Best Bachelor's Computer Science Degree Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia University — Morgantown, WV
Key Distinction: Two-course capstone project sequence (CSEE 480S Design and CSEE 481S Implementation). ABET-accredited program
Hakia Insight: WVU's two-course capstone sequence (Design + Implementation) and ABET accreditation, combined with proximity to the National Energy Technology Laboratory and federal contractor networks, gives graduates immediate credibility for security clearance positions across the Mid-Atlantic.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.S.C.S.) at West Virginia University prepares students for careers in software development, cybersecurity, machine learning, data analytics, virtual reality, and human-computer interfaces. The program is ABET-accredited and spans 122 credit hours over four years with a structured curriculum combining theoretical foundations and practical application. Students complete a two-course capstone sequence (CSEE 480S/481S) requiring design and implementation projects. The program offers two Areas of Emphasis: Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, allowing specialization in emerging fields. The curriculum integrates 12 credits of interdisciplinary technical electives from BIOM, CPE, CS, CSEE, CYBE, EE, and ROBE courses, enabling hands-on experience across disciplines. Graduates are prepared for immediate professional roles in industry, research, and government service, with the program emphasizing both technical depth and professional communication skills through required business/technical writing courses.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Advanced Computing and Information Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- National Energy Technology Laboratory (government)
- Cisco (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Katerina Goseva-Popstojanova — Software reliability, cybersecurity, and dependable systems
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Proximity to federal research institutions in the regionAccess to government and defense contractor networksPipeline to Mid-Atlantic tech corridor (Pittsburgh, DC, Charlotte)
Concord University — Athens, WV
Key Distinction: Concord prioritizes mentorship-driven, practical software development training in an intimate setting rather than research intensity, ideal for students seeking direct faculty guidance toward industry employment.
Hakia Insight: Concord's partnership with Intel, IBM, and Red Hat—unusual for a small liberal arts program—signals that employers value the close mentorship model over research output, meaning graduates emerge with direct industry advocates rather than just a diploma.
At the bachelor's level, concord's computer science program prioritizes accessible, individualized instruction within a close-knit academic community, making it particularly well-suited for students who thrive with direct faculty mentorship. The program follows a practical, career-focused curriculum that emphasizes software development fundamentals, database design, and web technologies, with an eye toward job-market readiness. Rather than attempting to cover cutting-edge research domains, Concord concentrates on building strong competency in core CS concepts and industry-standard languages and frameworks that employers consistently seek. The smaller student-to-faculty ratio allows for personalized guidance on project selection and career planning, with many students working directly with faculty on applied projects. Curriculum highlights include hands-on coursework in full-stack web development, mobile application development, and network administration. Graduates primarily pursue roles in regional technology companies, small-to-medium businesses, and local government IT departments across West Virginia and neighboring states. The program serves students seeking a supportive, undergraduate-focused environment where they can develop practical skills without the pressure of competing research agendas, making it attractive to first-generation college students and those transitioning from other fields.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Intel (employer)
- IBM (employer)
- Red Hat (employer)
- Highmark (employer)
- Capital One (employer)
- Lockheed Martin (employer)
- Northrop Grumman (employer)
- Leidos (employer)
- Fast Enterprises (employer)
- Cvent (employer)
- US News & World Report (employer)
- ArcelorMittal (employer)
- FoxGuard Solutions (employer)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Lisa Darlington — Mathematics
- Dr. Raghad Alhusari — Computer Science
- Dr. Lonnie Bowe — Computer Science
- Dr. Mark Dietrich — Computer Science
Location Advantages: Regional employer connections in West Virginia and surrounding areas
Davis & Elkins College — Elkins, WV
Key Distinction: Davis & Elkins College offers comprehensive Computer Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Davis & Elkins College offers Computer Science programs in Elkins, WV, providing accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Davis & Elkins College offers Computer Science programs in Elkins, WV. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Bethany College — Bethany, WV
Hakia Insight: Bethany's internship network includes NASA and major law firms (Orrick), an unusual combination that positions CS graduates for either STEM careers or tech-adjacent roles in policy and intellectual property—diversifying post-graduation options beyond typical software engineering.
