Regents Bachelor of Arts, R.B.A
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
The online Regents Bachelor of Arts degree, offered by WVU's Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, is tailored to meet your unique goals as a non-traditional student. Whether you're looking to advance your career, transition into a new field, or fulfill a lifelong dream of earning your bachelor's degree, this program offers the flexibility and support you need to succeed.
Cost:
$505 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
40 Courses / 120 Credits
Duration:
Dependent on transfer credit and enrollment type
Dates:
Next Start: January 12, 2026 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous
Program Overview
Chart Your Own Course
The Regents Bachelor of Arts (R.B.A.) program is designed specifically for adult learners who want to return to school and complete their college degree. This program is accessible, responsive, and purpose-built with the nontraditional learner in mind. Complete your degree online, at your own pace, and earn college credit for your professional, volunteer, and military experiences. The R.B.A. program allows you to tailor your academic journey to meet your individual needs.
- Flexible Learning: Pursue your degree online, at your own pace and complete assigned work when your schedule allows.
- Credit for Experience: You may be eligible for college credit based on your previous education, professional and military experiences.
- Customizable Path: Combine your previously earned credits, online classes, and a portfolio of real-world experience.
- Supportive Environment: Benefit from helpful advising and faculty mentoring.
Curriculum
This undergraduate program allows you to package together previously earned credits, online classes, and a portfolio of real-world experience to create a unique degree. A portfolio is written justification and documentation of your request to earn college equivalency credit. WVU offers an online class in R.B.A. portfolio development to guide you through the process.
Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World - Measured by completion of Regents BA Natural/Physical Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Humanities general education requirements
- Intellectual and Practical Skills - Measured by completion of Regents BA Communication Skills, Natural/Physical Science, and Mathematics general education requirements
- Personal and Social Responsibility - Measured by completion of Regents BA Social Science and Humanities general education requirements
- Integrative and Applied Learning - Measured by completion of Regents BA Communication Skills, Natural/Physical Science, and Mathematics general education requirements
- Reflect on the relevance of prior learning experiences to their current academic pursuits.
- Communicate their unique knowledge, strengths and skills acquired through the RBA degree.
- Integrate their coursework with future goals and aspirations.
The Regents BA program assesses and measures these outcomes through completion of an e-portfolio.
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General Education:
- Communication Skills (6 hours) Outcome: Courses in this area must provide the student with skills and knowledge to be able to communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
- Humanities (6 hours) Outcome: Courses in this area must demonstrate knowledge in the interdisciplinary study and philosophy of diverse cultures.
- Social Science (6 hours) Outcome: Courses will demonstrate understanding of the development, diversity, and complexity of human behavior and institutions.
- Natural or Physical Science (3 hours) Outcome: Courses in this area must provide an understanding of the physical world through the scientific method (understanding of the basic facts, principles, theories and methods of science).
Mathematics, Statistics, or Computer Science (3 hours)
Additional Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, or Science (3 hours)
- Required Major Courses: MDS 311 Professional Development (1 hour); MDS 411 Capstone (1 hour).
- Residency: Students must complete a residency requirement of 24 hours of coursework taken at one or more institutions within West Virginia’s public higher education system. Six of the 24 hours must be taken at WVU.
- Portfolios: Students may earn credit through academic portfolios for prior learning and experiences.
- Grade Point Average: Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be eligible for graduation.
- Grade Point Average in the Major: A minimum GPA of a 2.0 is required in all courses applied to major requirements. If a course is repeated, all attempts will be included in the calculation of the GPA, unless the course is eligible for a D/F repeat.
- Communication Skills:
- Select courses fulfilling GEF 1 or courses fulfilling this outcome and approved by an advisor. 6 credit hours.
- Humanities:
- Select courses fulfilling GEF 5 or 6, or courses fulfilling this outcome and approved by an advisor. 6 credit hours.
- Social Science:
- Select courses fulfilling GEF 4 or 7, or courses fulfilling this outcome and approved by an advisor. 6 credit hours.
- Natural or Physical Science:
- Select courses fulfilling GEF 2, or courses fulfilling this outcome and approved by an advisor. 3 credit hours.
- Mathematics, Statistics, or Computer Science:
- Select courses fulfilling GEF 3, or courses fulfilling this outcome and approved by an advisor. 3 credit hours.
- Upper-Division Courses:
- Select any courses at the 300 or 400 level. 30 credit hours.
- Electives:
- Select any courses at any level. 66 credit hours.
Admissions Requirements and Eligibility
The admission requirements for the Regents Bachelor of Arts can be reviewed in the WVU Academic Catalog.
Admissions Process and How to Apply
Students can apply throughout the year, but the recommended deadlines are:
- Fall Term: Mid July
- Spring Term: Mid November
- Summer Term: Mid April
Application Process:
- Pay undergraduate application fee
- Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU), or high school transcripts if fewer than 24 college credits be sent to:
- WVU Office of Admissions P.O. Box 6009
Morgantown, WV 26506-6009 br>or email: WVUadmissions@mail.wvu.edu
After You're Admitted to the Program
Wait a few days if you are a transfer student. Even though you’ve been admitted to the program, it still takes a few days for your transcripts to be processed. You will receive an email from a "transcript tour guide" from the registrar’s office, who will explain how your credits were processed and any other steps needed to complete your transfer.
After you receive that email, your next step is to contact your advisor. Dominic "Nick" Sano-Franchini will be your contact person for your first advising appointment. Please do not contact Nick until you have been admitted to the program and had your transcripts processed. If you are a first-time freshman, please contact Nick after being admitted.
Email:
dominic.sanofranchini@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-3902
"Advising is an important part of any college degree, but even more so for RBA
students. WVU offers a wide range of classes, minors, and programs, and we’re
trained to help students make the most of their time here. We won’t make decisions
for you, but we’ll share insights and experience with you, and provide information
to help you make the most informed, engaged decision possible that will align
with your goals and plans. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming sometimes,
but advisors are only an email, phone call, or appointment away; ask every
question you have!"
- Nick Sano-Franchini, Senior Academic Advisor
How to Prepare for Your Advising Appointment
Review Degree Works, WVU’s resource for students and advisors to keep track of requirements. During your appointment, your advisor will likely refer to information found in Degree Works. Please prepare any questions you have about your credits, your requirements, and other topics, prior to your first appointment.
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
- File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
- Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Connect with Our Team
Jessica Carr Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-6841 Jessica.Carr1@mail.wvu.edu
Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Careers and Employment
The flexibility of the RBA degree allows you to tailor your education to match your career goals, making you a versatile and competitive candidate in the job market. Many graduates also pursue advanced degrees, further enhancing their professional prospects.
Career Paths
- Business: Marketing, advertising, human resources, project management.
- Education: Teaching, education administration.
- Communications: Public relations, media, journalism.
- Government: Local, state or federal government agencies in public policy, social services, or law enforcement.
- Nonprofit: Charities, advocacy groups, community organizations.
- Arts and Culture: Visual arts, museums, galleries.
- Health and Human Services: healthcare, social work, counseling.
- Technology: Software development, data analysis, cybersecurity.