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Total Grad Surveys 34
Females 17
Males 17
Avg years at University 1.9
Research Quality B+ (8.0)
Research Availability B+ (7.7)
Research Funding C+ (5.5)
Graduate Politics A- (8.7)
Errand Runners A (9.2)
Degree Completion A- (8.1)
Alternative pay [ta/gsi] B- (6.2)
Sufficient Pay B- (6.5)
Competitiveness A- (8.1)
Education Quality B+ (8.0)
Faculty Accessibility A- (8.7)
Useful Research A- (8.7)
"Individual" treatment A- (8.2)
Friendliness A- (8.5)
Safety B (7.1)
Campus Beauty C (4.4)
Campus Maintenance C+ (5.1)
University Resource/spending A- (8.2)
Extracurriculars C+ (5.5)
Success-Understanding A- (8.6)
Surrounding City C (4.9)
Social Life/Environment C (4.7)

After reading many of the posts I must say that I've been a student at both the traditional brick and mortar and now online. I find that I have had to work harder at the online university because you have to be organized and able to work on your own versus the instructor standing before you and you take notes. As a student at Capella in the Clinical Psy.D. program I have nothing but praise for this school. Yes they did withdraw their APA Accreditation application however the decision was mutual between Capella and the APA. Due to the University changing from a Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology to a Psy.D. program the APA requires a school to wait before starting the accreditation process until a class has been through the new program's process. I have no doubt that Capella will pursue this accreditation once the first class of Psy.D. students has graduated. Please check things out for yourself instead of listening to the negatives you read.
Mar 18 2008
Psychology

I am happy with Capella's Ph.D. program after 1.25 years. The program is comparable to other B&M work I have done. Overall, the program is what you make it and for those that say the program "sucks" or simply cry "don't go to Capella, they will take your money" are indicating their intelligence when they post.

It is a good program that will allow you to grow as a person and if you want to teach, you will be able to do so. I will add though, do not expect to teach at an Ivy League or Tier I type school because it will not happen. If you want to teach, you should focus more on community colleges, technical colleges, or even Tier III or IV type schools.
Mar 07 2008
Business - Management and Administration

i'm enrolled in a program and the classes are of very low quality. It's pretty much a giant "chat room" without depth or substance. EXTREMELY LOW LEVEL!
Mar 01 2008
Business - Management and Administration

I've been pleased with my experience at Capella. I feel that it is easily as good of a program as those in which I have participated at brick-and-mortar, non-profit institutions.

If anything, there is a much higher degree of rigor.
Feb 10 2008
Education

Capella is a quality university - those who put it down are either disgruntled former students (i.e. Jeff LaMarca) or have preconceived notions of online education.

I am receiving faculty development funds where I teach to attend Capella, and I don't believe that my college would waste money on a substandard program.

Capella, like all endeavors, is what you make of it.
Jan 09 2008
Business - Management and Administration

I give this "University" a straight F. Don't get fooled by their lies; they will tell you anything to get you in. Even if you make it to graduation, your degree is worth nothing. You may think it is worth something, but soon or later you will find out. As for me, Capella University is a joke!!!!
Dec 23 2007
Education

Capella dumped their psychology program because they couldn't get accreditation from the APA. I'm glad I left and went to a state school. The difference in the instructional quality is vast. I'm almost afraid to tell others in my new program that I went to Capella as I've already had people laugh at me.
Dec 18 2007
Psychology


For those who don't know, Jeffry LaMarca is the author of all of the Capella-hate posts.
On 7/1/05 Jeff sued Capella University for failure to accomodate and violation of the American with Disabilities Act.
On 11/19/07, LaMarca's lawsuit against Capella was dismissed.

According to Capella's site:

All charges brought against Capella University by a former learner were dismissed on Monday, November 19, 2007, in United States District Court for the Central District of California. The court found that Capella did not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and provided adequate accommodations to Jeffry La Marca. Capella has consistently denied Mr. La Marca’s allegations.

