Keiser University

Automotive Dealership Fundamentals

Flagship (Residential)
Certificate
Automotive Dealership Fundamentals
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Keiser University offers this program online with a campus residency.
$19,844 per semester at the Flagship (Residential) campus. This program spans 1 semester at full-time enrollment.
To receive a Certificate in Automotive Dealership Fundamentals from Keiser University, the student must complete 15 credit hours. Courses in the Automotive Dealership Fundamentals Certificate program are four weeks in length and conducted online. The expectation is students will take one or two courses each term and finish in five months or less.
The Flagship (Residential) campus tuition and fee disclosure lists no application fee; its initial fees are a $150.00 tuition deposit, refundable before May 1 for fall and November 1 for spring, and a $250.00 housing deposit.
Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid, including grants and federal student loans.

Automotive Dealership Fundamentals is a Certificate program (100% Online) offered by Keiser University in West Palm Beach, FL. The program takes 5 Months to complete, with tuition of $19,844 per semester.

Program Overview

Keiser University designed the Automotive Dealership Fundamentals Certificate program to provide aspiring automotive leaders with the skills necessary for success in management of today’s complex and changing automotive dealerships and distribution systems. Coursework examines customer and employee retention strategies, service and parts functions including repairs and maintenance operations, sales operations that help dealers sell more cars, finance and insurance products, financial analysis, forecasting techniques, and leadership principles specific to automotive retail. Students select from three specialized tracks to align their training with career goals in fixed operations, variable operations, or general management.
 
The program addresses regulatory compliance including DMV requirements, dealer laws, and ethical business practices. Students learn to prepare employees for success, understand the business side of automotive retail, and assist customers throughout their vehicle ownership experience.

Program Mission

The Mission of the Automotive Dealership Fundamentals Program focuses on providing a quality overall education experience, which provides students with the skills necessary for success in employment, management, or ownership of today’s complex and changing automotive and vehicle retail distribution systems. The program aims to develop trusted professionals who can join the automotive retail industry with confidence.

Program Goals

  • Comprehend and apply current concepts of automotive dealership and vehicle retail management operations
  • Comprehend, discuss, and apply regulatory and ethical practices Enhance research, communication, and presentation skills using professional literature
  • Improve written and verbal competencies, as well as analytical skills
  • Demonstrate the integration of knowledge and professional skills in specific areas of this certificate

Program Highlights

  • Online courses and classes offer flexible scheduling for working professionals
  • Four-week course format allows rapid skill development and training
  • Choice of three specialized tracks tailors training to career goals
  • Campus residency provides hands-on application and networking opportunities with industry professionals
  • Curriculum developed with input from automotive industry leaders and dealers
  • Focus on practical skills that can apply immediately in dealership settings
  • Coverage of key performance indicators that managers use to scale operations
  • Training in financial analysis and business forecasting that contribute to dealership profitability
  • Emphasis on customer service excellence and building consumer trust

What sets this Program apart

Gain Job-Ready Skills for an Automotive Dealership Career

  • Customer service excellence and retention techniques for consumers
  • Team leadership and employee motivation strategies
  • Financial analysis and key performance indicators
  • Inventory management for cars, vehicles, and parts
  • Sales processes and techniques to sell effectively and close deals
  • Service department workflow optimization including repairs scheduling
  • Finance and insurance product knowledge
  • Regulatory compliance including dealer laws and DMV requirements
  • Conflict resolution and negotiation tactics
  • Strategic planning and business forecasting
  • Marketing strategies for dealership promotion

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support services, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels. Our commitment to student success provides graduates with a competitive advantage as they enter or advance in their chosen fields.

Admission Requirements and Process

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and assures availability of classroom space. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment. Applicants are encouraged to visit the University in person.

For students enrolling at Keiser University, credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. (To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcripts--- those mailed directly to Keiser University by the previous institution---by the end of a student’s first semester.) Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete the final 25% of a program through the University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum 25% of a program at any time through the University and graduate.

Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from their former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Therefore, Keiser University makes no blanket statement or promise of acceptance of credits from any other institution.

General Requirements

  • Completed Application
    A completed Keiser University application or Common Application.
  • High School GPA of 2.7
    An official high school transcript with GPA at or above 2.7.
  • Test Scores Below 2.7 GPA
    For those students who do not meet the 2.7 HS GPA, a Math and Verbal SAT score equal to or above 830, an ACT composite score equal to or above 17 or a score of 16 or higher on the…
  • Transfer Applicant GPA
    A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all college coursework.
  • Official College Transcripts
    Official transcripts from each college previously attended. Official transcripts must be mailed directly to the Admissions Office.
  • Transfer Applicants with 24+ Credits
    Transfer applicants who have completed 24 or more semester credits of college coursework (non-remedial) with a grade of C or higher from a U.S. college recognized by the USDE are…
  • Technology Requirement
    This program uses a number of business and accounting related software programs in the courses, including Microsoft Office. Students must have access to a PC with a Windows based…

