WVU computer science and cybersecurity undergraduate programs reach significant growth this fall semester

Two cybersecurity students are collaborating on an assignment in the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Learning and Collaboration space. (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)

Computer science and cybersecurity undergraduate programs in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University have reached a significant high of 41% in enrollment growth this year. Over the past five years, enrollment has grown by 77%.

Story by Paige Nesbit, Marketing and Communications Director
Photos by Paige Nesbit

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Starting this academic year, freshmen in the computer science and cybersecurity majors are now directly placed in the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering instead of the Fundamentals of Engineering program, leading to approximately 88% enrollment growth this fall.

According to Lane Department Professor and Department Chair Anurag Srivastava, this accomplishment was driven by enhanced student engagement, curriculum improvements, experiential learning, development efforts, future-ready learning environment, and diversity initiatives.

“Over the past year our department developed strategic initiatives to increase enrollment and build a foundation for continued student success and innovation in the coming years,” Srivastava explained. “Providing academic resources, events and experiential opportunities through the areas of active engagement and an extensive curriculum overhaul has contributed to this expansion.”

The Department's proactive approach to student recruitment through active engagement has played a pivotal role in boosting enrollment.

“Developing events such as Industry Day and Women in Computing are valuable in connecting student and faculty with industry professionals,” Srivastava described. “Other notable initiatives that have increased interest in the programs include a student poster competition and recruitment strategies for High School Visitation Day. These would not have been possible without the talent and insight of our faculty and staff as well as student leaders in the department.”

The newly named LCSEE Learning Center has become a key resource offering mentoring and tutoring services focused on challenging courses. Additionally, it supports student engagement opportunities through clubs like AI WVU club, CyberWVU and Women in Cybersecurity.

The curriculum overhaul began with an assessment of academic programs, class structure, and room capacities. This evaluation led to a comprehensive revamp of offered courses. With support of the undergraduate coordinators, the department successfully reduced credit hour requirements to under 122, making the program more appealing to prospective students.

Aligning with industry demands, the department introduced new courses in engineering for societal impact, hardware security, responsible AI, safe and secure robotics and software security. Additionally, the department has developed new labs such as the cybersecurity competition room, critical infrastructure security lab, and IDEMIA biometrics lab.

The department continues to provide real-world skills to enhance students' professional readiness and employment outcomes. Established experiential learning opportunities such as the University Rover Challenge, EcoCAR Challenge teams, the National Cyber League, the Department of Energy CyberForce Cybersecurity competition, F1Tenth autonomous racing and various industry-sponsored senior design projects are key to student success.

“As a department, we are proud of the significant growth in our enrollment, which reflects the strength of our programs and the opportunities we offer. Moving forward, we remain deeply committed to fostering student success and providing an innovative, hands-on learning environment that prepares our graduates to lead and excel in the evolving fields of computer science and cybersecurity.”

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