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Introduction
Thinking about going back to school to obtain or finish a
degree? Maybe you want to switch career tracks. Or get
a promotion. Or perhaps you simply crave the personal
satisfaction of achieving something important.
So what’s holding you back?
These worries and concerns may sound familiar:
“I already have a lot of experience. Won’t I be
learning things I already know?”
“My schedule is unpredictable. What if I miss too
many classes?”
“Isn’t the cost of higher ed skyrocketing? I can’t
afford to go back to school.”
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All of those are valid questions and
problems—but they shouldn’t stand in
the way of you and your dreams.
Getting the degree you want in the time you
have is possible through FlexPath from Capella
University. Move at your own pace. Save time
and money. Incorporate existing knowledge and
past experience.
Learn more about FlexPath today—
and find your way forward.
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What is FlexPath?
FlexPath is the most revolutionary direct path to your degree.
This unique, online, self-paced syle of learning lets you:
Leverage what you know.
Move at your own pace.
Save time and money.
You can accelerate through material you
already know and focus on learning
what you don’t.
You set your own deadlines, so learning
always fits your schedule.
There’s no limit to the number of courses
you can complete for one flat fee in a
12-week period.
Did you know? Capella is one of only six universities to gain approval for its direct assessment offering (FlexPath)
from both a regional accreditor (the Higher Learning Commission) and the U.S. Department of Education.
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How does FlexPath work?
FlexPath is competency-based.
Competencies are the critical skills, knowledge, and
abilities required to master the subject matter of your
degree program. Competencies align with the skills,
talents, and knowledge that employers look for in their
best employees.
Analyze Data
Communicate
Effectively
COMPETENCIES
Knowledge & Skills
Think Critically to
Solve Problems
FlexPath courses are assessment-based.
Assessments require you to apply your knowledge to
Presentation
real-world situations through things like case studies,
ASSESSMENTS
Business Plan
research papers, or presentations—work you’d be
Authentically Measure
Competencies
Research Paper
expected to do on the job and aligned with what
employers need.
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FlexPath is non-term and self-paced.
You have up to 12 weeks to complete each course—as soon as you’ve
successfully completed a course, you can move on to the next, without
having to wait for the next quarter or semester to begin.
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What else sets FlexPath apart?
• In FlexPath, your performance is evaluated through a series of
assessments. These assessments are designed to measure how well you
have mastered the course competencies.
• You are not required to purchase course materials. You can use your own
resources or Capella-recommended resources to learn competencies and
complete assessments.
• After you’ve completed an assessment, you’ll submit the material to a
faculty member who will evaluate how well you understand and apply
the concepts to the competencies. They’ll reply with robust, personalized
feedback within 48 hours.
• Once you’ve successfully demonstrated the competencies in the course
and are satisfied with your performance, you’re ready to move on to your
next course.
• You pay a flat-rate tuition every 12 weeks—no matter how many courses
you take.
• Support is available from faculty, coaches, tutoring faculty, writing center
access, and an online community of fellow FlexPath learners.
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FlexPath is individually tailored.
Because you can apply relevant work experience to complete
assessments and demonstrate competencies, FlexPath learning means
you’ll spend less time on things you already know and more time
mastering new skills.
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Examples of
FlexPath Assessments
Write an executive summary
Create compliance impact reports
Evaluate effectiveness of virtual teams
Develop strategy proposals
Prepare an informal social media communication
for stakeholder teams
How FlexPath Works
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What FlexPath isn’t
A traditional program, where completion is based on
grades, GPA, credits accumulated, or the amount of time
spent in a classroom.
A series of tests such as essay questions, multiple choice
quizzes, or standardized exams.
A mandated system with faculty-assigned due dates,
required textbooks, and discussion questions.
A massive open online course (MOOC).
An independent study without support for students.
A Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process or test
out program.
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FlexPath is supported.
A critical aspect of Capella’s approach to education, FlexPath support
includes dedicated resources and staff to assist students whenever they
need help, from admissions to graduation.
