for device management and security. This is a hands on workshop. Students learn about weaknesses in networks. They also learn how to spot and stop security breaches.

SANS

This agency provides workshops to help industry pros stay up to date. Most of these programs are in person training opportunities. Students and pros can take these SANS courses. They are a good way to maintain skills.

Cyber Security Jobs in West Virginia

The goal of education is to create a career path. There are various ways to do this. Many private sector and public agencies may hire cyber security students. There are many factors impacting who is hired. Many factors influence how much a person earns in their job, too. Job position, the company itself, and the industry they work in play a role in this. In West Virginia, the average pay for cyber security pros is $81,600. Here are some companies that hire cyber security pros in West Virginia. 

Leidos

This organization specializes in information technology. They work to develop and integrate info tech solutions. They are also an engineering company. The company does biomedical research. It also works in the American defense industry. This company is a federal contractor.

Humana

Human is a national insurance provider. The company creates health insurance products for consumers. It has a commercial division. It also has a Medicare division. It uses cyber security pros to help with data protection. It also uses these pros to minimize risk and to protect cloud systems. Humana is a federal contractor.

American Express

American Express is a financial company. It has a large credit card division. It offers other types of financial products as well. The company helps fund operations and provide commercial loans. It uses cyber security pros to safeguard data. It also uses them to reduce risk to data and the cloud. The company is a federal lender as well. That is why it is a federal contractor.

Fusion Technology LLC

This company is a large IT services provider. It is headquartered in Bridgeport. The company provides a range of tech services to other businesses. It also works to provide IT services to the government. The company uses cyber pros to help safeguard operations. It also works to minimize risks to data.

The MITRE Corp

This organization is a non profit. It works to help fund research for U. S. government agencies. It has a West Virginia office. It also has development centers for IT protection. The company is research heavy. It is fully federal funded, which makes it a federal contractor. The organization uses cyber security pros for many positions. This includes to help safeguard client information. It also uses them for data analysis.

SAIC

The Science Applications International Corporation is a federal contractor. This company provides government services. This includes providing IT support. The company hires cyber security pros to help with this area. Pros work to provide advanced protections for their clients. ASIC is an information tech provider. It handles research and development projects. It works within the private sector as well.

Cyber Security Degrees in West Virginia by College

Choosing a school is important for cyber security degree programs. Most students know the quality of the school matters. Numerous schools in WV offer cyber security degrees. Yet each is very different. Here are the available programs. They are listed in order based on the number of grads in 2018 from the school in the field. School rankings may differ each year.