A new partnership between West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVUP) and Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) aims to expand access to cybersecurity education in the Mid-Ohio Valley. The collaboration, formalized on , establishes a 2+2 degree pathway allowing students to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security at WSCO before transferring to WVUP to complete a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cyber Security and Network Administration.
The agreement, signed by WVUP President Dr. Torie Jackson and WSCO President Sarah Parker, seeks to address a gap in baccalaureate degree attainment in West Virginia, which currently ranks near the bottom nationally. According to WVUP, the program is designed to support regional workforce development by providing a “seamless pathway” for students to achieve advanced credentials.
Students completing the associate degree at WSCO will be able to continue their education through WVUP’s online learning platform. This delivery method is intended to accommodate working students and provide flexibility in completing their bachelor’s degree. Coordinated academic advising will be offered by both institutions to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure timely degree completion.
“We know what this will bring to this community,” said Dr. Jackson. “It brings a lot of excitement, a lot of innovation and a lot of opportunities for new partnerships.” She emphasized the value of the collaboration, stating, “We are very thankful for Washington State College of Ohio and what that partnership can mean for students.”
President Parker highlighted the economic benefits of pursuing a four-year degree, stating, “The more you learn, the more you earn.” She added that the partnership guarantees that coursework completed at WSCO will be fully transferable towards the bachelor’s degree at WVUP, addressing a common challenge students face when transferring between institutions. “What we have is an established partnership that People can guarantee students that what they take at Washington State will count towards their baccalaureate,” Parker explained.
The partnership responds to identified workforce needs in the region. WSCO conducted a workforce study that indicated a demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals locally. Parker noted that the program aims to equip students with the skills necessary to fill these positions. “We want to make sure we are doing our part,” she said. “We are making sure our students have a clear pathway to a baccalaureate.”
WVUP’s Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cyber Security and Network Administration builds upon its existing Computer and Information Technology Associate of Applied Science degree. The program is designed to provide students with practical knowledge, analytical skills, and opportunities to achieve professional certifications. The curriculum focuses on building network infrastructure, maintaining existing networks, and securing systems against cyber threats.
Dr. Jackson noted that WVUP is one of the few state community colleges in West Virginia offering bachelor’s degrees, and the university is actively seeking to establish similar partnerships with other two-year institutions to expand access to four-year degree programs. She emphasized that the program is structured to allow students to build upon the foundational skills acquired at WSCO.
“People would be able to get a good job with an Associate’s degree, but by giving local students the ability to continue on and earn a four-year Bachelor’s degree can qualify them for better job opportunities,” Dr. Jackson stated. She added that the collaboration allows both institutions to leverage their strengths, with WSCO providing the foundational skills and WVUP offering the advanced coursework necessary for a bachelor’s degree.
The partnership is effective immediately, with classes scheduled to begin in the fall. Students interested in participating in the program will need to meet the admission requirements of both WSCO and WVUP.
The initiative reflects a broader effort to address the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals globally. According to WVUP, graduates of the program will be well-positioned for employment in any technology field.
