Brief Accounts of Institutional Philosophy

Capella University's educational philosophy incorporates both theoretical knowledge and relevant experience. Students synthesize scholarship with practical application appropriate to their degree level - as reflective practitioners at the baccalaureate level, as practitioner scholars at the master's level, and as scholar-practitioners at the doctoral level.

Capella supports a superior learning experience and transparent learning outcomes by:

• Basing expected learning outcomes on contemporary discipline standards and practitioner competencies from national professional organizations (where applicable).
• Designing curricula to ensure academic accountability through direct relationships between these discipline standards, learning outcomes, and course competencies.
• Using authentic and meaningful assessment practices that incorporate activities based on real-world examples.

Courses are offered in engaging online formats. Students in doctoral programs, some master's programs, and some post-master's certificate programs attend residential colloquia at specific points in their programs.

As an outcomes-based institution, Capella allows students to document their previous learning and experience. This may include transfer credits, nationally recognized examination programs' recommendations for military, corporate and business-related training and certifications; and Capella's own Prior Learning Assessment process.

A large support network, including academic, administrative, library, and career counseling services, support students throughout their Capella program. These services are also available after graduation to provide lifelong career support and alumni community involvement.

The mission of Capella University is to extend access to high quality bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certificate programs for adults who seek to maximize their personal and professional potential. This mission is fulfilled through innovative programs that are responsive to the needs of adult learners and involve active, engaging, challenging, and relevant learning experiences offered in a variety of delivery modes.