Chris Knight

Why did you choose WVU’s RBA Program?

As a young adult, I pursued an associate of science degree with the intent of completing that program and making a career for myself.  As I grew in my professional skills, I decided I wanted to expand my horizons and continue my education. This included starting coursework in a new field and major that quickly began to overwhelm me. My friend informed me about the RBA program at WVU. I decided to look into this for myself. After speaking with the helpful staff in the RBA programs office at WVU, I quickly realized this was just what I needed to complete my bachelor’s degree. Carol and Barbara gave me great advice to get started on a portfolio submission, as well as online classes and how to transfer credit from all of my other college experiences. The portfolio was a challenge, but I had help every step of the way.

What would you say to a prospective student considering the RBA Program?

Apply today!  Get the credit you deserve for all of your work experience, complete course work with the convenience of online classes, and achieve that undergraduate degree that you have always desired. I did it, so I know you can, too!

What was your favorite part of the program?

My favorite part of the program was knowing that I was working towards a degree from West Virginia University. My father is a graduate from the WVU School of Law and he is so proud that I decided to pursue my own degree from his alma mater. 

If you had a friend considering going back to school that was worried about the cost, or not fitting in at the University, what would you tell them about the RBA program?

You might be surprised to know that your current employer may pay for the cost associated with the degree, and that it may be less expensive than you have imagined. The majority of my credits were earned through a portfolio submission, which was more cost-effective than taking the individual courses. Fortunately for me, the company I was working for knew that further education was in their best interest and had a reimbursement program in place. When I was ready to graduate, the only cost I incurred was the cap and gown.

Fitting in was easy. I was mentored by the RBA staff on all the goals I needed to meet for graduation. The IT staff will get you set up with an email account and access to the many WVU resources. When it came time for online classes, I was welcomed in the same fashion. The professors were very helpful and responsive via email. I also had the ability to communicate with other students via email. I enjoyed the environment, and it was a very natural fit for me.

What aspect of the program made it convenient to you as an adult?

The portfolio submission allowed me to document my work and life experience in my own time with a single deadline for submission. The ability to utilize the portfolio for credit allowed me to accomplish this around my family time and busy lifestyle. I could work on this late evenings, early mornings or at lunch while still in the midst of a work day. The online classes had several times you could select to attend and worked well with my schedule.

Where do you see yourself in five years?  How did or will the RBA Program make that plan possible?

I love my job and have no immediate plans to change my career path. I feel that I am right on track with the professional goals I have set for myself. Earning the RBA helped me to see that with the help of a quality institution like WVU, I could accomplish the goals I have desired for years. I am so proud to be a Mountaineer!