Bachelor's/Master's Options
Capella University offers two bachelor’s/master’s options that allow learners to complete master’s-level coursework while they are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.
Accelerated Master’s Pathway Options
Accelerated master’s pathway (AMP) options are designated undergraduate offerings that incorporate specific master’s-level courses into a learner’s undergraduate core or specialization requirements.
Learners may apply and be admitted to AMP-designated undergraduate programs upon initial entry to Capella University, or they may elect to later change into an AMP option through the change of program process. To qualify for an accelerated master’s pathway option, learners must submit transcripts from all previous higher education institutions, have received a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on all previous college coursework, and have no fewer than 24 total eligible transfer credits. Learners who apply to change into an AMP option after initial admission to the university must have a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA at Capella and at least 24 completed college credits.
Once enrolled in a GuidedPath accelerated master’s pathway option, learners must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.8 and receive no more than one grade of “C” in any master’s-level course to remain enrolled in the AMP option. Learners falling below this threshold will be automatically changed into the associated non-AMP GuidedPath undergraduate offering.
Once enrolled in a FlexPath accelerated master’s pathway option, learners are expected to earn a minimum "proficient" evaluation on all master's-level competencies and all competencies in their program. Learners who receive "basic" evaluations in more than one course will be automatically changed into the associated non-AMP FlexPath undergraduate offering.
Once learners have successfully completed the requirements for their bachelor’s degree program and their degree has been awarded, they may apply to the master’s degree program that corresponds to their chosen accelerated master’s pathway option. Learners are encouraged to enroll in their master’s degree program within one year of graduating from their bachelor’s degree program to ensure all master’s-level courses are relevant and applicable to the graduate program’s degree requirements.
Combined Bachelor's/Master's Option
Combined bachelor’s/master’s options are designated bachelor’s offerings with a set of master’s-level courses that are applied to the requirements for a bachelor’s degree and may also be applied in a subsequent master’s degree program. In combined option offerings, the master’s-level courses are often applied toward learners’ undergraduate elective requirements.
To qualify for a GuidedPath combined option, learners must enroll in an eligible bachelor’s degree program and earn a minimum 2.8 cumulative grade point average (GPA) while completing the first 100 quarter credits of bachelor’s-level coursework, which includes a minimum of 18 quarter credits earned at Capella University (first course and at least 12 quarter credits of core and/ or specialization or minor courses). After completing 100 quarter credits of bachelor’s-level coursework, learners may request to be enrolled in an eligible combined option during which they complete 12–15 quarter credits of master’s-level coursework. Learners must receive no more than one grade of "C" in any master's-level course and maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.8 to remain enrolled in the combined option.
Once learners have successfully completed the requirements for their bachelor’s degree program and their degree has been awarded, they may apply for the master’s degree program that corresponds to their chosen combined option. Learners are encouraged to enroll in their master’s degree program within one year of graduating from their bachelor’s degree program to ensure all master’s-level courses are relevant and applicable to the graduate program’s degree requirements. The 12–15 quarter credits of master’s-level coursework completed as part of the requirements for their bachelor’s degree program will be applied toward those for their master’s degree program.
To qualify for a FlexPath combined option, learners must enroll in an eligible bachelor’s degree program and earn a minimum evaluation of “Proficient” on all competencies while completing the first 50 program points of bachelor’s-level coursework, which includes a minimum of 9 program points earned at Capella University (first course and 6 program points of core and/or specialization courses). After completing 50 program points of bachelor’s-level coursework, learners may request to be enrolled in an eligible combined option during which they complete 6–7.5 program points of master’s-level coursework. Learners are expected to earn a minimum "proficient" evaluation on all master's level competencies and all competencies in their program. Learners who receive "basic" evaluations in more than one course will be automatically changed into the associated non-combined option undergraduate offering.
Once learners have successfully completed the requirements for their bachelor’s degree program and their degree has been awarded, they may apply for the master’s degree program that corresponds to their chosen combined option. Learners are not guaranteed admission into a corresponding master’s degree program and must complete a separate application for admission to the program. Learners are encouraged to enroll in their master’s degree program within one year of graduating from their bachelor’s degree program to ensure all master’s-level courses are relevant and applicable to the graduate program’s degree requirements, and must start their master’s degree program in accordance with the University’s Academic Calendar. The 6–7.5 program points of master’s-level coursework completed as part of the requirements for their bachelor’s degree program will be applied toward those for their master’s degree program.