Capella has brought counterclaims against Mr. La Marca alleging defamation and interference with business relations. He attempted to have Capella’s counterclaim dismissed, but was unsuccessful at the district court level. That decision is currently on appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In fact, the court found that:

1. LaMarca is not disabled under the ADA.

2. Even if LaMarca was disabled under the ADA, Capella granted reasonable accommodations.

3. Capella did not engage in retaliation by locking out LaMarca from Capella's courserooms due to LaMarca's abusive behavior.
In fact, the judge found that: "Plaintiff's comments were abusive, harassing, and inappropriate for any public environment, let alone the functional equivalent of a classroom..."
Dec 17 2007
Psychology


For those who don't know, Jeffry LaMarca is the author of all of the Capella-hate posts.
On 7/1/07 Jeff sued Capella University for failure to accomodations and violation of the American with Disabilities Act.
On 11/19/07, LaMarca's lawsuit against Capella was dismissed.

According to Capella's site:

All charges brought against Capella University by a former learner were dismissed on Monday, November 19, 2007, in United States District Court for the Central District of California. The court found that Capella did not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and provided adequate accommodations to Jeffry La Marca. Capella has consistently denied Mr. La Marca’s allegations.

Capella has brought counterclaims against Mr. La Marca alleging defamation and interference with business relations. He attempted to have Capella’s counterclaim dismissed, but was unsuccessful at the district court level. That decision is currently on appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In fact, the court found that:

In general - the court ruled:

1. LaMarca is not disabled under the ADA.

2. Even if LaMarca was disabled under the ADA, Capella granted reasonable accommodations.

3. Capella did not engage in retaliation by locking out LaMarca from Capella's courserooms due to LaMarca's abusive behavior.
In fact, the judge found that: "Plaintiff's comments were abusive, harassing, and inappropriate for any public environment, let alone the functional equivalent of a classroom..."
Dec 16 2007
Psychology

Well well well Mr. La Marca looks like we finally have a name to put with the one-sided, disgusting filth that YOU spew. Looks like anonymity is no longer your good bedfellow. Good luck with your fact less, childish, tirade…. See how much support you can garner now Jeffry.

Yours Truly,

Karma
Nov 22 2007
School of Information

I've had nothing but good experiences at Capella in the MS and PhD programs. Resources for students continually improve. Health problems have caused problems for me, but everyone at Capella has helped me achieve my educational goals.
Jun 28 2007
Business - Management and Administration

I attended this school for two years now. The professors are mostly very nice and helpful. Some of them are available to chat with your anytime and help you advance in your learning. I don't think I can ever reach that level of patience. On the other hand, the administration of this place is out of touch. They are in total chaos!!! My classmate said they have always been like that and I don't expect them to change anytime soon. Take my advice, find another. Good luck!
Jun 16 2007
Education

I worked at Capella-- it is a joke. They let in EVERYONE, and I mean everyone. We would laugh at emails we would get from "Learners" (capella speak for students) who couldn't even type a logical sentence, yet they were admitted to the PhD program. Think about it: you may be smart, but other doorknobs are graduating w/a degree from this place, making your degree a lot less prestigious. Don't waste your time or your money (which is all they were after. They were obsessed about "going public" with the stock, so the higher ups could get rich and retire).
Jun 14 2007
Business - Management and Administration

Capella University is the place for losers who can't cut it anywhere else. Do your research and you'll find that Capella is on par with other for-profit schools - a total waste.
Jun 06 2007
Business - Management and Administration

I have enjoyed my education thus far.
Jun 01 2007
Business - Management and Administration

I am in the Ph.D. program for Organizational Behavior with an emphasis on Leadership. Thus far, the program has been challenging, I have mixed reviews on the instructors. I would not necessarily say the instructors are good or bad, but I do believe being more attentive and more willing to provide scholarly feedback is appropriate.

The school as a whole is being attacked for the delivery methods, which I am not entirely sure, is fair. I have taken online courses with tradition brick and mortar campuses and I earned my MBA from a brink and mortar campus that started in 1877, so it had a long and excellent history. However, even their delivery format online left a bit to be desired. I think Capella does the best they can with the learning environment and the real question surrounding the school may not be the quality of education as much as the format (it seems other brick and mortar campuses are having similar difficulties).

