Why Capella University?

Hello Everyone!

I finally made my decision to get my Doctoral degree at Capella University; however, I hope I did not make the mistake. I have gone through many comparisons between schools that I am interested in.

- Argossy University: DBA in Management (It seems the program is too complicated)
- Regent University: Ph.D in Organizational Leadership (cohort only begins in Summer)
- Northcentral University: Ph.D in Business Administration - Management (No Independent because I might be lazy in the middle of the road)
- Walden University: Ph.D in Management - (Don't like the KAM method)
- University of Phoenix: DBA in Management (Not Phoenix's fan)

Why Capella University? I searched around Google, I see many Doctoral degree holders have a teaching position, or some small institutions' deans. I don't intend to work for a big name University, not really into full-time teaching. I might just do teaching as a side job. If I am not mistaken, base on my calculation from transferring 48 credits out of 120 credit programs. Possible I can complete the program in 3 years, which can be covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Therefore, I can get a full ride. Also, I don't see I have time to attend local school for Doctoral due to full-time job.

I would love to hear your inputs. So, why did you choose Capella University?

Thank you very much.

 

Capella Rocks!

 

Capella is an excellent choice. Like you, I do know a number of people who have obtained tenure track positions with their PhDs from Capella. Even if you are not interested in teaching with your degree, it is a strong testament to the quality of Capella's programs.

I would rule out NCU because they seem to always be in chaos and Phoenix because their DBA has no specialization. Walden's KAM nonsense can be a budget buster. I know of one doctoral student from Walden who ended up accumulating over $100,000 in student loans; I think the KAMs drag things out for people. I didn't care for Argosy's DBA because too many of the required courses sound silly.

 

I think the decision you've made is a good one. Presently, when it comes to doctoral program at online-only schools, Capella is the gold standard. I also agree that you tend to find Capella grads in traditional teaching positions at B & M schools ( state public universities, private non-profit institutions, and other schools that offer no DL programs/degrees) - an issue that frequently discussed in this forum. So yes, Capella is somewhat recognized positively compared to other online programs/schools. Additionally, Capella isn't as expensive as widely stated, especially, when compared to other online schools. Taking up to 3 classes per quarter for a flat tuition charge of $4,485 breaks down to master level tuition rates that many public institutions charge today. Another very important issue is the variety of degrees that Capella offers. I've always asked the question: why is business administration the only degree that every online school seem to offer at the doctoral level?

Since I personally do not care about business administration degrees, especially, the ones that are not accredited by ACBSP (the gold standard in business program accreditation), I see those degrees as practically worthless since a lot of the business programs are by name only - with very limited or non business course work. I also find it strange that many of the business programs offered by online-only schools offer specializations in areas that merit advance degrees with practically, no business course content. Infact, these strange program structures or setup is precisely why many view online-schools as money making ventures only, even though the programs are rigorous. In my opinion, if someone wants a doctoral degree in Information technology, for example, they should be able to get a PhD or DSc in IT, instead of a degree in Business Administration (without actual business courses in those degrees) with limited specialization/concentration courses.

When you tell someone that you have a doctoral business administration degree, they expect you to have taken business course and to know business administration. It usually sounds strange when a business administration grad, especially, at the doctoral level, has to explain their degree (s). Bottom line: your choice of Capella is a good when, especially, since you can get a degree in what you really want, and not forced to get a business administration degree that comes with some strange specialization in something else. Go for it, and have fun in the program.

 

AACSB is "the gold standard", ACBSP is "the other one".

 

Tekman,

Basically the same reasons you stated - except I teach full-time.

FWIW - my former academic dean, who is now Provost at Gateway Community and Technical College, is a Capella grad:

Gateway Names Dr. Laura Urban as Provost

Along with my current academic dean.

Shawn

 

I am making the transition to Capella too; I am doing it for many of the same reasons you stated. It is also a little cheaper than Regents and I have been very impressed by my instructors (who hold Capella doctorates) throughout my educational career.

Hope we made the right choice!!

 

There are a number of reasons why I left the NCU DBA program which I have discussed at length here on the boards, but this is one of the primary reasons behind my decision. When I left the DBA program I was awarded an MBA with a specialization in Homeland Security. I have gotten to the point where I no longer list the MBA on my resume because there was very little business content in my program that justifies the MBA title in my view.

 

I only know one DBA who earned it a long time ago. But more recent Ph.D. holders I know in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, meteorology, and medieval German say it is their dissertations that got them their positions. Their BS and MS degrees covered the fundamentals.
I do not know if this applies to Business Doctorates.

 

Capella is a great choice. You are not making a mistake. The only caution I offer, one which I'm sure you are well aware of, is the fact that getting a university teaching job is extremely difficult these days. Unless you have extensive experience in your field, you may have a tough time. You have been around DI for a long time, so I'm sure this is not news to you.

 

All,

Thanks for your inputs. Frankly, I do need this degree to teach when I am retired because of Federal Government's budget deficit on social security in 2051.

jayncali73,

How is the program at Regent University? I really like the fact they have B&M campus, but it seems to be some religious courses in the curriculum.

Steve,

Actually I have avoided Baker College since I made decision for Troy University. I am not a fan of the word "COLLEGE" in my degree diploma, especially in graduate degree. The only one would be Dartmouth College because of its reputation.

 

This topic came up on degreeinfo a while back and as I recall several great colleges were listed There are several schools and colleges offering doctorates (not necessarily online) that I would love to list on my resume including including Boston College, Imperial College (UK), the Naval Postgraduate School, and the Pardee Rand Postgraduate School.

 

I have served on three Capella dissertation committees (one completed and two in progress) and I have several successful colleagues with Capella doctorates.

 

Do you think that you have 48 transferable units that Capella will accept?

 

By the way, have you looked at the new doctoral program offered by Sullivan University? While you didn't state your area of specialism (based on your name and previous degrees, I'm assuming you are looking at an IT-related degree), Sullivan offers three areas of specialism including IT. There is a thread in this forum in which Dr. Pina briefed us on the details of the program (check this link). You can also visit the program page on Sullivan's website by clicking on this link. Many in this forum and elsewhere agree that a doctoral degree from a B & M school is always better than one from an online-only school. I thought it's worth mentioning Sullivan since the program is new, and many of us may not be aware of the new PhD in Management offered by Sullivan University. Goodluck with deciding.

 

Capella seems to decent school according to most of the feedback from the degreeinfoers. The mere believe that you think this could be a mistake may be a good reason to reconsider your decision. For profit virtual school may be one of the only investments where investors (students) are willing to pay more for a riskier product. My advice is to mitigate your risk by first looking at US state schools, then international B&M in the UK, Canada and Australia. If there is nothing that meets your fancy then assume the greater risk with Capella.

 

Thank you Cyber. Given that I am a long-time "resident" here and that I now oversee the academic side of a university online division, I face a dilemma when someone inquires about a program that we also offer. I don't want to sully my reputation here by shilling, but it's hard not to say "check us out, too." Sullivan's program is also 3 years, like Capella's, but is 90 quarter hours, compared to 120. Capella allows up to 48 credits to be transferred, leaving 72. Sullivan allows up to 36 credits to be transferred, leaving 54.

All said, Capella has a fine program and I know a lot of satisfied graduates. Sullivan's Ph.D. in Management program is new.

 

Speaking of Sullivan University; yes, I have checked out the program. But one thing that I don't meet the requirement, which I don't plan to do so...that's entrance exam (GRE or GMAT). I would rather to go to Sullivan University over Capella University.