Entrance requirements and lower GPA

Hi, this is my first post. I am considering a PhD at Capella in the public safety/emergency management field. I have an A.A., B.A., and an M.Div. degree, all earned at traditional, residential colleges and universities. After 25 years out of school, I want to go back. But GPA suffered in grad school due to some extenuating circumstances (illness). The illness was resolved a long time ago, and I can certainly proceed with work now. I was also young and unfocused without a definite career path at the time, unlike now.

So, my question is, will be lower GPA (2.5) prevent me completely from getting into school, or will I have to do another master's and prove my worth, so to speak?

Thanks...

 

Outside of asking you to reference the school's admissions standards I can tell you two things. The first is that many DL programs are essentially "open admission" programs. This means that they'll give you a shot at proving yourself and if your first few courses are good enough they'll let you stay and if they're not they'll kick you out. The second thing is that if you're especially nervous about this then you could take a relevant course or two at some school in order to demonstrate that your previous academic record does not accurately reflect your current abilities (of course, you have to ace those courses). Message: Don't let the past drag you down.

 

I was on their site. They offer an online chat feature. Why not use that to inquire what their admit requirements are? That would help give you an idea whether you can qualify for it. It doesn't hurt to ask them questions.

The "dumbest" question is the one never asked

 

Their requirement for the Ph.D that your Master degree GPA must be at least 3.0, but it wouldn't hurt if you talk to the Admission Counselor. BTW, how did you graduate from Grad School with 2.5? Isn't that 3.0 is the minimum to graduate at Grad Schools?