Webster Creates a Pathway for Southwestern Illinois Students to Earn a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science

Webster University and Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) are making it easier for SWIC students to earn bachelor’s degrees. SWIC students in the Associate of Art in Pre-Major Exercise Science program can transfer their credits toward a Webster Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science, allowing them to complete two college degrees in four years. 

This is just one of dozens of programs offered by Webster University that make it easier for community college students to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees without having to repeat classes or add extra time before they graduate. 

“This program creates a seamless pathway for SWIC Pre-Major Exercise students to continue their academic journey and earn a bachelor’s degree,” said Webster University College of Science and Health Interim Dean Mary Lai Preuss. “Webster recognized that a growing number of students are starting their higher education experience at the community college level and made the decision to become the transfer destination for students in the region by making the transition to a four-year college as easy as possible.” 

In the past decade, Webster has entered into agreements with more than a dozen community college institutions and currently offers dozens of options for community college students. A complete list of all agreements with community colleges and services offered to transfer students can be found online. 

Webster also offers other programs, including scholarships and other financial aid for transfer students, academic assistance to ease the transition, and opportunities to take part in Webster’s famous study-abroad programs.  

Even the application process has been simplified for transfer students at Webster. The University offers: 

• Easy, cost-free application: Applications can initially be submitted with unofficial transcripts and receive a provisional admissions decision promptly, granting students early access to campus opportunities.
• Personalized application process: Prospective students are also offered opportunities for personalized meetings with faculty and shadowing classes a class to experience Webster firsthand.
• Holistic admissions process: Applicants can advocate for themselves, even if their GPA falls below Webster’s minimum standards. Admission’s staff value a student’s whole story, which helps critically evaluate a student’s ability to be successful.
• Transfer credit evaluation: Every admitted transfer student receives an unofficial transfer credit evaluation, ensuring clarity on how credits apply toward a degree. Webster University accepts up to 90 credit hours. 

A complete list of all the benefits and programs offered can be found on Webster’s Transfer Students Program page.

Visit Webster’s admissions pages to learn more about the NEXT transfer student scholarship program and other financial aid, Webster’s articulation agreements, or explore how to transfer credits into a Webster program.