News Releases
Capella University Announces Online BSN and MPH
Online degree programs, plus three new public service concentrations, will help meet growing demand for “mission-critical” public service leaders and professionals
MINNEAPOLIS, Nov 23, 2009—Capella University (www.capella.edu), an accredited* online university that has built its reputation by providing quality education for adults, announced that it has expanded its public service leadership offerings. They include a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online degree programs, as well as new graduate concentrations in Public Health and Homeland Security; and an undergraduate concentration in Security Management. In addition, Capella now offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, which replaces its Master of Science in Public Health program.
These new offerings address the two fields with the most critical employment needs in federal government—medical and public health, and security and protection, according to Partnership for Public Service’s recent report, “Where the Jobs Are 2009: Mission-Critical Opportunities for America.” Similar needs have been projected at other levels of government and in the private sector.
Growing demand for bachelor’s-prepared nurses
Registered nursing is one of the country’s fastest growing occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Because of the increased complexity of today’s health care environment, the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice has recommended that at least two-thirds of the nurse work force hold baccalaureate or higher degrees. Capella’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN-to-BSN Degree Completion specialization, is designed to provide busy RNs with the option to complete their BSN degree online. Capella’s program incorporates the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Capella also offers master’s and doctoral specializations in the field of nursing.
Online MPH helps address impending shortage of public health leaders
According to the Partnership for Public Service report, the biggest demand for government workers will be in the area of medical and public health, where more than 54,000 jobs will need to be filled in the next three years. Capella’s Master of Public Health, developed around national public health curriculum standards, is designed to help address that need. Three specializations are offered: General Public Health; Health Management and Policy; and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
“We have replaced our MS in Public Health with an MPH, allowing us to further align our degree with national public health education standards and offer the most relevant and recognized degree in the field,” said Suzanne Holmes, DPA, interim co-dean of Capella’s School of Public Service Leadership and faculty chair for public health and public administration. “Capella’s MPH combines a public health focus with a multidisciplinary approach to public service education, which we believe better prepares our students for leadership positions.”
Concentrations provide cost-effective opportunity to add area of focus to degree
Capella is now providing students in selected public service degree programs and specializations the option to add a concentration in Public Health or Homeland Security (at the graduate level), or Security Management (at the bachelor’s level). The concentrations consist of three courses at the graduate level or five courses at the bachelor’s level. In many instances, students can use their electives to complete these courses and add a concentration for little or no additional time or money.
Enrollment now open
Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for its new educational offerings. For more information, please call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552) or e-mail info@capella.edu.
Review of the BSN is pending in AL, FL, GA, ND, SC, and VA.
Review of the MPH, General Public Health specialization is pending in AL, GA, ND, and SC.
About Capella University
Capella University (NASDAQ: CPLA - News) (www.capella.edu) is an accredited*, fully online university that has built its reputation by providing quality education for working adults. More than 80 percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, and public safety. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, public administration, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 124 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs. Nearly 31,000 learners were enrolled as of September 30, 2009, from all 50 states and 56 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).
* Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), www.capella.edu.
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