Capella University

"Learner"?  You're kidding, right?  Please tell me your PhD is so you can get a promotion to cashier at Mcdonalds.

williams is very obnoxious.  She brings to mind "the lady doth protest too much".  There is no reason to be a "proud" student of a for-profit school.  It's very sad.

I do not like your post because it is not true.  I am a very good team player.  i am 40+ and I have been in the world long enough to know how to be a team player.  I prefer an on line school it is great for me since I am a mother, wife and work full time. I am a great team player at work, school and home. I prefer flexibility in my life.  Everyone is different.  I am a proud Capella student.  I have a 4.0 and I am smart.  I am very confident in my work. Get a life!!! Traditional school now have on-line classes!   

I agree with you.  I am almost done with my degree in March 2012.  I have had a wonderful experience and learned so much from my program. It's what you do with the knowledge you have gained.  Forget about the money and all of that other stuff right?  I am so tired of hearing these crazy people talk about Capella.  Some of the professors graduated from good brick and mortar colleges. I did not want to go to a traditional school sitting in a classroom for hours.  I am in my 40+ and I am past that stage. These people just complain about stupid stuff it is ridiculous!!!!

Can I be of assistance.  Capella is a great school. I have to do my internship and my counselor helped me.  Remember, the school is an on line school.  You are responsible for finding your own internship.  I had to do my own leg work to set everything up.  I think they are saying we are adults and we have to be responsible to work and do for ourselves.  Since the office is in one remote place they do not have the access to have relationships with different businesses, schools etc. to set up internships.  Remember this school is nationwide so it was my responsibility to find a professional in my field of work to help me complete my practicum.  I think that is fair.  We are not little kids out of high school entering college that need them to hold our hands.  Give me a break!!! You are fine. My financial aid is about the same but that was the best investment I have made.  I am proud of it.You need to stick with Capella because you are almost done.  Why quit when you are so close.  The current job I work at is horrible management id horrific they should not be in their position.  So there are issues every where.  Contact people you know in the field and see if you can intern there.  You should have been working in an environment where you could do the internship to make it easy on you.  See I am an Early education Major and I work in a child care facility.  I will be doing my practicum at my job site.  I had to locate a site director to come in and observe me during my ten weeks. My director did not qualify because she does not have an education degree. My proposed site director is a principal of an elementary school.  But I know tons of people in the field which helped me.  You need to get out there and search.  Make calls, please do not give up.

You are ridiculous.  Just because something did not do your way you bash the university. I have had the best experience with Capella.  There is nor perfect school out there.  They all have issues.  Remember nothing is perfect but GOD!!

I'm sorry but I have never had any problems with professors or the financial aid office.  Maybe it is you that is the problem. Honestly, I love Capella and proud to be an alumni. Capella is fine.  All universities or colleges have issues. Nothing is perfect. Sorry for all of your problems. No one said on line education is easy. 

The school is not a joke.  Capella does care about their students.  Just because your degree was of poor quality you think the school is a joke.  Did you learn anything from your classes?  That's what is important. You know all colleges and universities have issues.  I love Capella and I have learned so much and I am proud.  Get over yourself!!! Maybe you should have went to a boring brick and mortar.  Sit in a traditional classroom and be bored out of your mind. Stop complaining.

Well, there is a lot of information out there.  You have to pick and choose.  Some will work for some, but others it will not.  You get what you get out of an education.  I echo people who don't trust this "frank cleary" guy, but also think some schools are good. Just be ware of scammers and people sending you links to get into places without application fees.  That's how frank cleary tricked me.

First off I agree with Mr Satisfied PHD student as to his comments regarding the hiring manager. I have real world experience in IT Security Projects etc and most people you do NOT see in a given day for a myriad of reasons. 
In most cases you never do see who you are working with in a given day with people outside of your group and sure it is great to have a meeting but not always possible so I would not have him as my hiring manager either. Logically an online degree brings more challenges to being able to effectively communicate with their on-line class. Sorry I do not buy this bunk.. Mr Phd great discussion and I am looking at Capella IA Bachelors degree program..

I think when people refer to themselves as "learners" and not "students" is humorous.  Learners is a term coined by the for-profits to make the customers feel like they are not simply buying a degree.

I am a current student at Capella.  I absolutely love the class set up and have learned a great deal from my classes.  Unfortunately, the financial aid department is horrific.  They have people answering the phones who do just that.  They have no understanding of financial aid.  The department takes their time, gives horrible customer service, lies, lies and lies.  I am beginning to think that Capella outsources their financial aid processing, hence that is why the office has no understanding of financial aid.  
Even though I love the rest of the school, due to the treatment and lies that I have experienced with the financial aid office, I will be switching schools.  

I am a PhD learner with Capella in my second term and will say it is definitely a challenge and intrinsically rewarding. Furthermore, I can tell you that you get out of the program what you put into it. The online environment is much more rigid and intense than any traditional university. This is the epitome of the educational experience; the upper tiers of Bloom's Taxonomy at work. 

I completely agree. I graduated from Capella in August 2009 with my Master's in Post Secondary and Adult Education.  I absolutely loved my learning experience from Capella! I got a job teaching full time one year after graduating! I'm working on my Doctorate now, but not through Capella.  They are not offering what I want right now.  Attending another online school previously mentioned and I cannot say that I have had any problems at this point. I concur that it is the person the majority of the time and not the institution.

Capella does not care about its students. When I received my degree certificate it is very poor quality. This school is a joke!

Hello, I'm reading the comments and most seem to be okay, but is there someone that can comment on their experiences with financial aid, I have read some horror stories, that I couldn't believe. I'm going for my Bachelors degree in BUS. ADMIN. is there someone that can comment on this, and if you like it so far? I'm really not sure if I want to sign-up, I'm trying to qualify for the California Grants and I will loose this if I go to an out-of-state school. All comments are welcomed. Thanks

I am currently a learner at Capella and it is going down hill. The current professor I have gives generic feedback and will not elaborate. This is common especially among the female professors. I have an inference and an outright accusation of not using my citations right but in using the program that Capella provides, I check out fine. I do not plaigarize. I am beginning to wonder where they get some of the crackpot professors and even the financial aid office has gone down hill. No one can agree on the same thing in financial aid for answers. They sent back my scholarship money. I asked why? They said, it is too much and we are not allowed to accept it. So, I contact the place that gave me the scholarship money and they said, "this is the first school that has not allowed the student to use the scholarship money and sent it back and then said it was too much and then turned around and billed the student." It is getting pretty nasty at Capella. People are rude and tech support is nasty if they get caught with a problem such as broken links. They are so willing to toss all the issues on us and I am willing to take the blame for what I am guilty of but I refuse to be their scapegoat. Think hard before you sign on with Capella. 

Thus far Capella has been good to me. The work is not easy and if a student does not keep up with assignments ....well look in the mirror to find fault. Advisor's are always available and the library is huge to resource materials. I hold an associates, bachelors, masters as well as doctoral degrees from Brick and Mortar institutions, this is my first on line experience. The level of learning is no different then watching a professor teach by power point. The only true difference is convenience. No more gas to the school parking lot to watch a power point presentation, I can do it at home with a cup of joe

Worst school I have ever attended. There are some good for profits and this isn't one of them. If you have a problem you are stuck in cyberspace and you become the issue. RUN!

Are you trying to "buy" your grades? You get what you earn, and it shouldn't matter where your funds come from. I applaud Walden for standing their ground. Walden is for profit, and to keep "customers" aka students happy, they could have just caved into your whining. Instead, they took an academic stance and said NO to you. I'd like to see more for profit colleges follow their lead. Then maybe they would be taken seriously as actual academic institutions instead of diploma mils... So... yes, they took your money and you earned an 'F'. Just like any university would if you failed the class. These kind of comments tick me off. Whether or not it's online or has a campus, you can't buy your degree.

When I first started Capella I was elated b/c I could work full-time and go to school full-time.  I am in my final year, the only thing holding me back is completing my practicum and internship.  I have been in Capella since July of 2008 and I have over $40k in financial aid debt (at 7% interest, thanks Sallie Mae). I knew Capella was the most expensive but b/c it is online I figured it was a sacrifice I had to make.  However, now that I am finishing up with my classes I feel abandoned by Capella b/c NO ONE seems to want to help me find my internship or even offer suggestions about practicum sites in my area.  I understand the tedious process of finding an internship but b/c Capella is online and not regional I have had MAJOR trouble finding one and when I did Capella needed a contract with my site.  The contract is currently being revised and will take 2 weeks to finish but my application deadline is 2.21.2011!!!  When I talk to the fieldwork office they give me generic answers that do me no good.  My advisor simply told me that she had no idea about field placement and referred me back to the field placement office but nothing...Now that I have invested over 2 years of my life and have racked up over $40k in debt I am struggling to find an internship site and Capella is NO, I mean NO help!!  I guess that makes sense since they already have my money.  I don't know what to do b/c I cannot go to another university to complete my degree.  Before this experience I loved Capella but now I really question their integrity.  I CAUTION ALL APPLICANTS TO REALLY THINK HARD ABOUT THEIR DECISION TO ENROLL IN CAPELLA B/C IT SEEMS THAT ONCE THEY GET YOUR MONEY AND SUCKER YOU IN TO A PROGRAM THEY BOUNCE AND LEAVE YOU TO FEND FOR YOURSELF!!!!

Walden University are not as fair as they pretend to be. I was a 3.55 student. One professor, rather than working with me to pass a class about diseasese gave me an "f" and the Head of the department of Health sciences deneid my appeal for a review of all my work and a change of my grade from an "F' to a "C' So I went from a 3.55 GPA student to flunking a class and the head of the department denying my appeal. WHAT KIND OF SCAM SCHOOL IS WALDEN UNIVERSITY, THEY GOT MY STUDENT LOAN MONEY FOR THE COURSE AND I GOT NOTHING BUT AN "F:?

I did my homework before enrolling in the PhD program at Capella. I knew that Tier 1 and Tier 2 schools generally would not accept by Capella degree unless I published some major work, and became known as a profit center for them. I did/do expect to teach at a 2-year public school in Florida. One already made me an offer, but I had just bought a business, and declined. My degree is worth exactly what I expected, nothing more, nothing less.

Side note about all the negative comments--its easy to be disgruntled about any degree program at any level. Take criticisms with a grain of salt.

True: Capella has very low enrollment requirements-yes, I think this is a profit center--many people pay a bunch of money, and then can't cut it and drop out.

False: Capella is easy and/or money will keep you in-its HARD!!!

It's interesting to spend a little time reading how far online/distance learning has come since the comments began being posted in 2006.  Quite a few comments in between were from a single individual who also was successfully sued by Capella, and subsequently forced to cease and desist...simply because Capella was kind enough to provide him with an opportunity and he was not able to "hack it".  I have just graduated with a Capella PhD in O&M, IT Management.  The economy is rough, jobs are scarce, and I'm putting my wife through her educational process at the moment so it hasn't paid off yet...but it's only been 3.5 months since commencement.  I can say this...Capella was extremely difficult.  School never came easy for me personally, but I can certainly say I've earned my education.  Nothing anyone can say on a tiny little corner of the internet on a message board can take that experience away.  I'd say the most important thing is this: if you attempt to earn a PhD to impress your friends and show off, then you'd likely be just as disappointed in a Capella degree as you would any other.  However, if you intend to use what you learn at Capella to help others and to assist in other's understanding...then you've come to the right place.  It's not just the degree, it's what you do with it that really counts.

I want to say this to all the B.S that is going on in this board, Capella or UoP are not good schools, I tried brick and mortar even online and to me it they both have there ups and downs,times are changing and so many schools are offering online classes, why? its about money, enrollment is down and they have to increase it to fill their pockets, lets face it people the old days of brick and mortar will slowly loosing its pep, Colleges like any other company downsize and put all of its stock in to online and pocket more money, when I look at Bill Gates or the young man who created facebook, they 're both wealthy, who both drop out of college and I'm not saying drop out of school, what I am telling you is stop listening to all of the stupid negative comments posted here, do your own research and the only way you are going to find out is its up to you. Let me ask you this, if this negative person jump off a bridge will you follow them, also there are some people who are the manager of the Human Resource Department and might look down on a online degree but remember this, someone looking over there shoulders trying to replace them, because its out with the old and in with the new, so again get real online school is here and growing, Ceo's, Presidents of major companys are either teaching online or attending and that when your networking skills come in, I will take classes online again and to all  haters on this board get real before you get left.

