Securing the Future
How West Virginia is Building a Cyber Workforce
KENZIE DYE
Higher education institutions across West Virginia are stepping up to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity and technology professionals. Colleges and universities throughout the state are expanding programs, building industry partnerships and providing hands-on training to prepare students for careers in this critical field. Students are learning not just the technical skills of cybersecurity but also the ethical standards, practical experience and adaptability needed to protect infrastructure, businesses and communities.
Concord University
Concord University’ s cybersecurity program stands out through its focus on secure software development, hands-on experiences and a student-centered environment.
“ Unlike other state institutions’ programs, Concord’ s emphasizes secure coding, reverse engineering and system hardening,” says Lonnie Bowe, assistant professor in computer science at Concord University.“ These skills are in high demand across government and industry. A robust computer science foundation ensures students graduate with both theoretical and practical expertise.”
Launched as a Bachelor of Science degree in 2023, the program grew from a concentration within computer science, driven by rising student interest and workforce needs. Faculty shaped the curriculum using standards from the National Security Agency and Association for Computing
Machinery to ensure alignment with industry expectations.
“ This reflects a commitment to keeping the curriculum relevant while addressing the cybersecurity talent gap in Appalachia,” Bowe says.
The program is also unique in serving Southern West Virginia, offering a full four-year degree in cybersecurity to students who may not have access to larger institutions. Its location and structure make it an accessible and affordable option for first-generation and place-bound students.
Concord’ s small-campus atmosphere offers cybersecurity students deep mentorship and personalized guidance. With class sizes of 15 to 20 students, faculty can tailor instruction and help students build both technical expertise and professional capabilities.
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