Admission
Applicants considered for admission to graduate studies at Webster University must hold an earned recognized baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution recognized by Webster University, and meet all program admission standards. Applicants who have a completed baccalaureate degree from a U.S. accredited institution must also satisfy any program requirements or requisites, including a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).
Students who completed their university education outside the U.S. must have earned a comparable recognized baccalaureate degree. Comparability and recognition are determined by Webster University; Webster will consider for graduate admission any student who has completed the necessary academic preparation for admission to accredited/recognized Master’s-level university programs in their native system of education, providing their academic preparation was at least three years in length. Such students will be considered for admission using the normal Webster University admission criteria, including any program requirements or requisites, and a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).
Each applicant must submit an official final transcript designating a degree and date of conferral from the degree-granting institution in order to complete the application file. Any transcripts not issued in English will require a certified English translation in addition to the official original language copy. The admission decision will be made only after all required documents are on file with the appropriate office at the University. Applicants for a sequential master of arts (MA) or sequential master of business administration (MBA) must submit both undergraduate and graduate transcripts at the time of application if their degree was issued from an institution other than Webster University. Issued-to-student copies are not acceptable.
Application by U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents (Resident Alien Card holders)
- Students should apply online at http://www.webster.edu. Paper applications are available by request, or during the initial advising session with an academic advisor. The advising session serves as both an information opportunity as well as a mandatory admission requirement.
- The application fee for the degree-seeking student must be submitted with the completed application form or the application form will not be processed. The purpose of the application fee is to initiate the student’s admission file, complete the admission file, and establish it as an official student file in the Office of the Registrar. Graduates of Webster University are exempt from the application fee.
- A student who registers for a course as a non-degree student must complete a non-degree application form and pay the application fee. The student should consult the Non-degree Students section under Enrollment for additional information. It should be noted that non-degree students are usually not eligible for veterans’ educational benefits or financial aid. Tuition for non-degree courses must be paid at the time of registration.
- The student who is a Permanent Resident of the United States and holds a Resident Alien Card must submit a copy of both sides of the card with the completed application form. Webster University reserves the right to require students whose native language is not English to complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam (or other English language proficiency examination) based on the assessment of the local director and/or academic advisor.
MA, MS, MHA, MPA, and MBA
A student who has applied and whose official undergraduate transcript has not been received by the main campus in St. Louis, Missouri, may be provisionally accepted to the graduate program. An official transcript from the accredited institution awarding the baccalaureate degree must be received by the end of the first term of enrollment. Transcripts issued to students or predated degree completions are not considered official transcripts for admission purposes. Official transcripts and other documents pertaining to admission should be sent directly to the campus to which the student applied and/or is currently attending. The transcript will then be forwarded to the main campus in St. Louis.
Degree-seeking students who do not have their transcripts on file by the conclusion of their first term of enrollment will not be allowed to enroll for additional classes.
On receipt of the official transcript from the institution awarding the baccalaureate degree, the student will receive full or “special status” acceptance to the graduate program based on the final GPA .
MA, MS, MHA, MPA and MBA — School of Business and Technology and College of Arts & Sciences
Full acceptance into the School of Business and Technology and the College of Arts & Sciences requires receipt of an official transcript from the baccalaureate granting institution with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. Students whose GPA is above 2.0 but below 2.5 will be admitted under a "special status" category (see advancement to candidacy restrictions). Specialized graduate programs may have further admission requirements as outlined in their program description.
MA in Nurse Anesthesia, MSN, MFA, MM, DMgt
The individual admission requirements for each program can be found in this catalog under the appropriate school and program. Upon completion of the admission file, it will be reviewed and a decision will be rendered by the respective department’s admission committee.
MAT
A completed admission file includes information on professional experience and the academic transcripts of the applicant’s undergraduate degree work. This material is reviewed by the master of arts in teaching (MAT) admissions committee. The committee evaluates the academic record, essay, and letters of recommendation (if requested), and determines whether the student will be accepted. New applicants have one term (8 weeks) to complete the acceptance process. An overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 is required for acceptance into an MAT program
Special consideration may be given to students with extraordinary professional accomplishments or to those whose grades show marked improvement in the later years of college or in graduate or professional studies since college.
Ed.S.
Application to the educational specialist (Ed.S.) program requires documentation of the following:
- Master’s degree in education or a related field, such as social work, communications, or business.
- Superior academic ability at the graduate level with at least a 3.0 GPA.
Admissions
Applicants to the Ed.S. program are accepted each term. The applicant will submit the following credentials to the coordinator of the Ed.S. program:
- An Ed.S. application form, including a statement of 500 words, summarizing how the specialist degree will advance the student’s career goals and personal objectives.
- Official transcripts of previous undergraduate and graduate coursework. These transcripts must be sent directly to the coordinator of the Ed.S. degree program from the issuing institution.
- A current résumé.
- At least three letters of recommendation from faculty and/or associates.
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee (waived for Webster University graduates).
- An entry interview.
Students should consult the Tuition, Fees, and Refunds section for information regarding tuition, fees, tuition payments, tuition refunds, financial aid, and V.A. educational benefits.
Applicant Selection
A member of the committee will interview the qualified applicant and forward a recommendation to the full committee. The admission committee will review the applicant’s credentials and forward an assessment to the dean of the School of Education. Final action will determine either admission, non-admission, or conditional admission. The University’s decision will be communicated in writing.
Acceptance
A program advisor will be assigned to continue with the applicant until completion of the Ed.S. program.
Non-admission
The applicant will be notified of non-admission. Admission may be delayed because enrollment is limited.
Conditional Admission
The applicant will be notified of the conditions for admission and time frames for satisfying these conditions. A program advisor will be assigned to assist the applicant in satisfying the conditions for admission.