This is absurd. The reality is that traditional schools are a thing of the past. All major universities are moving in this direction. I received my first PhD from a brick and mortar (Kent State) and it was, quite frankly, a joke. My own faculty adviser and dissertation chair asked the candidates to grade themselves. Whatever we said is the grade he gave us. So let's not hang on to your old fantasies of classroom supremacy. The fact is that you were used by the university to teach their garbage undergraduate courses and gopher for the department head's research staff. I will complete my dissertation at Capella summer 2011 and it was twice as challenging as that of Kent State's. I am guessing the same goes for many of your schools as well. One suggestion for you, hang on tight to your bull, your prestige is collapsing all around you

Allegheny College of MD?  The two year Community College?  Community colleges do not even require a doctorate to teach or lead.  And any school that lets you be on tenure before you even have a doctorate is as much of a joke as Capella.  Your arguments are really low.  Capella is laughed at because you did nothing to get in, zero admissions requirements!  Also, you just have to keep paying to stay in.  No incentive to let you out really, and the faculty at Capella is not known for anything.  Why on earth would you want a doctorate where you know your advisor is worthless no matter who you get?

I am shocked by these ridiculous blanket statements of how "worthless" the Capella Ph.D. program is!  The Vice President at Allegheny College of Maryland is a Capella Ph.D. (in education) graduate.  I am a tenure-track professor/librarian at a state university in Pennsylvania, and I am currently finishing my doctoral dissertation in education for my Ph.D. program at Capella.  I should have my degree within a couple months.  One of the positions of dean at our university was offered to a Capella doctoral grad. a few years ago.  He declined, because he was provided an even better offer elsewhere!  

I think there may be a certain stigma for any non-trad program among tenure-track, traditional "professor" positions in higher ed., but that hardly makes a degree worthless.  Furthermore, that stigma doesn't apply everywhere or in every field.  I laugh at the individual who made a comment about taking the degree to a "world-renowned" university.  Good grief.  You're lucky to get into a world-renowned university with a degree from anywhere!  I'm happy working at a state university in a tenure-track position, thanks very much.

I am tired of reading how great students are at capella. I did not pursue my education because of what i think students can achieve online. Learning comes through the environment in which class is delivered and the prefer method in which one learns. One can learn and master skills online but is it enough? studies have not been done concluding that online schooling is as effective as actually experiencing a classroom environment and online coursees. some schools offer both; classes online and the classroom experience which gives individuals flexibility while getting exposure to other than online 'social interaction'. 
Unfortunately, i have met individuals who are 'smart' and who pursued their education online yet what i have noticed is that they have a difficult time working in teams and seeing or accepting diversity in perspectives from colleagues; self centered syndrome.  As we know most organizations embrace the 'teamwork' concept and the ability to work together/collaborative  and these individuals who are new (teamwork)  usually have an issue adjusting to such environments.  Again, they are many variables that have not been measured to differentiate such differences between both.  a student from capella is not going to bash the institution or the  quality of education being received especially when paying $2000 per class(due to the $$$ and personal investment) one would compared this analogy to that of buying a $200 shirt, as it may actually be crappy/cheap but  not to the buyer; denial..

nothing against students at capella. education online is a new way to get ahead and for many the only way to pursue an education and everyone deserve such, yet it  will never replace traditional classrooms!

I can't speak for Capella, but I didn't learn anything at University of Phoenix or Western International University. I have a coworker who is getting an information systems degree from UoP and I know more about computers than he does. All he does is write papers on irrelevant topics. Local, for-profit career schools often use out of date textbooks and old computer platforms and software applications because, instead of reinvesting the money into the school, they just put it in their pockets. 

But I agree, financial aid departments are a horror to deal with even at traditional schools. Central Texas College (a community college that specializes in distance education and serving the military worldwide) is, so far, the easiest school I have dealt with. 

Traditional schools WERE losing students until they caught on about serving non-traditional students. Community colleges across the country are becoming overcrowded on campus and in their distance learning programs. The only thing is that most of them don't have rolling enrollment, but I have found some that do.

Just a note.  I am a professor at a State Univeristy that is very well known and has a wonderful reputation.  Many of the issues with online education are also issues with traditional universities.  Financial Aid is a nightmare everywhere.  Also had to laugh at the comment on just a piece of paper.  Because in reality that is all it is a piece of paper.  People get jobs based on that they have that paper, experience, references and who you know. A hiring manager will hire someone with good references and experience long before someone with just a degree. 

Traditional institutions no longer teach what is necessary for the current technology based organizations.  They teach theory.  Many times the only way to get hands on experience is to go to a more non traditional school.  I know I have students that would learn more real world technology from Capella and other institutions like them than they are learning here. 

Large University systems cannot keep up.  They never have been able to.  The big non profit colleges and universities need to wake up.  It is no longer a privilage to go to them, but a privilage for them to have us as customers.  Enrollment at the Universities are declining, and they wonder why.  We have choices and are taking them.  I am getting a second PhD from Capella just for that reason.  I could go free where I work but choose to go somewhere that I will actually learn something I can use.

Obviously, this is just the South, so just imagine how many non-profit schools across the country offer online courses and/or programs.

Even more traditional schools with online courses and/or programs.

Texas
Alvin Community College
Amberton University
Central Texas College
Dallas Baptist University
Dallas TeleCollege
Grayson County College
Lamar University
Midwestern State University
Northwest Vista College
Odessa College
Palo Alto College
Panola College
Prairie View A&M University
Sam Houston State University
St. Philip's College
Stephen F. Austin State University
Tarleton State University
Texas A&M University, College Station
Texas A&M University, Commerce
Texas A&M University, Kingsville
Texas Wesleyan University
University of Houston, Clear Lake
University of Houston, Victoria
University of North Texas
University of Texas, Brownsville and Texas Southmost College
University of Texas, Dallas
University of Texas, El Paso
University of Texas, Health Science Center at Houston
University of Texas, Permian Basin
University of Texas, San Antonio
Wayland Baptist University
West Texas A & M University
Western Texas College

Virginia
Blue Ridge Community College, Virginia
Central Virginia Community College
Dabney Lancaster Community College
Danville Community College
Eastern Shore Community College
Germanna Community College
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
John Tyler Community College
Longwood University
Lord Fairfax Community College
Mountain Empire Community College
New River Community College (Virginia)
Northern Virginia Community College
Old Dominion University
Patrick Henry Community College
Paul D. Camp Community College
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Rappahannock Community College
Southside Virginia Community College
Southwest Virginia Community College
Thomas Nelson Community College
Tidewater Community College
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Highlands Community College
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
Virginia Western Community College
Wytheville Community College

West Virginia
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College (West Virginia)
Bluefield State College (West Virginia)
Bridgemont Community & Technical College (previously Community & Technical College at WVU Tech)
Concord University
Eastern WV Community and Technical College
Fairmont State University
Marshall University
Mountwest Community & Technical College
West Liberty University
West Virginia Northern Community College
West Virginia University
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
West Virginia University Institute of Technology

More traditional schools with online courses and/or programs.

Louisiana
Baton Rouge Community College
Bossier Parish Community College
CALL
Delgado Community College
Grambling State University
Louisiana State University and A & M College
Louisiana State University, Alexandria
Louisiana State University, Eunice
Louisiana State University, Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
Louisiana State University, Shreveport
Louisiana Tech University
McNeese State University
Nicholls State University
Northwestern State University
Nunez Community College
River Parishes Community College
South Louisiana Community College
Southeastern Louisiana University
Southern University and A&M College
Southern University at New Orleans
Southern University at Shreveport
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
University of Louisiana at Monroe
University of New Orleans

Maryland
Anne Arundel Community College
Capitol College
College of Southern Maryland
Morgan State University
Towson University
University of Baltimore
University of Maryland Baltimore
University of Maryland Baltimore County

Mississippi
Alcorn State University, Natchez Campus
Coahoma Community College
Mississippi State University
Mississippi University for Women
Mississippi Valley State University
University of Southern Mississippi

North Carolina
Alamance Community College
Central Carolina Community College
Cleveland Community College
Coastal Carolina Community College, NC
Durham Technical Community College
East Carolina University
Elizabeth City State University
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Haywood Community College
North Carolina State University
Pitt Community College
Randolph Community College
University of North Carolina, Charlotte
University of North Carolina, Pembroke
Western Carolina University

Oklahoma
Cameron University
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
Rogers State University
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
University of Central Oklahoma

South Carolina
Clemson University
Limestone College
Medical University of South Carolina
Piedmont Technical College
University of South Carolina, Aiken
University of South Carolina, Columbia
University of South Carolina, Upstate
York Technical College

Tennessee
Austin Peay State University
East Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University
Pellissippi State Community College
Tennessee Regents Online Degree Programs
Tennessee State University
Tennessee Technological University
The University of Memphis
University of Tennessee, Health Science Center, Memphis
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
University of Tennessee, Martin
University of Tennessee, Space Institute

All of these tradition schools offer online degree courses and/or programs.

Alabama
Amridge University
Auburn University
Calhoun Community College
Enterprise State Community College
Jacksonville State University (Alabama)
Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
Northwest-Shoals Community College
Troy University
Troy University, Montgomery Campus
United States Sports Academy
University of Alabama
University of Alabama, Birmingham
University of Alabama, Huntsville
University of North Alabama

Arkansas
Arkansas State University, Beebe
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro
Arkansas State University, Mountain Home
Arkansas State University, Newport
Arkansas Tech University
Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas
East Arkansas Community College
Henderson State University
North Arkansas College
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Ozarka College
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
Pulaski Technical College
Southeast Arkansas College
Southern Arkansas University
Southern Arkansas University Tech
University of Arkansas, Community College Hope
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
University of Arkansas, Fort Smith
University of Arkansas, Little Rock
University of Arkansas, Monticello
University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff
University of Central Arkansas

Delaware
Delaware Technical & Community College
University of Delaware

Florida
Brevard Community College
Broward College
Daytona State College
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State University
Gulf Coast Community College
Indian River State College
Northwest Florida State College
Nova Southeastern University
Palm Beach Community College
Pensacola Junior College
Saint Leo University
Santa Fe College
St. Johns River Community College
St. Petersburg College
Tallahassee Community College
University of Central Florida
University of Florida
University of South Florida
University of West Florida

Georgia
Albany State University
Armstrong Atlantic State University
Brenau University
Columbus State University
Darton College
Georgia College & State University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southwestern State University
Georgia State University
Georgia Virtual Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College
Kennesaw State University
Middle Georgia College
North Georgia College & State University
Southern Polytechnic State University
Southwest Georgia Technical College
University of Georgia
University of West Georgia
Valdosta State University

Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University
Midway College
Morehead State University
Murray State University, Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University

HA HA, just add the ww w to the link.

forbes.com/2010/08/01/higher-education-student-debt-opinions-best-colleges-10-harkin.html

I was "helped" over the phone by a Frank Cleary from Houston.  He messed up my application, failed to fax it correctly.  Don't trust the Houston office if you speak to this creep.

It's interesting to see all the negativity towards online learning. I am pursuing my Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. The state licensure board prefers that students attend a C.A.C.R.E.P.-accredited program, but there are none in my state (go figure.) So the only option is online learning (Capella or Walden.) I don't understand how these programs can be so bad if they are regionally and nationally accredited? I attended a brick-and-mortar school for my Bachelor's, but am looking forward to the flexibility of online learning.

I received my Ph.D. from Walden back in 1994 when there were only a handful of non-traditional programs.  I was a full-time working adult at the time and did not have many options. There were many people back then who criticized me for choosing the school I attended and claimed the degree would never amount to anything.  However, I am currently a University administrator making a comfortable six figure salary and, more importantly, enjoy every moment of my work.   It was not given to me.  I had to earn it and put in the time and effort--just like anything else.  I am not that familiar with Capella, but regardless of the school you choose to attend--it is what you make of it.  Gone are the days where simply attending an institution because of its name will get you anywhere.  Its all about the effort, passion, and commitment.  That is the difference between those who succeed and those who do not.  You can take that to the bank or continue to insist that you will get somewhere solely based on the school you attended.

Don't waste your money. It's a 
sales pitch... and nothing else 
in a declining economy. 

You would be better off taking
classes part-time at a local
university towards a REAL MBA.

Been there,done that. Seriously. 

Capella is a business. (for profit)

WAKE UP PEOPLE. The only place
an MBA from Capella would stand up
is in a small U.S. town where 
everyone else has a high school
education.

YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!

P.S. It would also help if your
uncle owns the company.

I went to Capella University for 2 quarters...it was a positive experience but I did not feel challenged at all. It was easy As, tough the instructors are real life professional, it seemed that they didn't care much about grading. I was in their PhD Organization Management and was really disappointed with how easy it was. I transferred to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and now i'm being challenged everyday and I love it!

If you post a comment with a statistic you need to provide the source.  Maybe at your school they did not teach that?

