The practice of interpreting cosmological events as related to human endeavors has a long history and continues to evolve today. This activity is inextricably entwined in the development of Western and Eastern cultures.Yet to skeptics and those for whom astrology is simply entertainment, exploration of these philosophies and practices have no place in formalized study.
In 1991, a group of astrologers and academics decided that such a controversial and widespread practice deserved a place in academia where it could be analyzed for its historical, philosophical, and cultural significance and utilization.
Kepler College was born in 1992 from the creative audacity and hard work of this group.
For twelve years Kepler College offered academics and astrologers alike a unique opportunity to participate in a challenging liberal studies curriculum. Courses included the critical examination and analysis of the history and development of cultural interpretations of cosmology in both Western and Eastern cultures over the past 3,000 years, and how cosmological viewpoints influenced and was influenced by the cultures in which they developed.
Many of these courses are now found in our certificate program, which continues to grow and continues to serve our mission of providing an outstanding education for anyone interested in the many facets of astrology.
We are one of the oldest online astrological programs in the US: we were founded in 1992 and have over 13 years of continuous experience in offering an online program of expert quality education to our students.
Kepler College incorporated in 1992 and received its a non-profit 501 (c)(3) status in 1993. Over the next seven years, the Board of Trustees worked diligently to create the financial and organizational foundations necessary for an academic program. The curriculum used a liberal arts base from which to critically examine a broad spectrum of geocosmic theories, including their history, philosophies and practices and the implications for other cosmological questions.
In the fall of 1999, the Board of Trustees submitted an application for authorization of Kepler College to the Higher Education Coordinating Board of the State of Washington.
On March 10, 2000, Kepler College received its first authorization from the Higher Education Coordinating Board of Washington to issue college degrees in astrological studies. The first class of students, ranging from age 17 to 71, began classes on July 20, 2000.
In 2004, not only did Kepler College have its first graduates, but the College received permission to offer Associate of Arts and Master of Arts programs.
In 2010, economic realities prevented Kepler from completing its push for accreditation and our last authorization carried us through March 9, 2012, which gave current students time to graduate.
Knowing that it Kepler would need to either close or transition into a new format, the administration, faculty and board voted to create a Certificate Program based on the work done for the academic program. This continues our mission of promoting professional-level high quality education for anyone interested in the field of astrology.
In 2012, the final 13 degree students were presented their degrees at UAC 2012.
Kepler continues to keep its mission alive through its Online Certificate Program.
Kepler changed the academic landscape.
In some cases, this was through direct interaction with professors from other Colleges. One example comes from 2004, when a presenter at the History of Science Society’s annual meeting at Harvard University hypothesized that a particular treaty had been elected according to planetary alignments at the request of the Austrian Emperor. While an intriguing hypothesis, the presenter’s argument was based on a technique that would have been of secondary importance during that time period. It was not until the Kepler College Chief Academic Officer raised the issue of whether the elected time fulfilled the rules of warfare as used during that time period that a serious examination of the presenter’s idea could be considered. An interesting observation is that the presenters already knew of our small college.
Kepler changed the astrological landscape
One of the lessons Kepler learned as an academic college was the importance of history, astronomy, literature, cultural studies, religious studies, mythology, mathematics, counseling, philosophy in the development of a well-rounded professional astrologer. Our Certificate Diploma recognizes that just technique is not enough. Students have the