MA, MS, MSN, MBA, MHA, MFA, MPA, MM
Students are admitted to their graduate program upon completion of all admission requirements. Students are advanced to candidacy status after successfully completing 12 credit hours of graduate credit, with grades of B– or better. In the MBA program and other specialized programs, courses required as prerequisites to the program do not count toward the 12 credit hours required for advancement. A student who receives one F or two C’s before advancement is dismissed. Students admitted as “special status” into the School of Business and Technology and the College of Arts & Sciences are limited to taking one course per term. Such students who earn one grade of C or below before they are advanced to candidacy will be dismissed without further right to appeal for reinstatement. Exceptions for international students may apply.
MAT
Students not advanced to candidacy are not eligible to graduate.
After completing 9 credit hours within an MAT major and before 21 credit hours, the student’s performance and program are evaluated to determine whether the student should be advanced to candidacy. (Transfer hours from other colleges and universities do not count in the eligibility for candidacy hours.)
While advancement to candidacy indicates that a student shows the requisite ability and interest to complete the program successfully, the degree candidate continues to receive counseling and is evaluated routinely until all other program requirements have been met.
It is the student’s responsibility to pick up an Advancement to Candidacy form from his or her advisor during registration once he or she has completed 9 credit hours of coursework.
To be eligible for advancement, a student must meet the following criteria:
- The student must have successfully completed 9 credit hours of MAT courses within a major and have received grades for all 9 credit hours. Courses taken before entry to the program and/or in-service courses cannot be counted toward advancement.
- The student cannot be on probation.
- The student must have no Incomplete grades.
- The student must have a current grade point average of at least 3.0 (B).
Ed.S.
After completing 1 block in LEAD, the student is advanced to candidacy when the portfolio or other approved documentation method is approved.
After completing 6-12 hours in SSSL, the student is advanced to candidacy when the portfolio or other approved documentation method is approved.
Application for International Students and U.S. Citizens Living Abroad
Webster University welcomes applications for admission from students from all countries. Non-U.S. citizens, U.S. citizens applying from outside the U.S. and any student applying to a campus outside the United States should apply online at http://www.webster.edu as a “Global” or international student.
Application Requirements
- An International Application. Students should apply online at http://www.webster.edu, or complete the paper-based International Application. A non-refundable application fee of $50 is required. There is no application fee for the London or Thailand campuses.
- Official transcripts from the educational institution from which the student earned their first bachelors-level degree. For U.S. institutions, this means accreditation from a regional accrediting body. Non-U.S. institutions must be recognized by the Ministry of Education as a university-level provider of higher education and accredited by any appropriate agencies within the home country and any countries in which it operates and/or issues degrees. This transcript must show the degree received and the date conferred. Applicants previously enrolled in graduate-level coursework must submit official transcripts of that work.
Graduate applicants who apply and are provisionally accepted before completing their undergraduate degree must submit a final transcript indicating the degree received and the date conferred. This official transcript must be on file for full acceptance to the University.
To be considered official, transcripts must be received by Webster University directly from the issuing institution. If the student is to deliver transcripts, they must be in sealed, unopened envelopes and certified with the official seal of the issuing institution. All official transcripts and documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by a literal and certified English translation. - Documentation of English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose primary language is not English must document their English language proficiency at the time of application. Applicants normally satisfy this requirement by submitting official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS scores that meet the requirements below:
TOEFL
Paper 575
Computer 230
IBT 89
IELT
6.5
Equivalent Cambridge, Oxford, NEAB, TEEP, TOEIC, and London Certificate tests results that are current can be considered in lieu of the TOEFL. Such scores must be approved by the ESL Coordinator through the International Recruitment & Services Office. Students who cannot document current evidence of English proficiency should contact the campus they wish to attend for on-campus testing options. Further, Webster reserves the right to administer additional proficiency tests to any applicant, accepted applicant, or enrolled student about whose English language proficiency the University has concerns. All English as a Second Language (ESL) recommendations and requirements are a condition of the applicant’s admission, enrollment, and/or continued enrollment at the University.
Conditional Admission — Some students are academically acceptable to the University but have additional English language proficiency needs that the University believes can be met by taking English as a Second Language (ESL) courses through Webster University or another educational institution with whom the University has an articulation agreement. These students will be accepted on a conditional basis that acknowledges their need to document further work in English. Students admitted on a conditional basis must meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements listed above before they can be advanced to candidacy in the graduate program. If academically unsuccessful, conditional admission students may be dismissed, without right to seek reinstatement. Webster University will refer for testing any applicant for admission about whose English language proficiency an admissions officer has concerns. The English as a Second Language (ESL) recommendations will become a condition of the applicant’s admission.
On-Campus Testing for English — Students admitted on conditional admission must sit for the University’s on-campus English language testing prior to registration. The results of this evaluation will enable the academic advisor to place the student in appropriate coursework. Options include intermediate and/or advanced English as a Second Language (ESL) courses only; ESL courses in combination with academic courses; or academic courses only. Webster University will refer for testing any student about whose English language proficiency an academic department, an individual faculty member, or an academic advisor has concerns. The English as a Second Language (ESL) recommendations will become part of the student’s graduation requirements. - A 300- to 400-word essay on a topic of your choice. You may describe a special interest, experience, or achievement.
- A curriculum vitae (résumé) that documents prior employment and experience.
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers and/or employers.
- Additional official documentation may be required depending upon an applicant’s program of interest or previous educational background. Individuals will be contacted if such documentation is required to complete their application file.
- Students requiring a visa to study in the country in which their campus is located will be required to provide additional documentation for the visa process. Visa documentation requirements can vary at international campus locations depending upon the applicant’s citizenship status and/or country of origin at the time of acceptance to the University. Applicants should check with the campus they plan to attend for specifics. The University will notify applicants if additional documentation is required to complete the application file.
Application Submission
Applications should be submitted online at http://www.webster.edu whenever possible. Your application materials should be submitted to the Admissions Office at the campus you wish to attend. Campus addresses, phone, and fax numbers are listed under Locations, Degrees, and Majors.