I had a really bad experience there. After attending community college, private, public, for-profit and online schools the caliber of their program was the worst I have ever experienced. This was pervasive throughout the program in terms of the faculty, curriculum,internal communications, administration, policy and procedures, reputation and lack of consistency. There is no real due process and some of their issues have to do with the online setting but many of them are just systemic to the university. Go ground if at all possible so that when you need to knock on a door someone has to address your concerns. The biggest issue here is that if you don't have a problem people can get through fairly easily with an expensive degree that is much harder to market especially as it doesn't stack up against other places in this economic environment. If you don't like what they are doing don't tell them about your issue as your life will become hell in a rapid hurry. They are known for throwing their students, faculty (adjunct or otherwise and their administration under the bus when they have made a mistake. They will do about anything to protect their liability and you want to attend a university that is ethical and interested in your success and positive experience. Not all for profit schools are this way but if you have some face to face contact you will by virtue of interpersonal psychology will become a real person and harder to trash and abuse. I wish with all my heart I had never attended there. I have not had a bad experience before or since attending there. If you don't like it much get out and go where you have a good feeling. Hopefully they have improved some aspects of their learning formats but my guess is they have just gotten better at their canned publicity.

You get what you put in wraps it up.
I have seen negative students from both worlds.
The for-profits issue is something I will have to overcome though.
I am attending a Capella PH.d program right now.

This school has the worst reputation.  Seriously, how can you be proud to get a degree from this school?

Where did you see any UoP being ranked #2?  They do not even get ranked.  They are worthless just like all the other for-profits.

columbiasouthern.edu/aboutcsu/faculty/
usclancaster.sc.edu/faculty/index.html
riosalado.edu/community/faculty_staff/Pages/faculty.aspx
utexas.edu/ce/pdc/instructors/mac_mcguire/
uncp.edu/catalog/html/faculty.htm
catalog.mansfield.edu/content.php?catoid=12&navoid=250
spirit.gmu.edu/archives/fall03/transitions.html

I did a google search to find out where some graduates of Capella phd programs work in colleges and universities.  I found the following:
hssu.edu/deptdocs/36/ABSBA_Faculty_and_Staff_2.23.09.pdf.
viterbo.edu/catalog.aspx?id=1292
mcgregor.edu/faculty/vcook/
apu.edu/education/faculty/scochrane/
albertus.edu/masters-degrees/business-administration/mba-faculty.html
aurora.edu/academics/programs-majors/undergraduate/social-work/donette-considine.html
avila.edu/gradpsych/faculty.asp
dsu.edu/msis/msis-faculty.aspx

I think this validates that a strong published history and hard work are the keys to success.

I graduated from a traditional B&M with an undergraduate in computer information systems.  I attended undergrad on a full paid presidential scholarship.  I also have a master of science in information systems from Keller (DeVry  in Phoenix AZ)(I went to DeVry for convenience and I wanted a degree fast, but I only had 1 online class.  I don't have a problem with the degree, but people's perception makes me wish I went to Arizona State instead). I also have 8 years of IT experience. Last year I accepted a full-time job at a community college teaching computer classes. 

I teach online and traditional classes.  It is my opionion that the online students have to put more into their learning because the delay time in me responding to questions and I am not as accessible to them as I am to the class students.  But those who do well in the online environment would do equally well in the tradional class.  Also I am able to share more with the class students as far as my experiences, short cuts and real word applications.  Online students receive basically what is in the book unless they make an appointment to meet with me or attend a traditional class (which rarely happens). 

In order to advance, I need a doctorate degree.  Although I have no background in education, I applied and was accepted into a traditional doctoral program in educational leadership policy and law at Alabama State University. The program is geared for working adults with 9 hours per semester at nights and weekends (it is a 1 hour commute for me). I enjoy the program and the concepts can be applied to business.  It is not hard, but it is a lot of work and time consuming.

I recently found Dakota State University offers an online doctorate of science in information systems and I am seriously considering this program and simultaneously complete the doctorate in education while continuing to work full time.  The faculty vitaes are posted on the site and several are graduates of Capella. I am hoping to get a position at Troy University once I complete the doctorate at DSU.

I hope this helps someone and comments are welcome.

I am presently teaching at secondary level.  I would like to move on to a community college and/or online teaching.  I have just recently enrolled at an online college for the "Instructional Design for Online Learners" program at Capella. I am concerned as to whether or not this Master's Degree program will be accepted in order to teach at a Community College and/or online teaching.  I saw a site that didn't list Capella in the top ten for Distant Learning.  U of Phoenix was ranked in the top 2.  What is the difference?

Anyone graduate?

I'm amazed at some of the comments. I'm President/CEO of my family's business that has been in operation for 30 years. A traditional or online degree doesn't matter in my opinion but I cannot speak for others. I would think, as an employer, that an online degree proves self-discipline, i.e. you are in control of your education, wherease in a traditional setting attendance is mandatory. My father started our company because he couldn't find a job; he had a degree from one of the top schools. When I look to hire an employee, I look at all qualities not the school he/she attended. If "Hiring Manager" would pass someone's resume because of a school, he/she would be in the job search. Contrary to popular opinion, most employers are looking for someone with real life skills in addition to education.

I tried Capella for its 'flexibility' and was not happy to find myself roped into teams which insisted on restrictive hours for web meetings. This defeated the purpose I selected online school. I withdrew after 1.5 years and now I'm 10K deeper in debt. I would have been better off had I chosen night school at the local community college.

I have a PhD from Capella and was more than satisfied with the quality of education and support the University provided. I both consult to Government agency senior executives and teach at George Mason University and have never had my degree's respectability called into question. It's really the individual, not the institution from where the degree is conferred, that distinguishes the slugs from the stars. While an online education is not for everyone, I encourage working executives to consider its benefits and highly recommend Capella's program.

Satisfied PhD student, it is good to know you are 'completed satisfied' with your doctorate level education.

My experience was not as great. Yes, the papers where many pages long, but divided up with team mates so not any one of us did a full 20+ pages. Often teams would get into fights or scheduling conflicts which completely defeated the purposes of my joining in the first place. Maybe I just had bad luck, but after 1 year and $13,000 more debt I decided I would be better to save that money every year and get some technical certifications.

My sister is in PhD fellowship program at traditional university. It was after careful review of her experience and many others that, for the money, I began to feel short changed.

To all, please consider carefully where you wish to spend that kind of money! Give Capella a chance but know you will have to fight more to defend yourself in academia and corporate America. 

That is a fact.

Hiring Manager, I am not sure how you got the position, but I surely wouldn't want you staffing my company. 

First of all, Capella University is well respected by many so-called "top-tier" and Ivy League universities.  BTW, top-tier has more to do with the monies received for research than quality of education; just as Ivy League has more to do with the quality of the sports program than of education. Second, the programs are rigorous. 

At Capella, as with other traditional and online universities, you are responsible for your time management, reading the assignments, and actively participating in discussion forums through posting substantive scholarly responses to the prompts--meaning you must be able to synthesize content and extend or connect the content into other applicable areas--without the aid of a live instructor.  Also, the culmination of a course is generally a 15-20 page scholarly research paper, excluding title page, reference sheet, abstract, and table of content. In other words, you have 15-20 pages of subject-related, substantive, research content.

When Capella contacted me, I was not pressured into anything and my Enrollment rep made the process very easy.  Since then, I have "met" some wonderful students and professors. My Advisor consults with me quarterly.  We discuss my progress and plans for the upcoming quarter.  The folks in Financial Aid are always very helpful.  I am completed satisfied with my experience and have recommended Capella to others considering an online degree.  

One more thing, many of the mentors, Capella alumni, hold high-level positions in education, corporate and government settings. This, as well, speaks volumes of Capella's reputation.

I will not hire anyone with an online degree. A solid program at a real university will simulate problem solving skills in a group which is necessary for our company. An online degree may claim to do such a thing but it is still a singular experience with limited communication with others.

I am looking for some real feedback on Capella’s IT info assurance PhD program.  Has anyone received this particular degree or know of someone who has?  I am active duty military and the traditional classroom option is not available for me.

When I started reading on this site it was with hopes to pursue an online MA degree in clinical psych, for no other reason than because I work as a HS teacher full time, I am a mother of small children and live an hour or more from any potential program.  Reading the blogs has been disheartening at best, it is not that I believe the crap that online education is sub par, or care that it is for profit, they all are for one reason or another. The issue for me is, should I complete the program, I would run into the prejudice and ignorance of people in the field and that that would hinder my job placement.  That emotion being expressed I have two questions:

  1.  Are there Universities that have even a partial online MA Clinical Psych program?
  2.  Can I work with the credits of say Capella/Walden or another I researched Argosy (that also was bashed on this site on another page and it is apa approved for its doctorate program-go figure) and then transfer to another program in a B/M school for completion?

Please only serious and helpful answers, my time is valuable. He he (or hee haw), attention fools or any aliases of the same need not respond, I've had my fill of high school brand blogs... 

PS. I tried to read the entire thread, but I have to admit I got lost somewhere in the middle, so forgive me if this has been answered already..

You'd be amazed at how challenging the MBA program really is.  Definitely worth the money and effort if you cannot attend school in-person.  Since technology is moving at such a fast pace, it will become normal for most professionals to have both experience and education because with online schools you can attend college full time while working full time.  I have my BS from NCA&T and work full time.  The MBA program is great and my company fully supports my coursework.  I've been able to apply what I've learned to a few development projects.  I've also visited the headquarters downtown of Capella and met with some of the staff.  It is an excellent school and program.

Hello everyone. I must create a system, or be enslaved by another man's.
I am from Sierra and bad know English, give true I wrote the following sentence: "And anti allergic properties, explaining the benefit claimed.Nti allergic effects of lycopus lucidus on mast cell mediated allergy model."

With best wishes ;), Freeman.

I read all of the comments, and it is unbelievable the amount of narrow-mined and mean-spirited people on this site. I have never seen so many simplistic arguments from supposed top tier college graduates. Unbelievable!

I agree with those who suggest people choose a particular delivery system based on their lifestyle needs--not because they are lazy, looking for a shortcut or could not cut it at a traditional school. For instance, I have been researching Capella's PHD program for a few years. Due to the stigma associated with Capella, I have hesitated but not ruled it out.

Currently, I am in a graduated program at USC that is ranked 8 in the country. The University is ranked 27. I chose the school because of its reputation and networking possibilities. Most important, I wanted to be mentored by  well-known professors. I wanted to fast track my career and felt the "brand" would be the answer. I was wrong. 

I am in my late thirties, now, and sitting in class with students in their early twenties who have limited life and work experiences has been a negative. I often wonder who some of the students get accepted. Many lack analytical and writing skills. The teachers have not been approachable outside of class. Some days, I am at school for 12 years, and I drive 100 miles round trip. I have a wife and a 3-year-old. Most disappointing the program has not been stimulating. Finally, my wife is in the military and we move often, so I have additional pressure to finish the degree before we relocate. 

While in undergrad, I graduated with academic distinction, magna cum laude, and made the Dean's list a couple of times. I completed my master with a 3.8. g.p.a. and received other academic awards. I have attended Rutgers, Arizona State and the University of Rhode Island. 

I could attend and complete any the top school but only if it fits my lifestyle. It is not fair to accuse someone of being lazy; because, he or she might choose an online program such as Capella.

I have to clarify something that was stated many posts ago but is too egregious to ignore. Troy University is not a "for-profit" school nor is it an online school. Troy is a state school (part of the Alabama College System) and is more than 100 years old. There are satellite campuses throughout the county and Asia. In addition, it does offer some online degrees, similar to many other traditional schools. Further, Troy is consistently listed in the Princeton Review as a best buy based on the school's quality curriculum and faculty. Our alumnus work for NASA, have high-ranking military careers and are successful in the business world. One our most visible alums is Demarcus Ware, defensive end for the Dallas Cowboy.

The fact that Troy University was so blatantly misrepresented on this site, I have to believe the person who posted the information did not do the research. Therefore, if you are not already, you should be critical of the few who are spewing such vile about schools they apparently know nothing about.

I am a proud Trojan, M.S.,'03.

Jack,
As I said, I work for a Fortune 50 global enterprise. The company has taken the position that *any* additional education is beneficial to employees and by extention, the company. Thus, our plan is very generous and has only 3 basic rules:
1. The institution must be accredited by some body recognized by CHEA.
2. The course(s) must grant either university credits or CEUs.
3. The employee (student) must get at least a C (or pass) grade.

Meet those 3 basic rules and they pay for 100% of tuition including reg fees, books, software, application fees yada yada yada.