From my early experience with Capella, the education is fine, but I will need more time to evaluate it. In the meantime, you must decide for yourself and realize that just because websites are started by a person does not mean that reflects the majority of students, alumni, and prospective students. In addition, one site, http://www.capellauniversity.org/ and its alternate name http://www.capellauniversitysucks.us/, should tell you a lot about the intelligence level of the creator. Any person who has to use this type of propaganda and language to relay a point suffers from their own handicap.

Finally, these sites claim to be responsive to all viewpoints, but thus far, they have failed to respond to my constructive questions. I suspect this is because they see things only one way, launching a smear campaign against the school, shutting out any other opinion or viewpoint in the process. I do not put up with this in politics and I will not in school. However, I digress, and I encourage you to do you OWN research and talk with graduates and alumni from any school you are considering before making a final decision.
Jun 01 2007
Business - Management and Administration

I made the mistake of attending Capella University. In my opinion, this institution doesn’t deserve accreditation. At the time of this opinion, there were several lawsuits filed against Capella Education Corporation. (Google search)

Here are a few specific examples of why I took to the time to write this opinion and warn others to avoid Capella.

1. In my opinion Capella is losing ground. It has lost or withdrew applications for accreditation.

2. My experience with instructors and format were disappointing. When the format we used to interface with the university changed, it resulted in confusion. I dropped my class and protested. Capella refused to refund fees and turned it over to collections. Capella’s collection agency dropped the case, so Capella (and/or its agents) gave it to other agencies to continue the harassment. Other students also report unethical collection practices.

3. Poor quality of instruction. My PhD classes were taught by people that didn't seem to have the expertise necessary to teach the class. While there are some good instructors, I was disappointed in the education I received.


Recommendations - steer clear of Capella and heavily advertised online programs. Go with in-state online programs offered from reputable institutions.
Jan 29 2007
Psychology

I attended Walden before transferring to Capella to complete my doctoral degree. Two of my friends, who completed their MA degrees with me both referred me to Capella and both are in the dissertation phases of their doctoral degrees. They have had nothing but great experiences @ Capella and I echo those experiences. My academic advisor is great; she calls me monthly to discuss my progress and plan my courses for the next 3 terms; we discuss challenges and resolutions; this is something I NEVER got from any advisor @ Walden. The curriculum at Capella is challenging and the faculty expect graduate level work from the students. They also expect you to engage in and be accountable for your own learning. I am very happy there and would recommend it to anyone who is looking @ grad and post graduate school.
Jul 06 2006
Business - Management and Administration

This school is a joke! If you care about your education you will go to a different school! Teachers are not knowledgable nor are they helpful. The administration cares more about making money then you getting a good education.
Jun 29 2006
Psychology

Education is about learning, not "going to school". This program offers those who want a higher degree of understanding, the tools and support for them to attain that knowledge.

Don't do "on-line" if you can't self start and self motivate. You will be throwing your money away... and most likely not receive the "sheep-skin".
May 21 2006
Business - Management and Administration

I am active duty in the Navy and on Sead Duty, which means I deploy. Capella University has been willing to work with me so far and has been more understanding and willing than any other university I researched.
Feb 11 2006
Business - Management and Administration

Crapella University aka "Tonka U" is all about making the owners as much money as they can.

Avoid it at all costs!!!
Jan 14 2006
Psychology

Crapella University aka "Tonka U" is all about making the owners as much money as they can.

Avoid it at all costs!!!
Jan 14 2006
Psychology

Crapella University aka "Tonka U" is all about making the owners as much money as they can.

Avoid it at all costs!!!
Jan 14 2006
Psychology

Crapella University aka "Tonka U" is all about making the owners as much money as they can.

