Western Illinois University offers a unique online Bachelor of Arts degree program designed to provide non-traditional students an opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree in a manner compatible with their educational needs and lifestyles: The Bachelor of Arts in General Studies degree. This highly individualized and flexible program recognizes that adults may have attended a variety of educational institutions and accepts transfer of passing coursework taken at other regionally accredited colleges and universities. Students may apply for academic credit through the preparation of a prior learning portfolio, which documents specific college-level knowledge gained through nonacademic pursuits that can be related to WIU courses. Students may also receive academic credit through the use of various proficiency examinations and testing programs.<br><br>Three integrated baccalaureate and master’s degree programs are available for the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies: Master of Science in Education in Educational Studies (Language, Culture, and Education option), Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, and Master of Arts in Public Safety Administration. An integrated degree program provides the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates to earn both degrees in five years