Graduation

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from Keiser University and participate in commencement exercises students must meet all requirements for graduation.

Graduate Level Requirements for Graduation

As required by the Commission for Independent Education Board in the State of Florida, students receiving Keiser University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership degree must earn a minimum of 60 semester credit hours beyond the master’s level in the degree specific curriculum.

As required by the Commission for Independent Education Board in the State of Florida, students receiving Keiser University’s Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, and Master of Arts degrees must earn a minimum of 24 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor’s level in the degree specific curriculum.

Additional Requirements for Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership

To earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership degree from Keiser University, students must accomplish the following:

• Earn a minimum of 60 graduate semester credit hours.
• Earn a minimum grade average of 3.0.
• Have no more than two courses with a grade of “C”.
• Complete the final 54 credits of the PhD program through Keiser University.
• Complete all PhD degree requirements within eight years of beginning coursework; exceptions for extenuating circumstances reviewed by the Graduate School Dean.
• Complete a one week residency before the end of the first calendar year.
• Successfully complete a comprehensive examination prior to advancing to candidacy.
• Advance to candidacy prior to entering into dissertation courses.
• Submit a pre-proposal prior to matriculation into dissertation classes.
• Maintain active student status until dissertation is approved.
• Complete a proposal approved by a dissertation committee.
• Successfully defend the proposal.
• Complete a dissertation approved by a dissertation committee.
• Successfully defend the dissertation.

Additional Requirements for Master of Business Administration

To earn a Master of Business Administration degree from Keiser University, students must accomplish the following:

• Earn a minimum of 42 graduate semester credit hours.
• Earn a minimum grade average of 3.0.
• Have no more than two courses with a grade of “C”.
• Complete the final 36 credits of the MBA program through Keiser University.
• Complete all MBA degree requirements within five years of beginning coursework; exceptions for extenuating circumstances reviewed by the Graduate School Dean.

Additional Requirements for Master of Science in Education and Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

To earn a Master of Science or Master of Arts from Keiser University, students must accomplish the following:

• Earn a minimum of 36 graduate semester credit hours.
• Earn a minimum grade average of 3.0.
• Have no more than two courses with a grade of “C”.
• Complete the final 30 credits of the program through Keiser University.
• Complete all degree requirements within five years of beginning coursework; exceptions for extenuating circumstances reviewed by the Graduate School Dean.

Additional Requirements for Master of Science in Physician Assistant

To earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant degree from Keiser University, students must accomplish the following:

• Earn a minimum of 138 graduate semester credit hours.
• Earn a minimum grade average of 3.0.
• Complete all credits of the MSPA program through Keiser University.
• Complete all MSPA degree requirements within two years of beginning coursework; exceptions for extenuating circumstances reviewed by the Graduate School Dean.

Register for the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE) prior to completing the last course.

Undergraduate Level Requirements for Graduation

Bachelor of Arts

As required by the Commission for Independent Education in the State of Florida, students receiving Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degrees must earn a minimum of 120 semester credit hours. The 120 credit hours include a minimum of 45 credit hours of prescribed general education courses combined with a minimum of 60 credit hours of prescribed major courses.

Bachelor of Science

As required by the Commission for Independent Education in the State of Florida, students receiving Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science degrees must earn a minimum of 120 semester credit hours. The 120 credit hours include a minimum of 36 credit hours of prescribed general education courses combined with a minimum of 60 credit hours of prescribed major courses.

Additional Requirements for Bachelor of Arts or Science

To be eligible for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, students must:

• Complete a designated program of study which includes at least 120 semester hours of credit, both degrees require that all required courses in a program be completed.
• Complete degree requirements with a cumulative grade average of 2.0 or higher.
• Complete the 25% of a program through Keiser University.
• File an application for degree with the campus Department of Student Services on or before the published date during the last term of resident study. The degree will not be awarded unless the application has been completed.
• Resolve all financial obligations to the University.
• Complete all required exit paperwork.

An “I” received for the term a student is scheduled to graduate is calculated as an “F” for purposes of computing a student’s GPA for graduation. If the course work is completed and results in a passing grade, the student’s transcript is amended and a final GPA is calculated.

Associate of Arts

As required by the Commission for Independent Education in the State of Florida, students receiving Keiser University’s Associate of Arts degree must successfully complete at least 60 semester credit hours of study. The 60 credit hours include 36 semester credit hours of prescribed general education courses combined with at least 24 semester credit hours of prescribed major courses.

Students in Associate of Arts programs must also meet Gordon Rule requirements for graduation.

Associate of Science

As required by the Commission for Independent Education in the State of Florida, students receiving Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree must successfully complete at least 60 semester credit hours of study. The 60 credit hours include 24 semester credit hours of prescribed general education courses combined with at least 36 semester credit hours of prescribed major courses.

Note: An Associate of Science degree is considered a terminal degree. A course-by-course decision on transferability rests with receiving institutions.

Additional Requirements for Associate of Arts or Science

To be eligible for an Associate of Arts or Science degree, students must:

• Complete a designated program of study which includes at least 60 semester hours of credit. Both degrees require that all required courses in a program be completed.
• Complete degree requirements with a cumulative grade average of 2.0 or higher.
• Complete the last 25% of a program at Keiser University.
• File an application for degree with the campus Department of Student Services on or before the published date during the last term of resident study. The degree will not be awarded unless the application has been completed.
• Resolve all financial obligations to the University.
• Complete all required exit paperwork.

