Overview of Kaplan University
Once the sleepy-sounding American Institute of Commerce, based in Davenport, Iowa, this venerable business training school was absorbed by the Kaplan test preparation juggernaut in November 2000 and promptly re-arranged into Kaplan University. The transformation since the merger has been thorough and complete: with 25,000 full- or part-time students, all taking courses online, Kaplan University is now about the size of a state university and offers certificates, associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in one or more of more than a dozen different career training regimens, as well as Masters of Science degrees in Business, Education and Criminal Justice. Some of its degree-granting programs can be completed in as little as a year. In September 2006, Kaplan University announced an interesting twist to its online MBA program, which is now being offered in a novel collaboration with Newsweek magazine. Both companies are owned by the Washington Post.
Points of Distinction
Areas of Study
Kaplan University is divided into numerous schools, among them Business, Arts and Sciences, Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, Nursing, Education, Health Sciences, and Information Systems and Technology. Together, they offer courses in seventy-five separate degree-granting programs. The university awards professional certificates and associates and bachelors degrees in all fields of study, and masters degrees in Business, Education and Criminal Justice.
Admissions
While Kaplan University’s admissions are essentially non-competitive, prospective students are required to show proof of a high school diploma (or GED substitute) and they must submit to an interview with admissions personnel. Openings are available year-round.
Kaplan University Faculty
In 2007, they numbered more than 1500 teachers, giving Kaplan University a student-teacher ratio of roughly 16:1. The university employs professors with long-standing exposure to both the theory and practice of business, as well as real-world experience in the subjects that they teach.
Student Body
The Higher Learning Commission estimates that 80% are part-time and that three-quarters are women. Many are looking for either a career boost or a solid and marketable skill. All courses are taken online.
Student life
Since Kaplan University is an online school, student interaction is largely limited to web-based correspondence. The school provides tools for students to converse online amongst themselves and with instructors. Many students at the university are working their way through school and require the flexibility that an online education can offer.
(Note: Not all programs are necessarily available at all locations.)
Basic Skills
Business And Management
Computer Science And Engineering
Conservation And Resource Management
Design
Education And Teaching
Family And Social Work
Hospitality
Law
Liberal Arts
Media
Medical Administration
Medical Support And Technology
Medicine
Nursing And Emergency Medicine
Nutrition And Exercise Therapy
Office And Administration
Science
Security And Law Enforcement
Therapy And Counseling
(Note: Not all degrees and coursework are necessarily available for all programs of study.)
Degrees or Coursework
Iowa
Maryland
Nebraska
Online
Information is not guaranteed to be correct. Please check with individual schools for the most accurate and recent information.
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