At the bachelor's level, bethany's Computer Science program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience through real-life case studies, internships with notable organizations like NASA and WesBanco, and research opportunities. The program integrates cybersecurity training and industry-recognized certifications while maintaining a balance of computer science, business, mathematics, and physics coursework.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: WesBanco, NASA, Orrick, Herrington, and Sutcliffe, LLP, University of Pittsburgh.
Location Advantages:
Shepherd University — Shepherdstown, WV
Key Distinction: Directed Research in Computer and Information Sciences (CIS 485) - undergraduate research opportunity in senior year. Four specialization concentrations available
Hakia Insight: Shepherd's proximity to Washington D.C. and its CIS 485 undergraduate research requirement create a distinct advantage: students can conduct senior research while simultaneously accessing internships with federal agencies and defense contractors building tools for national security.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Sciences Comprehensive program at Shepherd University provides students with concepts and skills to develop and manage state-of-the-art computer systems. The program emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of computer science across virtually all organizational types. Students complete 120 total credit hours and can pursue one of four specialization tracks: Computer Science (CS), Computer Graphics and Games (CGG), Computer Programming and Information Systems (CPIS), or Cyber Security and Networking (CSN). The curriculum includes a directed research course (CIS 485) in the senior year, providing undergraduate research experience. Core coursework covers foundational topics including discrete mathematics, programming languages, data structures, database management, operating systems, networking, and computer organization. Graduates are prepared to apply their knowledge professionally and pursue advanced training. The program integrates mathematics and computer science coursework with general education requirements across four years of structured progression.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Sciences Comprehensive — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington D.C. tech corridorAccess to Mid-Atlantic internship and employment networks
West Virginia University Institute of Technology — Beckley, WV
Hakia Insight: WVU Tech's model of students working as IT staff while pursuing CS creates simultaneous income and applied learning—a rare design that makes the degree financially accessible while building professional credibility that employers immediately recognize.
At the bachelor's level, WVU's Computer Science program offers unique hands-on opportunities to work as IT staff, research in cutting-edge fields like machine learning, and access to specialized cybersecurity facilities co-located with the West Virginia State Police Crime Lab. The program encourages entrepreneurial activities through partnerships with business incubators and maintains prestigious national security designations.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
- Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education and Research by NSA and Department of Homeland Security
Location Advantages:
Marshall University — Huntington, WV
Key Distinction: CS 490 Senior Project capstone requirement. State-of-the-art computing facilities readily available to students
Hakia Insight: Marshall's dual focus on cybersecurity (through its dedicated Institute and faculty like Dr. Narsan) and industrial control systems creates a niche advantage: the program trains CS graduates for critical infrastructure roles that pay premiums but remain chronically understaffed.
Marshall University's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science prepares students for careers through practice-based learning grounded in theory. Students learn to analyze, design, build, test, and deploy computer-based systems while making technical trade-offs between performance, scalability, availability, reliability, security, maintainability, cost, and societal impact. The program culminates in a CS 490 Senior Project. The curriculum includes core computer science courses (programming, data structures, algorithms, software engineering, operating systems, databases, cybersecurity), mathematics (calculus, discrete structures, linear algebra, probability/statistics), and electives allowing specialization in areas such as software quality assurance, computer graphics, high performance computing, bioinformatics, computational intelligence, cyber risk, digital image processing, and systems engineering. Marshall's computing facilities are state-of-the-art and readily available to students. The program integrates general education requirements with major-specific coursework totaling 120 credit hours over four years.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Marshall University Institute for Cyber Security (ICS)
- Exercise Physiology Laboratories (MUEPL)
- Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Exercise Center (MUCEL)
- Human Performance Lab
Industry Partners
- DroneTrace (collaborator)
- Neighborgall Construction (contractor)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Husnu S. Narman — Cybersecurity, Industrial Control Systems, machine learning applications
- Dr. Paulus Wahjudi — Cybersecurity education and training
- Dr. Wael Zatar — Structural integrity assessment, non-destructive testing
- Dr. Joon W. Simon Shim — Biomedical engineering, RNA biomarkers
- Dr. Nasim Nosoudi — Biomaterials, stem cell engineering, bioelectric stimulation
- Dr. Ross Salary — Advanced manufacturing, bone tissue engineering, aerosol jet printing
- Dr. Ammar Alzarrad — Machine learning, railway safety applications
- Dr. Pingping Zhu — Machine learning applications in infrastructure
- Dr. Rick Gage — Remote sensing, forest biomass estimation
- Dr. Courtney Wellman — Biomedical research collaboration
- Dr. Todd Davies — Biomedical research collaboration
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75.