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How are FlexPath students supported?
“My job as a coach is to collaborate with students.”
- Stephanie, FlexPath Coach
What does a typical day look like for you?
What qualities do you see in successful FlexPath students?
“My days are really fast-paced and variable. I’m on the phone, in
“I think the key quality that a dedicated FlexPath student has to have is
meetings, answering emails, all to assist in the process of helping
the ability to problem-solve, to be a critical thinker. A FlexPath student
students meet their goals. My job is to collaborate with students,
is somebody who is organized, somebody who is passionate, somebody
get to know them, understand what they’re good at or what they
who is motivated, somebody who is willing to take some risk on a new
struggle with, and learn what their goals are. I have to be flexible.
program, because they are learning on their own and going through
Their goals and struggles may change. As they move and grow and
and doing the research that they need to do to really understand and
change, I have to do so as well. Sometimes I cheerlead; sometimes
comprehend the competencies. I think the biggest piece is this: if you
I have to be firm.”
are passionate and you are an individual who is take-charge, you are
going to do very well.”
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How are FlexPath students supported?
“Faculty help learners understand where and how they can improve.”
– Cheryl Bann, PhD, Faculty Chair in Capella’s School of Business and Technology
How do faculty interact with FlexPath students?
“FlexPath faculty provide comprehensive feedback on submitted
work, helping individual students understand what they did well
Do FlexPath students have access to faculty outside
the courseroom?
“Beyond their role in the courseroom, FlexPath faculty work in
and what they can improve upon (and how they can improve their
collaboration with the FlexPath tutors and coaches to fully support
work). They also provide insight into how well the individual has
the learning process within the FlexPath model. Successful FlexPath
demonstrated competency.”
students are those who embrace responsibility for their own learning
by carefully planning their time, organizing their approach to the
topic, asking questions, and seeking to do their best work.”
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FlexPath is organized to fit your life.
FlexPath eliminates preset class times and deadlines for an innovative
approach that allows you to go as fast or as slow as you need to.
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CONI’S STORY
“All of the control was in my hands.”
“I reached a point in my career where I was really excited about looking at that next opportunity. I had been approached internally by
another group within my organization and one of the first pieces of feedback after they reviewed my resume was, ‘Where did you go to
school? Do you have a degree?’ And I said, ‘No, I don’t.’ And they said, ‘Sorry, we can’t even talk to you without at least an undergraduate
degree.’ That was the defining moment for me that sent me back to college.”
Coni returned to school for her bachelor’s degree at 50 years old. She was in a traditional online program for two years, but was frustrated
with the process—not being able to go as fast as she wanted, waiting for classmates to contribute to team assignments, and acting as a
Coni P., a Global Technology
Manager for a Fortune 500
company, had steadily advanced
in her career without a degree.
mentor to younger students.
So Coni enrolled in FlexPath and quickly discovered she liked the ability to control her
pace. She liked being able to focus on learning new skills.
She didn’t go back to school
because she didn’t think she
needed to.
After 30 years, however,
the lack of a degree
caught up with her.
“All of the control of this program was in my hands. I had the ability to go as fast or as slow as I wanted. I could work on my classes
whenever it was convenient for me. The only restriction was I had to finish any class I started within the quarter.
“The program framework is based on demonstrating your knowledge of the subject matter you’re studying. It isn’t about taking a test or
checking the box. It’s about really being able to articulate and demonstrate what you know, why you know it, and how you know it.
“FlexPath has given me some great opportunities. The classes reflected a lot of things that I already knew, helped clarify some things that I
didn’t know, and taught me things that I never thought I would ever learn.”
DEGREE EARNED VIA FLEXPATH: Bachelor’s in Management and Leadership | Read and see more of Coni’s story
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FlexPath is affordable.
There’s just one flat tuition fee every 12 weeks, no matter how many courses
you complete. Got lots of time on your hands? Complete four courses.
Need time to focus on work and family? Enroll in just one.
