U.S. Accredited Education in the Heart of Europe.
Established in Switzerland in 1978, Webster University Geneva is an accredited American university campus that offers high-quality programs in English at the undergraduate (bachelor level) and graduate (masters) level. Webster provides a broad Liberal Arts approach to teaching in the culturally-rich context of Switzerland, and the University has become an important member of the community and spirit that comprise "Genève Internationale".
About Webster University Geneva
Webster University Geneva has been a Swiss nonprofit educational foundation (“Fondation Webster”) since 1978. It was established by Webster University, a private, nonprofit, student-focused university founded in the USA in 1915. Webster University Geneva provides teaching, research, and service in several disciplines at the Undergraduate (bachelor) and Graduate (master) levels at our campus in Bellevue, Geneva.
Webster University Geneva’s vision, to become a premier international university, setting a distinct standard for global education opportunities, is built on a foundation of excellence in teaching, enhanced by international perspectives to foster dialogue, respect, and understanding across boundaries and between peoples. The institution is committed to offering students a distinct personal experience and providing the resources required to allow them to be transformed for global citizenship and individual excellence.
In the American Liberal Arts tradition, all of Webster University’s undergraduate degree programs include a liberal arts 'core' of courses (developing a set of knowledge, competencies and skills across all bachelor degree programs) called the Global Citizenship Program (GCP), which represents about 25% of the student's total credits in the bachelor degree. The GCP introduces all undergraduate students to modes of scientific inquiry and academic research and educates them on issues of ethics, diversity, and sustainability, so that they emerge as individuals who are critically aware of the role they play in shaping the world around them.
Research and creativity are essential activities at Webster University Geneva for faculty and students. Our scholarly and creative work contributes to building knowledge, enhances our understanding of the world and human experience, and increases the institutional visibility and academic reputation of Webster University Geneva. Research and creative projects are published in books or recognized peer-reviewed journals, presented at academic conferences, and submitted to juried competitions. Our faculty guide students in their research projects, including a Scholars Program which fosters a culture of research among bachelor students.
Webster University Geneva also opens its doors to the Geneva and Swiss communities through dozens of free public events each year—from academic conferences to panels of expert speakers and workshops—on a range of topics across business and technology, international affairs, psychology, media communications and the arts. Our campus connects further with the local Swiss community and with the organizations and actors that comprise Genève Internationale, through various co-sponsored events, research projects and student volunteer activities.
Webster University (worldwide) comprises an global network of faculty, staff, students, and alumni, with 10,000 students studying on campuses in 10 countries (in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa) as well as through online courses and degree programs. As part of the global network Webster University Geneva also hosts dozens of study abroad students for a term or semester from across the Webster University network of campuses and other unversity partners.
“At Webster University Geneva, we provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in a globally interconnected world: to evaluate different perspectives, interact with diverse communities, and act responsibly.”
Director, Webster University Geneva
Mission
Webster University, a worldwide institution, ensures high quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.
Vision
Our vision is to be a premier international university setting a distinct standard for global education. This vision is built on a foundation of excellence in teaching and enhanced by an international perspective that fosters dialogue, respect and understanding across boundaries and between peoples. The educational endeavors in support of this vision are meeting the needs and enriching a global mix of learners within an ever increasing network of students desiring a U.S. education in multiple parts of the world. The institution is committed to offering these students a distinct personal experience and building the resources required to achieve this vision. The actions of the institution are shaped by our core values.
Webster University Core Values
Students
By sustaining a personalized approach to global, student-centered education through small classes, close relationships with faculty and staff, and attention to student life.
At Webster University Geneva, we support each individual student in their aspiration to excel. This includes various academic resources, from a Scholars' Program designed to inspire, mentor motivate the school's highest academic performers to programs and services that enhance academic achievement of students at every level. Excellence is also encouraged in character development through participation in co-curricular activities, including an optional Webster LEADS program, which earns a Leadership Certificate upon successful completion.
On Webster University's Geneva's residential campus, students are surrounded by a supportive and collegial community that provides individual attention through small class sizes. Students build close relationships with faculty and staff, and the campus provides aspects of student life that encourages community engagement from each student.
Learning
By developing educational programs that join theory and practice, provide an international perspective, encourage creativity and scholarship, and foster a lifelong desire to learn and actively serve communities and the world.
At Webster University Geneva, students learn in a global context. We have students representing up to 90 distinct nationalities and a faculty whose citizenship (and/or origins) span about 25 countries. Students studying at Webster in Switzerland benefit from a worldwide network of Webster campuses that allows for exciting study abroad opportunities, while offering a unified academic experience, firmly grounded in Webster’s educational philosophy.
Diversity & Inclusion
By creating an environment accessible to individuals of diverse cultures, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds and instilling in students a respect for diversity and an understanding of their own and others' values.
Webster University Geneva is a learning environment that welcomes individuals from diverse cultures, ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. As a diverse, gender-inclusive campus, we support critical conversations about how a spirit of inclusion is embedded in the concept of global citizenship. We aim to instill in students a respect for diversity and an understanding of their own and others' values, where:
Diversity embraces all human differences while building on the commonalities. It serves to eliminate discrimination and exclusion based on race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, disability, religion or military status; and
Inclusion affords faculty, staff, students and community partners the opportunity to participate, regardless of differences. It is being included in activities and the chance to participate using one's abilities in day-to-day activities as a member of the community.
Global Citizenship
By educating a diverse population locally, nationally and internationally, acting responsibly toward the environment to foster a sustainable future, and strengthening the communities where we serve.
