We offer both synchronous and asynchronous programs, all designed with the individual in mind, and are led by top-notch faculty members who truly care about student comprehension, participation, interaction and ultimate success.
This asynchronous course delivery option requires no face-to-face or synchronous (via teleconference) sessions. Program courses utilize WorldClassRoom, the University’s official Learning Management System, powered by Canvas. WorldClassRoom is used to deliver course content and to manage course requirement assignments. While asynchronous courses do not require students and faculty to be online at the same time, it offers opportunities for interaction between students and faculty, and students and their peers through discussion boards, video postings, group work, and peer review assignments.
Students in asynchronous programs can, if they desire, take courses delivered other ways. For example, some students move from asynchronous to synchronous delivery and back, depending on their schedules, preferences, and the course topic.
This course delivery option incorporates synchronous course meetings, hosted using Zoom teleconferencing software. In each course, students are expected to attend single-class sessions of two to four hours each week via Zoom. Eight- and nine-week classes will meet from two to four hours each week, depending on the design of the program. Sixteen-week classes will meet from one to three hours each week. Face-to-face meetings at a Webster campus are not required. Synchronous components of Live Virtual courses emphasize “engaged learning,” in which faculty members maximize applied learning, faculty-student and student-student connections, and active/dynamic class exercises.
The remaining portion of the course content will be delivered using WorldClassRoom, the University’s official Learning Management System (LMS), powered by Canvas. Students use the LMS for assignment submissions and other course activities as indicated by the instructor, and may have “pre-work” to complete in WorldClassRoom prior to their weekly course meeting. Attendance at synchronous meetings is required, and participation impacts the student’s grade.
If a program is designated Live Virtual, that means that students can complete every core course in the program synchronously. Students in Live Virtual programs can, if they desire, take courses delivered other ways. For example, some students move from asynchronous to synchronous delivery and back, depending on their schedules, preferences, and the course topic.
100% Online (Asynchronous) |
Live Virtual (Synchronous) |
| Asynchronous online courses allow you to work from any location, at times that are convenient to you. | Live Virtual online courses allow you to work from any location, but do incorporate scheduled weekly class meetings. Depending on the format of the program, these meetings may be anywhere from two to four hours, one night per week. |
| A program or course offered in this modality requires no face-to-face or synchronous sessions. | Courses offered in this modality require scheduled meetings hosted via Zoom. |
| These courses utilize WorldClassRoom, which is the University’s official Learning Management System, powered by Canvas. WorldClassRoom will be utilized for delivery of course content and management of course requirements and assignments. | These courses utilize WorldClassRoom, which is the University’s official Learning Management System, powered by Canvas. Students will be expected to complete asynchronous preparation ahead of Live Virtual class meetings. |
| Students have the flexibility of managing their own schedule within the course parameters, typically with weekly learning modules and assignments. You don’t have to be online at a specific time. | Students in Live Virtual classes combine real-time class meetings, focused on active learning with independent pre-work completed in WorldClassRoom. |
| While asynchronous courses do not require students and faculty to be online at the same time, they offer opportunities for interaction between students and faculty, and students and their peers through discussion boards, video postings, group work, and peer review assignments. | Students will use WorldClassRoom to manage assignments, readings, and other course content, but most student-to-student and student-to-faculty interaction will take place in the real-time meetings. |
| Faculty may also offer real-time office hours, review sessions, or other opportunities for interaction via Zoom, but they are not required for the course. | Real-time course meetings are required in Live Virtual programs, and students should organize their schedules and workspace to accommodate them. |
| To participate in Asynchronous online classes, students must have a computer with internet access. Courses are also designed to be accessible via tablet or phone, via the Canvas app or browser. | To participate in Live Virtual classes, students must have a computer with internet access, a webcam, microphone, and speakers. This allows the student to be seen and heard while they participate in the session. |
| 100% Online (asynchronous) classes are great for students with busy or unpredictable schedules that make attending a scheduled course meeting difficult, or students who appreciate the flexibility of being able to set their own times for completing course responsibilities. | Live Virtual (synchronous) classes are for students who appreciate the real-time interaction of a scheduled class, but prefer the ability to do that without travelling from their home or office to a campus. |
Research has proven there is no difference in the academic success of students in distance-learning programs vs. students in face-to-face programs.
That means our students can expect the same rigorous curriculum that would be provided in person, and adheres to the highest academic standards. Don’t believe us? Check out our complete list of accreditations and licensures.
MBA, '21
Master of Business Administration (MBA)Students can enroll in it — and many other programs — in a fully asynchronous format,
or choose Live Virtual and be linked with students attending in the classroom on one
of our many campuses!
Guided by our interdisciplinary vision of providing our students a highly personalized education, we’re here to prepare you for future professional success through a wide variety of coursework combined with real-world insight and knowledge.
January 24, 2023
December 28, 2022
October 13, 2022