Considering the program is administered at the Corporate level with hundreds of auditors overseeing payment of the tuition vouchers (invoices) I doubt the executive VP in charge of the program is in the pocket of any of the schools.

No idea why Capella and UOP are preferred schools. I think it has to do more with the schools' granting of tuition discounts and/or facilitating easier mass billing for students/employees...I really don't care. 

But I can easily guess why USC is also a preferred school: We have about 30,000 employees working in the SoCal area a stone's throw from USC. Not to mention a couple of our facilities there have direct video feeds to the USC tele-learning center so that the employees don't have to battle traffic to campus.

Anyway, if they're paying the bills, I really *don't care* what sort of agreement they have with the schools...there's nothing out of my pocket.

A gal in the group next door recently completed her online degree. Six weeks later she got a promotion and additional merit increase. And now that she has a degree (not even in her specific field) she's eligible for a first level management spot which she will easily get because she has the knowledge and skills but up until now, didn't have a diploma.

I agree. Do your own research and you will find that attending Walden, Capella Etc... is fine for undergrad. But, their Graduate programs leave a great deal to be desired. 

No Graduate program worth its salt has a 100% acceptance rate...On the Undergrad level..SURE but not on the graduate level.

Jack

Arguing with people virtually is such a waste of time.  No IP and no name needed, so the banter is easy to spew.  Of course, much of it is verbal diarrhea from the likes of "Oh Really" and the multiple personalities.  

I should give the name of my employer so I can have Internet stalkers.  More importantly, I should have my employers name associated with the supposed "educated" on this board.  I openly admit that where my degree is from, but when others do they all seem to be from Harvard, MIT, Yale, University of Chicago, They Ohio State University, etc.  It is amazing how so many of "The Elite" have time for name-calling and petty arguments on a free web board.  I think the pettiness of the agreements on this board speaks volumes for the supposed "Elite".  

The reality is, most of the bashing on this board is from one or two individuals using many, many names.  If you come to a board like this looking for help, you came to the wrong place.  Find alumni and do research.  Interview, ask questions, but don't take the word of the supposed "Elite" that all seem to come from the nation’s top 25 schools.  Do you really believe they post here?  Remember, someone has to finish at the bottom of the class and the chances are that if those schools are represented on this board, the alumni you are talking to are from the bottom of their class.

Then why don't you name your school?  Why all the coy games?  If you have attainted a tenured position at a state school, you should be very proud and could serve as an example to all for-profit graduates.  Reason that you don't is simple.  You lack the position; therefor, you can't back it up.

Matt,

What kind of moronic company do you work for???

If I were in that organization I would look long and hard at the person that manages your company's education/tuition assistance program (Usually HR). Some of these "preferred universities will pay "recruiting fees" to outside sources if they recruit a student to the school. Sounds like some HR rep or manager in your company has a good sources of "secondary income" from Capella, Walden, Etc...

Jack

I Teach,

How many of these DII and DIII offer PhD programs with a 100% accepance rate??? How many DII and DIII schools even offer a PhD? 

Here is your answer...

NONE and Very Few. 

100% acceptance at the undergrad level is indeed a common practice among some colleges. Some will even accept you without a HS diploma or a GED as long as you are an adult over the age of 25. However, I defy you to show me a reputable school that has 100% acceptance at the PhD Level other than the for-profits.

Just out of curiousity, What State University do you teach at?

Jack

That is funny.  I am no fan of Capella but that little whiner La Marca deserved what he got.  Like anyone is supposed to accomodate someone with short-term memory loss.  That clown posted so many complainer sites on the WWW that he had a whole network of them.  I am concerned about the order for him to turn over the sites though.  As a matter of the First Amendment he should not have to take them down.

This is too funny. 

January 15, 2009
Capella U. Settles Lawsuit Against Former Student
Capella University announced today that it has settled a countersuit against a former student who sued the online university in June 2005, alleging an antidisability bias.

The countersuit, which was filed in 2005, claims that the the student, Jeff La Marca, defamed the university and interfered with its business relationships. Mr. La Marca posted online comments and images critical of the university and its lawyers during the course of the original litigation, the university said.

Mr. La Marca — whose original suit claimed that Capella had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by using technology that did not accommodate his learning disabilities — has issued an apology and will hand over his Web sites to Capella for removal, the university said.

Mr. La Marca’s original suit was thrown out in November by a federal judge, who ruled that the student was not considered disabled under the Americans With Disabilities Act and that the institution had provided reasonable accommodation. As part of the settlement, Mr. La Marca has also withdrawn his appeal of that decision, the university said. —David Shieh

Link to apology: www.capella.edu/vc/inc/pdf/la_marcas_apology.pdf

Hello,

I would like to ask some current students who take the courses online how do you get the books and materiel's (e.g. are they sent to you via postage overnight?) Also, if there is a delay in receiving the books (e.g. 7-10 days) then when does your start date begin since there is a delay in receiving the materiel's. How does the college handle this or how does it work?

All comments are welcomed!

Thanks

I work for a Fortune 50 company and we have a great tuition plan. It turns out that Capella, UOP and Walden and a few others are on our "preferred" school alliance list. This means that the schools have an agreement with the company to either waive the application fee, fast track employee credentials for review and/or give tuition discounts. I have 8 years of direct supervisory experience in my area however I missed out on a job opening and promotion at my site because they picked a guy (I know him) who got a MBA online from Capella but has no supervisory experience.

One of our tech consultants said he has to get a PhD in "something, anything" if he wants to move up to program manager with his tech consulting company. Turns out that plenty of the top people in his company have doctorates in "Organizational Principles" and other oddball things. Only 2 or 3 have PhDs in actual technical fields.

where you get your education from but the strength of the school's name can open doors and then there is the resume wow factor a top brand name school can provide. 

I think in the case of Capella, UOP, Walden, Post etc.... the schools have caused themselves tremendous damage with their for profit business practices.  Some of these schools admissions standards are not even at par with some of the 4th tier business MBA programs.  At Capella you can get admitted to their MBA with no GMAT, GRE and a minimal GPA of 2.50 and if your GPA is lower they will still conditionally admit you with financial aid. 

Capella will hurt your resume, there are plenty of online colleges that are highly reputable, with real admission standards for selectivity and if your trying to get around an entrance exam like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT then your just not ready for graduate school.

Thanks alot Capella will hurt...I'm researching those programs now. I need to find an alternate plan of action before my head explodes

A Phd from Capella is nothing to be proud of.  You look stupid for wasting all that money, buying a degree that nobody accepts anyways!  So, you are seen as a moron who spends money to look good, and just makes it worse!

And on top of that, why would he send his daughters to an Ivy IF Capella was so good to him?  Why not send them to Capella too!

A simple run down of the timeline makes this story silly.  If the man made 0-5 he is going to stick around for his pension.  That already puts him in his forties with no large income source.  A USN Commander with an MBA from TUI isn't going to be offered an exec salary coming straight out of the Navy.  He would have to work for at least 10 years in something to get a six-figure income and then he would have to put away large portions of his income for several years to have a net worth over a million dollars.  If he is buying a 4,000sqft home, buying two new Mercedes, and sending his daughter to some Ivy League type school... this guy is broke even if everything you say is true.  If he is working on a PhD in education he was probably a school teacher at some point and we know he isn't getting rich off that.  Your friend does not have enough time in life to accumulate so much unless this person is very old.  The income just isn't there.  Check your lies before you post BS.

Check Your Lies, no one said he became a millionaire in the Navy.  It was just a step in the right direction in his life.  Sorry for the mis-understanding.  Hurts for you to have a B and M degree and have to defend it in this chat room, doesn't it?

A Navy Commander becoming a millionare?   How did he skip into a PhD in Ed with no undergrad or grad degree in the field?  The only place this person recieves envy is your mind.  Check your lies before you post BS.

I have a friend that really impresses me.  He came from nothing.  He grew up in a single-parent household in a terrible part of the country.  Long story short, he got his MBA from TUI University (back when it was called Touro Univeristy International).  He's a few classes shy of his Ph.D. in education with the same school.  He's happily married, his daughter attends an elite private school, he lives in a beautiful 4,000 sq ft home in a prestigious part of town.  He has two new Benz's in his garage, and he earns well over six figures.  He's a millionaire.  And you know what, he credits his education from TUI U and his drive with his success.  He's an example of to me that all this talk about where you go to school is just that, "talk".  So, Capella students, live your dreams, and don't let anyone out there discourage you.  You can't put someone's heart on a piece of paper.  My friend is so admired and envied by many.  Did I mention his TUI MBA help catapult him to the rank of a Navy Commander when he was in the Navy?  A well-accomplshed man with a TUI University (Capella equivalent) degree.  Who would have thought?

I crack up when I hear and read people accuse Capella and others of its ilk of being a for-profit university (like that is something bad).  What college isn't?  I am not a student nor a graduate of Capella, but an informed citizen.  Harvard has a 36 billion dollar endowment.  You don't think that's profit?  When colleges say they are a not-for-profit institute is funny to me.  That's like saying there are "weapons of mass destruction in Iraq" again.  Every college and business is out to make a profit.  If they were not out to make a profit, the tuition would be free and not $100K for four years.  Come on.  Give me a break.  College presidents are making CEO money (in the millions---Harvard) and professors are making executive pay at major universities.  You can't do this without "making a profit".  Please.

Check out Seton Hall World Wide... they have what you need in the areas of counseling.  It is the best online program in the nation for that specific area.

If you intend on pursuing a PHD to work in academia in or any field for that matter an MS from a for profit institution will hurt you're admissions outlook.  The only way a Capella MS will help you is if you intend to teach at Capella or an institution of equal standing.  Not saying it "certainly" will keep you from getting admitted (anything is possible)but you need to look at the big picture of who is applying for a PHD program at a school like Vanderbilt.  Most students applying for admission to a PHD program will likely have BS and MS degrees from very highly regarded institutions with work experience to compound their admission's portfolio.  

My opinion stay away from Capella or the like but I would certainly agree that you should find a good online program.  There are plenty of well known Universities with online programs, do your research you will find many better schools then Capella.

Example of Some Universities with Online progrmas

Northeastern University

Boston University

Seton Hall University

NYU

University of Nebraska

UMASS

Texas Tech

Virginia Tech

Thanks alot Answers, I'm just going to bite the bullet and contact Vanderbilt. When my son gets a little older I a traditional PhD track wouldnt be out of the question for me. I was actually thinking about going back to U of M and getting another BS in psychology, getting some research experience under my belt, retaking the GRE and THEN applying for the PH.D since a MS isnt neccessary one way or the other. Once I looked at the mean salary a LPC makes I used a bit of common sense and asked myself, " Why would I spend $40K for an online MS and only gross $45K a year when I'm done?" It just didnt seem logical when I did the math...the only issue is attending U of M full time next year to get that other BS and working. Quite honestly I have no idea what I'm doing with the rest of my life. I feel like an under acheiver. Thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it.

Confused:

Personally I don't think you will be able to get in the PhD program with a MS from Capella unless you have high GRE scores.  Even then, I don't think the MS will help you at all, if not hurt you.

The easiest thing to do is go to Vanderbilt and ask them.  Either call or email faculty in the program and ask how you can get in.  Flat out ask if the Capella MS will help or hurt you and what your GRE scores should be like.  Typically its your statement of purpose that gets you in a Phd program.  Either way, a traditional program will still make you have to attend classes at specific time and do research.

So here is my own opinion.  The MS from Capella in terms of preparing you for a PhD on a personal level cannot hurt.  It will let you know if you really want to be in that field.  From a professional and academic standpoint, Vanderbilt is a lot harder school and I would likely keep the MS off my application to there.

I have been admitted into Capella's Mental Health Counseling program. I received my undergrad from the University of Memphis, which is a Comm degree that I regret getting. None the less, Capella caught my attention because this particular program is CACREP accredited. I have a 2 yr old son with a full time job working for the state of TN Dept. of Human Services and traditional learning is not an option for me. The accreditation was the selling point for me with Capella, but reading all this is making me second guess my decision. I am scheduled to start next quarter but I havent registered for any classes yet. And to be quite honest, I applied for the Counseling program at U of M but the schedule wouldnt have worked for my lifestyle and I would have been going part tine for a zillion years. Plus, quite frankly my GRE scores sucked the first time around.I ultimately want to persue a PhD at Vanderbilt in Community Research and Action but I'm wondering if the Capella stigma is going to nullify my chances of admittance in the future. I'd love some constructive input....help please :(

There are plenty of better online MBA's then Capella.  Some are accredited by AACSB and some are not but non the less there are plenty of much better online MBA programs then what schools like Capella or UOP have to offer.  I've been looking at these schools

Florida Atlatnic

Florida State

West Florida University 

University of North Florida


all are AACSB accredited and have great reputations throughout the country as great MBA programs.

Nice.

Your argument is baseless.  If you are trying to say that Capella is difficult because you need to be an independent learner most of the time then you might as well take independent study distance learning courses through a local state college.  The difficulty will be just as challenging and possibly even more difficult. You can't diminish the fact that where you go to school makes a difference. The institution where you graduate from will open doors.  Based on the return on investment you expect to receive. I would have to say that Capella will offer minimal return on your investment for the future. 

EG.  MBA from the University of Nebraska, all online, AACSB offers several concentrations, total cost of degree $12-15,000., Need a mimimal GMAT score of 550.

MBA from the University of Massachusets AACSB, offers many concentrations, need GMAT, cost is $10,000-15,000.

Capella is hard work and you have to be dedicated to make it online at a school thats online and understand what you are doing and think hard.  its a lot easier in a classroom where a teacher explains everything to you and hand feeds it.  Try learning Calculus or Physcis on your own and earning an engineering degree.  Not as easy as you think!

Accreditation is crucial to MBA programs for that very reason.  First, you don't need GRE's for an MBA, you need GMATs.  Second, accreditation is important by AACSB because it sets apart a quality school since there are so many MBA programs out there now.  The only way I can justify any degree from a For-profit online school is simply if you need the credentials to get a promotion within the organization and they are paying for it.  I know people who went to Capella and UoP and won't even list it in resumes.  Funny enough, I teach at UoP and won't list it.  But it helps pay off my student loans.

I'm a Capella student and I like the program because it gives me what I need and want.  A degree I can afford and finish.  

I was declined by many AACSB and ACBSP accredited MBA's so I did what I thought was best and looked for a school that didn't require the GRE, Capella was the best choice.  

I'm not trying to pump Capella and compare it to Penn State because the Capella program isn't comparable to the top ranked programs but it gives me what I want and need.

For the Capella students who are unrealistic and think Capella is a top notch school need to realize that its just the opposite.  Capella is a basic adult learers college and nothing more.  Last week my daughter asked me if she could visit Capella I said sure, just log on.

Have you seen Capella's YouTube videos like the one where one of their PhD's worked 12 hour days, including nights and weekends, and spent a lot of time running in marathons? A real school would never allow that.

There are some degrees you can learn online but a PHD just isn't one of them.  PHD's are degrees that are heavily focused on research and most PHD candidates are very actively involved with their universities.  An online PHD just isn't worth the time or money except if you want to become a faculty member of an online college, if that suites your desires.  Very good and reputable PHD programs should have the following.  I will also say that anyone who is "serious" about earning a PHD will be paid a stipend as an adjunct faculty member and the degree should be paid for by the university they are attending.  Any of the for profit schools offering a PHD program should never be considered.  If you want an advanced degree, fine get at a masters but please don't waste your precious time buying an online PHD.  Most in the Academic field will not take you seriously upon earning the degree, publishers and editors will not take you seriously and any major university you're applying to for a job will likely laugh at the resume.

My wife's business associate earned her PHD in chemistry a year ago and the amount of research involved was incredible, you simply can't get this or accomplish this with an online degree. However,

Earning a masters degree such as a masters degree or an MBA online isn't such a bad thing depending on what you want to get out the degree.  For the person perusing a career change, only a "full time" B & M MBA program will benefit you.  If you simply just want to be an MBA or master of something like Finance then an online degree from an accredited university is right up your alley.  Remember a degree doesn't make you successful it only opens doors, for a very short period of time.

Understand many employers see Capella and other schools as the easy way out.  We see you as taking the easy and quick way instead of putting your time in and doing it right.  Phds online should not exist.  You cannot spend 40+ hours a week perfecting research or teaching if you are doing it online.  You can do a part time Phd or a DISTANCE Phd and get much better at either.  Distance assumes you are adjuncting while doing the program.  In either case, don't compare Capella to AACSB.  They serve different purposes.

Personally, why spend so much at Capella if you can get a better degree locally, or other schools online like Penn State?  Why you ask?  Well, Penn State would make you do real work instead of just letting you buy a degree.  Plain and simple.

This post isn’t meant to knock down non AACSB accredited programs.

Not trying to jab a cheap shot at Capella University but to even consider Capella in the same category as even the smallest of AACSB accredited business programs is foolish.  As few as 25% of all business schools in the nation are accredited by AACSB because those businesses schools have met the requirements to achieve initial business accreditation and some schools that have been around for a long time with highly matured accounting schools have their accounting schools follow a separate distinct AACSB accreditation.  Maintaining AACSB accreditation is not an easy task for most universities which is why most will prefer to only appoint PHD’s from other AACSB programs.  AACSB is becoming extremely important in the business community especially with many of the degree’s now being offered online.

AACSB is important for many reasons and every business school candidate should closely analyze what they want to get out of their education because AACSB may not be very important. I know many MBA graduates that chose to go to non AACSB schools both with and without personal regrets.  For example Philadelphia University is a regionally accredited University but offers a very unique MBA that has a concentration in taxation and Philadelphia University is a very highly respected school in the Middle Atlantic Region.  We also have a regionally accredited school called Pierce that offers and online MBA that has a very poor reputation.  Again it all depends on what you want personally. If you want Capella go for it but please don’t sit back and compare Capella’s for profit business school to all the other not for profit regionally and AACSB accredited business schools.

I know for a fact that many if not most well established regionally accredited universities are activley seeking AACSB or ACBSP accredidation.

That is exactly what people who hate Capella are folks.  You continue to let us all know that what you proclaim is a fact.  Funny, I teach at a B&M college that has existed for over 120 years with a Capella PhD and I am doing just fine.  If anything, what some of these "traditional" PhD's have learned is how to be close minded.  I also wonder about the military today then.  So many Capella graduates in the ranks of Major and above, yet we are admired around the world.

Rip away my B&M foes, I don't actually care, I have a job.

I'm a student trying to become a CPA, earn an MBA and an MS in Taxation all online......but from AACSB accredited colleges.  One of my goals is to become a faculty member of an AACSB or Non AACSB accredited University to teach financial planning, of course I would never expect to become anything more then a part time adjunct which is perfectly fine with me.  Having a lot of contacts in the field I know for a fact that most AACSB accredited colleges only have tenured professors from other AACSB programs, probably in the 95 percentile.  5% that are PHD holders from non AACSB accredited universities that teach in business school more then likely hold a PHD in a non business profession like say statistics or communications.  

I guess I'll gust get to the point instead of rambling on and on.

Get your degree(s) from an AACSB accredited university it will pay off in the long run.  Anyone who is leaning towards an online regionally accredited programs like the for profits Capella, Walden, University of Phoenix or even some non profits like Troy University, FIT or Ellis College are simply doing so for one single reason............. the admissions process is not selective.

One fake Capella success story and zero actuals.  I think the evidence is clear Capella gets you nothing in academia. Is there anyone willing to share a success story that can be verified in other fields?

....  No response  ......  Well, I guess we have seen where that came from and where its going, the same place as the Capella Phds, NO WHERE.

Whoa... it looks like somebody got called out.  The answer to the F-16 question is ABC shops, A is Avionics, B is Flight Control, and C is Comms and Nav.  We deal alot with them for F-16 weapons integration. I think it is a little old school to call it that these days but if the guy was USAF over 12 years ago he should know it.  

I too would like to see a faculty list with a Capella PhD in a tenure position at an AASCB school.  Mind you I would be looking to see if they have another doctorate before Capella.

I just want to see one faculty listing at an AACSB school, teaching in the school of business, with a Phd from Capella.  I don't care about "Actually", if you know people, post links to the schools website to prove it.

A Ph.D. from Capella coupled with an extensive research record and professional experience would qualify an individual to teach at an AACSB accredited business school. In fact, I know of a few and they are clinicial and associate professors.

Typical dodge and run.  Have fun in your fantasy world where an ABD Capella student is getting a dozen tenure track offers, earning a PhD in the trench, and finishes 4 traditional Higher Ed degrees in at least three different locations in under 10 years, and thinks Capella is harder than a top ranked NC State Graduate program.  

The funniest part about your last post is you don't even know how to spell 'fagot', it is faggot.  You spell loser as "looser'.  You resort to ad hominem attacks and can't even answer a simple verification question.  There is no question, you are not who you say you are.

You put in 12 years and don't finish your 20 while getting your PhD in Iraq.  You must be OTH or just plain dumb. You go from AL, to MI, to NC, and are able to finish 4 degrees while on station. Only way to do that is in reserve but you wouldn't be moving around that much if you did.          

>>Here is some of my proof<< 

>>You must be an... immediate family member of a current service member.<<

Not exactly proof.  DD-214s are floating all over the internet.  If you are USAF you can tell me what the maintenance desginations Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, stand for with the F-16.

Did that buy a pencil from Capella's online bookstore?

You work at NC State and go to all these traditional schools and now you are Iraqi war vet who has to go online for a PhD.  Not likely partner.  Nothing worse than someone who fakes military service.

A bunch of fake PhDs is what we have from Capella.  The only schools left for them to teach are the fake businesses that call themselves institutions of higher learning.

Nova, UoP, Walden, Northcentral, and Capella itself.  Capella doesn't list their faculty because they are too embarassed about how many of its own graduates make up the members.

Capella is hard.  I have never been challenged as much as I have been at Capella.  I have been teaching for over 10 years at colleges and universities.  Some of the best instructors I have met at conferences and boards I have served on were graduates from Capella.  In fact, I know of two other professors at my university that are Capella graduates.  They are well respected by many of their coworkers.  I also know a Capella graduate who holds a major position in a state community college system.  All of the business and technology programs at all of the community colleges report to him.  I also know a Capella graduate who is a CEO in a North Carolina based company.  I am proud of my degree and the academic rigor Capella demands.  I have adopted a lot of their techniques in my courses and have received very positive feedback from students and the administration on my effectiveness. Online degree programs are being offered by nearly every college and university.  I have taught at six different colleges that offer online programs.  I can tell you for sure that Capella's system is by far more structured then most.  Their classroom is monitored and requires weekly discussions that must begin within the first week or you won’t get financial aid.  The classroom is always available.  In the past four years, I can't remember a time that is was down other than the scheduled maintenance periods between semesters.

I have no idea why everyone is hating on Capella. Capella is a full accredited school that has a reputation, I even called the Texas State Board to make sure that Capella is accredited! I am currently working on my master's degree in mental health counseling there right now and I'm telling u guy that it is kicking my ass!
I got my B.S psychology degree at University of Houston, which is a well known school and I am still working really hard on my master's degree at Capella!! So everyone that is hating and really don't what the truth about how Capella, STFU.

Look at that list people.  Capella is changing lives!  The man has a gradaute degree from NC State in a top IT management program and it was a piece of cake compared to Capella.  Capella is one of the top schools anywhere and you would do well to go there.  You can teach in an AACSB school!!

When I looked back at my list of places I applied and received offers, I realized I had a total of 11.  That is not bad considering I applied at 54 places.  I received offers from:

Eastern Illinois University
East Carolina University
University of Central Missouri
Eastern Kentucky University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Millikin University
Fairmont State University
St. Petersburg College
Nazareth College
Greensboro College
Cedarville University

The lowest offer was $65,000 for nine months.  I ended up accepting a position for $85,000 for a 9 month contract, until I graduate.  After I graduate, it will go up to $105,000.  It is a school of business that is AACSB accredited.  I have to admit, that most of the schools of business that are AACSB were not as willing to hire me, because Capella is not an AACSB school.  I had to be Professionally qualified in those schools, which I was.  I think Capella will be an AACSB school in a few years.  That is my feeling on it, since they are so strict on research requirements in their Ph.D. courses. Every class requires a 20-25 page paper with nothing but peer-reviewed journals.  Most of the papers I completed in the courses were accepted at conferences and journals.      

By the way, Steve is not my real name.  I don't want some nut case trying to track me down, because he didn't like my posting.  :-)

So tell these haters which schools your Capella PhD is getting offers for tenure track.

To answer the other poster's question.

Associates in Information Systems from Community College of the Air Force
Bachelors in Business from Northern Michigan University
Masters in Business from Central Michagan Univeristy
Masters in Information Technology from NC State
Capella will be the fifth college degree.

I can't believe all of the name callers who claim they went to Capella. Is that what they learned how to do? PhDs telling others to kiss their a--? That's very professional.

Wow... 5 degrees, care to list them and the school attained?

