1. General Education Courses:
- English Composition: Developing strong written communication skills.
- College Algebra or Quantitative Reasoning: Building foundational mathematical competencies.
- Humanities: Exploring human culture, arts, and society.
- Natural Sciences: Understanding the fundamental principles of the natural world.
- Social Sciences: Analyzing human behavior, societies, and structures.
2. Core Business Courses:
- Introduction to Business: Establishing a foundation in business principles and concepts.
- Principles of Marketing: Learning the basics of market strategies and consumer behavior.
- Financial Accounting: Grasping the fundamentals of financial reporting and transactions.
- Managerial Accounting: Diving into the nuances of internal financial processes and decision-making.
- Business Statistics: Analyzing data and its relevance in business decision-making.
- Microeconomics: Understanding individual and firm behavior within the larger economy.
- Macroeconomics: Gaining insights into the entire economy’s workings, from inflation to unemployment.
- Business Law: Studying the legal environment of business, from contracts to regulations.
- Principles of Management: Exploring managerial roles, styles, and challenges.
- Business Ethics and Social Responsibility: Examining ethical considerations in business operations.
- Business Communications: Enhancing communication skills in a professional setting.
- Operations Management: Delving into the production and delivery of goods and services.
3. FlexPath Specialization Tracks: Depending on your chosen path within the FlexPath program, you might focus on a particular area of business:
Marketing:
- Consumer Behavior: Understanding why consumers make purchase decisions.
- Digital Marketing: Navigating the online landscape of advertising and engagement.
- Marketing Research: Gathering and analyzing market data for strategic decision-making.
Finance:
- Corporate Finance: Evaluating business financing and capital structure decisions.
- Investment Analysis: Understanding securities and portfolio management.
- Financial Markets: Exploring the dynamics of financial markets and institutions.
Human Resource Management:
- Recruitment and Selection: Mastering the process of attracting and hiring talent.
- Compensation and Benefits: Designing competitive and fair remuneration structures.
- Employee Training and Development: Enhancing employee skills for organizational growth.
Operations Management:
- Supply Chain Management: Overseeing the flow of goods from supplier to customer.
- Quality Management: Ensuring products and services meet standards.
- Production Planning: Scheduling and managing the production process.
Entrepreneurship:
- Small Business Management: Navigating the challenges of running a small enterprise.
- Business Plan Development: Crafting comprehensive plans for business ventures.
- Innovation and Creativity in Business: Cultivating novel solutions for business challenges.
4. Capstone or Senior Project: In the FlexPath program, students often apply their skills in a project, demonstrating their comprehensive understanding of business concepts and real-world application.
5. Internship or Practical Experience: Capella’s FlexPath may provide opportunities for real-world application, be it through internships or case study analyses, to offer hands-on experience in the business realm.
The FlexPath learning format is competency-based, allowing students to progress by demonstrating mastery of specific skills or knowledge. It's self-paced, meaning students can move through the material at their own speed, as opposed to traditional online courses that have set schedules and timelines.
The duration can vary based on the student's pace. Some students may complete it faster than traditional programs if they dedicate more time or come with prior knowledge, while others might take longer based on their schedules and learning pace.
Yes, as of my last update in January 2022, Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. However, accreditation can vary by program, so it's always a good idea to verify the current status on the university's official website or the accrediting body's site.
Typically, yes. Capella University usually evaluates transfer credits from accredited institutions. The number of credits that can be transferred might vary based on the specific courses and how they align with the program's curriculum.
FlexPath has a unique tuition structure. Instead of paying per credit hour, students generally pay a flat rate for each 12-week billing session. The total cost can vary based on the number of courses a student completes within that billing period.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or Equivalent: Prospective students typically need to have graduated from high school or have an equivalent diploma, such as a GED.
- Transcripts: Applicants must provide official transcripts from high school and any post-secondary institutions attended. If the applicant has already attended college, college transcripts can sometimes be used in lieu of high school transcripts.
- GPA Requirements: Some programs might have a minimum GPA requirement for previous academic work.
- Application Form: A completed application form which usually requires personal details, educational history, and potentially a statement of purpose or answers to specific questions.
