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".
More about Webster University Geneva
The University offers degree programs under four primary academic departments: Business and Technology; International Relations; Media Communications; Psychology and Professional Counseling. The University offers a broad range of interdisciplinary bachelor options (including combinations of academic majors, minors and certificates across departments) as well as master's degree and graduate certificate programs.
An integral part of the bachelor experience is the Global Citizenship Program (GCP), a set of requirements that comprise Webster’s version of a liberal arts core, required for all students. Courses offered by the GCP range across disciplines and build critical competencies that support engaged global citizenship, career success and lifelong learning.
In addition to its Switzerland-based degree-seeking students, Webster University Geneva welcomes study abroad students from other global Webster campus locations and partner universities. Study Abroad students pursue courses in either a major discipline or choose electives from the broad array of subjects offered each semester in the GCP.
Our faculty conduct research at the forefront of their disciplines, with an ambitious research initiative aimed at strengthening the university's reputation and contribution to the global academic community.
Service to the local community is also integral aspects of our local mission and activities. In addition to various academic conferences throughout the year, we host a wide range of public events for which the broader Geneva community is invited, ranging from cutting-edge business topics to issues at the forefront of world affairs. The University also supports and encourages the Webster Humanitarian Association, a student-led, registered NGO.
For over 100 years, Webster University (St. Louis, USA, since 1915) has served students from around the world in search of a first-class higher education. Webster University Geneva, the University's first international location, remains the most culturally diverse campus within the Webster worldwide network. Students who enroll in a Webster degree program have the global Webster network within reach, with the possibility to integrate a study abroad experience either in the U.S., at other campuses in Europe, or beyond.
Pursuit of Individual Excellence
At Webster University Geneva, we support each 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.
Learning in a Global Context
Webster is a welcoming, inclusive global learning community. At Webster University Geneva, across about 400 students per year we have students representing up to 90 distinct nationalities and a faculty whose citizenship (and/or origins) span about 25 countries.
Webster's core curriculum, called the Global Citizenship Program, is required of all bachelor students, and is designed to support the development of global citizenship. 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
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;
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.
Personalized Experience
On Webster Geneva's residential campus, students are surrounded by a supportive and collegial community that provides individual attention on topics relating to academic and extra-curricular life. Webster University Geneva brings together the atmosphere of a small, intimate campus experience with the academic knowledge and resources of a large international university. Webster staff and faculty work together to enable all students to fulfill their academic potential.
As a private, non-profit university, Webster focuses its efforts on each of these student-focused aspects, and excels at connecting them, making the whole University learning experience greater than the sum of the parts.
Quality Assurance
In addition to accreditations below, each of which conduct independent, external quality
assessment audits, Webster University Geneva maintains a strong commitment to ensuring
quality in our programming and operations. 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. See article.
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.
“Our graduates are global citizens who appreciate and work well with people of all cultures and are equipped to be successful in their careers of the future, anywhere in the world.”
Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble
Chancellor, Webster University
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 U.S- based 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 education through small classes, close relationships with faculty and staff, and attention to student life.
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.
Diversity
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.
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 we serve.
Factsheet 2020 (general)
Bachelor Fact Sheet for students, familes and counselors
Masters Fact Sheet for prospective applicants
Annual Report
To learn more recent developments of Webster University Geneva programs and campus activities, view our 2019 Annual Report.
A Message from our Director General
"At 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 Thailand, Ghana, the United States and several other destinatations. I invite you to join the Webster University community of learners and engage in an unparalleled international academic experience."
Clementina Acedo, PhD
Director General, Webster University Geneva