West Virginia’s colleges and universities offer a wide variety of accounting programs for those interested in careers in the accounting and business fields. Programs differ in format, area of specialization, and curriculum, but students can choose the degree that best fits their schedule and career goals. Graduates from accounting programs in West Virginia may find opportunities to work in the state or start their own businesses after graduation. Continue reading below to find out more information about school rankings, professional accounting licensure, and career outlooks in West Virginia.

Table of Contents

Comparison of West Virginia Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in West Virginia to help you compare your options. Programs that appear in bold text offer hybrid or online options.

SchoolAccreditationAccounting Degree(s)Acceptance Rate10Grad Rate1Avg Net Price1Median Debt*10Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry**10
Bethany College—BAcc;
BAcc/BS-Computer Science;
Minor-Accounting;
5-Year BAcc to MBA		73.6%42%$17,605$27,000$45,183
Bluefield State UniversityACBSPBSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
UG Cert-Bookkeeping		96.9%35%$11,759$18,250$38,646
Concord UniversityACBSPBSBA-Accounting: CMA;
BSBA-Accounting: CPA;
Minor-Professional Accountancy		95.6%40%$8,464$18,900$40,246
Davis & Elkins CollegeIACBEBS-Accounting77.6%48%$20,126$27,000$38,710
Fairmont State UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting98.8%46%$10,794$21,000$38,538
Marshall UniversityAACSBBBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting
5-Year BBA to MS-Accountancy;
MS-Accountancy		97.8%50%$8,756$23,250$43,564
Shepherd University—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
5-Year BS to MBA;		96.4%48%$9,827$21,600$47,268
University of CharlestonACBSPBSBA-Accounting;
BSBA-Accounting: CPA;
3-Year Accelerated BSBA-Accounting;
4-Year BSBA-Accounting to MBA		69.7%42%$21,308$19,500$46,166
West Liberty UniversityIACBEBSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MBA-Forensic Accounting		73.9%61%$13,788$23,250$41,989
West Virginia State UniversityACBSPBSBA-Accounting;
UG Cert-Forensic Accounting;
Grad Cert-Accounting		96.6%35%$11,684$23,338$38,235
West Virginia UniversityAACSBBSBA-Accounting: Corporate and Organizational Accounting;
BSBA-Accounting: CPA Exam;
BSBA-Accounting: Data Analytics and Big Data;
BSBA-Accounting: Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination;
Minor-Accounting;
4-Year BSBA to MAcc;
4-Year BSBA to MS-Forensic and Fraud Examination
MAcc-Assurance, Forensic and Fraud Examination;
MAcc-Business Data Analytics;
MAcc-Tax;
MS-Forensic and Fraud Examination: Business Cybersecurity Management/Compliance;
MS-Forensic and Fraud Examination: Business Cybersecurity Technically-Focused;
MS-Forensic and Fraud Examination: Business Data Analytics;
MS-Forensic and Fraud Examination: Management;
Grad Cert-Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination		89.8%62%$12,202$22,500$55,073
West Virginia University at ParkersburgACBSPBASBA-Accounting & Financial Management;
BSBA-Accounting		N.Av.30%$3,029$12,570$32,799
West Virginia University Institute of Technology—BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
Minor-Fraud Management;
UG Cert-Fraud Management		66.4%34%$9,529$22,500$55,073
West Virginia Wesleyan College—BS-Accounting;
BS-Accounting: CPA;
5-Year BS-Accounting to MBA		84.4%53%$20,470$27,000$48,086
Wheeling UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MSA		78.1%70%$19,998$25,125$57,251

Table Notes:
*Median Debt: The median debt is the cumulative federal loan debt, excluding PLUS loans, at the time of graduation for students who completed an undergraduate program (certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree) as reported by College Scorecard for academic year 2020-2021 based on ​​National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) data.
**Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry: Median earnings are the middle value of earnings, at which half earned more and half earned less, measured 10 years (2020-2021) after the first year of study (2010-2011) for all students, institution-wide, who received federal loans and who are employed but not enrolled in school. Note that this value includes those who completed their program of study as well as those who discontinued study without receiving an award.

