(Campus News: College Edition - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

PARKERSBURG — West Virginia University at Parkersburg is marking the 50th anniversary of the statewide Regents Bachelor of Arts degree program.

The degree is designed for students who balance work, family and other responsibilities and offers credit for life and work experience, options for compressed courses and the ability to take online and weekend classes.

“The RBA program at WVU Parkersburg is helping students achieve their goals and dreams every day,” said Kim McFee, director of the regents and Board of Governors applied sciences degree programs. “Not everyone follows a traditional path to a degree, and the RBA program can be a perfect fit for those already in the workforce or for individuals who started college, but did not finish. We are always happy to support our students as they find the pathway that is right for them, and we are proud that the RBA program helps so many succeed.”

The state Board of Regents created the program in 1975. In just the past five years, more than 3,200 regents degrees have been awarded statewide.

According to a recent National Student Clearinghouse report, 179,965 West Virginians under the age of 65 in 2024 had some college credit, but no credential. The regents program provides a flexible pathway for adult learners to complete their degree.

“This incredibly unique and flexible degree program is an unsung hero in West Virginia’s higher education story,” said Dr. Chris Rasmussen, vice chancellor for academic affairs for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. “We know that many adults in West Virginia enter the workforce and believe returning to college is no longer an option. The RBA program’s flexibility and credit for work experience make earning a degree possible for so many across our state, and these graduates are making a difference at work and in their communities every day.”

The only prerequisite for the RBA is a GED or high school equivalent and being out of high school for at least three years. Many adult learners pursuing a regents degree may also qualify for financial aid.

For more information about financial aid at WVUP, call 304-424-8310 or email finaid@wvup.edu. For more information about the regents program, call McFee at 304-424-8321 or email kmcfee1@wvup.edu.