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Welcome to Capella
Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.
A flexible EdD
Expand your ability to effect real change with our Doctor of Education (EdD) program. Our five specializations offer the flexibility of online learning while helping you build advanced leadership skills that are essential to P–12 or higher education practitioners.
EdD program overview
Our EdD program is designed with an emphasis on applied research to help experienced practitioners build high-level leadership skills. Learn to solve specific organizational problems, improve outcomes and address gaps in the field.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, student services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Why Capella?
- Cost & savings
- Flexibility
- Quality curriculum
- Student experience
Reduce your tuition
Student loans can help you finance your education – but they must be repaid. Before you apply for a loan, explore the many options for discounts, tuition assistance and other ways to reduce your tuition.
Capella Tuition Cap
With the Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $32,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Scholarships and grants
Capella scholarships and federal grants are funds that you don’t have to pay back.
- Capella Progress Rewards $5,000 doctoral scholarships: These scholarships are not need-based – they’re our way to support your commitment to your education.*
- Student/Alumni Referral Scholarship: Capella students and alumni can refer eligible friends, family or colleagues to Capella to pursue a degree with a scholarship.*
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Military benefits
Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, veterans, their spouses and dependents.
Employer benefits
Tuition discounts and scholarships are available for eligible employees of our partner organizations.
Previous learning
Get the credit you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university.
All transfer and credit for prior learning (CPL) credit must be completed prior to starting any program in the FlexPath format. Any professional certification or external courses taken concurrently with FlexPath enrollment cannot be recognized in the Capella degree program.
Program specializations
Various factors impact your time and cost to complete your degree, such as your program specialization. For more information, visit the Doctor of Education specialization pages.
Doctor of Education specializations
1 of FlexPath alumni would likely attend Capella if they had to do it over again.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2023–2024
Two online learning formats to fit your life
FlexPath
- Take one or two courses at a time.
- Set your own deadlines. You can finish a course and move on to the next one without having to wait for a new term.
- Complete as many courses as you can in each 12-week billing session. Books, supplies, and other fees apply.
- Available in select programs.
GuidedPath
- Work on assignments with fixed weekly deadlines.
- Take up to three classes per quarter.
- Follow a set schedule of 10-week quarters.
Expert advisory board
The contributions of the School of Public Services and Education Advisory Board help to ensure academic offerings effectively build competencies required in the demanding fields of education and social and behavioral sciences. Advisory Board members provide industry and practice-relevant insights to school leaders and faculty to further the mission of the school. In addition to programs and curricula, the Advisory Board also focuses on areas such as diversity, advocacy and social justice; student and alumni success; and community engagement and partnerships.
EdD outcomes
At Capella University, the EdD program provides practicing professionals the opportunity to further develop their skills and demonstrate proficiency in the essential competency areas of their discipline.
Students will practice creative and critical thinking and practical application of inquiry, research, leadership, cultural competency and collaboration skills. The program prepares successful graduates to excel as effective strategists, problem-solvers and change managers in their chosen fields. Students complete a doctoral project focusing on an applied improvement project to meet the needs of an organization of their choice, with key deliverables embedded across a number of courses in the program.
Distinguished faculty
While guiding you through a curriculum designed to help prepare you for your chosen career, our faculty bring a wealth of experiences that translate the courseroom material to the real world. You’ll learn the skills you need and gain insights into your chosen profession.
Doctor of Education services and resources
Education isn’t one-size-fits-all – that’s why support is available to you at every step. From choosing your program and starting classes to coursework assistance and graduation, our support teams are here for you.
Academic support
- One-on-one enrollment and advising support
- Writing Center, online library and tutoring services
- Expert faculty with real-world knowledge
Financing support
- Assistance with the financial aid process
- Scholarships, transfer credits
Personal support
- Disability services
- Student communities and peer-to-peer mentoring
- 24/7 tech support
Career support
- Resume help, interview prep and employer database of job listings
- One-on-one career coaching
- Learner & Alumni Networking platform to connect in your field
Alumni Association
As a graduate, you’ll have a community of Capella students, alumni and faculty you can tap into for career advice and networking.
1 of education alumni are satisfied with their Capella education.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
Career Development Center
Explore your career options, navigate your job search and move toward your goals with help from our Career Development Center. We offer a variety of resources, including one-on-one career coaching. Start planning early.
Frequently asked questions
Applicants to the EdD program must provide the following materials for admission:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International and FlexPath applicants will be subject to additional admission requirements.
View full admission requirements for EdD specializations: Adult Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Performance Improvement Leadership, Reading and Literacy.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
The Doctor of Education program prepares successful graduates with a foundation and skill set in key areas of educational leadership. Students complete a doctoral project focusing on an applied improvement project to meet the needs of an organization of their choice, with key deliverables embedded across a number of courses in the program.
For more information on education courses, view the available specializations: Adult Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Performance Improvement Leadership and Reading and Literacy.
With FlexPath, you can take courses at your own speed and move on to the next one when you’re ready. Our self-paced learning format helps put you in control.
The FlexPath learning format offers flexibility – and support – to help you fit earning a degree into your busy life. Set your own deadlines. Use what you already know to progress at your own pace. And take advantage of one tuition fee every 12-week billing session to help lower costs. Books, supplies and other fees apply.
Compare that with our GuidedPath learning format, which offers structured learning with the flexibility of 24/7 access to the courseroom. Set deadlines help you stay focused and motivated. You’ll engage with peers for weekly discussion posts, and instructors provide regular check-ins and feedback on assessments. Tuition is billed on a pay-per-credit model for 10-week courses. So, you can plan out your degree to fit your schedule and budget.
Capella University offers degrees ranging from bachelor’s to doctorates, as well as certificate options. But what if you just need one specific class? Enrollment specialists Rey Bayl and Terry Metoxen share their insights into how individual courses work and what you can expect from the experience.
Choosing education as a career is fulfilling, rewarding and pragmatic. Check out these five potential careers in education to see if one feels right for you.
Additional Doctor of Education resources
The difference between a dissertation and doctoral capstone
What’s the difference between a doctoral capstone and a dissertation? Get details about project focus, timeframe and deliverables for each.
5 reasons to incorporate technology into your classroom
The future is now. Learn why you should integrate technology in your classroom and how to get started.
6 key areas of expertise to help become a successful teacher
Discover key areas of pedagogical skills and content development to help become a successful teacher.