Jul 24, 2014 11:34 AM EDT By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Keiser University in Florida is expanding its Melbourne campus to provide additional classroom and lab space for new bachelor's degrees and other programs, Florida Today reported.

The private, not-for-profit university is shelling out $7 million for the construction of a new, 30,000-square-foot building on property leased from the Melbourne International Airport. The new building will include 22 classrooms, an auditorium and lab space for people studying dietetics and nutrition, among other programs.

"It's exciting," Mary Tinucci, 42, told Florida Today. "It's a great school to come to."

Tinucci is enrolled in the university's medical assistant program.

The school's Melbourne campus already offers 42 programs. Additional bachelor's degrees in biomedical sciences, aviation management, and business administration with a concentration in logistics and transportation will be offered.

A physical therapy assistant associate's degree, on-campus classes for graduate degrees that were previously only available to local students online will also be available in the new building.

The new programs are expected to attract more than 300 students to its Melbourne campus, which already serves about 1,100 students.

"It allows us to better serve our community and better serve our students," Arthur Keiser, chancellor of the university, told Florida Today. "It's natural growth."

Keiser University is designed to serve working adults and those with families. Students typically take one class during every four weeks, instead of multiple courses a semester like traditional colleges.

Megan Stone told Florida Today that the school's one-class format is a good fit because it made it easier for her to raise her 2-year-old son.

"It's great for the community," Stone said of the expansion and additional degrees. "There's more options."

The new building is slated to open by spring 2015.

In addition to the new building on the Melbourne campus, Keiser's current building will receive a new façade, and additional parking will be added.

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