Overview

The initiative undertaken by the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) to transition into a degree-granting tertiary institution in affiliation with the University of Liberia represents a significant milestone in the institution’s history. This transition does not only expand BWI educational opportunities but also opens up new opportunities for individuals seeking higher education in various fields. The official launch of the program on October 28, 2022, marks the beginning of a transformative journey for BWI and its students.

The program introduces a range of Associate degree options across different career areas, catering to the diverse interests and needs of prospective candidates. These degrees include:

1. Associate of Science (ASc.) Degree in Agronomy: This program focuses on the scientific principles and practices related to crop production and soil management. Students enrolled in this degree will gain knowledge and skills essential for careers in agriculture, particularly in the cultivation and management of crops.

2. Associate of Science (ASc.) Degree in Agricultural Extension Education: This degree is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to engage in agricultural extension work. Through this program, students will learn about various outreach methods, communication techniques, and agricultural practices aimed at improving farming communities’ productivity and livelihoods.

3. Associate of Science (ASc.) Degree in Animal Science: This program delves into the study of animal biology, nutrition, breeding, and health. Students will learn about the management and care of livestock, poultry, and other animals, preparing them for careers in animal husbandry, veterinary science, and related fields.

4. Associate of Science (ASc.) Degree in Electrical Engineering: This degree program focuses on electrical systems, circuits, and technology. Students will learn about the principles of electrical engineering and gain practical skills in designing, analyzing, and troubleshooting electrical systems. Graduates can pursue careers in various industries, including telecommunications, power generation, and electronics.

5. Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Accounting: This program provides students with a foundational understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and business operations. Through coursework and practical experience, students will develop skills in financial analysis, auditing, and budgeting, preparing them for entry-level positions in accounting firms, businesses, and government agencies.

Duration

The Associate Degree Programs at BWI provide students with a structured and thorough educational pathway spanning three years or six semesters. This curriculum is designed to offer a well-rounded and immersive learning experience that empowers students to develop their skills and knowledge progressively over the course of their academic journey.

Each semester within the program is carefully planned to build upon the foundation laid in preceding semesters, ensuring a seamless progression of learning. Through a combination of theoretical coursework, practical training, hands-on projects, and experiential learning opportunities, students are equipped with the tools and expertise necessary to excel in their chosen fields.

The structured nature of the curriculum enables students to delve deeper into their areas of study while also exploring related disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary connections and a holistic understanding of their subject matter. By following a predetermined course sequence, students can track their academic progress and gradually master key concepts, methodologies, and techniques relevant to their field.

Moreover, the three-year duration of the program allows for sufficient time for students to immerse themselves in their studies, engage in research projects, participate in internships or practical placements, and develop essential soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

Eligibility and Entrance Application Processes

Prospective students aiming to enroll in BWI’s Associate Degree Programs must satisfy the following criteria:

1. Have graduated from a Senior High School accredited by the Ministry of Education.

2. Purchase an Entrance Examination Package at the cost of USD$15.00 (Subject to adjustment) or its Liberian Dollars equivalence.

3. Submit the completed entrance application form to the Post-Secondary & Professional Programs (PSPP) Office on the main campus or the designated location where the admission package was obtained. This submission should occur at least one day before the scheduled entrance examination date. All documents must be placed in a green hanging folder (long size) and accompanied by two recent passport-size photos.

4. Successfully pass a written test in English and Mathematics tailored to the respective Associate Degree programs (AA and ASc).

Candidates sitting for the Associate Degree Entrance Examination should be aware of the following passing categories:

1. Regular Pass (RP): Candidates who achieve a minimum score of 50% in both English and Mathematics will be permitted to proceed with the required credit hours.

2. Provisional Pass (PP): To qualify for provisional pass, a candidate must attain at least 50% in English or Mathematics. A candidate accepted on a provisional basis will register only nine (9) credit hours (equivalent to three courses) and obtain a GPA of 2.50. Failure to meet this GPA requirement will result in the individual being removed from the program and necessitate re-sitting the entrance examination.

Note: Students who achieve Division One in WAEC/WASSCE or credit a minimum of seven subjects, including Mathematics and English in WAEC/WASSCE, will be granted automatic admission to the Associate Degree Program without needing to sit for the Entrance Examination.

