How does your education rate with Capella? Is this a school worth attending?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 14:51:46 -0400

I have a year left on my Masters program and am beginning to look into PhD programs. Capella offers a PhD program in Leadership and I wonder if it is worth the time and money invested. I am looking for an online program that I can do around work and family. Is there a program out there that is better recommended?

Thanks for the answers.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Apr 16 at 2015 10:19 PM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 22:19:05 -0400

CPT Hignight:

I am currently in 32 hours in my Ph.D. program, I love Capella and I will share with you many of my mentors attended. It is expensive and I believe it is worth the investment.

Response by SFC Andrew Reed made Apr 16 at 2015 10:55 PM

SFC Andrew Reed — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 22:55:24 -0400

I got my Masters with Capella and I believe all the programs there are definitely worth the effort. Capella does give you some latitude regarding "life happens" and they will work with you. It is worth exploring as an option. My experience there was outstanding and I only have good things to say about Capella. Good luck with your future endeavors!

Response by CPO Bernie Penkin made Apr 17 at 2015 12:26 PM

CPO Bernie Penkin — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 12:26:19 -0400

Capella was recommended to my wife by her department at the university she worked for when she was going to start her doctorate. It has a good reputation. I have my BS through them. The classes were challenging.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 3:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 03:14:26 -0400

I'm having an excellent time at Capella, I was so nervous in my first class, but the instructors are great to work with. I feel now that I belong among the other Master program participants

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 12:12 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 12:12:29 -0400

CPO Bernie Penkin SFC Andrew Reed @CH (CPT) Heather Davis; SFC Private RallyPoint Member

Thanks for the great answers. I really appreciate the feedback. I do have another question. Have y'all found your degree is received differently or looked down upon since Capella is a "For-Profit" college? I have read many reviews of the school online and I often see folks who feel any "for-profit" institution to be less prestigious. From your experiences do you feel that the school is trying to push you through so they can earn more money?

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 4:08 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 04:08:36 -0400

I just started my first class fir my PhD at Capella...loving it so far!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2015 6:15 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 06:15:32 -0400

Hi Ryan - I'm currently enrolled in the PhD for Emergency Management in the School of Public Service Leadership and I think it's great! They offer excellent support and the resources available are exceptional.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2016 2:25 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 14:25:34 -0500

I earned my Ph.D. in Information Technology specializing in Information Assurance and Security from Capella in 2013. I was impressed by the quality of the faculty and the support from the other departments including the library, academic advising, and financial aid just to mention a few. As for the reputation and is it respected, I say yes. I spent from 2005 - 2015 as a full time faculty member at a 2-year college before transitioning back into private industry and both have looked favorably upon Capella. Be aware that Capella works on a scholar-practitioner model so if you want to teach at a 4-year University this may not be well accepted by some. If you want to advance your career or rise in private industry, definitely a great choice.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2019 3:34 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 15:34:30 -0500

CPT Hignight,

After finishing my MSSI I was interested in going for my Doctorate. I was concerned about how obtaining a degree from an online university would be regarded in academia as well as what people would think in the professional fields. I was worried that there would be a stigma associated with an online degree. I spoke with one of my trusted professors from my master's program and this is the bottom line advise he gave me. He said "in the end, it doesn't matter what people will say about your degree because they will all call you the same thing and that's Dr". I will graduate this March and yes, there are those who still say "oh, an online degree". My rebuttal to them, if I offer one, is this. Almost every brick and mortar school now offers degrees online. Sitting in a class room does not make the degree any better. What is important is getting that degree.

Adults who have begun their careers know that time is the greatest limiting factor next to money that prevent them from continuing their education. Going to a school that makes getting that degree possible is just plain smart.

And as for how other professionals feel about my degree, I have had many employment offers from some very reputable companies and a couple of universities for professor positions.

I'm very happy with my choice to continue my education and obtain my doctorates.

Good Luck,

Eloy