Webster University yesterday announced it will be offering a Master of Business Administration degree from its Bermuda campus, starting in the spring of 1998.

Given the Island's dynamic international business sector, the MBA is a natural addition to the university's core programme of Masters-level degrees in Human Resources Development, Management, and International Business, said Webster U's Executive vice-President Neil George.

"It follows our philosophy to respond to regional needs we feel are not being met, not to mention the fact that no one else is offering an on-Island MBA,'' he said.

The course will be geared to appeal to those working in the business field who already hold a recognised undergraduate degree; pre-requisite requirements include a solid grounding in business and finance, accounting theory and practice, and current economic analysis.

Meanwhile, persons working with Government, exempt companies, and qualified but idle spouses of foreign workers would also benefit. The MBA programme is scheduled to run for two years, though individual students are given the flexibility to determine their own pace.

While the programme will be grounded on US financial experiences, theories, and structures, it is also designed to reflect Bermudian characteristics.

In fact, drawing upon its world-wide resources, expertise, and alumni was what Webster U does best, said Mr. George. With six international campuses spread over Europe and Asia, (South America and Africa are soon to follow) -- all linked via the Internet -- Webster has pioneered the concept of the global classroom.

The not-for-profit university also operates 60 campuses across the US, including its home base of St. Louis, Missouri. "Nearly 40 percent of our professors have taught internationally, and in addition we are able to draw on adjunct professors with specialised knowledge.

"In the past we've had lecturers come in from the World Bank, from the Atomic Energy Commission, even from the UN's Geneva office for refugees,'' said Mr.

George. Bermudian students would be able to access Webster's electronic library via five computer work stations located at the university's Gorham Road classroom, but the personal touch would still be there, added local campus Director Dara van Dijk: