Capella University - PhD Organization & Management/Leadership

An overall assessment

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on October 9, 2007

Materials:		Teachers:
Institution:		Support:
Value:		Technology:

Review:

The biggest drawback for most onlookers is the fact that it is a for profit university.  The only issue I have with this is that the students who are looking to better themselves are victims of this viewpoint and stereotyped as something of a sub par learner.  

The school does a slightly above average job and I contribute this to the good use of materials and an excellent library system.  I would also say that the students in many cases help enrich the learning experience through their own real world experiences, thus helping students apply theory to practical use.

The teachers and support are slightly above average.  I have taken both online and campus courses and completed degrees in both formats.  I will attest to the fact that you will have average support in either scenario.  It will all depend upon the teacher and the student’s perception of what support constitutes.  My concern is that I am being taught by those that understand the scholar and research point of view, as well as the practitioner point of view.

The value goes beyond simple dollar figures.  Value is how you feel about the education and what you take away.  In terms of the monetary perspective, Capella falls short.  They are expensive and offer nothing in the way of research assist positions to defray the cost of tuition.  Value from a non-monetary perspective is average.  The interaction with students is enriching and facilitates the learning process.  

Overall, the institution is slightly above average.  It has its ups and downs, as does any school.  The real issue is the stigma in the term "for profit."  Gone are the days that online education is sub par.  Academia is now more concerned about schools that become enthralled with the bottom line (and rightfully so).  Overcoming this can only be done with more stringent admissions requirements and schools will change only if students place pressure on them to do so.  

My conclusion is that Capella is okay and offers you an accredited degree.  Understand though that the degree comes with roadblocks.  I think as students graduate, the degree will offer you a broadened knowledge of whatever your degree concentration was, but it is not the end.  Your work, not your degree, will dictate how far you go.  It is up to the graduates to prove to the academic world, and to a lesser degree the business world, that Capella offers a solid education.  You, as a student, are presented with these roadblocks because of the name, unlike a Harvard, Penn State, etc.  The graduates from B&M campuses via online programs do not have to focus energy (minimal if any) on the defense of the school and can focus most (if not all) of their energy on their work.  The key is this though, neither do Capella graduates.  Do not get wrapped up in what others think and stay focused.  Your work will provide the proof as long you care, make the concerted effort, and have the intellect to move forward.