Keller Graduate School of Management
19 Comments Published December 17th, 2008 in Online College ReviewsKeller Graduate School of Management works hard towards ensuring their students’ success in their chosen professions. The school imparts education that helps students gain the essential skills that help them in their workplace and they are helped to build the professional credibility required to advance in their careers. The faculty that teaches these students is carefully picked from among the experts working in the respective fields. The curriculum is designed by these experts and reflects the trends in the current marketplace. Keller goes all out to ensure students are given an extremely high standard of instruction that proves to be exceptionally valuable in a work situation. They build the skills that employers look for in an individual.
Keller graduate School of Management is a division of the DeVry family of educational programs. Keller has been providing high quality business education to graduate students from the nation and all over the world, and the quality of education is as high as the one imparted at any DeVry institute. There are more than 75 locations throughout the nation where students can join on-campus classes. Keller also has an online education program based on innovative class-room based instruction.
Keller has gained a name for itself as a respectable graduate school. It has gained recognition and is highly popular with leading employers in a variety of industries. All degree programs at Keller pay attention to practical skills that are directly applicable in a professional setting. The faculty are established experts in their areas of business and they are trained to take classes both on-campus and online.
The advantage of online programs with Keller is that students who cannot join on-campus classed owing to their responsibilities, such as careers and family, can take them up at their own convenience. They can earn degrees in the most flexible manner. Online students can also interact with the faculty and other students through group projects, online discussions and case studies. This gives them the feel of on-campus classrooms and the opportunity to ask questions and clarify their doubts. Several online resources are at the disposal of the students, such as study notes, textbooks, interactive course materials and others, which can be accessed at any time. Master’s degrees are offered to online students in many specialities of business, including Business Administration, Project Management and Information Systems Management among others.
With so much going on at Kaiser, it is no wonder their on-campus as well as the online programs are considered to be top-notch among individuals as well as the business circles, so much so that large organizations wait for the next batch of graduates to come out of Keller Graduate School. This popularity stems from the preparation that goes into the designing of the programs, the curriculum and the experienced faculty engaged to instil essential knowledge into the students. It is considered a privilege to obtain a degree from this prestigious university as the outcome of such a degree for the students is an excellent professional career.
HORRIBLE! Don’t EVER attend Keller Graduate school. I enrolled for a class in July of last year (2008)for their Business Administration MBA program. I had to drop the class the first week due to family obligations….I’ve been fighting with their financial aid department for the last 6 MONTHS to get the issues resolved…#1) They are trying to charge me almost $700 for an online class that I never even logged into. #2) I applied for a student loan from Wachovia to pay for the class…Wachovia ended up dispersing over $2,000 to Keller before I could cancel it. I’ve been trying to get the money returned to Wachovia from Keller for the past 6 months without success. I’ve spent COUNTLESS hours on the phone with NUMEROUS people at Keller who either didn’t know how to help me, or didn’t care to help me. The sad thing is…I’ve already spent over $40,000.00 with them obtaining my Bachelor’s degree through DeVry University. You would think that they would show me better service after having chosen them to obtain my Masters degree (esp. since there are countless other schools that I could have chosen that are not as over priced as Keller), but Keller is just too concerned about money and not at all concerned about the student. I WILL NEVER ATEMPT TO TAKE A CLASS WITH KELLER GRADUATE SCHOOL BASED ON THIS INITIAL EXERIENCE AND THOUGHT IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR ALL OF YOU POTENTIAL STUDENTS TO SEE WHAT KELLER IS REALLY ABOUT. ALL THEY CARE ABOUT IS GETTING YOUR MONEY. THEY COULD CARE LESS ABOUT THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION YOU GET!!!!!! BEWARE!
I am sorry you had a bad experience. I have been at Keller since Sept. 08, going for my MBA/CPA and only taking a class per session.
I absolutely love it and I am having a better learning experience here and I am challenged more than I believe I hade been through my undergrad. experience at U of WA.
