Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programs
Acquire advanced theoretical and practical knowledge, culminating in a dissertation designed to make a significant contribution to the theory and literature in your field. Experienced advisors and faculty members mentor and guide you through the process of choosing and developing a dissertation topic based on your professional interests. You will also attend three, three-day residential colloquia at specific stages of your program—giving you face-to-face interaction with faculty, advisors, and peers, and offering valuable feedback on your research, comprehensive examination, and dissertation.
School of Business and Technology
Business
Information Technology
Organization and Management
School of Education
Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Counseling
Counselor Education and Supervision
Counseling Studies
Department of Psychology
School of Public Service Leadership
Human Services
Public Safety
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Programs
Receive comprehensive clinical training in the field of psychology, including psychopathology, psychological testing, and psychotherapy. Designed to prepare you to work as a clinical psychologist, Capella's PsyD is a rigorous program that requires online course work, residencies, and field training experiences, culminating in a dissertation project.*
*Check state licensure requirements. The license to practice as a professional psychologist is regulated independently in each state or province. Learners who intend to seek licensure or certification should check the program requirements in the state or province in which they hope to practice. This program is not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Psychology
Doctor of Education (EdD) Programs
This doctoral program focuses on practical knowledge and applied research that contributes to the solution of a recognized problem in the field of education. The curriculum is aligned with the Competencies for Community College Leaders developed by the American Association of Community Colleges and also reflects professional P–12 standards. The program is designed to be completed in less than three years, with all courses taken in sequence, allowing you to learn and build professional relationships with the same cohort of students. This degree program does not satisfy licensure requirements for P–12 public school teachers or administrators.
School of Education
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Programs
Differentiate yourself in today's competitive business environment with Capella's online DBA. This professional doctorate offers a defined course sequence and built-in checkpoints that allow you to accomplish a meaningful, applied dissertation project and successfully complete your program in three years. Online courseroom discussions, specially designed social networking sites, and three face-to-face weekend residencies provide ongoing opportunities to build professional relationships and share knowledge with other business leaders around the globe. An optional international trip provides in-depth experience on the effect of globalization in business.
Review of this program is pending in FL, ND, and SC.
School of Business and Technology
Business Administration
Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) Program
Position yourself to meet the critical need for leadership skills in the fast-growing field of health care administration. Capella's DHA is designed around the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) Competency Model™
and is one of few DHA programs in the country. Because it focuses on practical contributions to the health care field, a DHA can be completed in less time than a research-focused PhD. The program includes simulations, group problem-solving, and real-time coaching sessions to strengthen the collaboration and communication skills needed by health care leaders. You will participate in field experiences instead of a comprehensive examination, giving you the opportunity to apply your newly gained knowledge in a professional health care setting. You will also complete an action dissertation project using participatory research and reflective study to make a practical, evidence-based improvement in your organization or community.
Review of this program is pending in AZ, KS, KY, ND, SC, and TN.
School of Public Service Leadership
Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) Programs
Capella's online DPA is designed to enhance the multidisciplinary skills needed by today's public administrators, as well as provide opportunities to develop and apply research that addresses actual issues within your community. The program blends online course work, current case studies, advanced learning technologies, and field experiences. Working with a rich, global network of experienced faculty and professional peers, you will gain an in-depth understanding of your own field, plus insights from professionals in allied fields, such as public safety and health care, who often collaborate with you to solve today's complex challenges.
School of Public Service Leadership
Public Administration
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Programs
Experience Capella's rich, multidisciplinary approach to public health education and make an immediate impact in your field through an applied research project. This professional doctorate, developed around national public health curriculum standards, provides one of few opportunities to earn a DrPH online. You will study and apply advanced public health theories and practices and also develop an in-depth understanding of the larger public service environment by collaborating with public administration, public safety, and health care professionals. Courses are designed to be taken in sequence, allowing you to learn and build professional relationships with the same cohort of students.
Review of this program is pending in SC.
School of Public Service Leadership
Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Programs
Prepare yourself for leadership as an administrator, teacher, or scholar in the growing field of social work. This professional doctorate, designed around national social work education guidelines, is one of very few online DSW degree programs. It also features face-to-face learning experiences, including a week-long, intensive dissertation writing retreat and a course that requires participatory research. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, action research, and the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience. There is a strong focus on the growing use of technology to advance the practice of social work, build awareness of important social issues, and expand the reach or effectiveness of social service programs. This DSW is designed to be completed in three years, with all courses taken in sequence, allowing you to learn and build professional relationships with the same cohort of students.
Review of this program is pending in AL, AZ, FL, KS, KY, ND, SC, WA, and WI.
Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Social Work