Webster's core curriculum, called the Global Citizenship Program, is required of all bachelor students at Webster University Geneva, and is designed to support the development of global citizenship.
Creativity and Innovation
By investing in innovative scholarly and creative projects that advance the intellectual and social impact of basic and applied research or creative activity.
Engaging in innovative research and creative works to make a positive impact on the world around us is an important tenet of the culture of Webster University Geneva and the output of our faculty. The practical application of theoretical knowledge is not only a central practice of our teaching faculty, but an important aspect of our scholarly productivity.
Over the years, our proximity to international organizations has allowed us to develop practical expertise and to contribute to knowledge regarding the real world and major global challenges and issues, such as sustainability, conflicts, migration, geopolitical dynamics, and global economic development. Research also provides the base for collaborative work with local and international communities in the areas of psychology and counseling, health care, human rights, refugee and migration studies, and international affairs.
Quality Assurance
In addition to the accreditations listed below, each of which conducts an external and independent audit and assessment of the quality of our university and/or specific programs, Webster University Geneva has a comprehensive, campus-wide system that covers all aspects of our academic activities and operations, including teaching, research and service.
See our Quality Assurance page for further details.
Institutional Accreditation
Webster University carries full institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning
Commission (HLC). The HLC is the highest-level accrediting agency for universities
based in the north-central region of the United States. Webster University has maintained
this accreditation since 1925, and this institutional accreditation applies for all
locations where the University offers programs, worldwide. Students at Webster University
Geneva therefore earn the same degree that is awarded in the United States.
Webster University is pleased to announce that in 2018 it has earned its re-accreditation from the HLC. This process included a site visit to the Geneva campus by a member of the HLC review team.
The next Reaffirmation of Accreditation will take place in 2027-28.
Link to Webster's HLC accreditation (scroll for international campus locations) >>
Learn more about the HLC and how US accreditation works >>
Program Accreditations
Our Business and Management programs offered by the Walker School of Business and
Technology at Webster University Geneva are accredited by ACBSP (Accreditation Council
for Business Schools and Programs). This accreditation supports our efforts in assuring
quality standards and assurance of learning.
Our Master of Arts in Counselling is fully accredited by the Swiss Association for Counselling (referred to as Association Suisse de Conseil, in French and Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Beratung, SGfB, in Swiss German). This allows our master’s students to pursue the status of Members in Training SGfB, until receipt of their degree when they will become Active Members SGfB.
Other affiliations and memberships
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The Department of International Relations is an Academic Institutional Member (AIM) of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House).
This membership provides access to over 300 recordings and transcripts of major conferences and Chatham House's formidable archives. Chatham House also offers corporate roundtables and forums for debate among senior business figures, which are open to students. In addition to the bimonthly magazine The World Today and the refereed journal International Affairs, it proposes open tickets for four IR students for each of its 100+ members events per year, and access to the Chatham House library. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students benefit from a 20% discounted student membership.
Webster University Geneva is also a member of the UN Academic Impact Initiative.
Annual Reports
To learn about developments of Webster University Geneva programs and campus activities, view the following reports from recent academic years:
2020 & 2021 Institutional & Activity Report (2019-20/2020-21 dual issue)
As part of our initiative for continuous improvement, the University has established a Quality Assurance Office which will publish a standardized Annual Report on the QA page. The consolidated 2022 Annual Report, in a new format, will also be published here in late Summer 2022.
“I invite you to join the Webster University community of learners and engage in an unparalleled international academic experience.”
Director, Webster University Geneva
Dr. Guffey's Academic ProfileAt Webster University Geneva, the concept of an international education becomes reality, as students from about 90 countries per year come together in a community of learners engaged by a globally diverse faculty. At Webster, you will not only find a stimulating environment that will prepare you for the future, but you will also join a fascinating network of students and alumni.
From your first day on campus, you will find that this university provides personalized attention to its students, with small classes and direct interaction with professors. If you are a high-achieving student, you may be able to join the Webster Scholars Program. Our Writing Center is also here to assist you, and soon this service will expand to form a Learning Center offering tutoring for quantitative skills. Webster staff and faculty work to enable all students to fulfill their academic potential.
Our academic facilities and library are modern, attractive, and well-equipped. We offer both on and off-campus residences. On campus, we also have a cafeteria, a fitness room and excellent recreational facilities.
Webster’s Geneva location will add further dimensions to your higher education experience. Geneva is home to the United Nations headquarters in Europe, and to other major international organizations, numerous multi-national corporations and a vibrant financial and trading center. These organizations and other cultural institutions can provide you with additional opportunities to augment your learning beyond the classroom.
When it comes to recreation, the lake Geneva and broader Alps region offer some of the best sporting terrain in the world — right at your doorstep. Moreover, Geneva is situated in the heart of Europe, so it is easy to immerse yourself in the culture of other European cities, most of which are accessible in less than two hours by plane.
Upon being admitted to Webster in Geneva, you join an international university network where the world is your campus. You are able to study in Leiden, Vienna or Athens, if your goal is to stay in Europe. Opportunities also await you for a semester abroad in Tashkent, Ghana, the United States and several other destinations. I invite you to join the Webster University community of learners and engage in an unparalleled international academic experience.
Webster Geneva Hosts the 27th International Humanitarian and Security Conference
November 16, 2022
News Around Webster: Smith, Christeson, Indjikian, Cosic, Nomikos and 'Talk Globally' Podcast
November 3, 2022
Webster Geneva Hosts Expert Panel on China’s Political, Economic Rise
September 26, 2022