Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree Program Marks 50 Years of Helping West Virginians Achieve Their Higher Education Goals

CHARLESTON, W.Va. The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC) is marking the 50th anniversary of the statewide Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) degree. The RBA degree program is designed to fit the needs of adult students – particularly those who already have work and family commitments by offering credit for life and work experience, the option for compressed courses, and the ability to take online and weekend courses. The companion degree program, the Board of Governors Associate of Applied Science (BOG), was launched 20 years ago among the state’s community and technical colleges.
The West Virginia State Board of Regents created the RBA program in 1975, and just in the last five years, more than 3,200 RBA degrees have been issued in West Virginia. More than 2,300 BOG degrees have been issued in West Virginia in the same number of years – making the total for both over a five year period well over 5,600.
“These incredibly unique and flexible degree programs are 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 so many adults in West Virginia enter into the workforce and then never think that going back to college is an option. The RBA and BOG programs’ credit for work experience and flexibility make a degree possible for so many across our state, and these degree holders are making a difference at work and in their communities every day.”
According to a recent National Student Clearinghouse report, in 2024 there were 179,965 West Virginians under the age of 65 who had some college but no credential.
The RBA or BOG programs provide a flexible way for adult learners to cross the finish line on their degree. More information about the RBA program can be found at: https://www.cfwv.com/adult-learners/rba-today/. More information about the BOG program can be found here: Board of Governors Associate in Applied Science – CFWV.com.
Future RBA and BOG program students just need a GED and to be out of high school for a certain number of years. Many adult learners pursuing these degrees have financial aid options.
As part of the 50th and 20th anniversary campaigns, the WVHEPC and the West Virginia Community and Technical College System is offering campaign materials to each participating institution to help them celebrate their own RBA or BOG programs, students and graduates.