Applications from abroad normally should be complete and on file at the University at least four to six months before the beginning of the initial entry term, as visa processing can delay your entry into the country in which the campus you plan to attend is located.
Completed applications for the St. Louis, Missouri, campus and the metropolitan U.S. campuses should be airmailed or, if delayed, sent by courier to:
Office of International Recruitment and International Services
Webster University
470 East Lockwood Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63119-3194
U.S.A.
English as a Second Language
Selected English as a Second Language (ESL) program courses are offered on the St. Louis campus and the international campuses in Vienna, Austria; Leiden, The Netherlands; Geneva, Switzerland; and Thailand. While intermediate and advanced level courses are normally offered, entry in a specific term is determined by available ESL offerings and the applicant’s current level of English language proficiency.
All ESL courses carry undergraduate credit and, for graduate students, are graded on a Credit (CR) or Fail (F) basis. These courses are transcripted on the graduate transcript but do not count toward graduate program degree requirements.
Additional information on the University’s ESL courses is available in the University’s Undergraduate Catalog under the Department of International Languages and Cultures. Information on specific campus offerings is available from the Admission Office at the desired location.
Graduate students do not receive ESL credit; however, the grades they earn in ESL courses are posted on their official University transcripts, are calculated in the cumulative graduate grade point average (GPA), and may impact the graduate student’s academic standing (all regular probation or dismissal policies apply to these courses).
The Admission Decision
The Admission Committee individually evaluates each applicant’s potential for academic success at Webster based on the following:
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale
- Grades in the sequence of courses required for the undergraduate major
- Grades in graduate program prerequisite courses previously completed
- Achievement on examinations and tests
- English proficiency scores
- The essay, the recommendations, school/community achievements, and/or professional work experience also are considered in the admission decision. A decision regarding admission is made soon after the application file is complete.
Enrollment
MAT, MA, MS, MSN, MBA, MHA, MFA, MM, MPA, DMgt, Ed.S
- Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor and complete a program-planning sheet prior to attending their first course at Webster. Failure to meet with an advisor and prepare a planning program sheet may result in a student taking inappropriate courses.
- The student must complete and submit a registration form prior to attending a graduate class.* Students registering for graduate courses may register concurrently for Fall 1 and Fall 2 or Spring 1 and Spring 2. It is important that the student complete only one registration each term. A course may be added by completing an official Add Slip prior to the conclusion of the drop/add period.**
- Registration periods are established for each program location. Students should register at the earliest opportunity because class sizes are limited. Certain degree programs may have restricted registration periods. Students should consult their advisor or local registration staff.
- Registrations will not be accepted after the second scheduled meeting of the course and section. Registrations for online MBA courses must be completed prior to the first week of classes.
- Registrations will not be accepted in class.
- Published course schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
*Students may register online in most programs.
**Students may drop or add online.
MA, MS, MSN, MBA, MHA, MFA, MM, MPA, Ed.S.
The maximum course load in the graduate degree programs is 6 credit hours per term, and the student must receive written authorization to enroll in more than 6 credit hours. Students may request approval by submitting to the local director a Program Option Request form and documentation to justify registration for more than 6 credit hours. Authorization generally will not be granted for more than two terms of a student’s graduate program. A student who earns a grade of C or a grade of F in the graduate degree program, or who currently has a grade of I, generally will not be granted permission to enroll in more than 6 credit hours. Students who have received an academic warning or who are on academic probation will generally be limited to 3 credit hours of enrollment per term. Students admitted as “special status” in the School of Business and Technology are restricted to one course per term until they are advanced to candidacy. A graduate student who is enrolled in 6 credit hours in nine-week courses, or at least 9 credit hours in 16-week semester-long courses is considered a full-time student.
Students requesting permission to take more than 7 credit hours per semester (fall, spring, summer) must complete an overload petition with their advisor. Students who have not been accepted into the MAT program will not be approved to take an overload unless they are applying for full-time status and are not employed full time.
A graduate student who is enrolled in at least 9 credit hours in semester-long courses or at least 5 credit hours in eight-week courses is considered a full-time student.
A graduate student who is enrolled in at least 5 credit hours but less than 9 credit hours in a semester or at least 3 credit hours but less than 5 credit hours in an eight-week term is considered a half-time student.
A graduate student who is enrolled in less than 5 credit hours in a semester or less than 3 credit hours in an eight-week term is considered less than half time.
Graduate/Undergraduate Registration
- Courses numbered in the 5000 and 6000 series are graduate courses. An upper-division undergraduate student may enroll in graduate courses with written permission of his or her advisor.
- Webster University 4000-series courses are undergraduate senior-level courses. With prior approval a graduate student may enroll in a 4000-series course. A maximum of 6 credit hours of 4000-series courses from Webster University can be applied to a graduate degree, except in the MBA Prior approval requires the written permission of the associate vice president for academic affairs or designee. These courses may be applied toward the student’s graduate degree. 4000-series courses may only be transferred in with grades of B– or better. Undergraduate reading courses and apprentice teaching courses may not be applied toward the graduate degree.
- Students who take 4000- or 5000-series courses to complete an undergraduate degree may not apply these courses to meet credit-hour requirements for a graduate degree, except in the combined degree programs.
- The following courses may not be applied toward an MAT degree: EDUC 4510 Practicum: Elementary Education; EDUC 4520 Practicum: Early Childhood Education; EDUC 4530 Practicum: Special Education; EDUC 4570 Practicum: Secondary Education; EDUC 4610 Reading Course; EDUC 4650 Senior Overview; EDUC 4940, EDUC 4950, EDUC 4960, EDUC 4970, and EDUC 4980 Apprentice Teaching.
MAT, MA, MS, MSN, MBA, MHA, MFA, MM, MPA, D.Mgt., Ed.S.
A student may add or drop a course by completion of an official Add or Drop Slip prior to the conclusion of the drop/add period. Informing the course instructor is not sufficient notice for adding or dropping a course. (Students may drop or add online.)
