BOT/BA Program

Board of Trustees/BA Degree Program

What Our Students Have Said...

"The flexibility of the BOT degree is what allowed me to even consider getting my bachelor's degree. I used every option that the BOT offered - independent studies, web-based courses, on-campus classes, a prior learning portfolio, and proficiency exams." - Dawna

"The Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts Degree Program blended all of my previous college coursework into one comprehensive degree. As a non-traditional student, it was convenient and saved time. With the BOT/BA, I continued on to gradute school for an MBA." - Schuyler

"I will forever be indebted to the program. It was my salvation for a 1st generation graduate. Thanks."

"Excellent opportunity for a working adult with limited resources to obtain a degree from an accredited university. Thank you."

"Upon completion of my BOT/BA degree, I was promoted from Master Sergeant to Sergeant Major in the US Army. I am convinced this promotion was due to my BOT degree."

"BOT/BA degree started it all in the pursuit for higher education. (I earned three degrees after graduation)."

"The option to apply for positions where a degree is required to submit an application was opened to me after completing the BOT/BA degree. I was able to move into more professional level positions. This was the purpose I had for completing the program and it has served that purpose well."

"Since my graduation, I am now running and operating a business that brings in over seven million dollars a year, as an Executive Director. This would not have been possible without the BOT/BA degree!"

"As a distance learner the lack of residency requirement enabled me to complete my degree. Few other distance educational options were this flexible. I was able to finish my degree without setting foot in Macomb, Illinois until graduation day! Had this not been possible, I still might not have a degree!"

"It's a great program and the flexibility made the completion of degree requirements possible. I was working rotating shifts when I completed my degree. Thanks."

"Great, flexible program. As a graduate and now community college faculty member, I recommend this program to my own adult students."

"Thanks to the program I was able to go on to become a priest and eventually Arch Deacon of my diocese."

"I earned my degree at the age of 50. Why did I go back to school? Because my mother never stopped encouraging me. She came to my graduation and was so very proud. I didn't get a new job or a raise. What I got was the look on her face and my family's face seeing me graduate from college. It was personal satisfaction and if it wasn't for your program I couldn't have achieved graduation. Everyone from my advisor to instructors were always positive."

"My goal at the time was to graduate simply to finish my undergraduate. Without this program I would not be working as a chiropractor. I had quit my college life and was not planning to return. But finding out about the BOT/BA program inspired me to re-enroll, after 1 year of absence, and graduate while working full time. And for that, I am grateful to the program."

"I graduated from WIU with my BOT/BA degree and I'm now an adjunct professor at Columbia University (since 2001)! Thank for helping me get motivated."

"For someone who spent his adult life in the military, moving every 3 years, the BOT/BA was and is a great program."

"I originally attended WIU in the late 80's and left school without completing my degree. I was able to complete my credits needed from Orlando, FL and finish my degree. I am now in the midst of completely changing careers. I was also grateful that the staff at WIU are just as helpful and cordial as they were when I attended."

"My BOT/BA filled a huge void left by the limited options that were available having an AAS in Fire Protection from my local junior college."

"The WIU BOT/BA degree program was the best thing I've ever done for myself and family. It allowed great flexibility for me while I worked, so I could keep earning my degree and meal ticket concurrently. I earned my degree in 1990 and by 1997 my income increased by 500%."

"I am now a licensed Professional Counselor; your program helped me make my dreams come true. Very valuable!"

"The self-confidence I gained from my successful completion of this degree was immeasurable. Had I not had the degree I would never have been considered for the management job I attained in a major Advertising Company from 1984-1997, when I retired."

"This is one, if not the best, programs offered by any university in the US."

"Without the BOT/BA Degree program I would never have finished my BA. I was able to go on and complete my MBA at St. Ambrose University in 1997. I have been employed at Philip Morris USA since June 1998. I am very grateful that WIU had the BOT/BA program. It has helped me tremendously."

"I am a Head Start teacher. I did keep my position but enjoyed a pay raise. The Head Start program only required an associate's degree but by 2010, all teachers will need a bachelor's. I am glad I finished my degree already! I had a son with autism whom required much care-so the WIU independent study was wonderful for me. It is the only way I could have gotten my bachelor's."

"I was 2000 miles from WIU. Very rigorous classes with instructors who wrote comments and directions as though we were face-to-face. Some were more helpful than instructors I've had face-to-face."

"I have recommended this program to many people who want a 4 yr degree. I can't say enough positive things about the BOT program. I couldn't have been able to switch careers or for that matter get a 4 yr. degree without it. I was able to work full-time, raise 3 kids, and deal with my husband's loss of eye sight all while obtaining a degree only because I had flexibility!"

"The BOT/BA was exactly what I needed at the time to complete my BA degree, as I had children in their early and late teens, worked full-time, and lived over 30 miles from a university. By taking Independent Study courses (or extension courses) I had to independently fulfill the course requirements without ready input from a professor, thus requiring more in-depth study on my part and a better understanding of the course work. Yet the professor was always able to assist. All in all, the program was a positive experience and probably the only way I could complete my degree at the time. Completing my degree increased my writing skills, built my self-confidence and self-esteem and increased the respect of my family towards me."