An “I” received for the term a student is scheduled to graduate is calculated as an “F” for purposes of computing a student’s GPA for graduation. If the course work is subsequently completed and results in a passing grade, a student’s transcript is amended and a final grade average is calculated.

REGISTRY AND LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS POLICY

It is a policy of Keiser University that students in medical programs must sit for prescribed licensure or registry examination(s) as a condition of graduation from Keiser University.

REGISTRY AND LICENSURE EXAMINATION PROCEDURES

Students are assessed a fee for the required examination(s); such fees are eligible for Title IV funding. However, costs of examination retakes are a students responsibility. Program directors submit required paperwork in advance for each graduating class. Students are required to sit for the examination(s) within 30 days of completing their program. If a program has multiple examinations, the first examination must be completed in 30 days and the second within 90 days.

Policies and Procedures

Graduation Procedures

In order to successfully prepare for graduation you will need to take the following steps at the beginning of your final semester with Keiser University:

• Attend a Graduate Seminar.
• Make application for graduation with the Department of Student Services.
• Prepare a current résumé and cover letter for your job search and provide a copy to the Department of Student Services.
• Register with the Online Career Center.
• Schedule a mock interview.
• Take the ETS Proficiency test.
• Obtain the necessary Graduation Clearance Form from the Department of Student Services and meet with all departments to conduct required exit interviews prior to your final class.

Graduation

Keiser University commencement ceremonies are typically held biannually. Students who satisfactorily complete their academic requirements prior to an established deadline are eligible to participate. In order to graduate from Keiser University and participate in commencement exercises, students must meet with the Director of Student Services to request participation and to complete an exit interview.

Frequently Asked Questions About Graduation

When do I complete my application for graduation?

• Students will complete their application for graduation at the beginning of their last semester prior to graduation ( i.e. four months prior to graduating ).

Is there a cost to participate in commencement exercises?

• Yes. Graduates are required to purchase their cap and gown for the commencement exercise through the Jostens website (www.jostens.com).
• Check with your local campus Department of Student Services about the availability of announcements, tickets, and class rings.

Is attendance mandatory at the commencement exercises?

• No. It is your decision to participate in commencement exercises. Your name is included in the program whether you walk or not, however, it is a great opportunity to celebrate your achievement with your fellow graduates, family, and friends.

How many guests can I invite?

• This will vary according to the campus location and venue for the ceremony. Please contact your campus Department of Student Services for details.

When and where is the graduation being held?

• Commencement Exercises are held annually in the summer.
• The date and time of each ceremony is planned at each local campus. Please contact your campus Department of Student Services for details.

What are the honors designations?

• Valedictorian: Bachelor Graduates Only
• Salutatorian: Bachelor Graduates Only

Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree Candidate Distinctions

• Summa Cum Laude: Graduates with a cumulative grade point average for their major falling between 3.90 and 4.0 on a 4.0 scale will receive the distinction of summa cum laude and wear a gold stole at graduation
• Magna Cum Laude: Graduates with a cumulative grade point average for their major falling between 3.70 – 3.89 on a 4.0 scale will receive the distinction of magna cum laude and wear a silver stole at graduation
• Cum Laude: Graduates with a cumulative grade point average for their major falling between 3.50 and 3.69 on a 4.0 scale will receive the distinction of cum laude and a bronze stole at gradation
• Perfect 4.0: Graduates with a cumulative grade point average for their major of 4.0 on a 4.0 scale will wear blue and white cords at graduation

Associate of Arts or Science Degree Candidate Distinctions

• High Honors: Graduates with a cumulative grade point average for their major falling between 3.75 and 4.0 on a 4.0 scale will receive high honors and wear a single gold cord
• Honors:  Graduates with a cumulative grade point average for their major falling between 3.50 – 3.74 on a 4.0 scale will receive honors and wear a single silver cord
• Perfect 4.0: Graduates with a cumulative grade point average for their major of 4.0 on a 4.0 scale will wear blue and white cords at graduation

Note: You may obtain your final grade point average and attendance record from the Dean of Academic Affairs or the Registrar.

Clearance Process

During your final class with Keiser University you will be required to go through the clearance process to ensure you have satisfactorily met all requirements for graduation. You will need to make arrangements to meet with the following departments: Academic Affairs, Bursar, Financial Services, Library, and Student Services. The proper Clearance form can be obtained during your Graduate Seminar as well as from the Director of Student Services.

Transcript Request

A request for a Keiser University transcript must be in writing, signed by the student and requested a minimum of two (2) weeks before a transcript is required. The full address of the person/place to which the transcript is to be sent must be included. An official transcript bearing the University seal will be forwarded directly to other colleges, to prospective employers, or to other agencies at the request of a student. Typically, colleges only consider a transcript “official” if forwarded directly from the sending institution. Students may also obtain unofficial copies of their transcripts at the Campus Records office.

There is no charge for the student’s first transcript request. All other transcripts will require a fee of $5.00 to be paid with an application.

Note: All financial obligations to the University must be paid before transcripts are released.

Click here to request a transcript.