Webster University Online Resources and Support

ABSOLUTELY! If you are an undergraduate student or a graduate student, we currently offer full programs, certificates, and undergraduate degree programs that can be completed entirely online.

Yes, you may blend your program with face-to-face classes and online classes at the same time, provided the face-to-face courses are available at your campus.

Of course! If you are interested in taking an online course, please check with your advisor first to make sure the course is applicable to your program. If so, and you have fulfilled the necessary prerequisites, your advisor will get you enrolled!

We suggest that students new to the online learning environment start with only one course for the first term. Once you get a feel for the environment, you can more easily determine how well online learning fits your needs and lifestyle.

We do not suggest you attempt two online courses per term, but if you have experience in online education and the appropriate amount of time in your personal schedule to dedicate to coursework, then this may be a viable option.

You can consult with an advisor in person at your local campus, or the main campus via email, webinar, or phone.

New students consult with an academic advisor to review their degree plans and register for their first class. Please consult the Academic Advising website for next steps.

There is no on-campus residency requirement for taking online classes at Webster University, although you are welcome to visit any of our worldwide campuses at any time.

Programs are generally completed within one to four years and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Our online courses are taught by the same distinguished faculty who teach our face-to-face classes. They bring extensive real-world experience and practical knowledge to the classroom.

No. Your diploma will be identical to those received by students in on-site programs.

Online learning uses a Learning Management System to deliver course content and enable asynchronous communication between teachers and students. Online courses are accessible anywhere, provided you have a Wi-Fi enabled device and Internet access.

We utilize an asynchronous format, meaning there is typically no set day or time you will need to log in to your course. Learners log in at their convenience to complete assignments and/or participate in class activities. This allows for a very flexible learning environment. However, this is not to say the courses are self-paced. Our online courses follow a week-by-week structure.

You will have assignments and due dates, but there will not be a specific time in which you have to log in to listen to a lecture. You will have modules to complete each week containing reading assignment and discussions. In the absence of a lecture/lecturer, many of our online courses are discussion based. Open and robust discussion provides for a variety of viewpoints which lends itself to an expansive online learning experience.

Students who are self-motivated, self-disciplined and open-minded generally do well in online learning environments. Being able to communicate effectively through writing is a vital component of the online learning environment. Time management and adaptability are key traits as well.

WorldClassRoom is our portal for online learning.

Canvas by Instructure is the learning management system that we employ to power WorldClassRoom (WCR). Canvas is the learning management system developed by Instructure. Our WorldClassRoom provides a comprehensive and secure learning and teaching environment for the virtual learner. WCR is outfitted with a robust set of tools that provide for a streamlined facilitation of asynchronous interaction between students and instructors.

You need to be comfortable in front of a computer. Some basics that you will need to know are how to use your computer, how to save a file, how to attach a file and how to retrieve a saved file.

It will be assumed that you have a working knowledge of office software components such as word processors, spreadsheets, etc. Do you know how to send and receive email? Are you comfortable and confident browsing and navigating the Internet?

Please review the technical requirements for WorldClassRoom.

Each student receives a unique user ID upon acceptance to the University, which gives them secure access to their WorldClassRoom courses. The courses are designed to be asynchronous, which means you may access the class and assignments at your convenience to complete weekly assignments. Live or face-to-face meetings are usually not required.

All assessments 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.

The length of courses varies by program. Courses are offered in 8-, 9- and 16-week formats.

It depends on the length, requirements and workload of each course, as well as your own learning style. For each credit hour of the course, you should generally allot three to four hours for readings, participating in course activities, contributing to class discussions, completing assignments and/or working on group projects.

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 and considering other responsibilities to which you may need to devote time.

All students receive a free Webster email account that is used for all official school communication. Course-related conversations between students and instructors are generally handled by the messaging tool within WorldClassRoom, which is different than Webster email.

Yes. Each term has beginning and ending dates. In addition, assignments, readings, and online discussions have weekly deadlines that must be met. Online courses are not self-paced or designed to be taken as independent study.

You may log into your online courses through the Connections Portal.

No, but students are encouraged to log in several times a week to get their assignments and participate in discussions. If you do not log in to your course within the first two weeks of the academic term you will be dropped from the course.

The requirements for your weekly participation in each course are outlined in the course syllabus.

Though you will not meet with your class face-to-face, our online classes and the tools within WorldClassRoom incorporate many opportunities for interaction. You may find that you communicate with your instructor and classmates more effectively than in a face-to-face classroom environment.

Most online courses require at least one textbook. To see and purchase what textbooks are needed for online courses, visit our online bookstore through Follett.

When you log into the Follett Bookstore, you will be directed to the correct textbook when you select the appropriate course and section number.

Approximately three business days after you submit your application for admission you will receive an email from the University letting you know about your admission. You will be contacted by Academic Advising via email or phone.

They will then provide some information to schedule your initial advising session. Formal letters are issued approximately 10 days after acceptance. New students (and students who have not been enrolled for one academic calendar year or longer) are required to consult with an academic advisor before registering for classes the first time. Academic Advising will go over your degree plan with you and register you for your first online class.

You will be able to access your syllabus on the Friday before courses start when you have access to the course.

Courses will be available at 12 p.m. (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.

Online courses are limited to 24 students per course. This allows for more personal interaction between instructors and students.

Contact our IT Service Desk for login or technical problems, including resetting passwords at 1-866-435-7270 or 314-968-5995.

If you need academic accommodations, please contact the Reeg Academic Resource Center at 314-246-7620 or email.

Should you have questions at any time, feel free to contact the Online Student Services Team in the Online Learning Center at 314-246-8746 or 1-866-622-0888 or email.