REGENTS BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE

Marshall University's Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree Program (RBA) is a nontraditional program designed for the adult student. It is different from the usual baccalaureate degree plan in several respects. While the program is designed to ensure the Regents B.A. Degree student a sound educational foundation, rigid specialization requirements are not imposed; instead, with the assistance of an adviser, each applicant creates the course program that best fits individual needs. Students in the program have the opportunity to request college equivalent credit (CEC) for documented college-level learning resulting from work or life experience. All failing grades received four years or more before admission to the program are disregarded in the calculation of the GPA required for admission to the program and graduation. (NOTE: This policy does not pertain to GPA calculated for special academic recognition, such as graduating with honors.)

Admissions Criteria

Students wishing to enter the Regents B.A. Program must first be admitted to Marshall University, and have to meet the same criteria as other applicants. Because the program is designed for adults, however, the following additional regulations apply:

1. Admission is open only to students at least four years out of high school. For those passing a high school equivalency test, admission must be at least four years after their class graduated from high school.
2. Current Marshall students may be admitted to the Regents program with the permission of the Coordinator and the dean or chairman of the program in which they are enrolled. The Regents B.A. Program is not designed as an escape outlet for students excluded from other traditional academic programs for reasons of poor scholarship or who are seeking to avoid program requirements in their current programs.
3. No student may be simultaneously enrolled in the Regents program and another baccalaureate program. A student with an accredited baccalaureate degree will not be admitted to the program.

Graduation Requirements

     Total Credit Hours: 128
     General Education Hours: 36
     Upper Division Hours: 40 (300-400 level courses or equivalent)
     Grade Point Average: 2.00
     Residence: 24 classroom credit hours earned at any of the schools in West
     Virginia's public higher education system

Transfer Credits

In transferring credits from accredited institutions of higher learning to the Regents B.A. Degree Program, all passing grades are accepted; however, only 72 credit hours from a community college can be applied toward the degree. Transfer credits can be used to fulfill General Education requirements, the Upper Division Hour requirement, and course prerequisites.

General Education Requirements...................................................36

The student is required to complete the minimum number of credit hours as indicated in each category below:

1. Communications (6 hours minimum)
        English 101, 102 or 302, or 201H
        Communication Studies (CMM) 103, or 305, 207
        Communication (COM) 221, 231
2. Humanities (6 hours minimum)
        Religious Studies - any courses
        Classical Studies - any courses
        English - any literature courses
        Modern Languages - any courses
        Fine Arts 101
        Art 112 or any art history or appreciation courses
        Music 142, 250, or any music history or appreciation courses
        Philosophy - Any courses except 304
        Theatre 112
3. Natural Sciences (6 hours)
        Chemistry - any courses
        Physics - any courses
        Geology - any courses
        Geography - 101, 317, 320, 425, 429, 430
        Biological Science - any courses
4. Social Sciences (6 hours)
        Economics - any courses
        Geography - any courses except those counted above
        History - any courses
        Political Science - any courses
        Psychology - any courses
        Sociology - any courses
        Anthropology - any courses
5. Mathematical Sciences or Computer Applications (3 hours)
        Computer Science and Software Development (CSD) - any courses
        Computer Technology (CT) - any courses
        Mathematics (MTH or MAT) - any course numbered 110 or above
6. 9 additional credit hours from any of the General Education categories.

The Regents B.A. office assists program students with all aspects of their college needs: completion of admission documents, program design, course selection and enrollment, assessment for work and life experiences, and other factors.

Prospective students should contact the office for additional information and application materials:

Regents B.A. Degree Program
Marshall University
Prichard Hall 218
Huntington, West Virginia 25755-2050
or call (304) 696-6400 or 1-800-906-4723
E-Mail: holbrook@marshall.edu