Capella University Online MBA Programs

• MBA - Health Care Management
• MBA - Human Resource Management
• MBA - Project Management
• MBA - Self-Designed

By Sara Navratil Reviewed By Jocelyn Blore Reviewed By School

Updated January 16, 2024

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The School of Business and Technology at Capella University offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in one of four specializations: self-designed, health care management, human resource management and project management.

The MBA program is flexible and is offered in two learning paths: GuidedPath and FlexPath. Due to differences in these learning formats, start dates, time-to-completion, grading, delivery and tuition costs vary. The same degree is granted through both learning options.

GuidedPath is a more structured course-based pathway with deadlines, grades and peer interaction. Students are allowed to take one to three courses 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 on a 4.0 scale.

FlexPath is a noncredit-bearing, nongraded pathway designed for highly motivated, self-starting learners who desire to potentially 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 direct interaction with faculty and assessments to demonstrate outcome competency. Students earn program points, rather than credits, and 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 completing one course. Start dates are offered once a month, and new courses can begin at any time after completing a course. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.8 is required for application to FlexPath.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The MBA program and specializations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This online institution is based in Minneapolis, MN.

What to Expect from the Capella University Online MBA

Admission Requirements: Prospective students must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution with a minimum GPA of 2.3 for the GuidedPath and 2.8 for FlexPath applicants. No work experience or GMAT/GRE scores are required. Applicants must submit official transcripts and a nonrefundable application fee with their application as well as a valid, government-issued form of photo identification. 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 10 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 programs start once a month. Students have the option of taking up to two courses at one time and beginning another as soon as they complete one. One benefit of FlexPath is that students can complete as many courses as possible in each 12-week billing cycle for one set fee, potentially reducing their total tuition. Subsequent courses may be started at any time.

Curriculum: The Capella University MBA core courses for all specializations include 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 economic foundations for financial decision-making; new ventures and entrepreneurship; sourcing and managing talent; retaining and engaging employees; 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: Sourcing and managing talent; retaining and engaging employees; 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. FlexPath follows program points rather than credits. One point is equivalent to two quarter credits.

Online Experience: GuidedPath MBA courses consist of 10 units each of 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 traditional grades; rather.

Courses are mostly asynchronous with possible live web conferencing at times. MBA students have access to a wealth of support services including faculty help, admissions counseling, career counseling, advising/coaches, writing help, disability assistance, technical support and networking opportunities.

On-Site Requirements: The Capella University online MBA program is online with no campus visits, practica or internships.

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about entrepreneurial and general business topics, and providing detailed information on online MBA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.