Libraries

BGS Degree Completion Options for Earning University Credit

The BGS degree program does not have a time limit to complete the graduation requirements. It is expected you will make steady progress by:

  • taking courses
  • passing proficiency exams, or
  • working on a prior learning portfolio

The time needed to complete the degree program will depend on the number of hours you bring into the program and the number of hours you earn each semester. For example, if you enter the program with an associate of arts or an associate of science degree, you will normally have to earn an additional 60 or more semester hours. This is equivalent to two years of full-time attendance at a university. A successful prior learning portfolio, military credit, or proficiency examination credit may speed your progress.

The 120 total semester hour requirement and all other credit hour requirements for the BGS degree (except the 30 semester hour WIU enrollment requirement) may be fulfilled through any or all of the following options.

  • Transfer Courses  You may transfer courses from regionally accredited colleges and universities.

  • Military Courses/Training  You may earn academic credit by participating in certain military courses and training programs recommended for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE).

  • Non-collegiate Training  You may earn academic credit by participating in certain non-collegiate company-sponsored training programs recommended for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE).

  • Proficiency Exams  You may earn credit by taking nationally recognized proficiency examinations or WIU academic departmental proficiency examinations.

  • Prior Learning Portfolio  You may earn academic credit through the portfolio evaluation process (a limit of 30 semester hours may be applied toward graduation requirements). You must successfully complete the Prior Learning Portfolio Tutorial prior to beginning portfolio preparation. If you have never submitted a WIU Prior Learning Portfolio,  you must contact your advisor to gain access to the tutorial.

The following options apply toward the 30 semester hour WIU residency requirement.

WIU Courses   To meet the 30 semester hour enrollment requirement, you may take courses at the WIU Macomb campus, the WIU Quad Cities campus, locations in West Central Illinois and through WesternOnline.

WIU Study Abroad Courses  Study Abroad allows students to complement and enhance their classroom instruction by experiencing the culture and language of a host country.

University 490 Career Internship (BGS Program Specific)   Internship credits are available for pre-approved work experiences that serve to expand a student's duties and responsibilities at the college level. In addition to applying towards the 30 semester hour WIU residency requirement, career internship experiences provide qualified students with a supervised program of practical experience in various career fields. UNIV 490 will also meet the additional Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) requirement.

For More Information

For more detailed information about requirements, please view the University 490 Career Internship Syllabus.

490 Application button     490 Syllabus

Students searching for internship opportunities or information on completing applications are encouraged to review the links and advice provided by the Center for Career Preparation and Employer Engagement and to register for  Handshake.