Home > Programs > Criminal Justice > States > West Virginia


West Virginia Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$70,128
National ComparisonWest Virginia offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 20.8% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyWest Virginia POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in West Virginia offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. West Virginia offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 20.8% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, West Virginia students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in West Virginia

The following schools offer accredited online criminal justice programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in West Virginia.

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

Marshall University

Huntington, WV In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 96%
Graduation rate 49%
Tuition
In‑state$8,942
Out‑of‑state$20,294
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 23

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Fairmont State University

Fairmont, WV In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 99%
Graduation rate 47%
Tuition
In‑state$8,454
Out‑of‑state$18,372
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Bluefield State University

Bluefield, WV In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 87%
Graduation rate 35%
Tuition
In‑state$10,240
Out‑of‑state$17,560
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 10

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Davis & Elkins College

Elkins, WV In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 58%
Graduation rate 42%
Tuition
In‑state$31,270
Out‑of‑state$31,270
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Glenville State University

Glenville, WV In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 34%
Tuition
In‑state$9,412
Out‑of‑state$11,140
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Strayer University-West Virginia

Scott Depot, WV In-state option
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 13

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in West Virginia

Criminal Justice professionals in West Virginia experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for West Virginia.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (West Virginia)
Attorney$102,240
Judge or Magistrate$63,240
Police Supervisor$72,960
Detective or Criminal Investigator$90,690
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$54,570
Correctional Officer$49,990
Probation Officer$50,220
Forensic Science Technician$59,930
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$49,620
Information Security Analyst$107,820

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in West Virginia?

Choosing a program in West Virginia can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in West Virginia offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Programs in West Virginia often align with POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) requirements specific to the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in West Virginia accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For West Virginia, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Criminal Justice pay in West Virginia compare to other states?

West Virginia offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 20.8% below the national trend. This makes West Virginia a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for criminal justice in West Virginia?

The West Virginia POST Commission oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in West Virginia. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Browse Other States