Capella University Online MBA Programs
The School of Business and Technology at Capella University offers a 100 percent online master of business administration (MBA) program with a self-designed path or in one of three specializations: health care management, human resource management, and project management. The degree can be completed in as little as 14 months.
The MBA program is flexible and is offered in two learning paths: GuidedPath and FlexPath. Due to differences in these pathways, start dates, time-to-completion, grading, delivery, and tuition costs vary. The same degree is granted through both learning paths.
GuidedPath is a traditional course-based pathway with deadlines, grades, and peer interaction. Students are allowed to take one to three courses per quarter. The MBA program may be completed in as little as one year by taking three courses per quarter and three years by taking one course per quarter.
GuidedPath classes run on a quarterly schedule, four times per year, at 10 weeks each quarter. Courses may include weekly assignments, discussion boards, projects, simulations, case studies, and assessment deadlines. GuidedPath is a credit-bearing, graded pathway and is based on cost-per-credit. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.3.
FlexPath is a non-credit-bearing, non-graded pathway designed for highly motivated, self-starting learners who desire to reduce the cost and/or time to completion of their degree. Students on this self-paced learning path may take up to two courses simultaneously. Rather than participating with peers, this path includes one-on-one interaction with faculty and assessments to demonstrate outcome competency. Students earn points, rather than credits, yet still earn the same degree upon graduation.
FlexPath is billed on a 12-week basis and students may complete as many courses as possible during this time, beginning another course upon completion of one course. Start dates are offered once a month, and new courses can begin at any time after completion of a course. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for application to FlexPath.
MBA students have access to individualized leadership coaching to decipher their own leadership styles and hone their individual skills and career goals. Included in this coaching is a leadership assessment. Additionally, MBA students build an ePortfolio throughout their degree completion, composed of business solutions to real-world problems. Finally, online Capella University students may utilize the learner success lab to further advance their skills and gain help and insights with time management and available resources.
Graduates of the Capella MBA program may go on to positions such as director of marketing, business analyst, human resource manager, project manager, vice president of operations, account manager, director of health care operations, and sales manager. Depending on the specialization chosen, work environments may include work in colleges and universities, banks, health care organizations, manufacturing, insurance agencies, consulting firms, and financial services.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The MBA program and specializations are accredited through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This online-only institution is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has two campus centers located in Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia.
| Program | Degree Type | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| MBA - Health Care Management | Master's Degree | Visit Site |
| MBA - Human Resource Management | Master's Degree | Visit Site |
| MBA - Project Management | Master's Degree | Visit Site |
| MBA - Self-Designed | Master's Degree | Visit Site |
What to Expect from the Capella University Online MBA
Admission Requirements: Prospective students must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.3 for the GuidedPath and 3.0 for FlexPath applicants. No work experience or GMAT/GRE scores are required. Applicants must submit official transcripts and a non-refundable application fee with their application. Proof of English language proficiency and foreign transcript evaluations are required as necessary.
Study Plan: The Capella University online MBA comprises 11 courses, which last ten weeks each. GuidedPath students may begin their program each quarter in the fall, winter, spring, or summer and are allowed to take one to three courses per quarter. The program can be completed in one to three years, depending on how many courses are taken each quarter. Students have up to four years to complete their MBA.
FlexPath students may begin their program 12 times per year or once a month. They have the option of taking up to two courses at one time and beginning another as soon as they complete one. The benefit of FlexPath is that students can complete as many courses as possible in each 12-week billing cycle for one set fee, thereby significantly reducing their total tuition. Subsequent courses may be started at any time.
FlexPath students may complete their degree in as little as one year. At an accelerated pace, the program could be completed in just four 12-week sessions. A typical pace would be to complete the program in about two years.
Students have up to four years to complete their MBA. Each course typically requires 10 to 12 hours of work per week.
Curriculum: The Capella University MBA GuidedPath consists of 45 quarter credits. Core courses for all specializations include marketing management; MBA leadership; accounting methods for leaders; applied managerial finance; business strategy; applied business analytics; and operations management for leaders. Students also complete an MBA capstone course.
- Self-Designed MBA Specialization Courses: Students may choose from a list of specialization courses that may include advanced business analytics; economic foundations for financial decision making; advanced accounting, budget planning, and control; new ventures and entrepreneurship; talent acquisition and workforce planning; developing an effective workplace; emerging technologies; leading global and diverse cultures; and several more.
- Health Care Management Specialization Courses: Decision making in the health care system; analyzing the health care environment; driving health care results.
- Human Resource Management Specialization Courses: Talent acquisition and workforce planning; developing an effective workplace; strategic human resource management.
- Project Management Specialization Courses: Project management, planning, execution, and control; project budgeting, procurement, and quality; project risk assessment and control.
Courses are the same for the GuidedPath and FlexPath. The FlexPath follows a point system rather than credits, and a total of 23 points is needed to graduate. One point is equivalent to two quarter credits.
Online Experience: GuidedPath MBA courses consist of 10 units each which corresponds to the 10 weeks of class. Courses include readings, online discussions, case studies, group projects, simulations, and assignments. Assignments are due on Sundays, and students have the advantage of scoring guides for each graded assignment. Grading decisions include completion of assignments, participation in group discussions, and proficiency in outcomes.
FlexPath course completion is determined through assessments rather than assignments. One-on-one faculty interactions include guidance along with assessment monitoring. FlexPath students do not receive grades or credits; rather, they earn points for outcome competence.
Courses are mostly asynchronous with possible live web conferencing at times. MBA students have access to a wealth of support services including coaching, faculty help, admissions counseling, career counseling, writing help, disability assistance, technical support, and networking opportunities.
On-Site Requirements: The Capella University online MBA program is 100 percent online with no campus visits or practicums.
Paying for the Capella University Online MBA
The Capella GuidedPath MBA costs $815 per credit plus fees for a total tuition of $36,675 plus fees. FlexPath is billed at $2,825 per 12-week session. Interested students should contact the Capella University School of Business and Technology for complete costs and options.
Prospective students can inquire with the Capella University Admissions Office. Additionally, Capella University offers a $3,000 Capella Progress Reward scholarship to qualified applicants. Employers may also offer tuition reimbursement programs and students may wish to seek funding from other outside organizations.
*Please note that only the GuidedPath options are outlined in the tables below.
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 45 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as one year. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ACBSP |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's degree or higher |
| GPA Required? | 2.3 or Greater |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GRE required |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 45 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $815.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $36,675 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 45 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as one year. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ACBSP |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's degree or higher |
| GPA Required? | 2.3 or Greater |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GRE required |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 45 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $815.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $36,675 |
Capella University MBA - Project Management
- Choose a specialization or design your own MBA
- Follow the traditional GuidedPath or the self-paced FlexPath
- Take advantage of a personalized leadership coach
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 45 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as one year. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ACBSP |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's degree or higher |
| GPA Required? | 2.3 or Greater |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GRE required |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 45 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $815.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $36,675 |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 45 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as little as one year. |
| 100% Online? | Yes |
| Program Accreditation | ACBSP |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor's degree or higher |
| GPA Required? | 2.3 or Greater |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No GRE required |
| Work Experience Required? | No |
| Credit Hours | 45 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $815.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $36,675 |
* Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the out- of- state, part-time student rate. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Total cost of tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please see the school website for the most up-to-date tuition costs.