Top-Ranked Accounting Schools in West Virginia

College rankings can be a useful tool to measure the overall reputation of a school or program. Weighing multiple rankings when evaluating your college choices can be helpful because different publishers may use different ranking factors in their methodologies. While the best program for your goals may rely on a combination of factors not typically considered in overall rankings, such as location or funding, seeing a program ranked on multiple lists can be a strong indication of reputation and academic quality.

US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023

  • West Virginia State (#112 tie)5

Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases reports including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.11 The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in West Virginia in 2019 (the most recent report available*) for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall pass rate for first-time test-takers in West Virginia being 45.5%:

  1. Fairmont State University 75.0%
  2. West Virginia State University 69.2%
  3. Shepherd University 60.0%
  4. West Virginia University 48.6%
  5. Marshall University 48.0%

*As NASBA makes significant changes to the CPA Exam as part of the CPA Evolution initiative, new candidate score reports by state are not anticipated until at least mid-2024.

Schools in West Virginia with Accounting Degrees

To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in West Virginia, we have profiled select programs below. Be sure to visit the websites of programs of interest for more detailed information on courses, admissions requirements and deadlines, and faculty.

Graduate Accounting Programs

Marshall University

Marshall University’s Brad D. Smith College of Business offers a Master of Science (MS) in Accountancy degree. Through this program, individuals interested in becoming licensed CPAs can fulfill the educational requirements and be prepared to sit for the CPA examination. The program’s core curriculum focuses on advanced knowledge needed in professional accounting and fundamental business skills through courses such as Advanced Income Tax Procedure, Advanced Controllership, and Government and Business Relationships. Students learn accounting research methods, gaining experience using electronic databases and computer auditing techniques. Graduate students also learn communication and leadership methods necessary to succeed in the accounting industry. Some students choose to pursue part-time internships or other learning opportunities while in the graduate program. Those without an undergraduate accounting degree may need to complete some prerequisite courses before beginning the program. A fully online version of Marshall’s MS in Accountancy program is also available.

West Virginia University

At West Virginia University’s (WVU) College of Business and Economics, students can earn a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree with the choice of emphasis areas: Assurance, Forensic, and Fraud Examination; Business Data Analytics; and Tax. This program is ideal for individuals interested in the CPA designation, as the curriculum includes CPA review courses and students must complete at least two sections of the CPA examination before graduating. All students take required core classes such as Accounting/Economic Decision Making; Mergers and Acquisitions; Financial Accounting Theory and Practice; and Assurance Services and Professional Standards. They are also required to complete experiential learning courses in partnership with the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office. This program can be completed in one year of full-time study, and top undergraduate accounting students at WVU can apply to the 3+1 program which allows them to earn an undergraduate and MAcc degree in just four years.

Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs

West Liberty University

The Gary E. West College of Business at West Liberty University offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Forensic Accounting Concentration. This 30-credit program offers classes in an accelerated seven-week format and can be completed in as little as one year, although applicants without an undergraduate degree in business may need to complete online learning modules prior to enrollment. MBA students take advanced business courses in addition to classes in marketing, finance, and human resources. Required coursework for the Forensic Accounting Concentration includes classes such as Detection and Prevention of Fraudulent Financial Statements; Auditing and Forensic Accounting; White Collar Crime; and Investigation with Computers. In addition to preparing students for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) examinations, graduates from this program also meet the educational requirement for CPA licensure.

Wheeling University

Wheeling University (WU) offers an ACBSP-accredited Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) online for undergraduate accounting majors aiming to meet the 150-hour education requirement established by the AICPA. Applicants must have completed specific courses as part of their undergraduate degree with a minimum grade of “C” and hold an overall GPA of at least 2.8. The 30-semester hour program was designed to meet each requirement needed to sit for the CPA exam in West Virginia. The MSA curriculum consists of eight required courses, including Ethical Environment of Business, Managerial Economics, and Management of Financial Resources. Two additional electives are required, which students may choose from the following courses: Advanced Information Systems, Contemporary Accounting Theory, Internship in Accounting, and an MBA elective with approval of the Director. No thesis is required. A traditional in-person version of the program meets in the evening once a week.

West Virginia CPA Requirements and Steps

The West Virginia Board of Accountancy (the Board) requires students interested in the CPA designation to complete 150 semester hours of education at an accredited college or university, although they may sit for the CPA examination after completing 120 hours. There are six main steps to complete in order to earn a West Virginia CPA license.

