You must complete 120 semester hours to obtain an RBA degree from West Virginia State University. Below are the requirements that you much complete:

I. Upper Level Electives
Each student must obtain at least 39 semester hours of upper division work. “Upper division” means junior and senior level course work. At WVSU upper level means 300 and 400 numbered courses. While a person can count more than 39 upper division hours towards graduation, there must be at least 39. Courses in this group can be in any department or any combination of departments; these are elective hours.
 
 II. Free Electives
 Free electives can be at any level from freshmen to senior and from any department.        
 Ordinarily a maximum of 45 such credits can be used directly for graduation purposes.
 
III. General Education Distribution
Each student will obtain at least 36 semester hours of general education course work, as shown below. While a person can count more than 36 such credits directly towards graduation, there must be at least 36 properly distributed hours. Students should select from the list of approved general studies courses provided by the RBA Office.
 
1. Communications (Minimum of six credits selected from the following): English 101, 102 or any English Composition course at any accredited institution; Communications 100 or any Speech performance course.
 
2. Humanities (Minimum of six credits selected from the following): Literature, Foreign Languages, Philosophy, Art, Music, or any course titled Humanities at any accredited institution.
 
3. Science (Minimum of six credits selected from the following): Chemistry, Geology, Astronomy, Physical Science, Biological Science and Natural Science.
 
4. Social Sciences (Minimum of six credits selected from the following): Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Anthropology, History, Political Science, Social Science, Economics or Geography.
 
5. Math/Computer Science (Minimum of three credits).
 
6. Sufficient general education electives to yield the minimum of 36. Electives are generally additional courses from any of the categories listed.
 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) degree?  
The Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) degree program is a nontraditional program offered by the state-supported baccalaureate degree granting institutions in West Virginia. The program is designed for adults who are interested in obtaining a bachelor's degree.
 
How do I get started?  
Getting started in the RBA program is one phone call away!  Contact Carol Susman at 304-766-3017 for an appointment or if you additional questions.  When you attend your appointment, make sure to bring copies of any college transcripts (unofficial copies will work initially), military transcripts, and/or copies of certifications.  Once you have passed the entry interview process, you will need to apply for admission to the University at http://www.wvsu.edu/Admissions/Apply-Now.aspx. 
 
How does the RBA program fit within the West Virginia State University mission?  
The Mission of West Virginia State University is to meet the higher education and economic development needs of the state and region through innovative teaching and applied research. The Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree is consistent with this mission.
 
Who qualifies for the RBA degree?  
As set forth in the WVHEPC guidelines, a student entering the RBA degree program at West Virginia State University must be four years beyond high school graduation (or four years beyond his/her intended high school graduation date with an earned GED).  To enter the RBA program, students must also have a minimum 2.0 grade point average.  In addition, the program requires an in state “residence” of 24 hours in the state system, including community colleges. The institution awarding the degree may require up to 12 credit hours to be completed at the host institution. WVSU requires only three semester hours of residence.
 
Can RBA majors qualify for financial aid?  
Yes.  RBA students can qualify for financial aid as is the case for traditional degree programs.  Questions related to financial aid opportunities should be directed to the West Virginia State University Office of Financial Aid at (304) 204-4369.
 
Can I continue my studies after earning the RBA degree?  
Yes. Many graduates from the RBA program at West Virginia State University continue their academic pursuits in various graduate programs in and out of West Virginia.
 
What can be considered for credit within the RBA degree?  
Students may approach the RBA degree from many angles.  An assessment of prior learning credit (work experience, military credit, certifications) will take place during the initial interview for entry into the program. 
 
What is CLEP?  
RBA majors have the additional opportunity to seek credit through ‘test-outs’ using CLEP or DSST.  These exams are offered on campus on a regular basis.
 
What is the portfolio option?  
Students opting to seek work/life experience credits develop a portfolio relevant to the area of specialization they are seeking.  The portfolios must reflect RBA program learning outcome achievement as well as the program learning outcomes for the department with whom they are seeking credits.  The portfolio is developed using an established template including an autobiography, resume, letters of reference, demonstrated on the job clock hours, writing samples and demonstration of PLOs.  Portfolios are submitted to the RBA office during the final semester of the student’s academic career.  The RBA outcomes are reviewed by the RBA Director utilizing an established rubric.  Departmental Program Learning Outcomes are sent to the respective departments for review and approval.  Following successful review, the portfolio grades are entered on the student’s transcripts (ex. EDUC 000  3 hrs credit).  *Students may also elect to challenge an existing course through portfolio review rather than the generalized portfolio option.