A student may add a course within six calendar days of the first officially scheduled class meeting of the course section, except for the online MBA In these circumstances, absence from one class meeting is permitted.
A student may drop a course within the first two weeks of the term. For more detailed information please refer to the Refunds section of the catalog. In these circumstances, the enrollment is not recorded, tuition charges are not incurred, and certification for veterans’ educational benefits is not filed.
The drop or add procedures must be followed when a student changes from one section of a course to another section. A change from one section to another must occur during the drop/add period. Changing a section without following these procedures may result in no credit being awarded.
A student may withdraw from a course by filing a Withdrawal Petition prior to the Friday of the sixth week of the term. A grade of W will be recorded on the transcript. Students should consult the Refunds section under Tuition, Fees, and Refunds for further information.
If veterans’ educational benefits apply, the regional V.A. office will be notified of the date on which a student officially ceases attendance.
MAT, MA, MS, MBA, MHA, MFA, MM, MPA
Students who do not plan to complete a degree or program from Webster University may request approval to take graduate courses at the University as a non-degree student. Non-degree candidates seeking access to graduate-level coursework must satisfy the minimum criteria for graduate study (a completed baccalaureate degree) as well as satisfy all course or program prerequisites. Non-degree students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (no deficient grades) in order to continue enrollment.
A student may enroll as a non-degree student for up to 6 credit hours. To continue as a non-degree student after the initial 6 credit hours, the student must submit an official undergraduate transcript showing baccalaureate degree conferral. The Director of Graduate and Evening Student Admissions will review the transcript and make the final decision as to whether an individual may continue as a non-degree student.
Non-degree students should meet with an academic advisor (students interested in the MAT program should contact the School of Education Office) before registering for courses since they are subject to the same requisite course requirements and dismissal policies that apply to degree-seeking students.
Academic Policies
MAT, MA, MS, MSN, MBA, MHA, MFA, MM, MPA, D.Mgt., Ed.S.
For most graduate programs, the graduate academic calendar consists of five nine-week terms per year: Summer, Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, and Spring 2. At international locations, terms are eight weeks in duration.
Graduate classes meet for four hours one night a week for nine weeks. There are exceptions to this schedule. Weekend classes are offered at some Webster University locations. Daytime classes are also offered at the London campus and other locations. Course schedules listing the terms and courses offered are available at each location. Students interested in the MAT program should contact the School of Education.
The University reserves the right to drop students who do not attend class the first week of the term/semester. Students are expected to attend all class sessions of every course. In the case of unavoidable absence, the student must contact the instructor. The student is subject to appropriate academic penalty for incomplete or unacceptable makeup work, or for excessive or unexcused absences. Generally, a student who misses more than one four-hour course period (per course) without a documented military or medical excuse and advanced permission from the instructor should withdraw from the class.
Students enrolling in a graduate program at Webster University assume the obligation of conducting themselves in a manner compatible with the University’s function as an educational institution. Misconduct for which students are subject to discipline may be divided into the following categories:
- All forms of dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the University.
- Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other University activities or of other authorized activities on University premises.
- Classroom disruption. Behavior occurring within the academic arena, including but not limited to classroom disruption or obstruction of teaching, is within the jurisdiction of Academic Affairs. In cases of alleged campus and/or classroom disruption or obstruction, a faculty member and/or administrator may take immediate action to restore order and/or to prevent further disruption (e.g., removal of student[s] from class or other setting). Faculty members have original jurisdiction to address the immediacy of a situation as they deem appropriate. When necessary and appropriate, Public Safety and/or the local [or military] police may be contacted to assist with restoring peace and order. Faculty response is forwarded to the academic dean (or his or her designee) for review and, if necessary, further action. Further action might include permanent removal from the course. Repeated offenses could lead to removal from the program and/or the University.
- Theft of or damage to property of the University.
Students who cheat or plagiarize may receive a failing grade for the course in which the cheating or plagiarism took place. Students who engage in any of the above misconducts may be subject to dismissal from the University on careful consideration by the executive vice president of the University or his designee. To the extent that penalties for any of these misconducts (e.g., theft or destruction of property) are prescribed by law, the University will consider appropriate action under such laws.
Students are subject to the Student Code of Conduct and Judicial Procedure described in the Online Student Handbook.
Credit hours are based on semester hours. Most Webster University graduate courses are 3-credit-hour courses. Credits which are transcripted by other institutions as quarter-hours will be transferred using a 2/3 conversion factor.
MA, MS, MSN, MBA, MHA, MFA, MM, MPA
A student who has not enrolled in Webster University graduate degree coursework for five consecutive terms must enroll for the sixth term, or the student will be required to meet the program degree requirements stated in the catalog that is current when the student resumes classes with Webster University. This regulation may not apply to students whose work assignments are remote from a Webster University extended-campus location or who have permission to complete studies at another institution.
If a student is enrolled continuously and core-course requirements change, the student may have to complete the revised core curriculum.
MAT
Most MAT students finish their programs in two years and three summers, or three years and two summers. Students who study summers only usually finish in five summers. Degree work must be finished within seven years after a student enters an MAT program unless a leave of absence is approved by the dean of education.
Ed.S. Degree Completion
Students who enter the program must complete all degree requirements within seven years after completion of their initial Ed.S. course. A student may apply to the Director of Graduate Programs for a maximum of two one-year extensions of the seven-year time limit for completion of the Ed.S.
A student may apply to the Dean, School of Education for a leave of absence of two years or less. If the absence is approved, the five-year time limit will be suspended for that period and will resume at the end of the leave of absence, whether or not the student enrolls in the Ed.S. courses.
MA, MS, MSN, MBA, MHA, MFA, MM, MPA, D.Mgt.
