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Regents Bachelor of Arts, R.B.A.

Aug. 16, 2023

Next Start Date

40

Courses Required

$445

Cost Per Credit Hour
Military Pricing Applies

120

Total Credit Hours

Online Asynchronous

Learning Formats

Earn a Degree for Work, Life or Military Experience

The online Regents Bachelor of Arts degree, offered through the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, is designed to meet the unique goals of non-traditional students. Whether you want to pursue a graduate or professional degree, transition into a new career, increase your marketability within an established career, or fulfill your life-long goal of completing a bachelor’s degree, the RBA program can help you succeed. You can complete the program online, at your own pace. Eligible students may also acquire college credit for professional, volunteer, and military experiences.

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The Regents Bachelor of Arts, offered by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, is a popular option for adult learners who want to return to school. The RBA undergraduate program is designed for working adults who want to complete their college degree. The program is accessible, responsive and purpose-built with the nontraditional learner in mind. It offers an opportunity to gain credits for work and life experiences, and allows students to tailor their academic careers to meet their individual needs. WVU offers adult learners, those who have been out of high school at least four years, the flexibility of completing this degree online.

What’s unique about the degree is the student’s ability 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 the student’s request to earn college equivalency credit. WVU offers an online class in RBA portfolio development to guide students through the process.

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Regents Bachelor of Arts, R.B.A. Admission Requirements

View RBA admission requirements in the catalog.

Admissions

Students can apply throughout the year, but the recommended deadlines are:

  • Fall Term - mid July
  • Spring Term - mid November
  • Summer Term - mid April

Application Requirements

  • Apply with the online Undergraduate Application
  • Pay undergraduate application fee
  • Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU), or high school transcripts if fewer than 20 college credits and send to:
    WVU Office of Admissions
    PO Box 6009
    Morgantown, WV 26506-6009
    or
    Email: WVUadmissions@mail.wvu.edu

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Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Financial aid is available. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827.

Military Resources and Pricing Badge.

Regents Bachelor of Arts, R.B.A. total degree cost: $53,400 – Residents and Non-Residents

Credits Cost
1 $445
3 $1,335
6 $2,670
9 $4,005

Courses and Curriculum

General Education

Courses Description Credit Hours
Communication Skills Select courses fulfilling GEF 1 or courses fulfilling this outcome and approved by an advisor. 6
Humanities Select courses fulfilling GEF 5 or 6, or courses fulfilling this outcome and approved by an advisor. 6
Social Science Select courses fulfilling GEF 4 or 7, or courses fulfilling this outcome and approved by an advisor. 6
Natural or Physical Science Select courses fulfilling GEF 2, or courses fulfilling this outcome and approved by an advisor. 3
Mathematics, Statistics, or Computer Science Select courses fulfilling GEF 3, or courses fulfilling this outcome and approved by an advisor. 3
Upper-Division Courses Select any courses at the 300 or 400 level 30
Electives Select any courses at any level 66

Total hours: 120

Benefits to choosing the Regents Bachelor of Arts, R.B.A. program

Since its inception, WVU's RBA Program has granted over 4,000 degrees to worthy recipients. We expect this number to grow significantly as many adult learners are returning to college to trigger their intellectual curiosity, boost their market value, or for personal fulfillment.

The future for graduates with a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree

The RBA program assumes that adults have different needs and goals relative to traditional undergraduates. Therefore, our degree requirements are designed to meet the specific needs of adult learners. The RBA degree is designed to provide adult learners with either a Liberal Arts or a more comprehensive education when combined with minors. Furthermore, there is considerable flexibility in how, when, and where degree requirements are achieved. Specifically, students may earn credits through on-campus and online courses (at WVU or transfer), credit by exam, standardized awards, and/or writing portfolios to petition for eligible courses based on work experience, or a combination of each.

To learn more about specific degree requirements, please follow the link below.

RBA Major Requirements

Career outlook for RBA graduates

Here are some potential career paths you could pursue with an RBA degree:

  • Business: You could work in a variety of business-related fields, such as marketing, advertising, human resources, or project management.
  • Education: You could pursue a career in teaching or educational administration.
  • Communications: You could work in public relations, media, or journalism.
  • Government: You could work for local, state, or federal government agencies, in fields such as public policy, social services, or law enforcement.
  • Nonprofit: You could work for a nonprofit organization, such as a charity, advocacy group, or community organization.
  • Arts and Culture: You could pursue a career in the arts, such as performing or visual arts, or work in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions.
  • Health and Human Services: You could work in healthcare, social work, or counseling.
  • Technology: You could work in a variety of technology-related fields, such as software development, data analysis, or cybersecurity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a regent?

The term "regent" refers to a member of a governing body of a university system, such as the Board of Regents. These individuals are responsible for overseeing the management and policies of the university or college, including the appointment of top officials, setting budgets and tuition rates, and ensuring the institution's mission is fulfilled.

What is a regent’s degree?

A regent’s degree is awarded by the Board of Regents or a similar governing body of a university system.

Who may this degree be the best option for?

The RBA degree is often seen as a good option for adult learners who have already completed some college coursework but have not yet earned a degree. It is also popular among students who have a variety of interests and want to create a customized degree program.

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