West Virginia's Online MBA Programs
Each of the schools below offers an accredited MBA program that you can pursue primarily online, in your after-work hours, from the comfort of home. Pay attention to the degree timeline, noting whether the program offers accelerated and/or part-time attendance options that synchronize with your own timeline. Check whether these programs have on-campus or residency requirements and whether you can attend class synchronously (at a set class time) or asynchronously (anytime).
Meanwhile, keep in mind that some programs hold more prestigious accreditation than others. Take the time to learn more about MBA accreditation standards, including regional, national, and programmatic accreditation status. Accreditation ensures educational quality, and it can affect access to federal financial aid, credit transfer, and job opportunities.
Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in West Virginia
West Virginia's economy boasts a variety of thriving industries. With notable companies like DuPont, Bayer, PGG, and Dow all operating in the state, it has become a nationally and globally recognized hub for chemicals and biotechnology.
West Virginia is also one of the top U.S. energy producers. In 2017, the state ranked No. 2, second to Wyoming in coal production. Oil, natural gas, hydroelectric power, and wind power make significant contributions in the state, as well. The oil and natural gas industries have seen particular growth over the last decade, and they have positive growth projections, as well.
West Virginia also supports thousands of jobs in other industries, including automotive and aerospace manufacturing, forestry, metals and steel, healthcare, distribution and fulfillment, and tourism. Of these, the healthcare and social services industry has one of the highest projected growth rates from 2016-2026: nearly 15%, according to Workforce West Virginia.
Students pursuing MBAs with a specific industry in mind can feel confident about securing future employment in this economically diverse state. Specific MBA-related careers with moderate or high demand projections from 2016-2026 include logisticians, management analysts, and marketing specialists.
| Company | Location | Main Industry | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| West VA Department of Transportation | Charleston | Transportation | 10,000 |
| CAMC Memorial Hospital | Charleston | Healthcare | 5,000 |
| West VA University Student Life | Morgantown | Education | 4,000 |
Source: Career One Stop
Earning an MBA with a concentration in healthcare management may prove especially beneficial to West Virginians, as each of the state's three top employers are healthcare providers. Several other major employers in the state also work in the medical field. Hospitals and outpatient care centers need strong, qualified professionals to fill key leadership positions, including project managers, marketing directors, community relations specialists, and healthcare administrators.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
Careers for MBA Grads in West Virginia
MBA Concentrations for West Virginia Students
General MBA courses on communications, leadership, or finance prove useful in most positions. Still, pursuing an MBA concentration with a more tailored curriculum often creates the best path for students aspiring to a particular career path or industry with some of the highest paying MBA jobs. Many schools offer multiple MBA specializationoptions, most of which are geared toward cross-industry leadership roles, such as marketing or consulting, or a specific industry context, such as MBA programs in hospitality management or healthcare.
MBAs concentrated on healthcare, hospitality, supply chain management, or operations management may prove particularly useful in obtaining work with West Virginia's top employers, which currently aggregate in the healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors.