- Application Fee: Many universities charge a non-refundable application fee.
- English Language Proficiency: For non-native English speakers, institutions might require proof of English language proficiency, often through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
- Assessment for FlexPath: Since FlexPath is a self-paced, competency-based format, Capella University may require prospective students to take an assessment to determine their readiness for this style of learning.
- Letters of Recommendation: Some programs may ask for letters of recommendation, though this is more common for graduate programs than for undergraduate ones.
- Interview: While less common for online programs, some universities might have an interview process, either in person or virtually.
- Prior Learning Assessment: Universities like Capella with competency-based programs might offer an assessment of prior learning. This could allow students to get course credits for work experiences, professional training, certifications, or other learning experiences outside traditional academia.
- Technical Requirements: Given that FlexPath is an online program, there might be technical requirements or prerequisites, like having a suitable computer and a stable internet connection.
- Financial Aid & Scholarships: While not a requirement for admission, students often explore options for financial aid, grants, or scholarships during the application process
Features
- Competency-Based: The program focuses on mastery of specific skills or competencies rather than traditional time-based measures of learning. This means students progress by demonstrating their understanding and knowledge rather than just completing coursework within a set timeframe.
- Self-Paced Learning: Students can move through courses at their own pace. This is particularly beneficial for those who may grasp certain topics quickly and want to move on, or for those who need more time to understand specific concepts.
- Flat-Rate Tuition: Instead of paying per credit hour, students typically pay a flat rate for each 12-week billing session. This can lead to cost savings for students who complete more courses in a billing session.
- Flexible Course Start Dates: Unlike traditional programs that might have a few set start dates each year, FlexPath often offers more frequent start dates, allowing students to begin their program when it's most convenient for them.
- Online Format: The entire program is offered online, providing flexibility for students regardless of their geographic location and allowing them to study at times that are most convenient for their schedules.
- Personalized Support: Even though the program is self-paced, students are not on their own. They often have access to faculty, tutors, and academic coaches who provide guidance and support throughout the program.
- Real-World Scenarios: The coursework in FlexPath programs often integrates real-world scenarios, ensuring that the learning is applicable to professional settings.
- Prior Learning Assessment: The program might offer the opportunity to earn credit for knowledge and skills students have already acquired, either through previous coursework, professional experience, or other training.
- Interactive Digital Resources: Given its online nature, the FlexPath program utilizes a range of digital resources and tools to enhance the learning experience.
- Transparent Progress Tracking: Students can typically track their progress through a dashboard or portal, giving them a clear understanding of where they stand in each course and what competencies they still need to master.
- Structured Yet Flexible: While students have the flexibility to set their own pace, the program is also structured in a way to provide a clear path to completion. This balance ensures that students have direction while also having the freedom to adjust based on their circumstances.
- Financial Aid Opportunities: Even though the tuition structure is unique, students in the FlexPath program often still have access to various financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Target audiences
- Recent High School Graduates: Individuals who have recently graduated from high school and are looking for a flexible higher education option that allows them to either work part-time or engage in other activities.
- Working Professionals: Those who are already in the workforce and want to enhance their qualifications, switch career paths, or move up in their current profession. The FlexPath format is especially appealing to this group due to its self-paced nature.
- Career Changers: Individuals who are looking to transition into the business field from another industry or profession and need foundational business knowledge.
- Returning Students: Those who may have started their higher education journey but, for various reasons, had to take a break. They might now be looking for a flexible way to complete their degree.
- Entrepreneurs and Aspiring Business Owners: Individuals with an idea or passion they want to turn into a business venture and need the knowledge and skills to navigate the business world.
- Global Students: Online, flexible programs like FlexPath can attract students from around the world, especially those looking for a U.S.-based education but who might not be in a position to relocate.
- Individuals Seeking Personal Development: Not everyone pursues a degree purely for career reasons. Some might be interested in the subject matter and want to deepen their knowledge for personal growth.
- Military Personnel: Active-duty military members or veterans might find the flexibility of the FlexPath program appealing, especially if they have unpredictable schedules or are stationed overseas.
- Lifelong Learners: Individuals who have a passion for continuous learning and want to understand the intricacies of the business world.