  1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
  2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
  3. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  4. Complete a criminal history check.
  5. Apply for a license.
  6. Receive a CPA license from the Board.

1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.

Candidates for West Virginia CPA licensure must complete 150 semester hours of education that includes the award of a bachelor’s degree or higher and includes an accounting concentration or the equivalent. Candidates who have a master’s or doctoral degree in accounting automatically meet the education requirement. For candidates who don’t have a graduate degree in accounting, the Board requires that the 150 semester hours include:

  • 30 credit hours in accounting
  • 27 credit hours in business and business-related courses
  • 3 credit hours in business law
  • 3 credit hours in ethics

2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

West Virginia CPA candidates must earn at least one year of accounting experience in the four-year period immediately preceding the application in order to qualify for licensure. The experience must involve the use of skills in accounting, attestation, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, and/or consulting. Practice in public or private accounting, government, industry, not-for-profits, or academia may qualify. All experience must be verified by an actively licensed CPA.

3. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam is a requirement for CPA licensure in all 50 states and is administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Before completing the Application for Certified Public Accountant Examination, applicants should send their transcripts to the Board and download and print the online character reference form. Once the application is submitted and approved, candidates may schedule and complete the four sections of the exam in any order, though all four sections must be passed within a 30-month rolling period with a score of 75 or higher.

4. Complete a criminal history check.

The next step to achieving CPA licensure in West Virginia is completing a criminal history check. Applicants must schedule an appointment on the Board’s website for electronic fingerprinting and use the code provided. Candidates should bring acceptable identification to the 10-minute fingerprint appointment.

5. Apply for a license.

Once all licensing requirements have been met, the applicant can complete the online application. Candidates must have a licensed CPA complete the Certificate Order Form and the Experience Verification Form found on the Board website and pay the application fee.

6. Receive a CPA license.

After the application has been approved by the Board, Uniform CPA Exam scores have been received, and the fingerprint background check has been completed, a certificate and license will be issued to applicants and they can begin practicing as CPAs.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

West Virginia CPAs must complete 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) for each three-year period after licensure. New licensees must complete at least 40 CPE hours during their first full year as a CPA and at least 20 the second full year; no CPE is required for the partial calendar year in which a CPA is initially licensed. The Board recommends 40 hours of annual CPE, but 20 are required in any given calendar year and hours must be reported by January 31 of each year. Four of the 120 hours must include a program in ethics from an acceptable course provider. Licenses expire annually and must be renewed each year by the annual June 30 deadline. Additional information can be found on the Board’s website.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in West Virginia

Graduates from accounting programs in West Virginia may find positions with companies in the state or choose to start businesses of their own. There are several companies in West Virginia that provide opportunities for accounting, finance, and tax specialists, from small local businesses to larger statewide companies such as United Bankshares and Summit Financial Group. Large accounting firms in the state include Hayflich and Arnett Carbis Toothman, and many other small and local CPA firms offer accounting positions statewide. Accounting graduates may also find work in local or state governmental positions or regional not-for-profit organizations.

West Virginia Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Charleston800$65,780
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH650$68,190
Parkersburg-Vienna650$84,860
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV43,670$101,870

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in West Virginia

  • Decker & Company PLLC: One of the leading firms in West Virginia with a focus on quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
  • Suttle & Stalnaker PLLC: Founded in 1973 and with offices in Charleston and Parkersburg, this firm handles the accounting and consulting needs of clients of all sizes.
  • Baker Tilly: With locations throughout West Virginia, it is one of the largest CPA firms in the state, priding itself on remaining accessible to clients.

West Virginia Accounting Associations

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. College Factual Best Accounting Schools 2023: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/accounting/rankings/top-ranked/
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges 2023 Edition. Penguin Random House, 2022.
4. US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
5. US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/online-bachelors-business-rankings
6. US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
7. Association to Advance College Schools of Business, Accredited Universities and Schools, Business & Accounting: https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited
8. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Accredited Schools, Separate Accounting: https://acbspsearch.org/
9. International Accreditation Council for Business Education, Members: https://iacbe.org/accreditation/member-status-information/
10. Department of Education College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
11. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2019 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/
12. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, West Virginia: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wv.htm
13. West Virginia Board of Accountancy: https://www.boa.wv.gov/