To be honest, if you going for the MBA only (not accounting), and are taking out loans (as am I) and your company is not paying for you to go, I probably would go elsewhere because school reputation is HUGE in today’s highly competitive economy. (That is, unless, your current employer is one you really want to stay with and they are going to offer you a fat raise based on MBA regardless of your school choice.) However, if like me you are tired of dead end admin jobs, and you want a career change, accounting is the way to go for sure in today’s economy. I chose the MBA/CPA route as opposed to the Master’s in Accounting/CPA route because I believe that the MBA is a more rounded and more marketable degree. Yes, it will all cost about $30K in the end… unless you get an admin job at an accounting firm halfway through school. Not hard to do, and do not be surprised if they pay for a chunk of classes and the CPA/Becker costs because they will want you.
Keller is a pratical way to succeed and accomplish your goals without having to “quit your job and throw yourself into school” – I am 35 and more practical now and I my husband and I split the bills and so, this is not an option for me. Plus, I did not want to deal with the GRE and all that baloney.
It has nothing to do with “taking the easy way out”… Keller has been recommended to me with high regards by accounting professors and CPAs who are not even associated with Keller. Successful CPAs and recruiting officers from large firms.
It really all depends on what your career goals are.
I do agree that their “student finance” department is a little “iffy” and over-eager to send large bills to students with student aid, but it all works out.
The Keller on-site advisors, in my opinion, have been 100 percent top notch through this process.
I am truly happy at Keller. I am a well rounded, educated and practical woman and I think it has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life.
I am happy to answer any questions about this program. Just reply with your email.
Hello, My name is Devani and I’m thinking about applying to Keller. I am very similiar to you in the sense that I’m tired of dead-end admin positions and I want to focus on accounting and since I have my BA in Math, i thought that would be a good choice.
I want to know what your thoughts are on the reputation of the school and how well-respected the degree would be in the professional work place. Unlike you, I would want to pursue the MA in Accounting and focus on getting my CPA. do you think that’s a bad idea?
Thank you so much for your posting and I look forward to hearing what you have to say.
thanks,
devani
Well, Big-4 accounting firms do not recruit from Kellar. However, don’t let that dissuade you. The main thing that you need to remember is that if you have a graduate degree in anything from any accredited school, and more importantly you pass all sections of the CPA “on the first attempt” (this is my plan anyway), this will all speak for itself very highly about your capabilities. It will also prove that you have had good solid accounting courses behind you. The CPA, as you probably know, is more rigorous than MCATs or the Bar Exam and requires about 40 hours a week of study for 6 months!
Here is the main key though… halfway through grad school it is absolutely imperative that you begin working full time (or interning, paid or unpaid, if you can afford it) **in a public accounting firm** for a good 10-12 months before sitting for the CPA. This experience, plus the degree and the exam, will give you that professional edge that you need to get into a good accounting firm. Secondly, it is a prerequisite to be a “licensed” CPA in most states. It is very possible that the firm you are working for will pay for your CPA review courses and exam if they like you.
Network with local CPA firms and become a member of your state’s accounting society and CPA society. Check online. These memberships are not free but they open doors for you. Talk to people and network.
The bottom line is that accounting is a degree that will pay your bills regardless of the recession. (Well, that is unless this get drastically worse!)
Good luck
I am also completing the MBA/CPA coursework but I am also going to get the MAFM as I only need 7 more classes and the extra accounting will not hurt for the CPA. I encourage anyone who thinks the coursework is not challenging to go ahead a take a course…they are not cake! The instructors are exceptional and one of my onsite profs in accounting said that the Ivy league schools all teach the same things that Keller does just you pay way more. Yes its pricey anyway, but you are investing in yourself and no one can take your degree away from you when you’re done.
I am sorry for the 1st lady who had problems, like the others I love Keller and the online forum. I am a Senior Manager of 2 buildings and mother of 3 – the company I work for recommends Devry and Keller and I am fortunate to get the corporate discount and some of the tuiton paid through my employer. I obtain my BS from Devry and Certificate in Health Service Management and now have 1 class and my Capstone to be done with my MBA, if it was not for the on-line opportunity it would not be possible for me to obtain my degrees as I live it rural America.
