A guide to doctoral support

Earning a doctorate can be a transformative experience that prepares you to lead at the top of your field.

But the journey is not without challenges. That’s why Capella University has built plenty of support and guidance into its online doctoral degree programs.

Capella’s community-centered approach means you’ll never feel like you’re doing this alone. Learn about the many people, tools, and other support resources you can count on as a Capella doctoral student:

Faculty

Capella instructors draw on their wealth of knowledge and real-world professional experiences to inform and shape your doctoral journey. The faculty are deeply committed to your success and will play a critical role in your development.

Academic advisors

Your dedicated academic advisor is there to answer your questions and provide support from the beginning of the program until the end. Whether things are going smoothly or you need a pep talk, this person is always in your corner.

Academic and Doctoral project planning tools

Capella has developed tools to help you prepare for your dissertation and doctoral capstone project. An interactive online guide to key stages makes it a snap to chart your progress.

Online library

When it’s time to do research, doctoral students turn to Capella’s extensive online library. You’ll have access to many resources and databases relevant to your research, including hard-to-locate materials. Need a hand finding something? Experienced librarians are happy to help.

Writing center

The Writing Center is your one-stop resource to improve your academic writing skills. You can read FAQs about writing (e.g., “How do I create an annotated outline?”) or submit a new question. For personalized support, students can easily connect with a writing coach.

Career center

Whether you need help creating a great resume, searching for a job, or exploring career paths, the Career Center is the place to turn. You’ll find a variety of resources developed specifically for Capella students and alumni. You can also work with a professional career counselor who can provide personalized support and guidance.

Self-management tools

Most doctoral students earn a degree while juggling work and family responsibilities, too. This can be challenging, but Capella can help. On Capella’s Online Campus site, you’ll find tools to help doctoral students manage their time and workload, handle stress, stay motivated, and maintain a better school-work-life balance.

Learn more about Capella’s online resources, support and structure forPhDandProfessional Doctoralprograms.

"Working in higher education, I have a peek behind the curtain of what kind of support students need—and what it feels like when they don’t get it. During my program, I was beyond supported. Capella far exceeded my expectations.”

Lynn D., EdD graduate*
*Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in Capella promotional materials.