Avoid it at all costs!!!
Jan 14 2006
Psychology

I started at Capella University in 2003 and I have one more class to finish my MS in Psychology. I have enjoyed my time at Capella and I have found all my teachers as highly competent in their fields and great teachers. Although this is an online program there are opportunities to meet face to face with students and instructors through the University Colloquia's that are a part of the counseling programs. The Psychology program is heavily dependent on writing and I can certainly say that I have improved my writing abilities since undergraduate school. The MS program I went through at Capella was challenging and has prepared me for future doctoral studies in psychology at Capella or at a brick and mortar university. The one draw back is that you can not perform experimental research at Capella - they have no labs naturally.
Nov 21 2005
Psychology

Capella University hires and retains instructors who have literally purchased their degrees from Diploma Mills. One of those "instructors," Diane Stottlemyer, along with the Provost (Karen Viechnicki),their "chief counsel" (Greg Thom), a Dean (Kurt Linberg) and others have been named in a lawsuit for discrimination and retaliation against students. Additional information on the lawsuit may be found at: http://www.employmentlawyers4employees.com
Jul 24 2005
School of Information

Capella university PhD studies are just as rigorous and disciplined as anywhere. One can download recent research completed by students there from ProQuest's website and see.

There is no way to hide online; deadlines are strictly set. People who are serious stay in for the long haul, become trusted friends, and provide wonderful content. The ones who have trouble disappear quickly (and certainly fail their comps). As time goes on, Capella’s reputation is only going to improve.

For working professionals with a graduate degree already from a respected brick and mortar -- this is definitely the school to check out if you're mid-career working full time and want a chance to earn your doctorate. The faculty are from some of the best schools around, and many are in senior government and private sector positions.
Jun 30 2005
School of Information

I use to be pleased with this school until I found out they financially rip the students off. I thought this school was a place to help the student obtain what they need, but realize more and more that this is not the case. This school only cares about the money they receive from you and nothing else. My eyes was completely open. And I am going to transfer some place else. Now, I am not foolish, most schools are about money, but when you're told to get an alternative loan to pay off something that should be included in financial aide let's me know exactly where this school is going. Money, money, money.

Jun 17 2005
Other

I use to be pleased with this school until I found out they financially rip the students off. I thought this school was a place to help the student obtain what they need, but realize more and more that this is not the case. This school only cares about the money they receive from you and nothing else. My eyes was completely open. And I am going to transfer some place else. Now, I am not foolish, most schools are about money, but when you're told to get an alternative loan to pay off something that should be included in financial aide let's me know exactly where this school is going. Money, money, money.

Jun 17 2005
Other

As a first year doctoral student, Capella has gone out of its was to ensure my success. The professors are highly qualified and willing to help with any questions. Course work is very demanding; it usually requires 20+ hours/week/course. Expectations from faculty are high. I would recommend this university to everyone.
Feb 26 2005
Psychology

I'm currently working on my second Master's Degree from Capella University. While I much preferred/enjoyed the courses in my Education program, the courses in the School of Technology have been challenging and real-world oriented. Much of my dislike/problems with courses in the IT program have been due to a lack of background knowledge/experience in field. However, the other students and faculty have been encouraging and supportive of my learning. I have been able to learn and excel and pass on my learning to the students I teach (at a local technical college).

My only truly negative comment about the School of Technology is that the core courses and the "primary emphasis" is on programming. There is much more to the world of IT than programming and not all IT professionals are or desire to be programmers. The administration needs to realize that not everyone comes into the program with a system developer/administrators background. If the graduate courses are going to continue to require this sort of background, some sort of prerequisite courses need to be developed to bring those without the necessary background up to speed.

I will begin writing my thesis at the beginning of next year. I'm looking forward to it (and to getting it done!).

Oct 05 2004
Computer Science
Not titled yet

I am a PhD learner at Capella and have 13+ years in IT management and Computer Science. It took me more than 8 months to research online and traditional schools for my PhD program. I chose Capella because of the programs, format, and their credibility. They were one of the few universities that answered my questions completely and explained the processes without holding or twisting any information. Now, I am almost done my classes and I am very pleased with my decision to join Capella University. I have a lot of colleagues and friends that attending “Traditional” schools such as Emory and GA Tech, and when we comparing the end results of courses and the program, there is not much different in amount of work and quality of the papers. Going to university is like every thing else you get more if you put more effort and hard work into it. Any fare minded person who actually understands the program, format, and purpose of the university will attest to the value and credibility of the school.

