Kaplan University was a private, for-profit institution focused on career-oriented higher education, offering associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees primarily through online programs with some campus locations, including in Orlando, Florida. Known for accessible education targeting working adults, it emphasized practical skills in fields like business, nursing, criminal justice, and information technology. Jobs at Kaplan University attracted educators passionate about adult learners and flexible teaching formats. Although it transitioned to Purdue University Global in March 2018, understanding its structure provides insight into similar opportunities in modern online higher education.
The Orlando campus served local students with programs in health sciences and business, creating roles tied to Florida's job market. Careers ranged from full-time faculty to administrative support, with a focus on student success and retention.
Founded in 1933 as the American Institute of Commerce, Kaplan University evolved through acquisitions by the Kaplan, Inc. education company in 2000. It grew into a network of 15 ground campuses and a robust online platform, serving over 65,000 students at its peak. The Orlando location, part of Kaplan College, offered hands-on training in allied health and IT. In 2017, Purdue University acquired a controlling stake, rebranding it Purdue University Global to align with nonprofit standards and enhance credibility. This shift impacted jobs, with many faculty retaining positions under the new name while gaining Purdue's prestige.
Historically, Kaplan prioritized competency-based education, influencing job requirements for innovative teaching methods. Today, legacy insights inform jobs at successor institutions.
Jobs at Kaplan University spanned academic, administrative, and support roles. Faculty positions included full-time professors, adjunct instructors, and program chairs in disciplines like nursing (BSN programs) and legal studies. Administrative jobs covered enrollment counselors, academic advisors, and deans. Research roles were less common but included data analysts for student outcomes. For a full list of university job types, explore our guide.
In Orlando, campus-based jobs emphasized in-person labs for health programs, blending with remote opportunities.
To secure jobs at Kaplan University, candidates needed field-specific credentials. Faculty roles required a master's degree minimum, with PhD preferred for senior positions (e.g., PhD in Education for academic leadership). Nursing instructors needed RN licensure and MSN. Business faculty often held MBAs with industry experience. Terminal degrees ensured eligibility for tenure-track-like roles in this career college model.
Administrative positions required bachelor's degrees plus certifications like CHEA for higher ed admins. Orlando roles might prioritize Florida teaching certifications for campus instruction.
Kaplan emphasized applied research in adult learning, online pedagogy, and workforce development. Expertise in distance education technologies, student retention analytics, and program assessment was valued. Faculty researched outcomes for accreditation, like HLC standards. Preferred areas included health informatics and cybersecurity, aligning with popular programs. Publications in journals like Online Learning strengthened applications. See research jobs for similar roles.
Hiring favored 3-5 years of teaching adults, online platform experience (e.g., Blackboard), and grant writing for funded projects. Publications (5+ peer-reviewed), curriculum design, and industry tenure boosted candidacy. For Orlando, local healthcare experience aided nursing roles. Prior work at community colleges or for-profits was advantageous. Check community college jobs.
Key skills included strong communication for diverse learners, tech proficiency (LMS, Zoom), and data-driven decision-making. Competencies encompassed cultural competence, time management for asynchronous teaching, and student mentoring. Soft skills like empathy suited nontraditional students (average age 35+). Technical skills: Excel for analytics, Canvas for courses.
Adjunct Professor: Part-time instructor teaching specific courses without full benefits, common in higher ed for flexibility.
Competency-Based Education (CBE): Learning model where students advance by mastering skills, not seat time; Kaplan pioneered modular CBE.
Higher Learning Commission (HLC): Regional accreditor ensuring quality standards for degree-granting institutions.
Learning Management System (LMS): Software like Blackboard for delivering online courses, quizzes, and grades.
The process started with online submission of resume, transcripts, and philosophy statement via Kaplan's portal (now Purdue's). Screening involved HR review, then dean interviews, teaching demo, and references. Tips: Customize for student-centered focus; use free resume template. Highlight metrics like retention rates. Network via LinkedIn; prepare for behavioral questions. For Orlando, mention local ties. Tailor cover letters; see free cover letter template. Follow up politely.
Kaplan University committed to diversity via the Diversity Council, training on unconscious bias, and recruitment from underrepresented groups. They tracked faculty demographics, aiming for 40%+ women and minorities in STEM. Employee groups supported LGBTQ+ and veterans. Orlando initiatives included partnerships with Hispanic-serving organizations, reflecting Florida's demographics. Post-transition, Purdue Global continues affirmative action.
Online focus allowed flexible schedules; faculty taught asynchronously, balancing research and life. Orlando campus fostered community with events, wellness programs, and proximity to theme parks for recreation. Benefits included health insurance, tuition remission, 401(k). Challenges: high student loads, but supportive culture mitigated burnout. Reviews noted collaborative environment and professional development. Campus life involved student fairs and local volunteering.
Jobs at Kaplan University offered dynamic careers in higher education, especially for those skilled in online teaching. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. For employer branding tips, read employer branding secrets. Transitioned roles thrive at Purdue Global—start your search today.
With Orlando's vibrant scene, combine career growth and lifestyle. Leverage faculty jobs or admin jobs insights.
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