I am about to graduate from Capella with a Ph.D. in organization and management.  I work at a large state university.  When I was looking for a tenure track position, I was offered 9 different positions at different universities.  Don't let these idiots on this blog tell you Capella is not worth it.  I have five college degrees from different schools.  I have to bust my tail in every class at Capella.  The other schools were a piece of cake.  I would say I am a success story.  I have a tenure track position at 27,000 student school.  I am a member of the editorial review board for a journal.  I have published numerous articles.  

Only you would think Capella or Walden is better than Seton Hall or any other traditional school that decides to go online.  For someone who complains about me entering threads it is rather ironic and disturbing that you would stalk me and take my name on other forums.  You claim I need mental help but it appears the only one in need of therapy is yourself.  Why don't you stick with one name rather than pretending to be someone you are not?

I love to complain about all these online schools even though I didn't go to any of them. I complain and complain about Walden and then about Capella and then who knows....

I believe I have a good recommendation... what do you think about Seton Hall?  

www.shu.edu/academics/setonworldwide/ma-counseling/index.cfm

Ok, I am moving overseas with my husband, and would like to get my master's degree in either Marriage and Family Therapy or School Counseling... what would people here recommend? I was researching Capella.. but found this.. and don't like UoP..I don't even think they have a program that I'm intrested in. What is good for someone who isn't in the states?

To say the US military is a microcosm of America is a gross generalisation. I remember when I was a JO and was promoted for time served.  The men under my command were promoted the same if they passed their skills test and had enough points.  

Promotion for Senior Officers is nothing like the business world.  The two factors that determine whether you recieve promotion is your fitness and duty assigment responsibility level.  Tie that into what military program you graduated from and it becomes a very political process.  You can be passed over for promotion by something so simple as catching the flu too much, or not having enough assigned responsibility.  When you enter your promotion board you are faced with multi-service personell, many from the Service Academies, determining whether you enter the line.  

When I finished my 5 year obligation I was faced with the choice of sticking with this politcal BS or taking my chances in the corporate world.  I chose the later and couldn't have been more happy with the decision.  

People like to use Collin Powell as the shining example of what is possible based on merit... I hate to break it to you but there was alot of politics in his flag promotion.. i.e affirmitive action.  There is a reason he was the youngest general in history and it wasn't soley merit based.  He readily admits it which is why he strongly supports AA.

I was not able to find the article.  Georgia Tech offers only engineering related MS degrees for DE and if you do not have an ABET undergrad you are given what is called an un-designated degree.   The difference is the designated MS meets all the qualifications for an engineering competency while an un-designate is just a general MS.  The end result is you get less letters on your title and less employability in the engineering field.  I can't comment for sure on the person's complaints of discrimination but if they are applying for a design team with an un-designate degree they aren't going to have much luck against ABET qualified people.  If the person had a designated degree that would put them well in the running whether online or not.  As an employer of engineers I would be happy to give a call back to an onine GT MSEE... if they were an undesignate MS I wouldn't really pay it much attention unless they are a PE.  Engineering is probably the pickiest of all fields when it comes to online education considering there is no such thing as an ABET accredited online program as of yet.  It is really something that is best left for well equipped labs.  The contention that elitism is apparent in general is overstated.  

I would also question how this person would know he was being discriminated against when all I would give them is a thank you letter.  I have never had anyone call me as to why I rejected them.  Truth be told I wouldn't tell them it is because they have an online degree... I would tell them there are more qualified candidates which would be the truth.

One other thing, Joe.  I don't know how true this article is or was.  I research distance learning all the time, just to see what's new, perceptions, etc.  There was an article (maybe you can google it) that stated that there was a guy who got his degree online from Georgia Tech, and he was denied jobs because the HR department of some of the companies viewed his degree as "useless" because he got it online.  If this article is true, then no one is immune from others' eliteism.  You can't wait for others to decide your fate.

Joe, you are right.  Unfortunatley, these schools that you mentioned, i.e. UT, Arizona, Florida State, NC, GW, etc., did not make it known to the "world" for many years that they offered online education.  It was like they were ashamed of it.  I remember when I was interested in distance education about 10 years ago when I finished my undergrad at UNF, I would go to the library and research tons of books, and none of the aforementioned schools were listed.  Now, they are all jumping up and down saying "We offer distance learning too".  I still believe that a person can take the resources they have in life and make it.  The military is a microcosm of America.  Too many times, I've seen young Naval officers show up at their first command thinking that just because they went to the Naval Academy, they were going to get a free pass to the top (becoming a Commander or even an Admiral).  I've seen too many times where these young men and women fizzle out and some young officer who went to some small college in the midwest or some HBCU (historically black college/university) or something of that ilk outshine that Naval Academy kid.  If the piece of paper gets you in the door (regardless of where it's from), it's up to you to excel.  Again, this is America and everyone's situation is different.  Regardless of where you went to school (as long as it is accredited), all it takes is someone with influence to take in interest in you and take you under their wing.  I've seen it hundreds of times in my 21+ years of work experience.  Thanks for the intellectual exchange.  Take care.

"Lastly, if you want to live your life sitting by the phone waiting on someone to look at your resume and decide for you if you are going to eat or not, you got problems."

That's the bottom line...  millions of unemployed graduates are now in the bread lines with more to come.  We are most certainly headed for a depression not seen in our lifetimes.  With so many qualified people entering the job pools competing for the same positions, candidates need to have the best CV they can muster.  What school you went to is not the end of your credentials but it is certainly the beginning as it is often the first thing on the application.  Like it or not, employers care and it does matter.  Why shoot yourself in the foot when you can have better?  There are few reasons not to go elsewhere.  Traditional universities offer a full range of degrees that can be taken mostly online, all of the popular degrees can be taken 100% online.  There is little occasion to say it is unavailabe with just a little sacrifice.  That is the problem, people don't want to sacrfice any of their time so they buy watered down degrees.  Capella and UoP are the two shining examples.  Their commercials advertise the fact that you don't have to miss anything of your life while you go to school.  Well I'm sorry but getting a quality degree takes a little sacrifice.  

When you can get a sheepskin that says University of Texas, Arizona, Florida State, North Carolina, George Washington or even Wyoming, Nebraska, or Indiana State... why would you go to Capella?  The only reasonable answer would be to get a doctorate not offered by these schools. The rest of the students don't have many other excuses except that they cannot get into these schools or they are too lazy to try.  This is where the stigma of online for-profits and their open enrollment policies destroy public perceptions of these businesses as viable routes for employment,

By the way, I was at a convention in Washington, D.C. this past July.  I did meet a young woman who was in Capella's Ph.D. program in couseling (I forget the exact name of the degree, but it was a Ph.D. that had something to do with counseling).  As a result, she was receiving a huge promotion in her school district.  At the same convention, I met another woman who had her Ph.D. from either Florida State or the University of Florida (both big schools).  She was doing something that none of us would be impressed with.  You never know.

I did not go to Capella.  I went to the University of North Florida; they are a good brick and mortar school, and they have just about every accreditation you can think of, including AACSB and NCATE.  However, I don't look down my nose at folks who choose alternate routes to their dreams (Capella, trade schools, etc).  What I find in this chat room and others like it is a sense of sarcasm.  It seems to me that folks who paid a hell of a lot of money and sweat to go to a "big name" school are disappointed that things didn't turn out quite like they wanted them to.  We live in America, a country where a person could be homeless today and making millions of dollars days later, with or without a college degree.  I personally think it's up to the individual how far he or she goes.  There are just too many routes to the top.  The president of Florida Atlantic University doesn't even have a Ph.D., which is usually a requirement for such a job.  The NFL commissioner doesn't have a masters degree.  He has a bachelors from a school most folks in the country hadn't heard of.  The list goes on and on.  Where you went to school and grades are one thing, but you can't put someone's heart on a piece of paper.  Lastly, if you want to live your life sitting by the phone waiting on someone to look at your resume and decide for you if you are going to eat or not, you got problems.

I actually go to school online at one on the review list for HR certs.

I love to complain about all these online schools even though I didn't go to any of them.  I complain and complain about Walden and then about Capella and then who knows....

@Researcher

Please show me where a Capella MBA is CEO of a Fortune 500.  

When it comes to hiring teachers different states have different standards.  There are several states that require an NCATE degree for liscensure.  If you really did your research you would find that no school districts come out and say a regionally accredited degree, they require that you be certified whose requirements will be found on the state education website.  

If you want to know why young people with AACSB degrees are making less than those with just an RA MBA you will find the answer in your statement.  Experience counts for alot in the business world but AACSB will certainly give you a leg up.  These young people have to start somewhere.  In time they will overtake those experienced folks with just an RA degree.  I have an AACSB MBA from The Citadel and it served me well as I moved to upper management.  Some of my service buddies decided to take their GI Bill and go online for MBAs and they are now far behind me on the ladder of success.  This is not to say I don't have regrets, I have sacrificed time with my kids that they have been able to have since they do not have my responsibilities.  There is always a silver lining in everything God chooses for us in life, some people were made for management, others aren't.  You just have to find your nitch.  If you want to make it to upper management then online is not the best option.  It can take you to middle management if you are happy with that.

This woman who graduated from Denver didn't exactly go to a top school, it is ranked 89th.  The most likely reason she is not being hired is not because there is a hiring freeze on traditional faculty, that is just a farce.  It is most likely because she is too busy being an adjunct to publish the required works.  Once a PhD graduates their publication days are only beginning if they want tenure in a traditional campus.  Unfortunately, PhDs are a dime a dozen these days so competition in the better schools is tight.

It boggles my mind that schools like Capella hire faculty from diploma mills.

Researcher p<.001, again thanks, but still answer the question as to why we see professors with degrees from elite schools teaching at these online schools (full-time).  It boggles my mind.  Thanks.

Thanks for the info, Researcher p<.001.

Capella doesn't list the full bios for either their full-time faculty (just 14% of their staff) or their part-time adjucts (which comprise an incredible 87% of their faculty). Real schools provide the complete CV of their faculty, as well as personal statements and lists of peer-reviewed research that their faculty have conducted. Capella has faculty members who have bought degrees from diploma mills.

By the way, Researcher p<.001, I personally know folks who have degrees from NCU, TUI, Capella, etc., who have great jobs in the private business sector as well as at some great colleges.  I am not bias, just curious.  Thanks.

Researcher p<.001, just look up the bio's of the professors from Capella, NCU, TUI, etc, and explain to all of us why are they holding degree's from elite schools but teaching at Capella, NCU, TUI, etc.  I am just asking the question, not making any bias statements or opinions.  From what I read in articles, it just seems like elite B and M schools are changing their business models and would rather hire adjunct professors (part-time for cheap) these days than hire someone full time.  Thanks for your answer in advance.

If real universities aren't hiring anyone (not true) then why would they hire anyone from Capella if there is such a glut of potential professors from elite schools (which no academic would consider Capella to be)? Capella likes to advertise how many colleges and universities employee their graduates but they never say how many were hired as janitors. Researcher needs to take a few courses in logic.

Someone made a comment earlier stating that if someone would take their Capella degree to any renowned college seeking employment, they would be laughed at.  What I found, during my research, is that many "renowned" colleges are not hiring anyone anymore once a tenured professor has resigned or retired.  It's about the bottom the line.  I read an article about a woman who did everything right.  She was your classic "starving student".  She sacrificed and went to the right schools, ultimatlely receiving her Ph.D. from the University of Denver.  No one, and I mean no one, would hire her as a college professor (full time).  She stated in the article that she spends 3 hours a day in her car commuting between 4 colleges to teach as an "adjunct professor" just to survive, and she's been doing this for years.  The big colleges are being run like corporations.  They are going online in a effort to keep from paying teachers big salaries.  So, it doesn't matter where you go to college anymore "in some cases".  This is why when you look up the bios of professors at the Capella's, the TUI's, the NCU's, etc, you notice a trend where many of them hold Ph.D.s from elite colleges.  That's because elite colleges won't hire them.

Real schools don't advertise. Capella does because they are not a real school.

I also found that of the 6,500 colleges and universities in the U.S., only 550 are AACSB accredited and only 600 are NCATE (national council of accrediting teacher education) accredited.  Does that mean that the other 6000 are not producing corporate executives or folks in high levels of academia?  I find that hard to believe.

I did some research today.  I googled some CEO's of some Fortune 500 companies, and found that some them don't have MBA's from AACSB accredited colleges.  Their degrees are from regionally accredited colleges and universities, though.  I also googled several school districts to see what their bylaws said about required education when hiring.  All said "a degree from any regionally accredited college or university".  A friend of mine, with a Ph.D. from NCU, got a job as a college professor with a college in Texas.  Could anyone explain to me why I am finding that people with strong track records with non-AACSB accredited degrees are getting great jobs and young folks with no real-world experience with AACSB accredited degrees are sitting in cubicles making 25K a year?