Just remember: Do your homework and compare the offered programs and the completion process with other universities, one thing for sure you would not find it the easiest or cheapest but you will see the degree that you would EARN will have a lot of value and actually mean something.

Best regards

K
Sep 30 2004
Business - Management and Administration

Capella has been an excellent choice for me. The overall learning environment is much better than I expected. Course work is challenging and time consuming but is also very rewarding.

If you are looking to obtain a degree via distance learning I strongly suggest that you consider Capella.
Sep 22 2004
Business - Management and Administration

Hideous is an understandment to describe the incompetence you'll experience at Capella. A complete WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY.
Sep 21 2004
Computer Science

Capella University has provided me with the opportunity to grow academically. It is NOT easy. I did my MBA at a traditional university. My PhD studies are more difficult, but more rewarding.
Aug 21 2004
Business - Management and Administration

Capella University has provided me with the opportunity to grow academically. It is NOT easy. I did my MBA at a traditional university. My PhD studies are more difficult, but more rewarding.
Aug 21 2004
Business - Management and Administration

Capella University has provided me with the opportunity to grow academically. It is NOT easy. I did my MBA at a traditional university. My PhD studies are more difficult, but more rewarding.
Aug 21 2004
Business - Management and Administration

Capella University has provided me with the opportunity to grow academically. It is NOT easy. I did my MBA at a traditional university. My PhD studies are more difficult, but more rewarding.
Aug 21 2004
Business - Management and Administration

Capella University has provided me with the opportunity to grow academically. It is NOT easy. I did my MBA at a traditional university. My PhD studies are more difficult, but more rewarding.
Aug 21 2004
Business - Management and Administration

Avoid Capella University at all costs - this "school" is a ripoff - they'll take your money and run.
Jul 23 2004
Computer Science

Entering Capella University is one of the wisest educational decisions I have ever made. The level of quality - in both educational and research terms - is amazingly high. I dig the emphasis on theory at the PhD level and find my fellow learners to be generous and helpful at all times. Viva la Capella!
Jul 18 2004
Business - Management and Administration

I hate to sound cliche, but you will get out this program exactly what you put in. One can coast through turning in sub standard work and walk away with a degree after enough time. Yet, one has the freedom to take on the most daunting research projects and the absolute control over one's own learning journey.
Dec 22 2003
Other

Capella is a wonderful school. It's new (1993), accredited, business-like and innovative. All programs are online. Courses are challenging with varying interactivity of faculty. Some have been too easy in the past but now there are checks and balances and all have to provide regular feedback to students. The required residencies are amazing -the faculty are excellent, many brilliant. The students are from everywhere, all very motivated. It costs a lot but worth it if you can design a tight program plan and keep to it. This year Capella is exploding and so the chase is on to provide courses and mentors while keeping the quality very high. So far they are doing a very good job.
The organization works like clockwork, I love that about the school. Also, it's on the quarter system so programs are fast track. Many of the specializations are high tech and not available elsewhere.
Online study is not for everyone, but if you already work and want a higher degree, are motivated and can use a computer then this is for you. I think by the end of the course I will have had more advice and interaction regarding my PHD and program than an in-person school. Also, the entire organization is about 'getting it done and helping the students = very positive; not at all rude or slowing you down.
Aug 05 2003
Education
Not yet!

Capella University Is one of the best schools I've ever been associated with. I'm in the PhD program for Organization and Management and I believe that my professors are the best ones I've ever had. The learning is mainly online with only 332 hrs of in-class time in the program. That isn't really tha different from a traditional program because you spend most of the time researching anyway.

I just wanted to say that I've loved this program and I believe that it will definitely help my career.

I wish nothing but the best for the school.
Jul 11 2003
Business - Management and Administration

The administration is more concerned with collecting your money than on your welfare and education as a student. If you can get past that, the professors are excellent.
May 20 2003
Business - Management and Administration

 

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