Capella University stands as a leader in online higher education, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded with a mission to expand access to quality degrees for adult learners, it specializes in competency-based education that allows students to progress by demonstrating skills rather than seat time. This innovative approach shapes the types of jobs available, emphasizing roles that support flexible, outcomes-focused learning. Jobs at Capella University span faculty positions, administrative support, instructional design, and student services, all geared toward empowering working professionals to advance their careers.
The university serves over 38,000 students across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in fields like business, healthcare, information technology, education, nursing, and psychology. As part of Strategic Education, Inc., Capella integrates cutting-edge technology and data analytics into its operations, creating dynamic opportunities for academic professionals passionate about online teaching and learner success.
Established in 1993 as The Graduate School of America, Capella University evolved into a fully online institution by 1999, earning accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its growth reflects a commitment to serving non-traditional students—those balancing work, family, and studies. Key milestones include launching FlexPath in 2011, a pioneering self-paced model, and expanding doctoral programs that now hold specialized accreditations from bodies like ACBSP and CCNE.
The mission centers on learner achievement and impactful careers, influencing job roles to prioritize practical, real-world application. Faculty and staff contribute to this by developing curricula aligned with industry needs, such as healthcare simulations or IT certifications. This history fosters a culture of innovation, making Capella an attractive employer for those interested in higher ed faculty jobs.
Capella's programs emphasize eight schools: Business and Technology, Education, Nursing and Health Sciences, Psychology, Public Service Leadership, and more. Signature offerings include Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), PhD in Business Management, and BS in Information Technology. These programs demand faculty with specialized expertise, particularly in online pedagogy and competency assessment.
For instance, nursing faculty must hold active RN licenses and doctoral degrees, while business roles seek professionals with executive experience. This structure opens doors for jobs at Capella University in niche areas like guidedpath and FlexPath instruction, where educators mentor learners toward mastery.
Opportunities at Capella primarily revolve around online delivery, including core faculty who teach full course loads, adjunct instructors for part-time courses, and subject matter experts for curriculum development. Administrative positions cover enrollment counseling, academic advising, and learner success coaching. Research roles focus on outcomes assessment and program efficacy studies.
Explore university job types for a broader view of positions like these across institutions. Many roles support remote work, ideal for professionals nationwide.
Faculty jobs at Capella University demand rigorous credentials. Core faculty typically need a doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DNP) in the field, with at least three years of higher education teaching experience, preferably online. Adjuncts require a master's minimum.
Research focus prioritizes applied scholarship, such as publications in peer-reviewed journals on adult learning or program evaluation. Preferred experience includes securing grants, leading accreditation efforts, or industry tenure—e.g., 10+ years in healthcare for nursing roles.
Skills and competencies encompass:
To apply for jobs at Capella University, visit their careers portal on the Strategic Education site. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter highlighting online teaching philosophy, transcripts, and references. Interviews often include teaching demonstrations via Zoom.
Actionable tips:
Capella University champions diversity through the Inclusion Council, employee resource groups for underrepresented faculty, and mandatory unconscious bias training. They track hiring metrics for equity and partner with organizations like the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education. Specific examples include scholarships for diverse doctoral candidates and mentorship programs pairing new faculty with seasoned diverse leaders. This commitment extends to curriculum, embedding inclusive content across programs.
Though primarily virtual, Capella's Minneapolis headquarters offers collaborative spaces for optional visits. Work-life balance shines via unlimited PTO for faculty, flexible hours matching asynchronous teaching, and wellness stipends up to $1,000 annually. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, 401(k) matching, and parental leave. Campus life involves virtual town halls, faculty development webinars, and recognition events. Remote roles allow integration with personal life, with many employees praising the autonomy in a supportive culture.
Competency-Based Education (CBE): A learning model where students advance by mastering skills, not time spent in class, central to Capella's FlexPath.
FlexPath: Capella's self-paced program allowing unlimited courses per 12-week billing session for a flat fee, demanding faculty skilled in flexible assessment.
GuidedPath: Structured quarterly model with instructor-led courses, contrasting FlexPath for varied job responsibilities.
Working here means shaping future leaders in a forward-thinking environment. With competitive salaries averaging $80,000-$120,000 for faculty and growth opportunities, it's ideal for those passionate about online innovation. Capella's focus on evidence-based practices ensures impactful contributions.
In summary, jobs at Capella University offer rewarding paths in higher education. Browse higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job to connect with opportunities. For talent attraction strategies, see employer branding secrets.
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