Webb Institute - Academics

Academics

The student body of Webb Institute typically numbers around 90, with 12% being female. Webb currently has 10 full-time faculty members and no teaching assistants. Students have high access to professors, who routinely make themselves available at most hours. Adjunct faculty from local colleges teach some humanities courses at Webb such as Political Philosophy and Japanese.

There are four identical classrooms, one for each class. The school is atypical as the professors, rather than students, rotate to each classroom, because of its small size. The front portion of the classroom is dedicated to lecture hours, while the rear has rows of drafting tables, one for each student, along with bookshelves and couches for 24-7 personalized study space.

The centerpiece of Webb's academic facilities is the 90-foot (27 m)-long model ship model basin, which is frequently used by students and faculty alike for experiments and research. Webb Institute has its own physics and chemistry laboratories, an extensive library, an engineering lab for mechanical and electrical experiments, a carpentry shop, and a machine shop. Students have limited around-the-clock access to these facilities. There is an emphasis throughout Webb's academic program on hands-on experience, and several classes require conducting experiments or building and testing models.

Academically, the coursework is intense. Students spend 5 hours a day in lecture, and can spend 10+ hours a day studying. During the mandatory internship period from January through February each year, students seek positions in the maritime industry, including shipyards, design offices, and aboard merchant vessels. All seniors are required to complete a senior thesis. Seniors are strongly encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, in which they usually perform exceptionally well.

85% of incoming students make it to graduation. Many graduates establish careers in the maritime industry, with a 100% job placement. Graduates also forge careers in other engineering fields, or find success in finance or law. About a third of each graduating class goes on to pursue an advanced degree. Webb has an active alumni association which supports graduates, fosters a thriving social network, and maintains an alumni fund. The alumni giving rate is over 70%, one of the highest rates in the United States.

Because of the founder's endowment, students who are U.S. citizens are not charged tuition at Webb. They must pay for other costs, such as room and board, books, and various fees. The Bachelor of Science degree is awarded after four years of "total immersion" study, which includes several months of job experience through internship periods.

Webb Institute has been highly rated by Princeton Review in the category of specialty engineering colleges. The institute maintains close relationships with the United States Merchant Marine Academy, the State University of New York Maritime College, and the Cooper Union.