Application Process

  1. 1
    Contact an Admissions Counselor
    Contact one of Keiser University’s admissions counselors to talk through the program and your options.
  2. 2
    Attend an Open House or Campus Visit
    Attend an open house or plan a campus visit. Applicants are encouraged to visit the University in person.
  3. 3
    Meet With Your Admissions Counselor
    Schedule a convenient time to meet with your admissions counselor to determine if Keiser University is right for you.
  4. 4
    Submit an Application
    Submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.
    Apply Now

Program Schedule

Courses in the Automotive Dealership Fundamentals Certificate program are four weeks in length and conducted online. The expectation is students will take one or two courses each term and finish in five months or less. In addition to the online courses, there is a 2-3-day residency (depending on the track) on the Keiser University Flagship Campus in West Palm Beach, FL.
New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:
  • October 26th, 2026
  • November 23rd, 2026
  • January 11th, 2027
  • February 08th, 2027
  • March 08th, 2027
  • April 05th, 2027
  • May 10th, 2027
  • June 07th, 2027
  • July 05th, 2027
  • August 02nd, 2027

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Per Semester Tuition
≈ $19,844
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Flagship (Residential) campus Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Semester credit loadTuition per semester
Full time (12 to 17.99 credits)$19,844.00
Three-quarter time (9 to 11.99 credits)$14,883.00
Half time (6 to 8.99 credits)$9,922.00
Less than half time (0 to 5.99 credits)$4,961.00
Over full time (18 to 24 credits, Dean’s approval, minimum 3.0 CGPA)$24,805.00

Required fees

  • Tuition deposit — $150.00, refundable before May 1 for fall and November 1 for spring
  • Housing deposit — $250.00, refundable before July 1 for fall and December 1 for spring
  • Education fee — $976.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources
  • Technology fee — $309.00 per semester
  • Health insurance — $2,169.00 per academic year, or $1,370.00 for spring and summer only

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, orientation $100.00, re-entry $150.00, car permit $50.00 ($15.00 for an additional permit), returned check $40.00, dorm key replacement $30.00, library late fee $10.00, student ID replacement $30.00, late payment $25.00 and transcript $10.00. Program supplies and kits vary by program; textbooks are estimated at up to $2,000.00 per semester.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

Estimated Student Costs

The Automotive Dealership Fundamentals Certificate program includes 15 credit hours of coursework plus a campus residency component. Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take. For additional guidance, students should speak with an admissions counselor for accurate cost estimates and to explore financial aid, scholarships, and grants available for students who qualify to help manage the cost of your education.

Curriculum

To receive a Certificate in Automotive Dealership Fundamentals from Keiser University, the student must complete 15 credit hours. Courses in the Automotive Dealership Fundamentals Certificate program are four weeks in length and conducted online. The expectation is students will take one or two courses each term and finish in five months or less. In addition to the online courses, there is a 2-3-day residency (depending on the track) on the Keiser University Flagship Campus in West Palm Beach, FL. Student may request a review to see if MAN courses from an accredited university may transfer.

Required Courses

Subject #NameCredits
MAN3025Introduction to Management/Org Behavior3
MAN3054Operations Management3
GEB4936Capstone: Exercising Leadership in Automotive Retail Distribution3
GEB2301Customer and Employee Retention Strategies3
GEB3642Service and Parts Functions of Automotive Distribution Systems3
GEB2301Customer and Employee Retention Strategies3
GEB3641Sales Functions of Automotive Distribution Systems3
GEB3651Automotive Dealership Sales Strategies and Tactics3
GEB2301Customer and Employee Retention Strategies3
GEB3651Automotive Dealership Sales Strategies and Tactics3
GEB4402Automotive Financial Analysis and Business Forecasting Techniques3

Career Outcomes

Graduates of Keiser University’s certificate program prepare to pursue management positions within car dealerships and vehicle retail distribution systems. This certification supports current automotive professionals and career changers by enhancing their ability to manage operations, lead employees, analyze performance data, and implement strategies that improve customer satisfaction and dealership profitability. Jobs in dealership management are in high demand as the industry seeks qualified professionals who understand both business fundamentals and automotive-specific operations.

Career Pathways in Automotive Dealership Management

  • Service manager positions at dealerships and automotive service centers
  • Fixed operations director
  • Parts manager overseeing inventory and staff
  • Sales manager leading sales team performance
  • General manager
  • Dealership owner/operator
  • Customer relations manager
  • Inventory control specialist managing cars and vehicles
  • Warranty administrator
  • Fleet manager
  • Training and development coordinator for dealership employees
  • Business development manager
  • Licensed vehicle sales positions with management responsibilities

What to expect as a Keiser University student

Keiser University’s Automotive Dealership Fundamentals Certificate program offers professionals and career changers a focused educational path to advance within the automotive retail industry. With flexible online courses and practical campus residency training, the program aligns with your professional goals and schedule. Whether you aim to move into service manager roles, sales leadership positions, or general dealership operations, Keiser provides the specialized education and industry insight needed to make a lasting impact in automotive retail distribution. Graduates receive a certificate recognized by dealers and automotive companies throughout the industry.

