Webster University

Webster University is the name given to a chain of colleges in the United States. The very first campus in that chain opened in 1915 as Loretto College. Its name came from the Sisters of Loretto, who both founded and operated the campus. It was one of the most prominent colleges for women in the region for a number of years but eventually admitted male students, beginning in the 1960s. The Sisters of Loretto later passed the college over and let a board of directors take over the daily operations. It was one of the first colleges to call for desegregation of schools and one of the first colleges in the region to admit black students.

The main campus of Webster University is just a short drive from St. Louis, Missouri, but it also operates campuses in both the United States and overseas. Many of its campuses are within a short drive of military bases to better meet the needs of students in the military. Other campuses are in China and parts of Europe. Despite its large size, the university maintains good campuses for its students. After receiving complaints about a campus in Thailand, the university announced plans to rehabilitate that campus and bring it up to date. Webster University has an enrollment that includes more than 5,000 undergrads and more than 17,000 graduate students.

Webster University Accreditation Details

Obtaining accreditation essentially means that a college or university does a good job of preparing students for the future. Webster University sought accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and received NCACS accreditation after passing an extensive investigation. Like other schools with NCACS accreditation, Webster University must reapply and receive an extension or renewal of its accreditation every decade. Students interested in its business programs will appreciate that those programs have accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and nursing students will find that its nursing programs received accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Incorporated. Other accreditation that Webster University has comes from the National Association of Schools of Music, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Webster University Application Requirements

Though Webster University offers more than 50 graduate programs that students can take on-campus or online, all graduate students must go through the same application process. All students must meet the minimum requirements to enroll. Those requirements include a grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale and the successful completion of an undergrad degree from an accredited college or university. Students on track to graduate by the end of the year can also apply and start classes in the fall semester. While the university does not ask for a score from the GRE or a similar test, it does need an official transcript from each student who applies.

The Webster University online application is unique because it lets users log into their Facebook accounts and use those accounts to complete the application. They can also create a personalized account with the site, which will let them log in and out. This is helpful for those who share a computer with others and those who use public computers. The application features a background section that asks for a student's name, current address, birth date and social security number. Webster offers a separate application that active duty military personnel can use when applying to a grad school program.

Tuition and Financial Aid

One of the first things that many students look at when comparing grad schools is the overall cost of attendance. Webster University charges different rates based on which campus students attend. Online courses cost $780 per credit hour, but those taking classes on its campuses in St. Louis pay $705 per credit hour. The San Diego and Irvine campuses in California charge $670 per credit hour. Students taking classes on any other campus and former military students pay a discounted rate of less than $600 per credit hour. Currently active military personnel pay as little as $350 per credit hour.

As Webster University is a fully accredited college, students can use the FAFSA and apply for government financial aid. Those who receive the most help are students who are American citizens who take a full course load. The FAFSA compares the amount of money that a student makes or the amount a dependent's parent(s) makes to the amount they need for college and determines how much the student or his/her parents can pay. Webster University students often receive a combination of grants and loans, but these loans and grants may come from the state or federal government. Students can also apply for scholarships available from Webster University and for alternative student loans.

Human Resources Management

When designing its graduate program in Human Resources Management, Webster University looked at the needs of its student body and how it could better meet their needs. This led to the university building a program with smaller class sizes, which lets professors focus more on each individual student. While other college programs require that students start in the fall, Webster offers five different start times or this program. Students can enroll in the semester immediately after getting an acceptance letter. The program follows the guidelines established by the Society for Human Resources Management and helps students learn more about that organization and how they can become a member before or after graduating.

Officially called the Human Resources Management (MA) degree program, it prepares students for using UH technology in the field, remaining up to date on the latest research and theories, using new techniques with employees and evaluating situations. Many classes put students in practical situations that are similar to those they might face on the job. Instructors evaluate the work they do and give them tips on improving their performances.

Related Resource: Most Affordable Top Online Master's in Human Resources Degree Programs 2020

The basic MA program includes 37 credit hours of work, but students can complete an additional 15 credit hours to earn an MBA degree. One course looks at the future of this industry and the careers available for graduates and is worth one credit hour. All other courses in this Webster University MA program, including employment law, staffing and compensation, are worth three credit hours each.