Webster University - The Best Master's Degrees

webster

Webster University began in 1910 as Loretto College with just five students enrolled. The school was started by the Sisters of Loretta in St. Louis as a Catholic religious college and it was one of the first Catholic colleges for females west of the Mississippi. The first international students were enrolled at the school in 1918. Both students were from France and were part of a relief effort to help children escape World War I.

In 1924, the name of the school was changed to Webster College to differentiate it from Loretto Academy, a St. Louis high school for girls also founded by the sisters. In 1945, the school announced an admissions program for veterans due to the number of soldiers returning from World War II and wishing to take advantage of the G.I. Bill. However, male students were not permitted to attend Webster until 1968.

Today, Webster University strives for high quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship. Students are provided a student-centered environment with small classes and personalized learning. Diversity and inclusion are core values at Webster and distinguished faculty members offer the right balance of global scholarship and professional experience.

Webster's study abroad programs rank in the top two percent of college and universities, according to U.S. News and World Report. The school ranks in the top tier of the Regional Universities Midwest category of U. S. News and World Report and their online programs are ranked among the best in the country by the same publication.

Webster University Accreditation Details

Webster University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Regional accreditation indicates that the college meets criteria set forth by the organization that indicates excellence in education. In addition, the following organizations accredit specific programs at the college:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
American Bar Association
Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education
International Reading Association
National Association for the Education of Young Children
National Association of Schools of Music
National Policy Board for Education Administration
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages

Webster University Application Requirements

Freshman who have not earned higher education credit after graduation from high school must have a cumulative grade point average of "B" or higher. They must also have scored 21 or higher on the ACT or 1000 or higher on the SAT. Students must complete an online application and provide official high school transcripts.

Transfer students who have earned college credit after high school graduation must complete an online application and submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. It is recommended that transfer students discuss their qualifications with an admissions counselor before applying.

Graduate students must complete an online application and must have earned a bachelor's degree or higher. Students must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. It is recommended that any student planning to attend graduate school at Webster contact an admissions counselor before applying.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Undergraduate tuition at Webster University is $26,100 for full-time attendance. Students who enroll in more than 18 hours in one semester pay $670 per credit hour. Students attending part-time at the St. Louis campus pay $670 per credit hour while part-time tuition at the Kansas City, Orlando and South Carolina campuses are $460 per credit hour. Part-time tuition at Irvine and San Diego are $485 per credit hour and online courses are $685 per credit hour.

Graduate tuition is as follows for Master's Level Courses:

St. Louis – $705 per credit hour
Irvine and San Diego – $670 per credit hour
Other Metropolitan Campuses – $575 per credit hour
Military campuses – $575 per credit hour
Online courses – $780 per credit hour

Active duty military, reservists and National Guard pay $350 per credit hour at metropolitan and military campuses. They pay $470 for online courses and civilian students on military bases pay $575 per credit hour.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships and loans. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify.

Online Degrees Available

Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications

The Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications at Webster University enables students to become familiar with many areas of communication. Students take a core group of subjects that ground them in media theory, writing and production. Upon completion of the core, they choose a 12-hour concentration. The core courses required include:

Cultural Diversity in the Media or International Communications
Ethics in the Media
Interpersonal Communications
Introduction to Mass Communications
Law and the Media
Media Literacy
Introduction to Media Production or Introduction to Media Production for Journalists
Introduction to Media Writing or Fundamentals of Reporting

Students must also complete a Senior Overview and Thesis.

Graduates of the program can interpret media messages, communicate effectively, demonstrate creative problem solving and exhibit professional knowledge and skills. Students must pass a portfolio review in their junior year. The program is 128 credit hours.

Master of Arts in Media Communications

The Master of Arts in Media Communications provides students with the skills and knowledge to move into leadership positions in the communication field. Students develop an understanding of the breadth of media communications and examine media using multiple perspectives. Students examine media in multiple contexts, including cultural, political and more. They develop knowledge of media as a product, process and commentary. In addition, they can apply qualitative and quantitative research methodologies while applying research strategies to analyze media.

Students must consult with a School of Communication Academic Advisor prior to enrolling. Students should have a strong background in their intended field for graduate study or professional experience in their field. Students without a strong background may be required to enroll in six hours of prerequisite course work. Students must earn a grade of "B" or better in the prerequisite courses before enrolling in graduate classes. Courses required include:

International Communications
Media and Culture
Media Communications
Media Organization and Regulation
Media Production Management

Students must also complete a Seminar in Media Communication and a three-credit elective course.

Webster University offers a wide range of online courses designed to help individuals move into a new career or advance in a current career. The flexible online format allows adult learners who may have work, family or social obligations achieve their higher education goals.