Grades in the program are A, A–, B+, B, B–, C, F, I, ZF, and W. Grades reflect the following standards:
- A/A– Superior graduate work
- B+/B/B– Satisfactory graduate work
- C Work that is barely adequate as graduate-level performance
- CR Work that is performed as satisfactory graduate work (B– or better). A grade of "CR”is reserved for courses designated by a department, involving internships, a thesis, practicums, or specified courses.
- F Work that is unsatisfactory
- I Incomplete work
- ZF An incomplete which was not completed within one year of the end of the course. ZF is treated the same as an F or NC for all cases involving GPA, academic warning, probation, and dismissal.
- IP In progress
- NR Not reported
- W Withdrawn from the course
Grades leading to academic warning, probation, or dismissal apply to one 3-credit-hour course or three 1-credit-hour professional seminars. A grade of C, F, or ZF in a 6-credit-hour internship, project, or thesis is equal to two grades of C or F for academic warning, probation, and dismissal purposes.
A grade of incomplete (I) may be assigned by the instructor in situations where the student has satisfactorily completed major components of the course, and has the ability to finish the remaining work without re-enrolling. The instructor determines the appropriateness of a grade of I, establishes the remaining requirements, and determines a deadline for course completion. These requirements for resolution of the I grade are generally documented with a “course incomplete” form.
A grade of I in a course needed for graduation must be officially changed to an appropriate grade prior to the due date for grades for the term the student has petitioned to graduate. Students are responsible for insuring that all grades of I have been changed prior to graduation. Students with two or more grades of I will generally not be allowed to enroll in additional coursework until the grades of I are resolved. After one calendar year has passed, the grade of I (Incomplete) will become a ZF. Students participating in military education programs, and in some corporate sponsored tuition plans, may have other deadlines or “I” grade stipulations that impact their enrollment and/or tuition reimbursement. These students are responsible for compliance with these third-party requirements.
The Z on a student’s record indicates that the instructor did not meet the University’s deadline for the submission of grades. At the end of the grading period for any 16-week semester or summer session, “IP” (In Progress) grades and Z grades will automatically turn to a grade of NR (Not Reported).
Normally, grade disputes should be resolved between the student and the instructor. Students may discuss any grade with the instructor. A student who believes he/she has received a grade of C or below that is arbitrary or assigned for nonacademic reasons may discuss the grade with the site director or regional academic director on extended campuses, or in St. Louis with the appropriate chair. If the grade dispute is not resolved within three months, the student may appeal the grade to the appropriate dean to review the procedures the instructor used in determining the grade. Grade appeals should be addressed in a timely manner, and are not considered after one academic year.
Students must repeat a core course in which an F or ZF is earned. The student’s enrollment history will document both enrollments and grades, but only the later grade (repeated course) will be used for GPA calculation. Students may repeat an elective course in which an F or ZF is earned. If a grade of B– or better is awarded for the repeated course, probation status may be lifted, and the F or ZF will not be a qualifier for future probation or dismissal. This option does not apply when the F or ZF combined with other grades qualifies the student for dismissal.
Records of progress are kept by the institution on both veteran and nonveteran students. Grades are available on the Internet to all students at the end of each scheduled term. (A hard copy is available upon request and may be requested online.)
MAT and Ed.S.
Grades in the MAT program are either A, A–, B+, B, B–, C, I, ZF, and W; or CR, NC, I, ZF, and W.
Grades reflect the following standards:
- B+/B/B– Satisfactory graduate work
- C Marginal graduate work
- CR Satisfactory graduate work (the equivalent of B– or better)
- NC Unsatisfactory graduate work
- I Incomplete work
- IP Course is in progress
- NR No course grade recorded by professor
- ZF An incomplete which was not completed within one year of the end of the course. ZF is treated the same as an F or NC for all cases involving GPA, academic warning, probation, and dismissal.
- W Withdrawn from the course
- Z An instructor did not meet the deadline for submitting grades to the Registrar's Office. The earned letter grade will be recorded when the grade is received.
Instructors may choose not to use the pluses and minuses.
A student may choose to receive Credit/No Credit, rather than a letter grade, by completing a grade choice form by the second week of classes. Students must complete 33 credit hours with a B average or the equivalent.
Normally, grade disputes should be resolved between the student and the instructor. Students may discuss any grade with the instructor. A student who believes he/she has received a grade of NC or C that is arbitrary or assigned for nonacademic reasons may discuss the grade with the appropriate chair in St. Louis, or the site director at extended campuses. If the grade dispute is not resolved within three months, the student may appeal the grade to the appropriate dean to review the procedures the instructor used in determining the grade. Grade appeals should be addressed in a timely manner, and are not considered after one academic year.A/A– Superior graduate work.
MAT, MA, MS, MSN, MBA, MHA, MFA, MM, MPA, D.Mgt., Ed.S.
A grade point average (GPA) is calculated on all graded work, including transfer credit, applied toward all graduate degrees. Graduate students are expected to maintain a GPA of B or higher in order to remain in good academic standing.
A 4-point system is used to calculate the GPA:
| A = 4.0 pts. A– = 3.67 pts B+ = 3.33 pts. B = 3.0 pts. B– = 2.67 pts. |
C = 2.0 pts. F = 0 pts.* ZF = 0 pts. NC = 0 pts.** |
* Not applicable to MAT and Ed.S.
** For MAT and Ed.S. only
Grades of Incomplete, Withdrawn, or Credit for Webster University graduate courses, or Credit or Pass for transfer courses, are not used in calculating the GPA When courses are repeated, the latter course is used for GPA calculation.
MA, MS, MSN, MBA, MHA, MFA, MM, MPA, MAT, Ed.S.
The student who completes a graduate degree (including all required, elective, prerequisite, and transfer courses) while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.950 receives Graduate Academic Honors. Accelerated sequential degrees are excluded from this designation.
MAT Outstanding Achievement Certificate
The Webster University MAT program presents Outstanding Achievement Awards to those graduates whose overall achievement, as students in the program, was significantly greater than that of most of their peers. Selection of deserving students is based upon faculty recommendations, not upon letter grades. Students so honored are invited to attend the honors ceremony in May.
