Keiser University and Columbia College (S.C.) are excited to announce a new affiliation agreement designed to enable Columbia College criminal justice students to seamlessly transition to a doctoral program at Keiser University. The new agreement begins immediately and demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring Columbia College criminal justice students have access to the next steps in their education and their occupational pursuits.

Under the partnership, Keiser University and Columbia College will lay a path for students who have completed their Master of Arts in Criminal Justice at Columbia College to matriculate into one of Keiser University’s virtual doctorate programs. The goal is to provide students a method of earning their PhD in Criminal Justice or Criminology from Keiser University in a less expensive, expedited timeframe.

“With our long history of responding to workforce needs in communities throughout the nation, Keiser University is excited about this partnership with Columbia College and the opportunity to continue preparing students in South Carolina for jobs in the field of criminal justice,” said Robert Keiser, Ph.D., MBA, Vice Chancellor of Keiser University’s Graduate School. “This agreement exhibits a shared commitment between two renowned universities that are dedicated to preparing the next generation of American leaders.”

The partnership builds upon Keiser University’s 45-year history of training workforce ready graduates in many of Florida’s emerging industries like nursing, information technology, and criminal justice. As the largest private, nonprofit university in Florida serving students at 21 campus locations, online in 41 states, and the Graduate School, Keiser University is committed to providing students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary for successful employment.

In addition to its master’s and doctoral degrees in criminal justice, Keiser University currently offers degrees in Crime Scene Technology, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement Operations, and Forensic Investigations, in addition to an associate degree and bachelor degree in Criminal Justice. The doctorate programs that are applicable under Keiser University’s partnership with Columbia College include the Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and Criminology and the Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ).

Under the new agreement, Columbia College students who have completed their master’s degree in criminal justice will receive the following:

• No application fees at Keiser University
• Expedited prospective student review and admissions process
• Consideration of accepting up to twelve (3)-credit hours for transfer

 “This agreement is an excellent opportunity for our students to fulfill their academic goals through our undergraduate Criminal Justice Program, our master’s Criminal Justice Program, and Keiser University’s Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and Criminology Program.”

Columbia College has a rich, 167-year-old history as a private liberal arts institution in South Carolina with a deeply rooted tradition of education, leadership, and empowerment. Columbia College and Keiser University share the same institutional accreditor, and, like Keiser University, Columbia College is also a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), with student athletes succeeding both on the field and off.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associates to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 1 in the U.S.in providing Social Mobility by U.S News and World Report in 2023.

Founded in 1854, Columbia College educates women and men to build successful careers and live lives of impact. The College’s liberal arts foundation ensures that graduates learn to think critically, develop their curiosity, and nurture a love for learning. With an 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Columbia College students benefit from individualized support, engaged instruction, and personal mentorship. With more than 30 undergraduate programs and 9 graduate programs, students can discover and pursue their passion and purpose.