Each graduate of Webb Institute earns a Bachelor of Science degree in naval architecture and marine engineering.

The school is noted in the marine industry for its unique emphasis on ship design, systems engineering, practical work experience, and free tuition for domestic students.

He recognized the increasing role of science and engineering in the field of ship design, which had long been seen as more of an art form.

Webb felt that the ship designers of the future would need to be skilled in structural and mechanical engineering and other scientific disciplines.

It was intended to serve not only as an educational institution for future naval architects but also as a retirement home for aged shipbuilders.

Webb commissioned New York architect Arthur P. Jennings to design a building for the institution to be built on 14 acres (5.7 ha) of land on a bluff overlooking the Harlem and Hudson rivers in the Bronx.

By 1945, the Board of Trustees determined that the Bronx campus was no longer suitable, lacking certain laboratory facilities, and ultimately sold it for a considerable sum.

In November 1945, the institute purchased its current home: The Braes, the former country estate of Herbert L. Pratt, in Glen Cove on the North Shore of Long Island.

The main building was renamed Stevenson Taylor Hall in honor of the charter member and president of the Board of Trustees (1900–1926) of the institute.

Adjunct faculty from local colleges teach some humanities courses at Webb such as Political Philosophy and Japanese.

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.

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.

Because of the founder's endowment and the high alumni giving rate, students who are U.S. citizens are not charged tuition at Webb.

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 students are required to work in certain areas of the marine industry for 8 weeks during the months of January and February.

Recently, Winter Work has become increasingly more global, with several students traveling overseas to China, the Netherlands, Denmark, Greece, and the United Arab Emirates.

Webb has five intercollegiate athletic teams: sailing year-round, soccer and basketball in the fall, and volleyball and tennis in the spring.