The decision to pursue your master’s degree is a big one. West Virginia’s top colleges and universities make that decision easier by offering a wide variety of quality and affordable online master’s degree programs, many that can be completed entirely online. Earning your master’s can give you the leg up you need to launch or advance your career in the state, and this OMD guide will introduce you to the best WV online master’s programs available today and help you find the one that’s right for you. An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more… The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities… The variety of online master’s programs offered in the state, from full-time and part-time to accelerated formats… A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses… Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Top Universities Offering Online Master’s Programs
West Virginia University (WVU)
WVU is the state’s flagship public university and a leader in online education. WVU Online offers over 30 graduate degrees that can be completed fully online, spanning such fields as business, engineering, health, education, and more. WVU’s online degree programs emphasize flexibility for working professionals and feature the same curriculums and expert faculty as those offered on campus. Online students benefit from in-state tuition rates in most programs and access to dedicated support services. WVU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Highlighted Program — Online MBA
Duration: 30 credit hours (typically one to two years, depending on pace)
Mode: 100% online (no campus residency required)
Cost: $1,004 per credit ($30,120 total tuition)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Application submittals include official transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and letter of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS). International students only.
Marshall University
Marshall University, a public research university located in Huntington, offers a wide range of online master’s programs through its distance learning division, Marshall Online. Master’s degree subjects include business, education, healthcare, technology, and more. Many programs are presented entirely online, others in hybrid formats that include both online and in-person elements. Programs are designed for flexibility, allowing most students to continue working while earning their degrees. Distance learners at Marshall qualify for a special e-rate tuition and receive robust support via virtual resources and faculty engagement.
Highlighted Program — MSN in Nursing Administration
Duration: 36 credit hours (can be completed in about 2 years of part-time study)
Mode: 100% online courses (no campus attendance required)
Cost: Approx. $572 per credit for WV residents (including online fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Undergraduate courses in statistics and research (3 credits each)
- Current, unencumbered RN license from a U.S. jurisdiction
- Two years of full-time nursing practice prior to admission (recommended)
University of Charleston (UC)
The University of Charleston is a private, regionally accredited university known for career-focused graduate programs. UC offers several online master’s degrees, including an MBA, Master of Science in Strategic Leadership, M.S. in Cybersecurity, and Family Nurse Practitioner MSN. These programs are designed to be flexible and accessible globally, allowing students to continue working while earning their degree from anywhere. Online UC students benefit from small class sizes and courses taught by the same experienced faculty as their on-campus peers. Master’s tuition is competitively priced and discounts are available for military and first responders.
Highlighted Program — M.S. in Cybersecurity
Duration: 30 credit hours (around 20 months full-time or up to 3 years part-time)
Mode: Entirely online with self-paced coursework
Cost: $446 per credit ($16,056 total tuition)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (any field) from an accredited institution
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Submission of UC graduate application and official college transcripts
Top Fields of Study for WV Master’s Degrees
Healthcare and Nursing
Healthcare is one of West Virginia’s fastest-growing sectors due to an aging population and widespread health challenges. WV has high demand for advanced practitioners throughout the state, but especially in rural areas lacking doctors. Notably, Projections Central reports long-term (2022-2023) job growth for nurse practitioners in West Virginia is projected at over 52%. Master’s degrees in nursing equip graduates to fill critical provider and leadership gaps in roles as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, physician assistants, healthcare administrators, etc. These roles offer high ROI, also. For example, nurse practitioners in WV earn a mean annual salary wage of $122,140 (as of May 2024).
Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Technology is emerging as a high-opportunity field in West Virginia’s economy, with professional and IT services in the state projected to add a substantial number of jobs over the next several years. Earning a master’s in computer science, information systems, or cybersecurity can lead to roles in software development, network security, and data analytics throughout WV. Cybersecurity, in particular, is in demand as businesses and government entities (including federal agencies with WV offices) invest in protecting data. These positions command strong salaries, as well, and offer remote work opportunities that make IT a top field for advanced study.
Business Administration and Management
Business remains a popular and versatile graduate field with solid career prospects across the full span of West Virginia industries. In fact, business administration is the most common master’s degree specialization among WV graduate students. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) or related business master’s provides leadership, finance, and strategic skills applicable to the healthcare, energy, finance, and service sectors, among many others. Business master’s graduates often move into high-paying roles as operations managers, financial analysts, and corporate executives. With WV’s low cost of living, the ROI for an MBA is attractive, and many programs offer online study convenience and flexibility for working professionals.
Education (Teaching and Educational Leadership)
Persistent teacher shortages and needs for educational improvement throughout the state make education a major field for master’s students in WV. This is especially the case for specialties like special education and STEM. A Master’s in Education (MEd) or a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) can open pathways to advanced teacher certification and leadership roles as district administrators, principals, instructional coordinators, and more. Educators with a graduate degree also often earn higher salaries under county pay scales. For those committed to shaping West Virginia’s next generation, an advanced degree in education provides both the credentials and pedagogical skills needed to make a positive impact in the classroom and beyond.
Counseling and Mental Health
In the wake of the opioid crisis and other ongoing public health challenges, West Virginia urgently needs trained professionals in counseling, psychology, and social work. As a result, earning a master’s in clinical mental health counseling, social work (MSW), or psychology is highly valuable. These degrees lead to licensure and roles as addiction counselors, clinical social workers, school counselors, and other in-demand positions. For example, employment of substance abuse and mental health counselors in WV is projected to grow by nearly 24% from 2022 to 2032, substantially faster than for all occupations combined, both in the state and across the entire nation.
