Keiser University

Updated August 7, 2020

Keiser University began in 1977 when Arthur Keiser and his mother, Evelyn, created a college in Fort Lauderdale designed to prepare students for the growing business and healthcare industries in Florida. The school began with one student, Terry Prezzemello, who arrived late for the first day of class and was concerned that she would disrupt other students. Ms. Keiser explained that it was fine, because Ms. Prezzemello was the class. Ms. Keiser graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from Temple University, opening a medical lab in Philadelphia after returning to the United States after her military husband returned from duty in World War II. The Keiser family moved to South Florida in 1970 where Ms. Keiser helped begin the Medical Sciences and Lab Technology division at the new Charron-Williams College Fort Lauderdale campus. She left that position in 1977 to open the school with her son.

Arthur Keiser served in the higher education industry for nearly 40 years and serves as Chancellor and CEO of Keiser University. He is also Chairman of the Board of Southeastern College, which was formerly known as Keiser Career College. Dr. Keiser earned his doctorate in Higher Education Administration at Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

From that one student, Keiser has grown to serving approximately 20,000 students with 26 campuses internationally. The university offers day, evening or online classes that allow for flexibility for their students.

Keiser University Accreditation Details

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Commission on Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. In addition, the university holds program accreditation as follows:

Business Programs – Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Culinary Arts – American Culinary Federation
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Dietetics and Nutrition – Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Health Information Management – Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
Histotechnology – National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Medical Assisting – Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Medical Laboratory Technician – National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Services
Nursing – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Occupational Therapy – Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
Physical Therapist Assistant – Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Physician Assistant – Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
Radiologic Technology – Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Surgical Technology – Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Respiratory Therapy – Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

Keiser University Application Requirements

Undergraduate applicants to Keiser University must provide verification of high school graduation or GED completion. Students should contact an admissions counselor before applying. For students who are transferring from another college or university, the final 25 percent of any program must be completed at Keiser. All transcripts are reviewed to determine transferability and students must provide official transcripts to the admissions office for any college or university attended. Students may apply online or may print and mail a completed application to the admissions office.

There may be additional application requirements for specific programs offered at Keiser University as well.

Keiser University Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition at Keiser University per semester ranges from $7,000 to $10,000, depending on the degree program. There is a $50 application fee and a $145 registration fee as well. The per credit fee for undergraduate degrees is $642. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans and scholarships for those who qualify. Keiser University accepts the Florida Bright Future Scholarship as well.

Keiser University Online Degrees Available

Counselor Education and Supervision Ph.D

The Doctoral Program in Counselor Education and Supervision challenges students with rigorous coursework and research activities. Students are prepared to accept leadership positions in the counseling field, demonstrating the highest ideals and ethics of the industry. Students must have completed a 60-hour master's degree in counseling, must hold licensure in the counseling profession and demonstrate the ability to assume major leadership roles in the counseling industry.

Students are provided with the theories related to counseling and counselor supervision as well as instructional theory related to the industry. Students develop an understanding of multicultural issues that include social change theory and advocacy action planning. Students will be able to design, implement and analyze quantitative research as well as an understanding of models and methods in the use of data. There is a strong focus on the ethical and legal aspects of the counseling industry.

Students must have a 3.5 GPA in graduate level coursework and at least one year of experience in the mental health field. Students must demonstrate competence in using and applying technology. Students must provide a personal goal statement, current resume and official GRE scores from a test administered within five years of application. Students must also provide three letters of recommendation. If the candidate is selected for an interview, they must provide a 10 to 15 minute video of a counseling session as well.

Courses for completion include:

Professional Orientation and Ethics
Educational Psychology
Advanced Counseling Theories
Counseling Supervision
Multicultural Counseling and Advocacy
Leadership, Consultation and Program Evaluation
Instructional Methods in counselor Education
Psychometrics
Research Design and Qualitative Methods
Research Theory, Design and Methods
Quantitative Research I and II
Advanced Research Pre-Proposal and Literature Review

There is also a practicum, internship and dissertation required for successful completion of the program. Students are admitted to the program three times per year: winter, summer and fall semesters.

Courses are offered in a web-based format that is available 24-hours per day. There ae three weekend on-campus residencies required which are held on the Fort Lauderdale campus. Coursework normally takes one year of full-time or two years of part-time study. Practicum, internship and dissertation take between one and three additional years depending on various factors.

With courses offered in flexible, online format, working adults who have family, work or social obligations are able to complete their higher education through Keiser University. With undergraduate and graduate programs available online, Keiser University offers students excellent opportunities to achieve their education goals.

Any Certificate or Diploma program that KU offers now or in the future are considered Gainful Employment Programs. While the non-profit status exempts them for disclosures related to Associates, Bachelors, Masters and PhD programs, any Certificate or Diploma programs are captured by the gainful employment rule.