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West Virginia University at Parkersburg enrolls approximately 2,600 annual students in credit classes and serves the community with non-credit classes, seminars, workforce development training, and workshops. Academic credits earned at WVU at Parkersburg are transferable to any institution in the West Virginia higher education state system and other accredited institutions throughout the country. WVU Parkersburg is the only public community, and technical college in West Virginia accredited to offer baccalaureate degrees. The college’s primary service area consists of seven counties in West Virginia: Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt, and Wood. WVU Parkersburg was founded in 1961 as the Parkersburg Branch of West Virginia University. In 1971, it became Parkersburg Community College, one of the state’s first comprehensive community colleges. The institution was renamed West Virginia University at Parkersburg and rejoined WVU as a regional campus in 1989. State legislation in 2008 created a statewide network of independently-accredited community and technical colleges, and, at this point, WVU Parkersburg became an independent institution while maintaining an affiliation with WVU. A guaranteed admission agreement allows students to complete their initial one to two years at WVU Parkersburg before moving on to complete select four-year programs at WVU. In 1974, the college established its Jackson County Center in Ripley. WVU Parkersburg is under the jurisdiction of the West Virginia Community and Technical College System. WVU Parkersburg is governed locally by the WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors. West Virginia University at Parkersburg provides accessible, life-changing educational opportunities in a safe and supportive environment. At Parkersburg, West Virginia University is the region’s premier college recognized for quality education, commitment to student empowerment, workforce collaboration, and community involvement. Distance learning courses are ideal for busy parents, working professionals, veterans, high school students, and current classroom students. The ease of anywhere, anytime access to course materials, gives you the flexibility to fit your learning into your personal or professional schedule. WVU Parkersburg offers degree programs and courses entirely online and features various course formats to get you the credit you want with the convenience you need. Online classes through WVU Parkersburg’s Workforce & Economic Development are an easy, affordable way for you to get the training you need to take your career to the next level. We partner with national leaders in online education to offer a comprehensive library of practical, career-enhancing classes available at your convenience. Our online classes are non-credit, and in many cases, can lead to a professional certificate in several practice areas. The generosity of the WVU Parkersburg’s donors has taken it from a small community college initiative in the basement of Emerson School to being the largest community college in West Virginia. The history of WVU Parkersburg is rich with community support! Through the support of the WVU at Parkersburg Legacy donors, the Foundation is now able to offer more than $220,000 in scholarships every year to the students of WVU Parkersburg. Additional donors and supporters have assisted the college in growing various student activities, including Riverhawks athletics, a travel abroad program, and more than 20 student clubs. The college’s faculty have also begun engaging in research projects and academic program improvement efforts, including faculty development initiatives. West Virginia University at Parkersburg is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. It does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, religion, color, ancestry, or national origin in the admission, employment, educational programs, or activities, nor does it discriminate based on genetic information in employment or employee health benefits. Further, faculty, staff, students, and applicants are protected from retaliation for filing complaints or assisting in investigating discrimination. View full university