Choosing the Right Format for Your Online Master’s Programs
Online master’s programs in West Virginia come in a variety of formats to fit different student lifestyles, academic needs and career goals. Whether you’re balancing a full-time job, trying to accelerate your studies, or hoping to skip standardized testing, you’ll find flexible options that meet your needs.
Part-Time Online Programs
Part-time master’s programs in West Virginia are perfect for students who need to balance school with work or family obligations. These programs often allow students to take one or two courses per term, spreading the degree over two to three years. While the timeline is longer, part-time study enables students to apply new skills at work in real time and avoid burnout. These programs often cost the same per credit as full-time options but are more budget-friendly month-to-month.
Examples of Part-Time Online Programs:
- Marshall University — M.A. in Education
- West Virginia Wesleyan College — M.A. in Data Marketing Communications
Accelerated Online Programs
Accelerated programs are designed for motivated students who want to finish their master’s studies as quickly as possible. These master’s degrees can be completed in as little as one year by taking more courses per term and/or enrolling year-round. The biggest drawback is that the intense study pace makes it difficult to continue in a full-time job while pursuing the degree. On the other hand, the payoff is earlier entry (or reentry) into the workforce with your advanced credential.
Examples of Accelerated Online Programs:
- Marshall University — M.S. in Cybersecurity
- West Virginia University — Online MBA
No GRE Required Programs
Many online master’s programs in West Virginia no longer require GRE scores, making it easier for students to apply without the time, expense, and effort of sitting for an entrance exam. Instead, admissions teams employ a more holistic approach to student selections by placing more consideration on other applicant traits and application components, such as work experience, GPA, letters of recommendation, etc. Skipping the GRE saves students time and money and helps level the playing field.
Examples of No-GRE Online Programs:
- Marshall University — MSN in Nursing Administration
- University of Charleston — MBA
Online Master’s Program Cost Comparisons
Online master’s programs in West Virginia are generally affordable particularly when compared to the rest of the nation, and especially for in-state residents. Public universities like WVU and Marshall offer competitive per-credit tuition and often extend in-state or e-rate tuition rates to online students regardless of their state residency status. Private schools may cost more but often offer generous scholarships or discounts (like for military or working adults) to help mitigate the higher costs. And there are financial aid resources of all kinds available to qualifying online master’s students in WV regardless of whether their program is offered by a public or private school.
The table below offers current tuition cost samples for three WV online master’s programs:
| School | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia University (M.S. in Business Data Analytics) | 30 | $1,004 | $30,120 |
| Marshall University (M.S. in Computer Science) | 30 | $521.75 | $15,652.50 |
| University of Charleston (M.S. in Strategic Leadership) | 36 | $446 | $16,056 |
Note: Tuition estimates above are for illustration; actual rates may change year to year. Always consult with the school for the latest fee amounts.
Prospective Master’s Students’ Pressing Questions, Answered
Are online master’s programs in West Virginia fully accredited?
Yes. Most WV colleges and universities (including Charleston University, Marshall University, and West Virginia University) are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an independent accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In addition to institutional accreditation, many specific master’s programs hold specialized accreditation in their academic disciplines. For example, education master’s programs may be accredited by the CAEP, while business master’s programs may be accredited by the AACSB. And nursing master’s are often accredited by the CCNE or ACEN.
Can I complete an online master’s in WV while working full-time?
It’s possible. Many online master’s programs in West Virginia are specifically designed with working professionals in mind, offering asynchronous classes, evening and weekend live-streamed lectures, and part-time curriculum formats. However, students should be careful when considering working full-time while pursuing a full-time or accelerated master’s program. It can be done, but will require excellent self-discipline and time management skills. Nevertheless, online master’s programs from schools like WVU and Marshall offer the flexibility needed to allow students to maintain a job while pursuing their education
How long does it take to earn a master’s degree online in WV?
Most online master’s programs in West Virginia take one to three (or more) years to complete. Specifically, students in accelerated formatted programs can finish in as little as one year. Those in standard full-time programs typically complete their degrees in 12 to 18 months. And part-time learners may take two to three years or more to complete all degree requirements. The student’s chosen study pace and total program credits are the most common factors determining program lengths.
Do I need to live in West Virginia to enroll in an online master’s program?
No. West Virginia colleges and universities gladly accept qualifying out-of-state students into their online master’s degree programs. Many offer in-state or “e-rate” tuition rates to all online learners, regardless of the state residency status. Some do not, though, so be sure to carefully check tuition policies for any program you’re considering. Also, online master’s programs may include in-person components like internships or field experiences, so you’ll want to be sure that the program you’re interested in will allow you to complete any such in-person requirements in your local area.
What financial aid is available for online students in WV?
Online students at accredited WV schools are, for the most part, eligible for the same range of financial aid resources for master’s programs as their on-campus counterparts. These include student loans, scholarships and grants, employer tuition assistance opportunities, VA benefits (for veterans and active military), and, in some cases, even graduate fellowships. These funding sources won’t come looking for you, though, so be sure to contact the financial aid offices at each of the schools you’re considering to find out about any financial aid help you qualify for.