Capella University accreditations
Credibility is non-negotiable
Accreditation sets the bar for rigor and quality in higher education. Capella University is institutionally accredited, with many programs also accredited by recognized professional bodies. That means your degree is recognized and grounded in established academic standards and relevant professional expectations.
Capella University institutional accreditation
Since 1997, Capella University has maintained institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit degree-granting colleges and universities.
Student success, academic quality and qualified faculty
Ethical governance, integrity and fiscal responsibility
Mission, workplace preparation and public good
Professional program accreditations
Capella’s BS in IT program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org. (The FlexPath option is not included in this specialized accreditation.)
ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission provides quality assurance for bachelor’s degree computing programs. ABET accreditation is recognized globally as evidence that a program meets the standards set by its technical profession.
The following business programs at Capella University are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Business with specializations in: Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, Management and Leadership, Marketing, and Project Management
- Master of Business Administration with specializations in: Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, Project Management, and Self-Designed
- Master of Science in Human Resource Management with specializations in: General Human Resource Management
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management with specializations in: General Business Management, Accounting, Human Resource Management, Information Technology Management, Leadership, Project Management, and Strategy and Innovation
- Doctor of Business Administration with specializations in: Strategy and Innovation, General Management, and Organizational Leadership and Development
The following business program at Capella University is NOT accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs: Master of Science in Human Resource Management with specialization in Health Care.
The following Health Care Administration programs at Capella University are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration Leadership
- Master of Health Administration
- Doctor of Health Administration
ACBSP is a global business education accreditor of business degree programs from associate through doctoral levels. By evaluating aspects of leadership, strategic planning, relationships with stakeholders, quality of academic programs, faculty credentials and educational support, ACBSP assesses whether business programs offer a rigorous educational experience and commitment to continuous quality improvement.
The following program specializations are accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Accreditation Center for Project Management (PMI-GAC).
- BS in Business – Project Management
- Master of Business Administration – Project Management
- MS in Information Technology – Project Management
- PhD in Business Management – Project Management
- PhD in Information Technology – Project Management
The FlexPath option for the project management specializations is not accredited by PMI-GAC.
The PhD programs are no longer accepting new enrollment.
The GAC Accredited Program seal is a mark of Project Management Institute, Inc.
The PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC) is the world’s leading specialized accrediting body for project management and related degree programs. GAC accredits programs from the bachelor’s through doctoral levels, providing assurance that they meet comprehensive global standards of excellence and prepare graduates to meet today’s market demands.
CACREP accredits master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling and related educational programs. CACREP accreditation indicates the program meets standards with regard to institutional settings, mission, content, practicum experiences, advising, faculty qualifications and workload, program governance, instructional support and self-evaluation.
The Capella University Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through 2031. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.
1140 19th St NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20036
202-223-0077
CAEP reports:
Offerings in the CAEP-accredited Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) at Capella
CAEP Annual Report
CAEP accredits education preparation providers (EPPs) that offer bachelor’s, master’s and/or doctoral degrees, and post-baccalaureate or other programs leading to certification, licensure or endorsement in the United States and/or internationally. CAEP accreditation assures the public of the quality of departments, schools and colleges that prepare P–12 teachers and other educators.
The MS in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Capella University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
112 South Alfred Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703-838-9808
[email protected]
COAMFTE accredits graduate degree and post-graduate clinical training programs in marriage and family therapy that meet accepted quality standards established by the profession. COAMFTE accreditation assures students and the public of the quality of the program’s curriculum, faculty and preparation for licensure.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Capella University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
CCNE accredits baccalaureate, graduate and residency/fellowship programs in nursing at accredited institutions. CCNE accreditation provides assurance of the quality, integrity and effective educational practices of nursing programs.
Capella University’s MS in Clinical Psychology clinical counseling specialization is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) of the American Psychological Association (APA).
Questions related to this accreditation should be directed to:
CoA: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
202-336-5979
[email protected]
The APA Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA) accredits master’s and doctoral graduate programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology and combinations of these areas. APA accreditation assures the public that a program has clearly defined training aims that meet professional and scientific standards that support the successful, ethical and skillful delivery of psychological service.
The Capella University Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through 2031. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
1140 19th St NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20036
202-223-0077
CAEP reports:
Offerings in the CAEP-accredited Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) at Capella
CAEP Annual Report
CAEP accredits education preparation providers (EPPs) that offer bachelor’s, master’s and/or doctoral degrees, and post-baccalaureate or other programs leading to certification, licensure or endorsement in the United States and/or internationally. CAEP accreditation assures the public of the quality of departments, schools and colleges that prepare P-12 teachers and other educators.
Capella University’s Master of Science in Human Services Education is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE). The MS in Human Services is no longer accepting new enrollment. In compliance with the CSHSE public disclosure policy, Capella University reports this program's student achievement indicators.
Accreditation frequently asked questions
Accreditation provides assurance to the public that an educational institution or program meets standards for quality and follows federal and state regulations. Accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education conduct regular evaluations to make sure these regulations are followed. To receive accreditation, an institution must meet criteria for quality in areas including academic offerings, faculty and student services. Institutions must continuously improve their educational offerings and services to maintain accreditation.
Accreditation provides evidence to students and the public that an institution meets standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, student services and fiscal stability.
Accreditation is a factor weighed by many employers, professional associations and other accredited institutions of higher education.
Accreditation can help facilitate the transfer of credits from one accredited institution to another.
Accreditation is a consideration for many employers, professional associations and other accredited institutions of higher education. More than 900 organizations – including corporations and healthcare organizations – invest in their employees by partnering with Capella University to offer access to discounted education programs.
For over 30 years, we’ve made it our goal to provide working professionals with a flexible way to earn a degree that’s credible and recognized. Institutional and programmatic accreditation assures students and the public of quality standards for the education Capella University offers. The many awards and recognitions we’ve received demonstrate our commitment to a quality education and our credibility as a rigorous institution of learning.
In addition to institutional accreditation, Capella University has earned specialized and program-specific accreditations that recognize the quality of our degree programs. Explore professional accreditations and their potential to impact credential and licensure eligibility before you enroll in a program.
Institutional accreditors recognized by CHEA and the U.S. Department of Education evaluate the quality of colleges, universities and vocational schools in the United States and are authorized to award accreditation.
To maintain accreditations, universities must:
- Continuously improve educational programs and services.
- Conduct internal reviews to assess performance in key areas.
- Undergo regular evaluations by recognized accrediting agencies.
- Submit detailed documentation of outcomes and improvements to accrediting bodies.
- Make necessary adjustments based on feedback from evaluations.
Capella University is consistently recognized by respected national organizations for its commitment to high-quality, flexible education for working adults.
In 2025, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education recognized Capella University within its Opportunity Colleges and Universities classification for its high access to a broad range of students and its graduates’ high earnings compared to benchmarks.
This honor reflects our mission as an education innovator to provide online learning formats and career-focused programs that help adult students achieve their professional goals.
