Best Computer Science Schools in West Virginia
Ranking, Accreditation, and Opportunities are a few of the many things to look out for when considering a school for studying computer science, and earning a degree from a top-ranked institution can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Ranked as one of the best jobs in America by U.S. News and World Report, the field of Computer Science is definitely the right path for you if you enjoy working with computers and are interested in solving complex problems. Additionally, if you have strong analytical and logical thinking skills, you may find success in computer science.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook, the overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow by 15% from 2021 to 2031 with this increase guaranteeing 682,800 new jobs over the decade. The Occupational Outlook Handbook also reports a median annual wage of $97,430 for all Computer Science and Information Technology related occupations.
West Virginia is home to some excellent computer science programs and institutions, Below are three best computer science schools in West Virginia accredited by ABET to offer computer science degree programs.
West Virginia University
- Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
- Program: Computer Science
- Acceptance Rate: 89.8%
West Virginia University (WVU) is a public land-grant research university located in Morgantown, West Virginia. Established in 1867, West Virginia University is the largest university in the state and is home to over 25,000+ undergraduate and graduate students.
WVU offers a wide range of academic programs, including an accredited Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.S.C.S.) program. Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at WVU offers a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree program in computer science, as well as a range of specialty areas such as Cybersecurity, Theory of Computing, Software & Knowledge Engineering, and Computer Systems.
In addition to its strong academic programs, WVU is ranked as a Research University (Highest Research Activity) – R1 – in the 2021 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university has a number of research centers and institutes focused on computer science and related fields, and its faculty and students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and conduct cutting-edge research.
Ranked 130th in Computer Science by CSRankings, West Virginia University is the only West Virginia college to make the list of top computer science institutions in the United States.
With an annual undergraduate tuition and fee rates (2022-23) of $9,384 for in-state students and $26,568 for out-of-state students, West Virginia offers a great value for students interested in pursuing a degree in computer science.
With its strong academic programs, research opportunities, internships & partnerships with industry experts, West Virginia University is well-equipped to prepare students for successful careers in the field of Computer Science and is a top choice for students.
Marshall University
- Location: Huntington, West Virginia
- Program: Computer Science
- Acceptance Rate: 97.8%
Marshall University is a public research university located in Huntington, West Virginia. It was founded in 1837 and is named after John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States. Marshall University is accredited as an institution of higher learning by The Higher Learning Commission.
The university offers more than 130+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs and it’s home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, John Deaver Drinko Academy, the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing, and others.
With a student body of 11,000+ students and a recognized research center, Marshall University is ranked #299 out of 443 National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, 2022 and designated as a Doctoral University – High Research Activity – R2 – in the 2018 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
Marshall University College of Engineering and Computer Sciences offers an ABET-accredited degree program in Computer Science while providing students with various research opportunities and internship programs.
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
- Location: Beckley, West Virginia
- Program: Computer Science
- Acceptance Rate: 66.4%
West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) is a public polytechnic university located in Beckley, West Virginia. Established in 1895, WVU Tech is a member of the West Virginia University system and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Known for its focus on research and innovation, West Virginia University Institute of Technology has over 1600+ students and is ranked #63 in Regional Colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report.
WVU Tech offers a range of academic programs, including a bachelor’s degree in computer science with the option of a Cybersecurity track. WVU Tech ABET-accredited Computer Science program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of computer science, as well as hands-on experience through internships and real-world projects.
Conclusion
With strong academic programs, a big focus on research, and hands-on learning opportunities, these three schools offer a wide range of programs and resources for students interested in pursuing a degree in computer science and are well-equipped to prepare students for successful careers in the field.
Each of these schools has a strong reputation for producing highly skilled and sought-after graduates and no matter which school you choose, you can be sure that you will receive a top-notch education and have access to the latest technologies and resources. West Virginia is no doubt home to some of the best computer science schools in the United States.