News Releases

Capella University Announces Two New K–12 Education Specializations

New offerings include online PhD specializations in K–12 studies and curriculum and instruction

MINNEAPOLIS, May 8, 2006 — To meet the rising demand for qualified K–12 leaders and to address the growing emphasis on educational accountability, Capella University has created two new PhD in education specializations—curriculum and instruction and K–12 studies in education. The new specializations will be offered through Capella University's School of Education beginning with the online university’s July 2006 quarter.

Capella's curriculum and instruction specialization is designed to address the growing demand for instructional coordinators, curriculum directors, and other leadership positions focused on curriculum development and evaluation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in these areas is expected to grow by more than 27 percent by 2014 due to the increased emphasis on educational quality and accountability in student performance. It has been the most requested new specialization at Capella's School of Education. Capella's new online degree program prepares learners for curriculum leadership positions in K–12 institutions, teacher-leader assignments related to curriculum and instructional improvement initiatives, and K–12 curriculum faculty positions in post-secondary institutions.

The second doctoral specialization, K–12 studies in education, is a flexible doctoral program designed for teachers, administrators, and other K–12 career-oriented professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, anticipated retirements over the next 10 years will result in a higher than average growth rate for K–12 leadership positions. Capella's new specialization offers learners a strong foundation of current research and best practices in K–12 education as well as the ability to create an individualized program focused on their unique K–12 research interests and professional objectives. It is also ideal for teachers who want to continue working in the classroom, while also having the opportunity to lead education initiatives at the building or district level.

Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for its PhD in education specializations in curriculum and instruction and K–12 studies in education. For more information, please call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), option 3, or e-mail info@capella.edu. Learners in Kentucky, Washington, and Wisconsin are advised that the specializations for K–12 teachers are not pre-approved for specialist endorsement or licensure. Applicants should verify home state and local district requirements prior to enrollment. Individuals seeking endorsement must perform a transcript review with their state upon completion of the program.

About Capella University
Founded in 1993, Capella University is an accredited* online university that offers graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services and psychology, as well as a Bachelor of Science online degree program with 12 specializations in business and information technology. The online university currently serves more than 15,700 enrolled learners from all 50 states and 63 countries. Capella is a national leader in online education, committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. 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 a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, located at 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, (312) 263-0456, www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org.