LET US HELP
Welcome to Capella
Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.
Maybe you have a bachelor’s degree and think a master’s would be a logical next step, or perhaps you would like to move from a master’s to a doctoral degree. There are many excellent reasons for furthering your education. Here are a few things to consider as you approach making a commitment to the next degree program.
1. Evaluate your career goals
When you set out to get your first degree, you may have had specific career goals in mind. When considering more advanced education, it’s good to re-evaluate those goals and see what’s changed. Do you want a specific promotion or position? Are you hoping to change your field or move into a different aspect of your current field? What is your end goal on your career path?
Once you figure out where you want to take your career, you can then consider whether getting another degree supports that goal.
2. Plan around those updated goals
Once you’ve established your new goals, you’re ready to narrow down your education choices. When considering different programs, research these questions:
In addition to considering the degree you need, also ask yourself: Are there skills or experiences that you will need to acquire along with a degree to reach your goal? Do you have those skills, or do you need to pursue them? How will you fill those gaps? This can help you determine which electives to take, internships to pursue, and industry associations to join.
3. Figure out your return on investment
First, determine the cost of the degree program you’re interested in. Then, research the potential return on your investment. Action steps include:
4. Put it all together
Working out the answers to the above questions should put you in a good position to make an informed decision based on practical, real-world experiences of others. An informed decision will give you additional confidence as you pursue the next step of your education.
5. Continue gaining experience
There’s a misconception that once you get the degree, you’re ready to get the position you want. But that’s not always true—employers want to see education and experience. To make sure you continue to gain relevant experience while you’re in school:
Ready to pursue your next degree? Find out if Capella may be a good fit for you. Connect with an enrollment counselor today.
Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcomes. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.