Student Frequently Asked Questions
Topics
| Programs / General Information About Online Learning How Online Courses Work Admissions |
Registration Tuition Getting Help |
Programs/General
Can I earn a degree entirely online?
Yes. Please refer to the Program menu on our web site for information on degree programs that you can complete online.
Are the online programs accredited?
Yes. You can view a list of all of our accreditations and licensures here.
Can I mix online and face to face classes?
Yes, you may take face to face classes and online classes.
I'm already a Webster University student; can I take an online course?
Yes, if it applies to your program and you have the proper prerequisites for the chosen course.
How many online graduate courses per term can I take?
It is suggested that graduate students take one course in their first attempt at graduate online education. After determining how the Webster term fits with your lifestyle, a second course may be added at the second term. No student should attempt two online courses per term unless they have extensive experience with online education.
How can I meet with an academic advisor?
Depending on the program, you may consult an advisor in person, by email, or by telephone. Please click here for program specific advising information. New students are required to consult with an academic advisor before they register for classes.
What is a provisional acceptance status for a graduate student? (MA, MBA, MS only)
A student who has applied and whose official undergraduate transcripts have not been yet received by the Graduate & Evening Student Admissions Office, may be provisionally accepted to the graduate program. An official transcript from the institution awarding the baccalaureate degree must be received by the conclusion of the term following the term of the student's initial registration. The MAT program does not have provisional acceptance.
What is advancement candidacy?
See the Graduate Catalog for details on Academic Policies and Procedures.
Is there a residency or campus visit required?
No.
How long will it take to complete the online MBA or MA program?
Based on a 36 credit hour program, by taking one course per 9-week term, the Online MBA or MA program will take two and half years to complete. If a student took two courses per term, the 36 hour program would take approximately one year and nine weeks. This schedule assumes students have satisfied all of the prerequisite courses.
What type of undergraduate degree do I need to be admitted to the graduate programs?
All applicants considered for admission to Webster University's graduate programs must have earned a recognized baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited educational institution. Students who completed their university education abroad must have earned an equivalent recognized baccalaureate degree as determined by Webster University.
How do I apply for an online program?
You can apply online, there is a nonrefundable application fee of $50.
Are MBA prerequisite courses ever waived?
In general prerequisite waivers are determined by coursework taken in your undergraduate or other graduate coursework. An advisor will evaluate your background and submit waivers for approval based on previous coursework.
Do the online courses require textbooks and where can I purchase them?
Most online courses require at least one textbook. Textbooks for online courses can be purchased online through MBS Direct .
How do I know what book to order?
When you log into the online bookstore, you will also be directed to the correct textbook by selecting the appropriate department, course, and section number.
If I already have a Master Degree from Webster is my curriculum the same?
A student who holds an M.A., M.S. or an equivalent graduate degree from Webster University or from another regionally accredited college or university may qualify for a sequential graduate degree from Webster University. Please talk with an advisor for more information.
Can I transfer credits from another school? How many credits can I transfer?
Yes, Webster University will accept transfer credit depending on your specific program, see the graduate catalog for details. Official transcripts and course descriptions are required. No hours can be transferred to a Sequential MBA.
Do you offer any areas of emphasis with the Online MBA?
The Online MBA offers emphasis in several areas of study.
Who are the online faculty?
Webster University's online courses are taught by the same distinguished faculty who teach our face to face classes.
Will my diploma indicate that I have taken an online degree?
Your diploma will be identical to those received by students in on-site programs.
How do I get a copy of my Webster transcript?
Fax or mail your request to:
Office of the RegistrarInclude your name (former name), dates attended, graduation date, student number or social security, number of copies and the address you would like the transcript to be mailed. Most important, include your signature and date.
Webster University
4709 W. Lockwood
St. Louis, MO 63119
or FAX 1-314-968-7112.
Online Learning
What is online learning?
Online learning uses a Learning Management System to deliver course content and enable asynchronous communication between teacher and student. The asynchronous format allows a student to log in at a time that is convenient to the student to complete their weekly assignments and participate in class discussions. Online courses can be accessed anywhere a student has a computer with Internet access.
Is online learning effective?
Research over the last 70+ years shows that there is no difference in the academic success of students in distance learning programs vs. students in face to face programs. As an online student at Webster University you will be taught under the same rigorous academic standards as our face to face classroom programs.
What type of student would benefit from an online program?
The online program is recommended for students who are self-motivated, self-disciplined, open-minded, able to communicate through writing, and are both willing and able to commit the time needed to participate. In addition, online students must have access to a computer and the Internet, as well as have appropriate computer skills.