Requirements: Core curriculum including critical thinking, composition, speech communication, calculus, Mathematics: Calculus I & II, Discrete Structures, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Major-specific courses: Computer Science I & II, Data Structures and Algorithms (2 courses), Programming Languages, Software Engineering (2 courses), Internetworking, Operating Systems, Automata and Formal Languages, Computer Architecture, Database Engineering, Cybersecurity, CS 490 Senior Project, Three science courses with labs, Engineering Economy, Scientific & Technical Writing, Principles of Management, Two CS electives from specialized options, General education: humanities, social studies, fine arts, multicultural/international, writing intensive courses, Free electives
Location Advantages: Regional tech sector growth in Mid-AtlanticProximity to developing Appalachian tech hubs
University of Charleston — Charleston, WV
Hakia Insight: University of Charleston's five specialized majors (including AI and cybersecurity) delivered through hybrid delivery means students can customize focus areas typically reserved for larger universities while maintaining scheduling flexibility.
At the bachelor's level, the Applied Computer Science degree offers five specialized majors including AI and cybersecurity, delivered through a hybrid program combining on-campus and online courses from a national consortium of accredited institutions. Students gain hands-on experience and practical training through internships with technology companies and government agencies.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Fairmont State University — Fairmont, WV
Key Distinction: Team-based software system design and implementation projects. Real-world problem-solving focus
Hakia Insight: Fairmont State's partnership with the NASA IV&V Facility—which verifies and validates critical software—gives undergraduate project courses access to real testing challenges that rival many master's program capstones, while building direct relationships with a federal employer.
The Computer Science program at Fairmont State University offers two Bachelor of Science degree options: Computer Science and Computer Science with Cybersecurity concentration. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical application, with students developing real-world problem-solving skills using high-level programming languages and object-oriented design. The cybersecurity concentration provides hands-on experience with security tools and protocols while exploring legal, social, and political aspects of cybersecurity. The program focuses on software engineering principles, systems concepts, and professional ethics preparation. Students work on team-based software system design and implementation projects. Graduates are prepared for employment across private companies and government agencies or for graduate school admission. The program emphasizes adaptability to changing technology environments and effective communication skills for diverse computing and cybersecurity professions.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- NASA IV&V Educator Resource Center
- Behavioral Science Research Lab
Industry Partners
- NASA IV&V Facility (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Mahmood Hossain — Computer Science
- James Long — Computer Science
- Aaron Saas — Cybersecurity
Location Advantages: Energy sector IT opportunities in West VirginiaRegional manufacturing and industrial technology employers
Bluefield State University — Bluefield, WV
Key Distinction: Bluefield State University offers comprehensive Computer Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Bluefield State's regional positioning in Appalachia creates an unusual advantage: graduates often fill immediate IT staffing gaps in underserved state and local government agencies, translating to faster job placement than peer institutions in saturated tech markets.
Bluefield State University offers Computer Science programs in Bluefield, WV. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Computer Science Degree Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia University — Morgantown, WV
Key Distinction: WVU integrates cybersecurity principles throughout its entire computer science curriculum rather than treating it as an elective specialization, creating graduates uniquely prepared for security-focused roles.
Hakia Insight: WVU's embedded cybersecurity curriculum—not siloed into electives—means every graduate exits with security fundamentals relevant to NETL and Cisco roles, a depth that specialized cybersecurity bootcamps claim but rarely deliver at the master's level.
