Overview of Capella University
Founded in 1993 by a former toy company executive, and known until a decade ago as the Graduate School of America, Capella offers some 700+ online career education courses and touts itself as the only “pure” online university in a burgeoning and competitive market. There is nothing controversial in its “distance learning” claims; it has no campus and all the classes it offers, it offers online.
But its unique emphasis on graduate study in the practical realm of adult education serves to set it apart from other would-be competitors: six out of seven of the students who were enrolled in its programs in March 2007 were doing work toward a graduate degree. The success of its model has been particularly striking and in the past seven years, with the increase of Internet use, Capella’s enrollment has mushroomed from 3700 students (2001) to over 19,000 in 2007. In 2006 alone it granted over 2000 degrees. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).
Points of Distinction
Areas of Study
Unlike a lot of its competitors, Capella provides a relative handful of courses that are aimed at entry-level places in the job market, and only two of its degree-granting programs, Business and Information Technology, are geared toward undergraduates. It does offer ongoing education and Master of Science and Ph.D programs in the following fields: Education, Human Services, Information Technology, Public Safety, Organization & Management and Psychology (where it offers a Psy.D). It also provides some sixteen Graduate Certificates, including certificates in Leaderhip and Diversity Studies.
Capella University Admissions
Under its open admissions policy, the university requires that all prospective students supply a high school transcript or equivalent GED with their completed applications. But admission is available year-round and there are no submission deadlines.
Capella University Faculty
There are currently more than 900 Capella faculty members scattered throughout the US, and 90% of them have advanced degrees. But as always in the practical world of continuing education, it’s real-world experience that counts and it’s this that makes their tutelage of value.
Student Body
As of mid-2007, over 19,000 students are enrolled in the university’s graduate and undergraduate courses, representing every state in the union and dozens of countries all over the world. The vast majority of these learners are pursuing a post-graduate degree; about 15%, are either full-time or part-time undergraduates. The student population is balanced gender-wise, with approximately half of the students being male and half female.
Student life
Student life is not a significant feature of the school as all courses are taught online.
(Note: Not all programs are necessarily available at all locations.)
Business And Management
Computer Science And Engineering
Education And Teaching
Family And Social Work
Liberal Arts
Medical Administration
Security And Law Enforcement
Therapy And Counseling
(Note: Not all degrees and coursework are necessarily available for all programs of study.)
Degrees or Coursework
Online
Information is not guaranteed to be correct. Please check with individual schools for the most accurate and recent information.
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