This article shows that Keller Graduate School of Management working very hard for their students’ success.
My wife and I both graduated from Keller in 2008, I have an HR concentration from them as well, I must admit that the MBA did open doors for us, as far as the job market is concern, a lot of it has to do with how you market yourself during your interviews…grad school sometimes only proofs that you had the decication, comittment and desires to sit for a few extra years of school…both my wife and I are now pursuing doctorate degrees, I am going for a PhD and she is doing a DBA, again, both of us with our MBAs from Keller, the courses, as in any other school, some were hard and some were easy, it all depends in what area you feel more comfortable…anyways, I wish you good luck, continue your education, for those attending stick with it, and those considering Keller, it is a good learning institution.
Keller does not have a good reputation in the business community. They also don’t have business school accreditation. Most big companies won’t conside rit a “real” MBA. I’m sure you can learn a lot through the program, and if you know what you will be using the degree for great, but don’t expect it to open too many doors for you.
I graduated from Keller Graduate School of Management in June 2005 with an MBA and a Master’s degree in Network and Communications Management in August 2004. I loved the school but I have to advise that with schools, there isn’t a one size fit all program. I have to agree with a previous poster. If you are simply going for an MBA, Keller may not be the right school for you simply because many businesses are superficial and look at the name only. This may be more true for those fairly new to the workplace than seasoned veterans. Keller has some very specialized programs that are highly relevant to today’s work environment. That’s where Keller has the competitive edge on many state school’s whose brand is really made from their football team not their academic prowess. Keller has a globally recognized Project Management Program and Accounting and Finance Program that prepares it’s graduates to sit for the CPA while they earn a Master’s degree at the same time. It has a terrific technology management program as well. If a student is considering Keller, it is best to specialize or even do a dual degree. I feel I can speak about this topic better than most since I’ve been out of school for five years. I’ve received four promotions, my income has more than doubled, and I run my own real estate development company. This school gave me the skills necessary to compete in the competitive job market as well as develop and run a profitable business. I clearly have an advantage over my peers. When evaluating a school, find out is it right for you and don’t let the name of the school make the decision for you. Everyone in your workplace will not have graduate degrees. The last time I checked, less than 3% of the American workforce have MBAs so you aren’t going to be competing against 30 Harvard MBAs everytime you go on a job interview. A good number employees don’t even have college degrees more less advanced degrees. This school has capable faculty and a relevant curriculum that will set you apart from the competition.
It is a total joke! It has nothing to do with real education. I earned my MBA. It was something between a middle school and HS. Not worthy!!!
I am finishing my MBA with Keller. Overall, I give them good marks, probably on a par with a decent public university. I took a mixture of class and internet courses. When I started, not too many public schools had online components, and that was a big factor for me.
For a mid career program, I would highly recommend it. If you just coming off your BS or BA, try to get an MBA with the best rep possible, but if you are working full time and Keller fits in to your needs, be assured it is a real program requiring real work.
The previous poster proves my point. Please don’t just get an MBA from the school. Go there with a purpose, get a specialized degree to increase your marketability. Most young MBA graduates without significant work experience are disappointed because of the lack of opportunities. Again, if you go to Keller, get a dual degree if you must get an MBA. I have a Master’s in Network and Communications Mangement along with my MBA which has really helped my career. I would be sitting in some customer service job without the Master’s in Network & Communications Management. If you don’t get a dual degree, get a specialized degree. The school has received global recognition for it’s Project Mangement degree. Those who earn a Master’s in Accounting and Financial Mangement are well prepared to sit for their CPA exam. The Network & Communications graduate program is one of the few in the country and it is really good. My point is, an MBA is a dime a dozen, and a Keller MBA alone isn’t going to open doors. If you take advantage of the unique programs and get an MBA in addition to a specialized degree, it can do wonders for your career.
I’m loocking for a school now in MPA focusing in nonpprofit organizations, I’m thinking go to Keller, I descouraged about UCF(state university in Florida) the program is so long and they have large classes, I don’t know because this school is so expense.