The University is committed to high standards of academic conduct and integrity. Students will be held responsible for violations of academic honesty.
Definitions of Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty includes the following and any other forms of academic dishonesty:
- Cheating—Using or attempting to use crib sheets, electronic sources, stolen exams, unauthorized study aids in an academic assignment, or copying or colluding with a fellow student in an effort to improve one’s grade.
- Fabrication—Falsifying, inventing, or misstating any data, information, or citation in an academic assignment, field experience, academic credentials, job application or placement file.
- Plagiarism—Using the works (i.e. words, images, other materials) of another person as one’s own words without proper citation in any academic assignment. This includes submission (in whole or in part) of any work purchased or downloaded from a Web site or an Internet paper clearinghouse.
- Facilitating Academic Dishonesty—Assisting or attempting to assist any person to commit any act of academic misconduct, such as allowing someone to copy a paper or test answers.
Disciplinary Actions
In most cases, the instructor will address issues of academic dishonesty within the confines of the student’s course. The instructor may decide an appropriate consequence, including the following options: a written warning; the assignment of a written research project about the nature of plagiarism and academic honesty; a reduced grade or partial credit on the assignment; requiring the student to repeat the assignment; or issuing a failing grade to the student of the course.
If a student receives an unsatisfactory grade (C, F) in a course as a result of academic dishonesty, existing academic policies may lead to probation or dismissal.
In extreme cases, a dishonesty violation may warrant consideration for dismissal, suspension, or other disciplinary action. These disciplinary actions require a formal judicial process as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Academic Warning, Probation, and Dismissal
MA, MS, MBA, MHA, MFA, MM, MPA, D.Mgt.
Graduate students are expected to maintain a minimum B grade average to remain in good academic standing. The graduate student has a responsibility to demonstrate the ability to complete graduate-level coursework, including the ability to write clearly and succinctly. If the student receives grades of C, F, or ZF, the following conditions prevail:
- Before Advancement to Candidacy (within first 12 credit hours of the program)
- Probation Before Advancement—A student who receives a C grade is on probation.
- Dismissal Before Advancement—A student who receives two C grades, an F, or a ZF is dismissed. A specialstatus student who receives one grade of C or below is dismissed, without further right to appeal for reinstatement.
- After Advancement to Candidacy (after successfully completing first 12 credit hours of the program)
- Academic Warning—A student who has been advanced to candidacy and receives one grade of C is sent a notice of academic warning.
- Probation After Advancement—A student who receives one grade of F or ZF or two grades of C is placed on probation. The student is deemed to be on probation as soon as the grade which results in probation is submitted.
Students will receive formal written notice of probation by the Office of Academic Affairs in St. Louis. Students on probation are expected to limit their enrollment to one course (3 credit hours) per term.
Webster University employs academic advisors to assist in dealing with academic problems and student concerns. The student should make every effort to determine the circumstances that have led to inadequate performance. Students on academic probation should normally enroll in only one course per term. The academic advisor should be consulted when the academic performance of the student is inadequate.
Dismissal After Advancement—A student who receives a grade of C and a grade of F or ZF, or two grades of F or ZF, or three grades of C is automatically dismissed from the University. The student is deemed to be dismissed as soon as the grade which results in dismissal is submitted. Students will receive formal written notice from the Office of Academic Affairs in St. Louis. Students who are dismissed cannot enroll or attend classes unless and until they are reinstated or readmitted pursuant to relevant policies. Dismissal from a graduate program is dismissal from Webster University. The University also reserves the right to dismiss students who continuously withdraw from coursework and do not make satisfactory academic progress.
Students can also be dismissed from the program for violations of United States criminal codes.
Any conduct that is detrimental to the school and/or other students will result in the termination of educational benefits from the Veterans’ Administration.
Students should consult the Sequential Master of Arts and the Sequential Master of Business Administration sections under Master of Arts and Master of Business Administration for probation and dismissal policies for those degree programs.
MAT and Ed.S.
Each student is responsible for performing at a satisfactory graduate level. Students who fail to perform at a satisfactory graduate level are subject to the following:
- A student who receives one grade of C or one grade of NC or ZF is placed on probation.
- A student who receives either one C and one NC or ZF, or two NCs or ZFs is dismissed from the program.
- A student who receives three grades of C is dismissed from the program.
Implications of probationary status for MAT and Ed.S.:
- While a student is on probationary status, he or she may enroll in no more than 3 credit hours in an eight-week or 16-week session. Ed.S. students on probation are allowed to enroll in only the Block offer that semester.
- A student on probationary status may not enroll in subsequent classes until Incompletes are removed.
- A student is not advanced to candidacy until removed from probationary status.
- A student is removed from probationary status if he or she subsequently completes 6 credit hours of MAT coursework (excluding courses numbered 5410 and 5210) with a grade of B– or better. An Ed.S. student is removed from probation if he/she successfully completes the current Block course with a B– or higher grade.
- However, a C, NC, or ZF previously acquired remains a part of the student’s total academic record and may contribute to the student’s dismissal. The student can be dismissed from the program for violation of United States criminal codes or University policy.
MSN
Students pursuing the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress. If a MSN student receives a grade of C,F, or ZF, the following conditions apply:
- Probation: A student who receives a C is on probation.
- Dismissal: A student who receives two Cs, an F, or a ZF is dismissed from the University. Students who are dismissed cannot enroll or attend classes unless and until they are reinstated pursuant to relevant University reinstatement policies.
The student may send a written appeal for reinstatement to the Graduate Council in care of the associate vice president for academic affairs. The student must send the appeal stating the basis for his or her request for reinstatement no sooner than one term following the dismissal but within one year following the issuance of the last grade that resulted in the dismissal. The student is responsible for providing a complete and accurate statement describing the circumstances that contributed to his or her poor academic performance. Campus or program directors and faculty may provide recommendation to the Graduate Council as to whether or not a student should be reinstated. If the Graduate Council rejects the reinstatement appeal, the former student may apply for readmission after one calendar year.
