Skip to main navigation | Skip to content | Skip to utility navigation
Capella University

Online Learning

Online Learning

Capella University's competency-based curriculum is built with input from employers and alignment to industry association standards. Capella delivers the instructions to help you develop the skills needed to succeed in your field. This unique approach delivers learning outcomes that lead to superior career outcomes.

Online learning is flexible — you can work on your courses at a time and place that fits your life — but you should expect to be engaged, inspired, and challenged. At Capella, you'll use our online campus and your courseroom to connect and engage with course materials, your classmates, instructors, and more.

New Self-Paced Learning Option

Capella's FlexPath self-paced learning option gives you the freedom to move quickly when you can, or more slowly as needed—without weekly discussion questions or preset due dates for assessments. With FlexPath, you can complete your degree on your schedule—saving money while finishing your degree sooner. You will build the career-enhancing skills that employers and industry experts seek—in a more efficient, personalized way without sacrificing quality. At this time, FlexPath is only available for those seeking a Bachelor's in Business Administration or an MBA in General Business Administration.

Learn more about FlexPath

The Capella Experience

Click on each activity to learn more

Within the Capella Campus

Create your profile

You'll create an online profile to share your educational and professional interests with your classmates and instructors.x

Create & manage your Academic Plan

Work with an Academic Advisor to choose your courses and plan your degree program from start to finish.x

Get personalized guidance

Our dedicated support staff—including librarians, financial aid staff, academic advisors, and career counselors—are all here to help you succeed.x

Connect with the Capella community

Participate in online discussion groups to engage with like-minded classmates, instructors, and alumni in your area and across the world. x

Within the Capella Courseroom

Explore course materials

Your course materials are more than just books—you'll also use interactive tools like video scenarios, online articles, and simulations.x

Engage in class discussions

Within the courseroom, you'll answer discussion questions, respond to your classmates' posts, get feedback from your instructor, and discuss course materials.x

Receive & submit weekly assignments

Build skills and demonstrate your knowledge through weekly assignments, from reading and discussing articles to completing projects and papers.x

Receive feedback and grades

The personalized feedback and grades you get from your instructor will help you identify areas to work on so you can develop academically and professionally. x
The Capella Campus

Within our online campus, you'll manage your academic plan, have access to personalized support, and connect with our community of more than 35,000 students and 1,500 faculty members.

The Capella Courseroom

In the courseroom, you'll learn through discussions, interactive media, readings, video, assignments, and feedback from your classmates and instructors.

A typical week in a Capella course

Most courses last 10-12 weeks. Each week, you'll develop new skills and knowledge as you read course materials, engage with classmates and instructors, and write discussion posts, papers, and other assignments.

Click on each activity to learn more

  • Mon
  • Tues
  • Wed
  • Thurs
  • Fri
  • Sat
  • Sun

Starting Monday

Review unit introduction and assignments
Each week, you'll start by reviewing the learning objectives and assignments for the unit, as well as announcements from your instructor. Assignments can include reading textbooks, conducting library research, writing papers, and participating in course discussions.x

Starting Monday

Begin reading, research and writing assignments
Read the assigned textbooks and articles—including materials you'll find in Capella's online library—or complete interactive learning exercises. Then start working on the papers or projects that have been assigned for this week's unit.x

Starting Tuesday

Participate in discussions
Your instructor will facilitate the online course discussions, which make up part of your grade. You'll talk about real-world, career-relevant topics, and you'll benefit from the diverse perspectives of your classmates, who are working professionals.x

Starting Thursday

Complete assignments and assessments
Online learning gives you the flexibility to do homework when & where it works for you, but you need to submit your papers and projects before the weekly deadline. Your instructor will grade your assignments and give you personalized feedback so you can continue to learn and improve.x

Are you ready to succeed at Capella?

Screenshot of Capella's readiness center

Explore your readiness.

Our free self-assessments can help you examine your motivations, resources, tech abilities, and time management skills. Then fill in the gaps with tips and tools to improve your readiness.

Register now

Experience a Capella course for free

Screenshot of a free one week mini-course

Sign up for a Free One-Week Mini Course

Find out what it's like to to take courses online at Capella with our free mini course. This short, one-unit course includes the type of readings, discussions, and assignments that are part of every Capella course.

Register now