MINNEAPOLIS, July 26, 2012 – Capella University, an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing high-quality online degree programs for working adults, has announced 27 new or redesigned educational offerings. They include new RN-to-MSN and General Nursing specializations, two offerings focused on Applied Behavior Analysis, two Higher Education certificates, a PhD specialization in Management Education, and a major redesign of Capella's online master's in information technology. In developing its new and redesigned programs, Capella focuses on helping students reach their academic goals in less time and with lower costs. As of June 30, 2012, more than 36,000 students are pursuing an online degree at Capella. The learning and career outcomes of Capella's students and alumni can be found at www.capellaresults.org.
Applied Behavior Analysis specialization covers academic requirements in fewer credits Capella's new Master of Science in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis specialization provides the academic requirements needed to meet national standards in applied behavior analysis, a psychological approach that uses behavior-based interventions and treatments. The academic requirements are covered in fewer courses than comparable online programs, reducing the time and financial investment needed to earn a master's degree.
The Applied Behavior Analysis certificate provides an option for those who want a more immediate credential. Students who choose to pursue a master's degree at a later date can transfer all certificate courses into Capella's master's specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Answering the call for affordable, advanced nursing education Capella has added six new specializations to its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)**. They include RN-to-MSN specializations in Diabetes Nursing, Gerontology Nursing, Nurse Educator, Nursing Leadership and Administration, and General Nursing, and an MSN specialization in General Nursing. Capella is also launching a post-bachelor's Diabetes Nursing certificate. The MSN and RN-to-MSN General Nursing specializations also offer six emphases that allow students to tailor their degree program to meet their professional goals and interests. Each of the six emphases pair two of the following disciplines: Nursing Leadership and Administration, Nurse Educator, Diabetes Nursing, and Gerontology Nursing.
"Because the role of nursing has become increasingly complex, there has been a growing call for nurses to advance their education beyond a registered nurse (RN) license," said Mary Bemker, DSN, director of Capella's Nursing Department. "Although some RNs returning to school will choose to earn a BSN, an MSN can be a real differentiator, and we've designed our program to make that a more affordable option. Capella's RN-to-MSN specializations allow RNs to earn an MSN with minimal difference in the time and cost it would take to earn a BSN."
Redesigned master's IT program offers advantages for career changers and IT pros Capella has redesigned its online master's in information technology, now called a Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology Management. The new program places a greater emphasis on the IT management skills desired by today's employers and is designed to meet the needs of both IT professionals and career changers.
The specializations available as part of the MS in Information Systems and Technology Management include Business Analysis; Enterprise Software Architecture; General Information Systems and Technology Management; Health Information Management; Project Management; and Information Assurance and Security. Capella also offers a Network Management focus.
To address the needs of career changers, Capella's MS in Information Systems and Technology Management includes a specialized path for career changers that includes three foundational courses: Fundamentals of Information Systems, Databases and Programming, and Network Fundamentals. The program also offers advantages to IT professionals, who can save time and money towards a master's degree by earning credit for professional certifications and previous experience. Capella is one of very few online universities to offer this opportunity.
Higher Education certificates provide an affordable credential Capella's new 20-credit certificates in Higher Education Leadership and Administration, and Adult Education offer a more affordable way to prepare for or enhance a career in higher education. By completing a certificate, learners can gain additional knowledge in adult education or higher education leadership and administration that can be applied to their current career. Those interested in pursuing a master's degree earn a valuable credential after completing the five certificate courses, all of which can be applied toward an MS in Higher Education at Capella. They also receive a 10 percent tuition discount toward their MS in Higher Education courses, providing a more affordable pathway to this educational goal.
Management Education PhD specialization addresses shortage in business faculty Capella's PhD in Business Management, Management Education specialization offers a deep analysis of both business management and adult learning theory, designed to meet the growing demand for qualified business faculty. The comprehensive core curriculum focuses on business research, ethics, a global perspective, technology, and a systems-thinking approach to organizational decision making. The specialization courses are designed to help future faculty members apply and share that knowledge in a post-secondary classroom setting. Students also benefit from the opportunity to earn both a PhD and a Post-Master's Certificate in College Teaching at no additional cost.
Enrollment now open Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for these educational offerings. For more information, please call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552) or email info@capella.edu.
Review of the PhD in Business Management program is pending in ND.
Review of the MS in Information Systems and Technology Management is pending in AL, KS, KY, ND, and WA.
Review of the Applied Behavior Analysis specialization is pending in AL, KS, KY, ND, and WA.
For the Applied Behavior Analysis specialization and certificate: Check state licensure requirements. The license to practice as a professional psychologist or counselor is regulated independently in each state or province. Learners who intend to seek licensure or certification should check the program requirements in the state or province in which they hope to practice. These programs are not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
For the MSN specializations (with the exception of the Nurse Educator specializations):
For the Diabetes Nursing and Adult Education certificates: Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is the learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their states. Where applicable, teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether a program may qualify for salary advancement. For more information on licensure, see: www.capella.edu/licensure.aspx. (Washington state learners are advised to go to: http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/outofstate for more information).
For the Diabetes Nursing, Applied Behavior Analysis, Higher Education Leadership and Administration, and Adult Education certificates: In accordance with U.S. Department of Education (DOE) new advance notice requirements, a notification for these certificates will be submitted to the DOE. These certificates may be subject to additional review and approval by the DOE, which could result in a potential delay in learners being able to start the certificate. If this certificate is subject to additional review, the DOE will notify Capella University at least 30 days prior to the scheduled start date. Capella University proactively will keep applicants and learners enrolled in these certificates fully informed of any actions taken by the DOE that may affect their ability to successfully begin classes as originally scheduled.
About Capella University Capella University (www.capella.edu) is an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. Three-fourths of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's or doctoral degree programs in business, counseling, education, health administration, homeland security, human resource management, human services, information technology, nonprofit management and leadership, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 149 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 21 certificate programs. More than 36,000 learners were enrolled as of June 30, 2012, from all 50 states and 59 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis.For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).
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*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), http://www.ncahlc.org. Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552), www.capella.edu.