Campus Address

Flagship (Residential)
2600 North Military Trail
West Palm Beach, FL 33409

Why Accreditation Is Important

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring your education meets rigorous academic standards.

  • Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
  • Credits earned toward a respected credential

Images

Certificate in Automotive Dealership
Certificate in Automotive Dealership
Certificate in Automotive Dealership
Automotive Dealership Certificate

Top Questions About Earning an Automotive Dealership Fundamentals Certificate

Can I complete the automotive dealership fundamentals program online at Keiser University?
Yes. The certificate program delivers coursework entirely online through four-week courses and classes. You complete academic work on your schedule from any location. The program includes a required 2-3 day residency at the Keiser University Flagship Campus in West Palm Beach, Florida, where you apply classroom learning in practical settings and network with faculty, peers, and industry professionals.
What makes this certificate different from other business programs?
This certification focuses specifically on automotive dealership management rather than general business principles. You study the unique challenges facing today’s automotive dealerships, including changing consumer expectations, technological advances, government regulations, dealer laws, DMV requirements, and personal mobility trends. The three specialized tracks let you concentrate on fixed operations, variable operations, or general management based on your career direction. You learn skills specific to selling cars, managing service repairs, finance and insurance products, and building customer loyalty.
What careers and jobs can I pursue with this certificate?
Certificate holders prepare for management positions and jobs within car dealerships and vehicle distribution systems. Common roles include service manager, parts manager, sales manager leading teams to sell vehicles, finance and insurance manager, customer relations manager, and general manager. Some graduates use this credential to advance within their current dealership or automotive company, while others transition into automotive retail from related industries. Licensed positions in vehicle sales with management responsibilities also become accessible. The certification helps you meet industry demand for qualified professionals.
Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Yes, Keiser University accepts transfer credits for undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Our admissions team will work with you to review your transcripts and determine your transfer eligibility. Credits transfer based on several factors including accreditation and course equivalency. Learn more about credit transfer requirements and eligibility requirements. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your previous education and how it may assist in completing this certificate.
Does financial aid cover certificate programs?
Keiser University’s  financial aid resources are available for qualified students and may be offered to certificate-seeking students. However, some specific scholarship programs might be limited to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding financial aid for certificate programs, it is recommended to directly contact Keiser University’s financial aid department. They can provide specific details about eligibility, available aid types, and the application process for certificate programs. Learn more about Keiser University’s Financial Services.
Which track should I choose for my career goals?
Your track selection depends on your career objectives and passion for different aspects of dealership operations.  The Fixed Operations Track suits those interested in service manager positions, service department management, parts operations, repairs scheduling, and customer retention in post-sale environments. The Variable Operations Track prepares you for sales manager roles, helping teams sell more cars and vehicles, F&I positions working with finance and insurance products, and customer-facing roles. The General Management Track offers a broader perspective for those seeking dealership general manager positions or ownership opportunities, covering all aspects of how dealers operate profitably.
How long does the campus residency last?
The residency lasts 2-3 days depending on your chosen track. This component takes place at the Keiser University Flagship Campus in beautiful West Palm Beach, Florida. You engage in hands-on exercises, case studies, and collaborative learning with other students that reinforces online coursework and builds practical management skills. The residency provides networking opportunities with faculty, classmates, and industry professionals.
How quickly can I complete this certificate program?
Most students complete the 15-credit-hour program in five months or less. The four-week course format and flexibility to take one or two classes per term allows you to progress at a pace that fits your work schedule and learning preferences. The average completion time meets the needs of working professionals who want to advance their careers without extended time away from their jobs.
What does the program cost and what kind of pay can I expect afterward?
Tuition at Keiser University varies by degree program. Keiser offers financial aid, military and veteran benefits, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement to those who qualify. For more detailed cost information, please contact an admissions advisor. Get more information about Keiser University’s tuition and costs. Graduates often see career advancement and higher pay as they move into management positions. Service managers, sales managers, and general managers at dealerships typically earn competitive salaries that reflect their increased responsibilities
What courses and classes make up the Automotive Dealership certificate program?
All students complete three core business courses: Introduction to Management/Organizational Behavior, Operations Management, and a Capstone course on Exercising Leadership in Automotive Retail Distribution. You then select a specialization track and complete two additional courses from that track’s options. Track choices include Customer and Employee Retention Strategies (critical for building loyalty among customers and employees), Service and Parts Functions (covering repairs, maintenance, and parts inventory), Sales Functions (teaching how to sell effectively), Sales Strategies and Tactics (advanced selling techniques), and Financial Analysis and Business Forecasting Techniques (using data to make informed decisions). This combination of classes provides comprehensive training for dealership management.
Will this certificate help me advance at my current dealership or company?
Many students take this program to advance within their current automotive company or dealership. The skills and knowledge you gain apply immediately to your daily work, helping you perform at a higher level and demonstrate readiness for management positions. Your employer may value the proof of completion through this recognized certification. Some companies may assist with tuition costs for employees seeking professional development and training.
Ready to get started?
Apply to Automotive Dealership Fundamentals at Flagship (Residential).
Automotive Dealership Fundamentals