Required Documents for Successful Candidates

Successful candidates admitted to the Associate Degree Program should be familiar with the following admission categories and document requirements during registration:

Regular Admission (RA):
1. Original high school transcript (to be retained by the institution).
2. Original and photocopy of high school diploma (original returned after verification).
3. Original and photocopy of high school WAEC or WASSCE certificate(s) (original returned after verification).
4. Must have passed WAEC or WASSCE with a minimum of five (5) subjects, including English and Mathematics.
5. Medical assessment conducted by the BWI Clinic and subsequent issuance of certificate to ensure the candidate’s physical and mental fitness for enrollment. The medical examination and certificate fee is $ 1,000 LRD (subject to adjustment).
6. Two letters of recommendation ( one from the previous school and one from the community).
7. Successful candidates with Regular Pass status, whose documents are verified and accepted, will receive a Regular Admission Letter and an eight-digit ID number beginning with ADP (e.g., ADP00000). They are permitted to register with the required credit hours.

Provisional Admission (PA):
1. Original high school transcript (to be retained by the institution).
2. Original and photocopy of high school diploma (original returned after verification).
3. Original and photocopy of high school WAEC or WASSCE certificate(s) (original returned after verification).
4. Must have passed WASSCE with a minimum of three (3) subjects, including either English or Mathematics.
5. Medical assessment conducted by the BWI Clinic and subsequent issuance of certificate to ensure the candidate’s physical and mental fitness for enrollment. The medical examination and certificate fee is $ 1,000 LRD (subject to adjustment).
6. Two letters of recommendation ( one from the previous school and one from the community).
7. Candidates admitted provisionally are required to:
a. Register with only nine (9) credit hours (three courses) per semester and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.50. Failure to meet this GPA requirement will result in dismissal from the program, necessitating re-sitting of the entrance examination.
b. Submit a complete-passed WASSCE result for a minimum of five subjects, including Mathematics and English, within two semesters from the date of enrollment. Failure to meet this requirement will result in suspension from the program until the condition is fulfilled.

Provisional Admission (PA) students receive a temporary eight-digit ID number beginning with PAP (e.g., PAP00000).

BWI Graduates:
All graduates of BWI with 2.50 GPA or C+ and above average desirous of enrolling in the AA/ASc degree program will be exempted from sitting the entrance examination. However, any graduate of BWI falling short of the requirement of passing WAEC/WASSCE with minimum of five (5) subjects including English and Mathematics will gain admission under the Provisional Admission status. 

Note:
All candidates (Regular Pass, Provisional Pass) failing to meet the requirement of passing WAEC or WASSCE with a minimum of five (5) subjects, including English and Mathematics, will be admitted under the Provisional Admission status.

Registration Activities and Procedures 

For successful candidates, the registration process at the Booker Washington Institute Associate Degrees Program entails several essential steps:

1. Cashier Office: Proceed to the Cashier’s Office to make payment for the medical assessment and certificate fee.

2. BWI Clinic: Visit the BWI Clinic for medical screening.

3. Registrar Office: Proceed to the registrar’s office with the medical certificate and all required documents for inspection, verification, and interview. In addition obtain your admission letter, control sheet, and course guide from the Registrar’s office.

4. Student Services Office: Proceed to the Student Services Office to present your required tool (a hoe for females and a cutlass for males), and acquire the Student Handbook.

5. Course Planning and Departmental Verification: Visit your department for verification, course planning and obtain signature.

6. Warehouse: Deliver your departmental tools to the warehouse and obtain the Warehouse Manager’s signature.

7. Business and Finance Office (BFO): Get billed by an Account Staff at BFO, obtain a deposit slip, and proceed to the bank to deposit the required fees. Ensure to obtain a copy of the deposit slip from the teller.

8. Return to BFO: Present the payment slip from the bank for verification.

9. Cashier Office: Present the verified payment deposit slip to the Cashier and obtain an official school receipt.

10. Internal Audit Unit: Go to the Internal Audit Unit for verification of the receipt.

11. General Coordinator Office: Obtain signature from the General Coordinator.

13. Registrar Office: Return to the Registrar’s Office with the completed registration control sheet and official payment receipt.

Note: Registration is considered complete only after dropping the control sheet at the Registrar’s Office, and obtaining signature stamped as COMPLETE.