Greetings,
Its be interesting reading most of the postings. I’m really considering hard about attending Keller for the MAFM program. Im concern with the accrediation of the degree once I aspire to continue and go forward for a PhD will it be acceptable to public universities (e.g. Georgia State University, etc….). I aspire to continue to run my own business; however, for plan B I will love to teach college courses (community college, etc…) as well so I want to make sure this program will set me up for the right path. In addition, it seems like there are several scholarships that Keller offers. Does anyone have experience with the financial aid process and how good the scholarships are?
Hi I am looking to get my MBA at Keller, I have heard that a dual degree is better and the Project management and Finance is beneficial, but what about a concentration in Marketing from Keller ?
Thanks.
Zoila
Keller has its advantages and disadvantages. I would recommend doing further research before deciding on Keller or any online program. One, if you are going into Academia, online schools are usually not held in the same regard as traditional brick and mortar schools. A simple phone call to any local school or university could answer any concerns on how they view online education, for instance, would they hire you or would the admit you in their PhD or masters program. Personally, I think Keller is best suited if you are already employed and not anticipating that a degree from Keller is going to open any doors. If you are interested in the MAFM program, make sure to get statistical information, such as, “How many Keller graduates in the MAFM program pass the CPA exam?” The likely response from any Keller institution will be Becker students pass at twice the rate of the national average. Keep in mind, the Becker program works with students, from Harvard, University of Virginia and so on. Food for Thought.
I can’t speak for all Keller locations, but my experience at Keller (nyc location) has been average. Like one of the comments say, do your research first.
My complaint about Keller NYC is more about the administration, they don’t know what they are doing. I swear!
I recommend all potential students to read the catalogue and educate themselves because when you go and ask something, it seems that they cannot answer, they don’t knoe. It is unbelievable!!!
For example, one day I dropped my registration sheet, then I checked two days after and the girl who is in charge of registering students for the upcoming session forgot to register me. I was so upset because she cannot do a simple task and she is in charge of that, come on!
The current dean is always on vacation and when you go and talk to him, he says: I have only a few minutes….etc etc….
The succeful coaches (a nice title for advisers) mislead students, so students will keep taking classes forever and the school will receive money forever. The administration is just horrible.
This is the reason why I really encourage you to read the catalogue with all the courses that you NEED to take and NOT what those advisers tell you to take.
The one question to ask yourself (and others) when choosing a graduate school is this: Will the degree (and the institution) speak for me, or must I speak for the degree (and the school)? If it speaks for you, it inherently adds to your stature as a candidate for employment, promotion and further academic study, teaching, publishing or any profession where you hang your degrees on the wall.
If you have to explain to a prospective employer about the school, you are speaking for it and it’s doing rather little for you. A local public school that is better known than something like Keller would be much cheaper and more effective for the job market in that localilty. A major college or university in the area will have an alumni organization and prior graduates will have created the school’s reputation so you don’t have to build up the school’s name and rankings. It’s miserable to have to convince a skeptical recruiter that you got a real education from an unfamiliar, unaccredited institution. It undermines the value and effectiveness of the “credential” you’ve worked so hard to get (and paid so much for).
In addition, there are so many bogus on-line degree mills that you can become quite defensive trying to distinguish your on-line degree from one that is fake and worthless.
On the other hand, as noted by other postings here, if you’re mid-career in a place where you like to work, the employer is already less concerned where you study and more concerned about what you’re learning. Likewise, if your goal is to be self-employed and run your own business, the substance of practical education, not the school’s name, is what counts. And if an on-line or part-time program works best for you, who cares if its not well-known in academia?
One size does not fit all. Harvard MBA grads have a big advantage, true, in most parts of the world. But UNLV, or U.Kentucky, etc., etc., can be just as valuable and effective in your career path in their respective job markets. Likewise, Keller has been successful because it has worked “well enough” for many. The question then becomes, what is “good enough” for your needs?
Good luck.