I just wouldn't go to Capella.

Usually when people have to down something it means that there is a fear that what they are putting down has the ability to rise above the rest.  I was accepted into a top notch phd B&M program.  I moved my family and I started my program.  Half way into the program my housing was threatened, my daughter was failing in school because of my loooong 4 night a week schedule, and my assistantship was not enough to sustain me and my family.  I had to drop my classes to tend to my home life.  Due to the fact that I had taken the leap of faith to move away from my family I ended up with no support through my transition.  I decided to go to Walden for my Phd and it has been the most relaxing experience knowing now that I have time to spend with my kids, save gas, and work around my life responsibilites.  This is what B&M universites are trying to build up to and soon the online universities that you all are laughing at will be ahead of the crowd.  

Many fail to realize that in a world that is getting more and more complicated it will be the online universities that will be ahead in this tech-age that we live in.  Most of the B&M universities are copying these online universities and hidding behind their B&M reputations. B&M degrees are still for those that have nothing else to do but go to school.  Sure, many make it through, but there are time when you will hit a brick wall.  In this day and time when nothing stops you have to have the guts to take alternate routes. Those who stick to the tried and true will be left behind.

Many of the B&M universities are hiring undergraduates to facilitate graduate online courses, because the "phd" falculty don't know how to navigate the information highway.

I have my masters and undergrad degrees from B&M universities and I must say that going online has given me an edge above others who are afraid to be independent enough to make it through without a lot of hand holding.

Now I can take advantage of the many Educational Tech jobs that pay so well, because I have taken a chance.

By the time I finish my online degree will mean three times more in 3 years than it does today.  To those that are thinking about online degrees take note: Online degrees are the fastest growing way among adults to get ahead and will soon be very well respected.  Get your degree the best way you can and those that appreciate your self motivation will be the ones that you will want to work for.

You are not your degree and you can surpass any negative forces through your job performance, writing, and other skills that you bring to the table.

GO FOR IT!!!

Seems to have emerged from the mists of time untouched by human evolution. Devoid of a single progressive idea and lacking the slightest awareness of social and cultural advances, Troglodytes have developed an incoherent political philosophy that she/he characterizes as "conservative" or "libertarian", but which could be more accurately described as "bigoted narcissism". Their aggressive posturing often frightens off weaker, more timid Warriors. In pitched battle, however, Troglodytes easily loses control and their attack quickly degenerates into a rant. Just for the fun of it, Weenie, Issues. Pinko and Evil Clown will sometimes deliberately goad him into a towering rage.(Reed,2008)

Any primate with something resembling an intact cerebral cortex would recognize that the only thing holding the higher education B&M edifice and supporting paradigms together is custom, self interest, and prejudice. This is not difficult. The economic realities pressing on this anachronistic, bloated and largely unnecessary drag on the public purse will overwhelm it, and hopefully sooner rather than later. Even now, with the immature technologies currently at hand, much of the cosmically inefficient system could be replaced.

Your opinion is null!

"If that comment was directed towards the poster above's wife then maybe he was trying to explain that her scholarships and income sources are taxable. 

Are you a numb dumb too? You have no dog in this fight!

"Not trying to speak for someone else but when you make comments declaring that "your wife is falling short in her obligations in your house" it really explains to this board that we are dealing with a very emotional and disgruntled poster."

Sure she is falling short(taking money from taxpayers) and that could apply to any gender, it just happen that she was identified, now your prognosis is not adequate if you don't have any training or are a psychologist or a psychiatrist(which I doubt), you may be speaking out of your own experience!

"It also is a declaration against all women who are earning their PhD's "and not living up to their gender expectations". Shame on you."

Shame on you that you don't know what you are talking about only acting like a monkey(monkey see monkey do) and you seem to have a gender bender position.

I can add some incite to this discussion. Two years ago.  The program was rigorous and I enjoyed it.  I do have many regrets more like buyers remorse.  The program was very costly and when I compared it to friends that work in the same field with MBA degrees they paid far less with for the same degree that is ranked higher because of the school they graduated from.  They have also been able to land higher paying jobs then me with the same degree.  Being that I'm self employed this matters to me in case I need to apply for a job when or if my business fails.  They have also been able to network with their respected alumni networks better then I have been able to.  If I could go back I would reconsider two options, the school I decide to attend and whether I do it entirely online or on a college campus.

Not to say that getting your degree from Capella is worthless but it just doesn't measure up to other schools.

Don't get a phd from Capella if you want it to pay off in any type of future benefit, it won't change your life and that's the point of a higher degree, to earn more money, enter academia and harness accreditation with respect from your peers in your field.  

But by all means if you just want a PhD for the sake of saying "I have a PhD" and want little trouble getting into a program then attend Capella or the like.

If that comment was directed towards the poster above's wife then maybe he was trying to explain that her scholarships and income sources are taxable.  Not trying to speak for someone else but when you make comments declaring that "your wife is falling short in her obligations in your house" it really explains to this board that we are dealing with a very emotional and disgruntled poster. It also is a declaration against all women who are earning their PhD's "and not living up to their gender expectations". Shame on you.

Where you graduate has more to do with personal satisfaction. As far as paying for your PhD it is a common practice amongst most schools to pay their PhD's that agree to work for them before and after they graduate.  I earned my PhD from a big school I have no regrets, however.  I wouldn't do an online PhD.  Part of earning a PhD is has to deal with being very involved in your University.  I know a lot of PhD programs offer mixed versions which I would learn more towards but I just wouldn't do it completely online.

I know PhD's from Yale that can barely tie their own shoes, forget about discussing theory and concept.  The school can only do so much to make a leader, the rest is about the person, their skills, their ambition, and their drive.  Get a degree from a big name doesn't make a CEO - the person does.

In general, those portions of a scholarship, fellowship, or grant used to pay tuition, fees, books, supplies, or equipment are classified as a "Qualified Scholarship" and are not included in the gross income of the recipient under I.R.C. § section 117 if the recipient is a candidate for a degree. Any portion of the scholarship, fellowship, or grant that does not correlate to the five items mentioned above is included in the gross income of the recipient, which means that it is subject to withholding. For non-degree candidates, the entire grant is included in the gross income of the recipient and is subject to withholding.

This is from a slightly different page on the IRS website, but you can check out the information on scholarships at the link below.



Source(s): www.irs.gov/individuals/students/...

So in which category your wife fall Numb dumb?

Will set you free, it takes a numb skull to know one!

You pay taxes on scholarship money and any stipend income.  Your resentment for others perusing their dreams is sickening.  Your opinions are not welcome and will fall on deaf ears.

You don't have a doctorate or even perusing one, your opinion is unfounded, the lost of income while getting a PhD is a factor in the equation, and your wife is falling short in her obligations in your house and is not contributing to the society as a taxpayer, just maybe drawing money from taxpayers. Lack of experience or not experiences is the result of studying full time in a PhD and that would hurt any PhD or any doctorate students, if academia does not work out, not experience in the real world get you in entry level positions, because there is a real world outside the university walls.

is really more of a personal matter. Are there employers that will higher based on where you graduated from? I'm sure there are a few.  Are there any employers that don't care? Probably.

What matters the most is what you will be satisfied with. Big school vs small school, private vs. public etc.  As far as academics there is a lot that goes into getting a teaching job, its not just where you get your degree from, however if you want to teach at an Ivy league school I don't imagine they would be very open to accepting a Capella PHD into their curriculum.  I tried to get a job at NYU awhile back and they were somewhat skeptical of where I had received my masters from, (Jersey City University) not because of the school itself but more because of the reputation of the program I was in.

teaching these days, let me guess Capella? Do they make commissions for every -A- grade they give out?

What a joke to actually consider getting your PHD from a for profit junk school

This post is inspired in large part by discussion over at Cosmic Variance about the importance of choice of particular graduate school and pedigree effect. Two extreme points of view are: a) pedigree matters a great deal, having a top school name on your resume will enhance your chances of getting a job and b) pedigree effect is non-existent, and if you are smart and do good science, it doesn’t matter where your degree is from. Additional discussion centered on issue of difficulty of “upward” mobility - which means that most people tend to get positions down the ranking ladder from their PhD institutions, not up.
It’s of course difficult to do proper “controlled” measure of pedigree effect - maybe students selected by top program would do just as well in lower ranked programs, who knows.
So let’s ask a different question - how many of the academic jobs in top research universities go to PhDs from the top programs? Ideally one would want to focus on recent hires only, looking at entire faculty makeup means integrating over the past50 or 60 years, with a big hiring spike in sputnik/cold war years. One way to address this issue is to look only at associate and assistant professors, which typically represent recent hires.

try to get a top paying job with a Capella PHD then.  Lets see if you can compete with PHD's from the best schools in the nation.  Big businesses will not payout big salaries unless they feel your are qualified.  

Anyone who says a business doesn't care where you got you PHD degree from must have a PHD in selling cars for a living.  

And yes people do get scholarships that pay for their PHD programs, my wife isn't laying out a dime for her's and she is actually being paid to get her PHD.

For all of my five degrees I spent a total of 17,000 as to where many of my counter parts paid close to near 75-100K in student loans........be smart don't be stupid when it comes to financing your education, make someone else pay for it.

There are tons of PhD jobs available in the non-academic field, even in the non-research field. PhD's aren't trapped in the world of teaching. Scholarships for a PhD?  Welcome to 2008, where most people have to work to earn a living and go to school at the same time, in the old days you had to give up your career and go to school full-time, your program didn't allow you to work, but the world has changed.  People used to have to go on welfare just to be able to complete their PhD's.  And this is good because?

99.999% of employers don't care where you went to school as long as it is accredited and as long as you can get the job done.

This isn't a speculation by any means. I don't care to share my credentials because I remain anonymous but if your asking for a professional opinion its no.  First of all if you want to enter industry don't get your PHD, you'll never get paid what you're really worth.  Companies would rather have a dozen MBA's then 2 to 3 PHDs.  

Also you need to make a choice if want to enter academia then enter academia, get your PHD but remember where you get your PHD from will determine where you teach.  Don't expect to teach at Rutgers, Penn State, SUNY or Florida State with a PHD from Capella. A PHD from Capella will only get you as far as a school like Capella.  Schools are looking for reputation and those who can add to their reputation, not those who will mitigate their reputation.

If you want my honest opinion on the PHD you need to make it worth your time and effort with a reputable and respected program.  Other PHD’s in your field may not give you the respect you really deserve with a PHD from Capella.  

Example of my profile

Northeastern University BS
Bentley college MS
University of Connecticut MS
University of Massachusetts MBA

My likely choices for PHD’s in business would be Rutgers, Penn State, U.Penn, Temple, Drexel, Baruch and Villanova. (to teach at a school like Widener, Villanova, St. Joes and Philadelphia University)

One last thing, you should have to pay very little or pay nothing for your PHD.  It should be paid for by scholarships and the school should pay you for the degree as a candidate to teach for the school. I would personally never pay for my own PHD, there is no intrinsic value by spending over 100K.

Is Capella acceptable as a name in industry?  I want the flexability to move from industry to acadmia if I want.  If I attend Capella, will this work for me?

I'm only looking for Capella Phd graduates or students who know, not the annoying speculation I have read.

Crapella is da Ivy Leagues boss man!  Dis here be da best school on da internets!  I be graduated in 3 more classes yoyo!  No more times 2 play, I be done-an-out using me skils to rancho up me some tail dog!

Comparing Capella with Ivy League universities can be seen as a compliment. It be can explained as Capella having the potential of being in that league. I find this a great thought!

Reading the blogs I find it also funny and sad that the Sixties breed of barricade and protest junkies still excists without much change or maturity. Actually the only change is the use of the internet.

Paul

"Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Capella U.

A federal judge in Santa Ana, Calif., has thrown out a lawsuit against Capella University, which was being sued by a former student who accused the company of discrimination against people with disabilities.

The plaintiff, Jeffrey La Marca, argued that the online university violated the Americans With Disabilities Act by using technology that does not accommodate his learning disabilities, which he said included short-term memory loss.

The judge in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Southern Division, is expected to make known in coming weeks the reasoning behind the decision to throw out the case. Capella officials said the decision was based on a lack of evidence. —Dan Carnevale"
 
- Chronical of Higher Education

www.capellauniversity.org
www.capellastinks.net
www.capellablogs.org
www.capellanazis.com
www.capella-sucks.com
www.1888capella.com
www.capellauniversitysucks.biz
www.capellasucks.biz
www.webctsucks.com
www.capellasucks.us
www.capellafacts.org
www.capella-university.net
www.capella-university.org
www.capellauniversitysucks.us

My pincil is only 1/2 inch long cant fidn becuase my wife letf with milky man, I liek 2 troll in every blog. I am stupido. loco, retardado e idotus! Sorri1

I done had me a good'ol time at Crapella.  Dis here school done gettin me a degree in Crimninal Juicetis.  I can avoid dem police my knowing their MO.  IT b gettin hard to move these meth labs round and gettin some nyquil to make da rock candies.  I now makes me enough to buy u and yo babies mama ten times!  Thanks Crapella fo makin dese dreams possible!

