Capella University

What is the history of Capella University?

Capella University is a private, primarily online university based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It began in 1993 as the Graduate School of America, with a focus on education for working adults, and adopted the Capella University name in 1999 as its programs expanded.

Capella is now part of Strategic Education, Inc., the company formed when Capella Education Company and Strayer Education, Inc. combined in 2018. Capella and Strayer University remain distinct institutions. Capella's online model, adult-focused programs and large transfer population are more useful for understanding it today than the image of a conventional residential campus.

What are the faculties and departments at Capella University?

Capella organizes its academic programs around business and technology, education, health sciences, nursing, psychology, social and behavioral sciences, and public service. It offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, as well as selected certificates.

Examples include business administration, information technology, education, nursing, psychology, counseling, public health and criminal justice. Some programs use GuidedPath, a course-based format with scheduled academic terms. Eligible programs also offer FlexPath, a self-paced, competency-based format in which students demonstrate mastery through assessments. FlexPath availability and eligibility depend on the program; its pace and billing structure should not be assumed to match GuidedPath.

Applicants considering a profession with licensing requirements should check the exact degree and specialization, not just the broad academic field. A program's curriculum, required clinical or field experience, and professional accreditation can determine whether it meets a particular state's requirements.

What is the location of Capella University?

Capella University is headquartered in Minneapolis, but students generally study online rather than commute to a traditional campus. Its Minneapolis address is an institutional location, not evidence that a prospective student will attend classes there.

Minneapolis is a major metropolitan area served by Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. For most applicants, location matters less than whether their program requires an in-person residency, clinical placement, internship or other supervised experience. Those requirements may occur near a student's home or at a designated site and should be checked by program.

What is the mission and vision of Capella University?

Capella describes its educational purpose as expanding access to professionally relevant higher education, particularly for adults whose studies must fit around work and other responsibilities. Its emphasis on online learning and demonstrated competencies is reflected in its two principal learning formats.

That is the university's stated approach, not proof that either format suits every learner. A student comparing GuidedPath with FlexPath should consider how much scheduling structure, instructor interaction and self-direction they need. Capella is not presented as a religiously affiliated institution.