What is the WorldClassRoom?
The WorldClassRoom is Webster University's portal to online learning.
What is BbVista?
Webster uses the Blackboard's Vista Learning System (BbVista) product to power the WorldClassRoom. BbVista provides a robust, yet flexible, set of tools that create a comprehensive and secure virtual teaching and learning environment. BbVista offers a complete set of tools to facilitate asynchronous interaction between students and instructors; including content, communication and assessment tools.
How much computer expertise do I need to take an online class?
You should know how to use your computer, how to save, attach and retrieve files, how to use basic office software (spreadsheets, word processors, etc.), and browse the Internet.
What type of equipment is needed to take an online course?
Please review the technical requirements posted on our website.
How Do the Online Courses Work?
How are the online programs delivered?
Each student receives a unique user ID, giving them secure access to their WorldClassRoom courses. The courses are designed to be asynchronous, which means that the student can access the class and assignments at his/her convenience to complete weekly assignments. No live or face-to-face meetings are required.
How are the exam/test/assignments given?
They are taken online. Each instructor approaches testing differently. Some courses do not give tests but require final papers, others give open book tests with time limits, and others may be more open ended.
What is the length of each course?
The length of courses varies by program. Courses are offered in 8, 9, and 16 week formats. Please refer to the academic calendar for specific dates.
How many hours per week do I need to devote to the online degree program?
It depends on the length, requirements, and workload of each course, as well as your own learning style. Each contact hour generally demands 3 hours of preparation, or off-line work. In some courses 4 hours preparation is considered normal. For a typical 8 or 9-week course, be prepared to invest 15-20 hours per course each week. Keep these figures in mind when planning your online program.
Do I need an email account for my online course?
All students receive a free Webster Email account that is required for recieving all official school communication. Course email between students and instructors are generally handled by the email tool within the WorldClassRoom.
Do the online courses have real time deadlines?
Yes. Each term has beginning and ending dates. In addition, assignments, readings, and online discussions have weekly deadlines that must be met. Online course are not designed to be taken as independent study.
How do I log in to my courses?
You may log into your online courses through the Connections Portal. You may find more information about signing on to classes here.
Do I have to log in at a certain time?
No, but students are encouraged to log in several times a week to get their assignments and participate in discussions. If you haven't logged in to your course within the first 2 weeks of the term you will be dropped from the course. The requirements for your weekly participation in each course is outlined in the course syllabus.
The online program offers the flexible schedule I need, but I am concerned that it may lack the "human" one-on-one contact you get with a traditional campus.
Though you will not meet with your class face-to-face, the online courses at Webster University incorporate many opportunities for interaction, via email and online discussions. You may find that you communicate with your instructor and classmates more effectively than in a face to face classroom environment.
Admissions
What are your admissions requirements?
The admissions requirements depend on the degree you are seeking. Please see the Admissions web page.
Where do I send my transcript?
For admissions purposes have your transcript sent from your university or college direct to:
Graduate & Evening Student Admissions
Webster University
470 E Lockwood
St. Louis, MO 63119-3194
How do I get my grades?
You can check your official grades online.
Registration
How do I register for an online course?
New students must first consult with an advisor who will register you or direct you to a person who will register you. Current students may register the same way as they would register for a face to face course.
What should I do after I register?
- Review the Quick Start Guide and Technical Requirements on the Online Learning Center Site.
- Check the Academic Calendar for log in dates
- Visit the online bookstore to pick up the books for your course.
What should I do on the first day of class?
Courses will be available at 12:00 pm (Noon, Central Time) on the Friday before courses start. Students should log in to their courses as soon as they are available to review the syllabus and first assignments.
Is there a cut off for Registration?
Yes, please consult the academic calendar.
Do you limit the number of student who can enroll?
Online courses are limited to 16 students per course.
Tuition
How much is the tuition?
Please review the tuition rates chart available on our web site under the Admissions & Enrollment menu. Please note that tuition rates may change at the beginning of each academic year, which begins with the Summer term. All financial arrangements must be completed two weeks before classes begin.
How can I pay my tuition?
Webster University offers a variety of payment options. Please click here for additional information.
Is financial aid available for students taking online courses?
Yes, for more information see Financial Aid.
Can I receive VA benefits?
Yes, for more information contact the Business Office at 1-800-981-9803.
Getting Help
What if my login does not work?
BbVista (online course):
Contact the Webster University Help Desk for login or technical problems, including resetting passwords, at http://www.webster.edu/helpdesk, 1-866-435-7270, or 314-968-5995.
What if I need additional academic help with a course?
Contact the Academic Resource Center.
470 East Lockwood Avenue