Jeff,

Sincerely, thank you for your politeness. 

I understand your mind, and some others are made up. Capella will not win in those eyes. To certain people, it is a subpar institution and represents a last ditch effort to achieve advanced education. Whatever, perceptual model makes your analysis seem justified- in other words believe what you will.

I wish I could flatter myself and say I am somehow on the highest tier of quality for what I have seen there. However, while I would be competent at any graduate program, I am one of many of the good students there. There are students that are less desirable- I understand that. They get washed out fairly quickly. I have seen very few in the higher classes that are of poor quality. I don't have to prove this, It is up to everyone to make their own judgement.

Work schedule wise B&M was out. Online was the only option for me. I chose this institution very carefully, even after analyzing B&M online schools, because it promotes diversity very well. Maya Angelou, one of my heros, spoke at a Capella colloquium, as did Madeline Albright (spelling?). The emphasis of my study is an MS in Human Services and I am working on my certificate in Diversity Studies. They have a very good program there for the social sciences. I am exactly half way through.

I want to emphasize, we as Capella students, do not need to justify ourselves. We are adults and made sound choices. 

The Gardener comment was hilarious.

Dear "wow"

It is unfortunate that you were misled into thinking that Capella was the best option available for you. Currently there are hundreds of traditional State Supported schools that offer almost any degree that you could possibly want (often at a fraction of the price that you would pay at Cappela, Walden, UoP, NCU etc...) 

It is obvious to me that you are an articulate, intelligent individual. I truely believe that while you can get a quality education at ANY school, why would someone want to attend a school that has so many graduates that fail to show that their education is of any real consequence. There are exceptions to the rule...Of course. You being obviosly one of them. 

But why spend the money and time at a school like Capella, Walden, UoP, NCU, or the other clones when you could get your degree online at a school such as Kansas State, University of Texas, Penn State...Etc etc... Often for substantially less money (and commanding a far greater degree of respect)??? Going to Capella, Walden UoP Etc is simply illogical.

I am a proud Capella Master's student, "pond scum" or whatever we are supposed to be. Wow, this is the funniest forum I have seen. "Attention Fools" was beyond funny. I am dying here at this back and forth sublime display of intelligentsia. 

Call us what you will, we online people are coming, and we are not going. I know I "belong to the lowest dregs" but I sure get proud when my 4 year old son says "Daddy, I will get a Masters degree like you someday". Maybe Capella can help this "uneducated" fool to give his 4 year old son the chance to go to a better school. Maybe even Harvard. 

"Attention Fools" at least the adjectives you used to describe us were colorful and profoundly degrading- dripping with beautiful invective. Rarely does one's core humanity get that nicely degraded, Thank you, and Crapella, great use of ebonics to attack those minorities that attend Capella (I am a white male). The opportunity to receive higher, graduate level education should be kept to the middle to upper middle class. Thanks for being such a good watchdog to protect against us trashy types from coming.

Wats u talkin bout dell top?  I b done oudee here if it weren't for all da par-D-ing I do.  Crapella gives me da chance to live a life-O-crime, be on da lamb, and gettin high as a mofo... all whily gettin dis here degri.  U wish'ed you had my life so go to Crapella... it b da only skool 4 me!

When it comes to certain degrees that lead to licensing, such as an MFT, you're either going to pass the licensing exam or you're not based upon what you know - no matter which school you went to.

Dah, me go to Capella and gots good more grammar.

It does not help your argument against Capella to display blatant ignorance on this site.

Crapella b da best school on da internets. 2 all dem playa h8rs... we b gettin da groove on while u b wasting time with dat learn'n and writing stuff.  I b offurd da best jobs sellin dese rocks.  Without Crapella I wuldnt hav time to be gettin dese connects and gettin high as da burds.

"DR" B is a fraud!!!

... you are guilty of the same.  Tards!

And yet someone has the audacity to criticize Capella, Walden, and UOP but cannot write a correct sentence?

The legitimacy of for profit schools such as Capella, Walden and UOP is what most are saying is crap of which I do agree.

Jack T.... perhaps you should go back to the last time you asked me that question and reread my response. I believe it was on the Walden page or the UoP page... 

You're trying to put me on blast but it's not working. lol

Best,

Dr. B.

Dr. B,

Why do you refuse to share the titles and publication dates of your published works?

JT

I see CSU students have to go to every thread defaming posters with lies just so they can feel better about their poor decisions.  My username has been consistent throughout, I don't need to run under pseydonyms... I am more than happy to defend my positions.  Apparently you don't know jack... I'm a male just like I said.  Dee-dee-dee

Tic Tac,

You got kids. Oh my god do I feel bad for them having to live in your home and put up with you. Do you even know where they are or are you too busy making bogus postings on all of the college's websites.

Folks beware of Tic Tac she has a few screws missing and spends her waking hours on these blogs trying to discredit every university but hers. That is if she ever went to college.

Yeah Tic Tac I know who you are you gave it away in the other blogs.

I believe Capella is one of the most challenging universities I have ever attended. At times I feel like pulling out my hair while doing my assignments or just quit the university. However, I try motivating myself to get assignments in even though sometimes they were late. I feel disappointed with some of the instructors (Like Wayland Seacrest: He makes me feel less of a person during a phone conversation). Consequently, there are some good ones (Like the Kosteres wife and husband: They seek the best in students). I try to make the best out of all classes and conduct researches online when I did not understand certain terminologies used in the textbook or the course room. Online Students need to understand that online degrees take a great deal of your time, since you are not being spoon fed by instructors. Thus, an online student should be responsible in teaching him or herself with the use of textbooks, article etc. However, with this learned enthusiastic behavior, an individual will have an edge over other employees in the workplace. Thus, you could be looked at as self starter within your organization. Stick to program and dont give up. You will be happy at the end. Moreover, if you keep a positive mind you can overcome any obstacle. God Bless you all.

I have been in a distance education program for six years. People can say what ever they want, but every weekend and sometimes during the week, I was spending multiple hours researching, reading, and writing. You get what you put in. The things I can do now and the critical thinking skills I have is from that weak, online, fake education. And the organization I work for had a chance to see my power to research after enforcing a flawed policy, distance education is not real education. It takes more dedication to read and learn on your own than to hide and get by in the herd.

If it wasn't an issue they wouldn't have mentioned and responded to it.  It is simple logic...

The counsel's mentioning of that was totally anecdotal; it followed a list of other things that showed the institution's strength. 

You're doing nothing but speculating.

I beg to differ...

If Capella had been NCATE they wouldn't have had to bring legal action against the AZ State Board of Ed because AEPA would have been standard.  So it was an issue especially considering Capella's legal counsel brought it up as well as the Superintendent.  All sides disagree with you...

Regardless of what you say, NCATE was never an issue with the Capella case.

You obviously missed the point... it is to show that NCATE does matter. It mattered to the AZ State Board of Ed. and Capella's legal counsel.  The evidence shows from both sides that these schools want NCATE but for-profits are too cheap to go through the "demanding" process. No one was talking about TEAC because no one cares about TEAC.  The AEPA scores were only a symptom of not having NCATE standard assesments of competence.  You said the Board didn't want to stop it but they did and Capella even brought a suit against them to make them change their minds.  

My points aren't baseless... you just don't want to address them directly.  Rather than doing so you prefer to skirt the issue with irrelevant ideas and false notions.  Capella eventually got their programs through... but they did so by legal action to coerce the Board to accept it against their better judgement.  If it had been NCATE it would never have been an issue.  That is the point.

This claim that you linked only requested conditional approval through 2005.... this is 2008?  What support do you have now? 

You're still talking AEPA, but the minutes mention where Capella's students' passing rates were above the 75% that the state was asking for. NCATE is an option... not a must. 

I read the document and understood it very clearly. Your points are baseless!

Actually the Arizona Board of Education did deny them.  Capella sued them on a civil rights technicality and found a judge to overturn their decision.     

http://www.capellauniversity.org/images/AZ%20Nasty%20Letter%20from%20Capella%20Jan%202005.pdf

Deny approval for NCATE... why would they do that?  They denied it because Capella students did not have to record AEPA scores which they had to do in NCATE programs.  You did read the minutes yet you apparently missed the point... talk about lacking comprehension skills. Sheesh!  

Apparently I do need to worry about where you earned a Ph.D if you are a teacher.  I need to make sure my kids never go to that school.  You apparently don't know how to comprehend a simple document.

Obviously you're an irrational person. You also lack reading comprehension skills.

I just read the article, which is dated from 2004, where Capella was trying to get state approval for a master's program in administration. The State had concerns and wanted Capella to require its students to take the AEPA and guarantee 75% passage. If you read further, Capella's passage rate exceeds that. Nowhere in these minutes does it read that Capella was denied state approval in Arizona because it lacked NCATE! 

It's apparent that Capella's application for IR was not complete. The institution failed to prove where its administration program would work in Arizona and did not get approval in Minnesota. From the minutes there was a huge track of miscommunicating... but not once... not once did the state deny approval for NCATE. It also showed where UoP has state approval in Arizona, which also does not have NCATE. The ADE does not want a nationalized program... but one that is tailored to educators in Arizona!

On another note, your argument is extremely antiquated. Capella now has this authorization in both Minnesota and Arizona now through a collaborative effort, which was an option in the article you posted. Here is the link: www.capella.edu/schools_programs/education/masters/leadership_educational_administration.aspx


Furthermore... you need not worry about where I earned my Ph.D. You don't pay me for it! 

What you do need to worry about is your reading level and comprehension skills.

Read how Capella was denied by Arizona to offer an education degree where Capella's legal counsel tried to use the selling point... "Capella has been invited by NCATE to apply for approval" in response to Superintendent Horne who noted that "NCATE is extremely demanding and if a school is accredited by NCATE it is a good sign that we could accept those schools. The problem is that many schools don’t want to deal with it because it is so demanding."  

Last third of document...

http://www.ade.az.gov/stateboard/minutes/09-27-04.doc

The Arizona Board of Education saw through their lame education programs and did so because they weren't NCATE.  Capella's legal counsel used the tired adage... we have been invited to apply.  We hear that so often from these diploma mills and this coming from the state that is home to the largest of them all... rather pathetic.     

What kind of instruction can you recieve from someone who works 60 hours in schools, making lesson plans, leading afterschool functions and then has to take care of their children and spouse?  The answer is obvious, lackluster because there isn't enough time in the day to do anything else.  Obviously this is logical thinking... but I guess your online doctorate never taught you that. I bet you know how to write junk mail in APA though!

Tic Tac... your thinking is extremely flawed. No, these schools do not have NCATE, but UoP does have an education accreditation. NCATE is not required for education programs. It does not guarantee a job or one's ability to be an effective teacher. Why do you think they have alternate route programs for teachers?  Because many NCATE and traditionally trained educators are not making it in the classroom.

Now let me educate you!  NCATE accredits licensure programs ONLY. Capella does not have a licensure program. Walden recently launched the first online licensure program, but it is only for Minnesota licensure, where the university is located and FULL TIME Walden professors can do site visits..etc.. UoP's education Master of Arts in Education program with options in Elementary Teacher Education and Secondary Teacher Education are accredited accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) for a period of five years, from December 20, 2007 to December 20, 2012. 

Again, none of these are licensure programs. 

Now, as an adult student working full time and earning a master's degree part time in education, I would rather learn from a professor who actually has successful classroom experience versus a stuffy ole professor who has never set foot in a classroom. Wouldn't a successful teacher adjuncting at night be a better factor? Wouldn't they be able to share their experiences? Doesn't that make sense? Lets be real.

You wrote... "What kind of instruction can you get from someone who spends 60 hours a week teaching and raising 4 kids... non-existant is most likely."  This is obviously flawed thinking.

Maybe you should have "thought ahead" like the UOP commercial says because an education degree without NCATE is nothing more than a pay raise.  Why don't these schools get NCATE... because they are too cheap to hire QUALITY faculty.  You are taught by 90% adjuncts while you would receive 90% tenured faculty at any other grad program.  What kind of instruction can you get from someone who spends 60 hours a week teaching and raising 4 kids... non-existant is most likely.  There is a reason tenured faculty do it full time.  You go to school part time and you get part time instruction = shoddy product whose bottom line is taking your money.