WVU's computer science program emphasizes a balance between theoretical foundations and practical application, with particular strength in cybersecurity and software engineering. The curriculum is structured to give students early exposure to industry-relevant tools and methodologies, moving beyond pure theory into hands-on project work that mirrors real-world development environments. What distinguishes the program is its integration of cybersecurity throughout the curriculum rather than as a standalone concentration—students encounter security principles in databases, networks, systems, and software design courses, preparing them for the growing demand in critical infrastructure and enterprise security roles. The program benefits from WVU's location in Appalachia and connections to federal research institutions, which has shaped partnerships with government agencies and defense contractors. Faculty research spans cloud computing, distributed systems, and secure software development, with opportunities for undergraduates to participate in labs and contribute to published work. Graduates typically pursue roles in software development, systems administration, and cybersecurity across tech companies, financial services, and government agencies. The program maintains ABET accreditation and offers both a traditional BS and accelerated BS/MS pathways for high-performing students, allowing completion of a master's degree in five years. Career outcomes show strong placement in the Mid-Atlantic tech corridor, with many alumni landing positions at companies headquartered or with significant operations in Pittsburgh, DC, and Charlotte.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Computer Science — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Advanced Computing and Information Systems Laboratory
Industry Partners
- National Energy Technology Laboratory (government)
- Cisco (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Katerina Goseva-Popstojanova — Software reliability, cybersecurity, and dependable systems
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Proximity to federal research institutions in the regionAccess to government and defense contractor networksPipeline to Mid-Atlantic tech corridor (Pittsburgh, DC, Charlotte)
Marshall University — Huntington, WV
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. non-thesis (coursework-only) track options. Thesis option allows 6-credit investigation over two semesters with written document and oral presentation
Hakia Insight: Marshall's 2.75 GPA floor and thesis-optional structure specifically accommodates working professionals who need flexibility; the Cyber Security Institute partnership with DroneTrace creates a direct pipeline for students to productize their thesis work into commercial applications.
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) at Marshall University is a 30-credit program designed for working professionals seeking advanced expertise in complex software systems development. The program offers flexibility through both thesis and non-thesis (coursework) tracks, allowing students to tailor their learning path. The thesis option, typically completed over two semesters (6 credits), provides opportunities for in-depth research after completing 18 credits. Five required core courses (Advanced Database Systems, Advanced Programming, Data Mining, Advanced Web Technology, Applied Algorithms) are supplemented by 15 elective credits from 600-level or approved 500-level courses. The program prepares graduates for senior software engineering roles, technical leadership positions, and further doctoral study. Career advancement typically leads to roles in software architecture, systems design, and technical management, with mid-career salary potential significantly exceeding bachelor's degree holders in the field.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Marshall University Institute for Cyber Security (ICS)
- Exercise Physiology Laboratories (MUEPL)
- Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Exercise Center (MUCEL)
- Human Performance Lab
Industry Partners
- DroneTrace (collaborator)
- Neighborgall Construction (contractor)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Husnu S. Narman — Cybersecurity, Industrial Control Systems, machine learning applications
- Dr. Paulus Wahjudi — Cybersecurity education and training
- Dr. Wael Zatar — Structural integrity assessment, non-destructive testing
- Dr. Joon W. Simon Shim — Biomedical engineering, RNA biomarkers
- Dr. Nasim Nosoudi — Biomaterials, stem cell engineering, bioelectric stimulation
- Dr. Ross Salary — Advanced manufacturing, bone tissue engineering, aerosol jet printing
- Dr. Ammar Alzarrad — Machine learning, railway safety applications
- Dr. Pingping Zhu — Machine learning applications in infrastructure
- Dr. Rick Gage — Remote sensing, forest biomass estimation
- Dr. Courtney Wellman — Biomedical research collaboration
- Dr. Todd Davies — Biomedical research collaboration
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75.
Requirements: 30 total credit hours, At least 18 credits from 600-level courses, Five required core courses: CS 510, CS 511, CS 515, CS 600, CS 620, 15 elective credits from 600-level or approved 500-level courses, Plan of Study form required before program start, Thesis option: formal written document and oral presentation (optional)
Location Advantages: Regional tech sector growth in Mid-AtlanticProximity to developing Appalachian tech hubs
