Capella University is known for its rigorous curricula that combine strong academic content and real-world practicality, presented in a flexible, online format geared for adult students.

A Little History

Stephen Shank, former CEO of Tonka Corporation was the Capella University inspiration. Shank realized that many adults were underserved by traditional universities. He envisioned a high-quality university that people could attend from any location.

In 1991, with the assistance of Dr. Harold Abel, an experienced leader in higher education and former president of three universities, they founded The Graduate School of America and offered online master's and doctoral degrees in management, education, and human services. The Graduate School of America became Capella University in 1993.


Today at Capella University

Capella University is an accredited* online university that offers graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, and psychology, and bachelor's degree programs in business and information technology. Within those areas, Capella University currently offers 19 undergraduate and graduate degree programs with 116 specialized areas of study (101 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs) and more than 870 courses.

Approximately 1000 faculty members (more than 800 of whom hold doctorate degrees) serve 20,000 students from all 50 states and 56 other countries giving it a student/faculty ratio of 20 to 1. Although Capella students range in age from 18 to 90, most are working adults, and 83 percent are pursuing master's or doctoral degrees.

Capella University Learner Profile:

• From all 50 states and 56 other countries
  
• Average age: 40 (ranging from 18 to 90)
  
• 66% women, 34% men
  
• 39% people of color
  
• 15% have military affiliation
  
• 84% in urban areas, 16% in rural areas
  
• 90% study part time, 10% full time

Corporate, College, and U.S. Armed Forces Alliance Programs

Capella University offers reduced tuition and other special benefits to members of its alliance programs, which include more than 100 leading corporations, 25 percent of U.S. community colleges and many state schools, and every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. In addition to its regular degree programs, Capella University has developed innovative programs that allow organizations to offer employees high-quality, for-credit courses that meet both individual goals and global organizational needs. The corporate and armed forces programs are designed to help employers maximize intellectual assets, improve job performance, and develop employees‘ capacity to take on increased responsibility. The college alliances allow students at member colleges to seamlessly transfer credits and participate in specially designed degree completion programs that ease the transition from a two-year college to a four-year degree program.

Search Capella's degree programs http://www.capella.edu/schools_programs/degrees.aspx


Get More Information

Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).

* Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.