A student may send a written appeal stating the basis for his or her request for readmission to the Graduate Council in care of the associate vice president for academic affairs. A student must send the appeal no sooner than one year and no longer than two years following the issuance of the last grade that qualified the student for dismissal, or after a reinstatement appeal was denied by the Graduate Council. The student is responsible for providing a complete and accurate statement describing the circumstances that contributed to his or her poor academic performance.
Two types of dismissal situations that might create grounds for readmission are: 1) a student has a generally good graduate record at Webster University but experiences a work or personal problem that leads to poor performance; or 2) a student’s background is weak in a specific area, e.g., accounting, that leads to poor performance in courses in that area or a related area, e.g., finance.
In the case of a past work or personal problem, the student should submit information or documentation that indicates the nature of the original problem and how it has been resolved. In the case of a weak background in a specific area, the student should demonstrate the attainment of the necessary knowledge and/or skills to do graduate work at Webster University, such as successful completion of remedial work in the problem area. In either instance, the student might demonstrate the ability to do graduate work by voluntarily taking a standardized test such as the GMAT
On a limited basis, and in documented cases of unavoidable absence, a student may request a directed study to complete a required core graduate course outlined in this catalog, except for non-MAT courses numbered 5500. Generally, a request for a directed study will be denied when the student has the option to enroll in an online section of the course. The following conditions prevail if a course is to be completed as a directed study:
- A basis for the directed study must be documented. The documentation should demonstrate a clear academic rationale for a directed study. Requests for directed studies are to be written and submitted to the local director on extended campuses and in St. Louis to the appropriate dean or designee by the student on a Program Option Request form along with the supporting documentation.
- Initial approval must be given by the local director. Final approval must be granted on extended sites by the associate vice president for academic affairs and on the St. Louis campus by the appropriate dean.
- The course must be in the curriculum at the campus where the student is enrolled and be a core requirement in the student’s program (directed studies are not approved for electives).
- Students pursuing the MA, MAT, MBA, MHA, or MS are permitted a maximum of two directed studies unless further restricted by that program. Students are encouraged to utilize a directed study only as a last resort. Elective courses are excluded from this option.
- Directed studies are identified by the catalog course prefix, number, and title and include a directed study notation. Example: MNGT 5650 Management and Strategy: Directed Study.
- Directed studies in media communications may be options at the St. Louis campus and carry the designation MEDC 5200.
- Individually designed courses may be an option in an individualized degree program at the St. Louis campus and carry the designation INDZ 5200.
M.A.T. students with special interests or needs that are not met by existing curricula may request that a member of the faculty supervise an independent study. Together the student and faculty member decide the content of the independent study and the criteria for evaluation. In no case can an independent study be set up when an existing course already covers the subject.
Students already holding a Webster MAT may earn additional credits beyond their degree.
MAT graduates registering under this classification may enroll at the MAT alumni tuition rate. This tuition reduction is not applicable to Online, InService and off-campus courses. A maximum of 6 credit hours taken at the MAT alumni tuition rate may be counted toward a second MAT or an Advanced Graduate Certificate.
In some majors, students may arrange an internship in a business or agency setting. Internships carry a 6500 course number plus the major prefix, with the exception of COUN 6000 Counseling Learning Practicum.
The internship option requires that the student has completed all the required courses (except 6000) in the declared major/emphasis. Internships (6500) do not substitute for overview (6000) or capstone course requirements.
An internship is permitted only in a student’s declared major or MBA area of emphasis. Three to 6 credit hours may be earned in internship. Counseling students are exempt from this policy and may complete up to 12 credit hours of practicum if it is required by state licensure law. Students pursuing the MA or the MBA with an emphasis may complete a maximum of 6 credit hours of internship.
Internships are not available to MAT students or MBA students without an area of emphasis.
Completing a thesis or thesis project (the 6250 course number) is a major undertaking for students and instructors alike. Graduate students electing this option will invest significant time and energy in preparing primary and secondary research that will add to the body of knowledge of their fields of study, or they will produce a project of significant original material.
Several levels of instructor and administrator approvals are necessary before a candidate can proceed with the 6250 option. Students should see their campus director or department chair (if studying at the St. Louis campus) for the copies of the thesis guidelines and the necessary forms for pursuing this course. Students are advised to apply for this option before completing 21 credit hours in order to complete the authorization process in a timely manner.
Before taking the 6250 course the student will have completed all the required courses (except the 6000 integrated studies course) in the declared major/ emphasis. A thesis may not be substituted for a core course with the exception of the 6000 integrated studies course. Students pursuing a dual major may substitute a thesis option for only one 6000 capstone course. Students who have received a grade of “C” in any core course(s), or who are on academic warning or probation, may not pursue the thesis option. The thesis option is not available in some degree programs and majors.
The 6250 student initially registers for a minimum of 3 credit hours and subsequently maintains a minimum enrollment of 2–3 credit hours until the thesis is completed. A maximum of 6 credit hours may be applied towards the graduate degree, with appropriate approvals. Credit for the thesis is awarded in non-letter grade format (Credit/No Credit.)
Degree-seeking students may earn up to 6 credit hours through credit by examination. Knowledge and/or skills assessed through this process must be consistent with the student’s major. Students interested in applying for credit by examination should obtain a copy of the Credit by Examination Policy and Procedures from the MAT office.
MA, MS, MSN, MBA, MHA, MM, MPA
Webster University allows limited transfer credit to apply towards graduate programs, when the transfer course is directly applicable (relevant) to the specific master’s degree and the following factors are satisfied. The University’s transfer policies are based, in part, on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recommended guidelines and framework. While transfer decisions are not made solely on the source of the accreditation of the sending program or institution, Webster University generally expects transfer coursework to originate from a regionally accredited institution. Other essential academic factors involved in the transfer decision include: existing articulation agreements, comparability, course level, content, grades, course equivalency, course or program prerequisites, and applicability of the transfer request towards the specific degree and major (relevancy to the program).
