A World of Opportunity – Webster University

I had the privilege of touring Webster University on a rainy day in April 2011.  Webster is a small (2300 undergrads), private, liberal arts intuition located in Webster Groves, a residential suburb of St. Louis. I braved the rain with two other families to take the full tour, led by Chris, a graduating senior, who will be returning to Webster next year as a graduate student.  Then I sat down with Andrew Laue, the Director of Undergraduate Admissions, to discuss the highlights of the university and the current admissions criteria.

Academic Programs

Webster is probably best known for its BFA program in the Conservatory of Theater Arts, one of the top professional training programs in the country. The performance program includes acting, musical theater, and directing.  The design and technical program offers costume construction, costume design, lighting design, scene painting, sound design, stage management, technical directing, and wig & makeup design.  In recent years the technical / design program has had a 100% placement rate for its graduates. The Creative Writing program is highly regarded and one reason students may chose to travel from across the country to Webster. Webster is one of only a few smaller schools with a communications department offering:

• Film production
• Audio production
• Animation
• Global journalism
• Video production
• Script writing

In all of these programs students can begin taking classes in their major freshman year!

Incredible Study Abroad Opportunities

Webster is one school where study abroad is more than a catch-phrase in the admissions tour.  35% of students take advantage of the incredible study abroad programs. Webster has international campuses with courses taught in English and credits guaranteed to transfer (and satisfy requirements!).  Students enjoy Webster’s international campuses:

• London, England
• Leiden, The Netherlands
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Vienna, Austria
• Hua-Hin / Cha-am, Thailand

Webster is right for…

• Theater student interested in a conservatory approach
• Students wanting to get started freshman year in hands-on classes in film, animation, audio production, etc.
• Creative, open-minded students
• Academically curious students interested in trying out different academic classes
• Students interested in global awareness and study abroad
• Those who like the opportunities on campus and in St. Louis for theater, arts, and business
• Students who want a supportive academic community looking for ways to help students excel

Overall, I was impressed with Webster University. ]]>