Campus
degrees will include Business, Communications, and International Relations
Webster University’s new
Accra, Ghana campus has been approved by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
in the United States, clearing the final hurdle to offer dually accredited
degrees for it graduates, it was announced today.
The approval by the HLC
will ensure Webster University graduates in Ghana to hold degrees that will be
recognized in both Ghana and the U.S., making it easier for them to seek work
in either county or pursue additional studies in either country. Earlier this
year, Ghana’s Ministry of Education gave approval for the programs that will be
offered at the Accra campus.
The opening of Webster
University Ghana campus, located on 4th Circular Road, Cantonments,
Accra,and the dual recognition of degrees will be a great benefit to the
University’s students, said Dr. Thomas Oates, director of the Ghana campus.
“By having a degree that
is recognized in both Ghana and the U.S., our students will have more options
for their future, they will more easily be able to find employment, network,
and pursue further educational opportunities in Ghana or anywhere around the
world,” Oates said.
The Accra campus also will
provide more opportunities for current students from any of Webster
University’s worldwide campuses to study abroad, Oates added.
In addition to its Ghana
and North American locations, Webster University also has traditional
residential campuses in Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Thailand and the
United Kingdom, as well as a global network of international partners in
more than two dozen other locations.
Nearly one-third of
Webster’s currents students and faculty take advantage of the University’s
global presence and study or teach in another country. With the new Ghana
campus opening up on a fourth continent for the Webster community, it is
anticipated students and faculty from other campuses will visit Ghana, while
students in Ghana likely will study for a semester or two in Asia, North
America or Europe, Oates said.
Programs offered at that
the new campus are based on interest of students and employers in the region.
The first graduate program
will be a Webster University George Herbert Walker School of Business &
Technology (Walker School) Master of Business Administration, which is offered
at every Webster location worldwide, and a Master of Arts in International
Relations from Webster’s College of Arts & Sciences.
Undergraduate programs,
which also are scheduled to start next year, include international business
from the Walker School, international relations from the College of Arts &
Sciences, and communications from The School of Communications.
“With this important
location, we continue in the footsteps of our founders who provided access to
higher education in areas of greatest need, meeting students where they are,”
said Webster University President Elizabeth “Beth” J. Stroble. “As we near the
close of our first century and prepare to celebrate our Centennial in 2015, we
may take great pride in adding Accra, Ghana to the list of places that Webster
students call home.”
In July, Ghana’s Ministry
of Education accredited programs offered at the Webster new Accra campus, which
currently is housed in two large, renovated buildings, complete with
classrooms, lecture halls, and libraries.
“Webster’s presence in
Ghana will be impactful and felt throughout the region,” said Julian
Schuster, the provost, senior vice president and chief operating officer of
Webster. “Enhanced educational opportunities through robust Webster University
programs will further develop and build capacity in this important and
fast-growing part of the African continent.”
Webster University (www.webster.edu)
is the only Tier 1, private, non-profit, U.S.-based university providing a
network of international residential campuses and a robust online learning
program. Webster University’s campus network includes metropolitan, military
and corporate locations around the world. The university is committed to
delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global
citizenship and individual excellence.
Webster students have a
unique opportunity to study at different campus locations, enjoy small classes
and personalized attention resulting in a Webster University degree and a truly
global perspective. Student housing is made available and travel scholarships
are awarded to qualified students.
For photos of the new Accra campus,
visit http://websterghana.tumblr.com.