A maximum of 12 credit hours of relevant graduate credit from other regionally accredited graduate institutions or professional military education depending on the requirements of the specific degree program may be transferred into a student’s graduate degree program, subject to evaluation and approval. Only 9 credit hours of transfer credit are allowed for students in the MBA program. Transfer credit in which the student has earned a grade of B– or above, which is relevant to the student’s degree program and which has not been applied toward the completion of a degree, will be considered for review.
Several defined government and/or military cooperative degree programs (e.g., Captains’ Career Courses) provide transfer credit. Formal articulation agreements define transfer credit for these limited programs. Requests for transfer of credit must be submitted in writing by the student on the Request for Transfer of Credit form. Transfer of credit should be arranged at the time the student matriculates.
With prior approval, students pursuing the MA may complete a maximum of 6 credit hours of relevant Webster University MAT courses as a part of the elective credits. Course relevancy is determined by the appropriate dean. Generally, courses in education pedagogy, methods, and practicum will not be approved. No transfer of credit is necessary. The MAT credit hours do not apply to the 12 credit hours allowed for transfer.
Credit will be transferred in strict accordance with the guidelines established by the American Council on Education. Only those schools or courses recommended for graduate credit by that Council will be considered in the evaluation of transfer credit. Credits which are transcripted as quarter-hours will be transferred using a 2/3 conversion factor.
As part of the overall Webster University student transfer of credit policy, Webster University will assign a grade of “CR” to all passing grades from recognized non-U.S. or non-American style educational institutions. Approved transfers of credit will be recorded officially after the student is fully accepted into the degree program. If the approved courses to be transferred have not been completed at the time of full acceptance, the student may request the transfer of credit at a later time. This transfer of credit should be requested before the student has completed 18 credit hours with Webster University.
MAT
MAT students may transfer, with approval, either:
- 6 credit hours from another graduate institution and 3 credit hours of approved MAT In-Service credit or
- 3 credit hours from another graduate institution and 6 credit hours of approved MAT In-Service credit
A maximum of 6 credit hours from other colleges or universities may be transferred into the degree program. The course(s) being transferred must meet the following criteria:
- The course is required to achieve the program goals and is relevant to the student's major.
- The course carries graduate credit toward an accredited master's degree program at the sponsoring institution.
- The course was not used to fulfill requirements for another degree.
- The course must carry a grade of A, B, or Credit.
- The course must have been completed within five years before admission into the program.
Courses taken at other colleges or universities after admission to the program and MAT In-Service courses ordinarily may not be transferred for credit. Waivers would require the following:
- Prior approval by an advisor and relevant area coordinator must be granted on "prior permission form" before the course is taken.
- The course does not duplicate one offered at Webster University. (Note: This does not refer only to courses offered in the current semester, but to any similar course Webster University offers.)
- The student fills out a Request for Transfer of Credit form (available in the School of Education Office) and submits it, along with an official transcript of the course(s) being requested, to the School of Education Office. When the transfer hours have been approved and processed, the student will be notified.
Students may request approval of the transfer courses at any time after admission to the program. Approved transfer hours are not used in evaluating advancement-to-candidacy or probation and dismissal actions.
A maximum of 6 credit hours of relevant graduate credit from other regionally accredited graduate institutions or professional military education may be transferred into the student’s graduate degree program (Ed.S.), subject to evaluation and approval. Transfer of credit in which the student has earned a grade of B– or above, which is relevant to the student’s degree program and which has not been applied toward the completion of a degree, will be considered for review. Requests for transfer of credit must be submitted in writing by the student on the “Request for Transfer of Credit” form with an accompanying official transcript.
When the transfer hours have been approved and processed, the student will be notified. Students may request approval of the transfer of credit at any time after admission to the program.
The student must submit a request for substitution of a course for a required core course to the local director/advisor on a Program Option Request form and must include documentation to support the substitution request. The decision to approve or deny a core course substitution request rests with the associate vice president for academic affairs or designee and is based on an evaluation of the student's exposure to equivalent subject matter.
Petition/Graduation Requirements
The student is responsible for completing degree requirements including, but not limited to, changes of grade, core course substitutions, program evaluation, and the petition to graduate, in accordance with the dates listed in the Academic Calendar. A student should complete a petition to graduate at the time of registration for his or her final term.
Prior to their degree completion, students are assigned a non-refundable graduation candidacy fee, which covers degree audit functions, diploma production, and future transcript requests.
A student request for an official transcript must be in writing and directed to the Office of the Registrar. The University will issue the official transcript only if the student's account is paid in full.
An unofficial copy of the transcript is sent to the student after completion of degree requirements. The University issues the unofficial transcript only if the student's account is paid in full.
The University will issue the diploma to students who have completed all degree requirements if the student's account is paid in full. Diplomas are sent from the Office of the Registrar at the conclusion of each term.
Webster University provides all students, faculty, and staff with a University e-mail account (CONNECTIONS). Employees and students are expected to:
- Activate their Connections account after receiving their Registration and Services Online username and password from the Registrar (students) or upon receipt of a Connections username (employees);
- Regularly check their incoming University e-mail, as well as their Connections Personal and Campus Announcements; and
- Maintain their University e-mail account in working order (including compliance with the University's Acceptable Use Policy, and appropriately managing disk space usage).
It is not possible at this time to have e-mail from one's University e-mail account forwarded to another e-mail address. However, the Connections e-mail client can be configured to retrieve multiple (IMAP or POP compliant) e-mail accounts. E-mail account holders can call the Help Desk (X5995 or toll free at 1-866-435-7270) for assistance with this setup. Individual account holders are soley responsible for ensuring that all University correspondence continues to be received and read.
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