Capella University Launches Six New Online Education Offerings

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Capella University, an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing high-quality online degree programs for working adults, has announced the launch of six new educational offerings. They include a Master of Science in Homeland Security, a PhD specialization in Addiction Psychology, a Reading and Literacy Bridge EdD specialization, and a BS in Psychology to MS in Studies in Human Behavior combined option. Capella also announced two new MBA specializations, Business Intelligence and Entrepreneurship, along with a major redesign of its MBA program. As of March 31, 2011, more than 39,000 students are pursuing an online degree at Capella University (http://www.capella.edu), with 31 percent enrolled in Capella’s doctoral degree programs, and 47 percent enrolled in Capella’s master’s degree programs.

“By adding the Reading and Literacy Bridge specialization, we can expand the number of educators able to pursue leadership expertise in this critically important field”

MS in Homeland Security is one of few master’s degrees in the field
Capella’s new online MS in Homeland Security is one of the few master’s degrees focused on this growing field. It is designed to develop leadership competencies specific to the field of homeland security, as well as the communication, technology, and critical analysis skills necessary to prepare for, prevent, and respond to homeland security issues and emergency events. Capella’s program will be taught by leaders in the field, including faculty chair Micheal Kemp, PhD, CEM, an internationally recognized emergency management expert and one of very few individuals in the United States with a PhD in Emergency Management.

MBA program redesigned to emphasize integrated, global business skills
Capella’s redesigned MBA program is the culmination of two years of research to determine the skills and qualities seen as most valuable to businesses, as well as the program and curriculum elements most desired by potential students. The result is a rigorous curriculum that integrates core business disciplines with the advanced leadership and professional skills needed to excel in high-performing, global organizations. The program features a wide range of resources, such as the MBA Central online portal and mobile applications, to provide working adults even more flexibility in how they incorporate their academic pursuits into busy professional and personal lives. Concurrent with the redesign, Capella also added two new specializations, Business Intelligence and Entrepreneurship, bringing to 11 the number of MBA specializations available.

New Reading and Literacy Bridge specialization helps meet growing demand
Capella’s EdD specialization in Reading and Literacy Bridge is designed for educators who wish to earn a doctoral degree in the field, but hold a master’s degree that is not in reading and literacy. The new specialization covers the curriculum from Capella’s existing Reading and Literacy EdD specialization, which requires a master’s in reading and literacy for admission, but also includes five master’s-level bridge courses that provide the academic preparation needed to move into doctoral studies in the field. “By adding the Reading and Literacy Bridge specialization, we can expand the number of educators able to pursue leadership expertise in this critically important field,” said Barbara Butts Williams, PhD, dean of Capella’s School of Education.

Capella’s doctoral specialization in Addiction Psychology is one of few available online
The online university’s non-clinical doctoral specialization in Addiction Psychology is designed for seasoned addiction professionals who want to contribute to the field in new ways, such as developing and implementing innovative addiction programs, educating and training the next generation of addiction professionals, or conducting research to document the effectiveness of new treatments and their implementation. It is one of very few non-clinical Addiction Psychology doctoral specializations available online, which offers addiction professionals more flexibility to combine advanced education pursuits with their other professional and personal goals.

New bachelor’s/master’s combined option available to Capella students
A BS in Psychology to MS in Studies in Human Behavior is Capella’s newest bachelor’s/master’s combined option, which provide students the opportunity to begin earning master’s-level credits during their bachelor’s program. Eligible BS in Psychology students can now begin earning master’s level credits after completing at least 100 undergraduate credits. These master’s level credits can be used toward completing the BS in Psychology and may also be applied toward a Capella MS in Studies in Human Behavior. Eligible students can save thousands of dollars and up to two quarter’s time compared to pursuing the degrees separately.

Enrollment now open
Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for its new programs and specializations. For more information, please call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552) or email info@capella.edu.

Review of these programs and specializations is pending in KS, KY, ND, SC, and TN.

The Reading and Literacy Bridge specialization is not currently state-approved and will not lead to endorsement until state approval is received. North Carolina residents are currently not eligible to enroll in this specialization.

In accordance with U.S. Department of Education (DOE) new advance notice requirements, a notification for the MBA Business Intelligence and Entrepreneurship specializations will be submitted to the DOE. These specializations may be subject to additional review and approval by the DOE, which could result in a potential delay in learners being able to start these specializations. If these specializations are subject to additional review, the DOE will notify Capella University at least 30 days prior to the scheduled start date. Capella University proactively will keep applicants and learners enrolled in these specializations fully informed of any actions taken by the DOE that may affect their ability to successfully begin classes as originally scheduled.

About Capella University
Capella University (www.capella.edu) is an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. Nearly 80 percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's, specialist, or doctoral degree programs in business, counseling, education, health administration, homeland security, human resource management, human services, information technology, nonprofit management and leadership, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, public administration, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 136 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 17 certificate programs. More than 39,000 learners were enrolled as of March 31, 2011, from all 50 states and 59 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).

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* 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.
Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552), www.capella.edu.

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