The cost is the same. Your pace determines the total cost of your tuition.
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TARISHIA’S STORY
“The only regret I have is that I didn’t start it sooner.”
“Each year I put it off. Then I finally decided I could no longer put it off because there was never going to be a right time. It was just going
to be opportunity that I had to take.”
From the start, Tarishia knew that an online program was her best option. She began her standard path program at Capella in 2013, but
was concerned about the amount of time that assignments and discussions took. She discovered FlexPath when talking to her advisor.
Tarishia M. is a Transportation
Engineer for the Connecticut
Department of Transportation.
She earned her associate’s
“I told my advisor I wanted to complete my degree before 2016. I explained how many courses I had left, and asked if it was possible to
complete them if I switched to the FlexPath program. She said, ‘Looking at it, yes, it’s possible.’”
Tarishia made the transition to FlexPath and didn’t look back. But that doesn’t mean it was easy.
degree in 2008—at the same
“I was not able to balance work, life, and school that easily. I’m an ordained minister. Work, ministry, family, social life, and friends—no, it
time her daughter graduated
was not easy to balance. But the degree was important to me. I wanted it because I deserved it. When I looked at it that way, it became
with a bachelor’s degree.
easier to balance, and the balance is much easier with FlexPath because you have the option to wrap your education around your
lifestyle.
She wanted to go back
for her bachelor’s, but
when would she have
the chance?
“FlexPath gave me flexibility. I had a choice. I’d give up a weekend to complete three assignments. Then I could spend the following
weekend with my husband. The speed is determined by you. You can complete the work in six weeks, or you can complete it within three
weeks, depending on the work. It’s up to you.”
DEGREE EARNED VIA FLEXPATH: Bachelor’s in Business Administration | Read and see more of Tarishia’s story
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FlexPath is practical and applicable.
Students focus on demonstrating competencies, and those
competencies can immediately be put to use in the workplace.
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A PERFECT FIT FOR WORKING ADULTS
|
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JACOB’S STORY
After four years, Jacob still hadn’t completed his degree.
So he began researching online options. That’s when he came across Capella.
“For me, what really stuck out with Capella is: One, it was accredited. And two, FlexPath. It was unique. And it was exactly what I needed
in terms of flexibility. I just really wanted to work at my own pace and get through school on my own terms.”
Jacob S. is a manager in a
Fortune 50 retail company. He
started his bachelor’s online
at a community college, but
transferred to a traditional
college after two years.
That environment wasn’t
a good fit for Jacob
either, however, because
he was working at the
same time.
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Not only did FlexPath fit his schedule, Jacob was also able to take what he’d learned in
his courses and apply it at work.
“I took something straight out of my learning experience through some of my leadership courses and implemented it as part of my daily
routine at work. I think it is one of the core things that I really enjoyed about my program—it’s so practical in the sense of it applied
directly to the work I do every day.”
After completing his bachelor’s, Jacob immediately started an MBA program through FlexPath.
“The formatting is very similar, but there is definitely an extra level of challenge involved. Again, the format itself is what really works for
me. I work 50 to 60 hours a week and I am still able to manage that experience through FlexPath because it allows me to be so flexible
with my studies.”
DEGREE EARNED VIA FLEXPATH: Bachelor’s in Business Administration | Hear more of Jacob’s story
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RODNEY’S STORY
“It turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.”
“I’d been applying for some CEO positions in my industry, and it said on the requirements that an MBA or advanced degree is preferred.
So I thought, this is one way to differentiate myself. I would have my MBA and one more tool in my tool bag to get a job.
“I saw a TV commercial for FlexPath and I thought, ‘I’ll check this out.’ I was registered and in the program about 10 days after that. It
turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.
“I chose FlexPath because it fit my life right now. I’m in control of how fast or how slow I want to move through my program. Some sessions
In 2013, Rodney S. was COO
I take two classes if that’s what my schedule allows, and some sessions I take four. I haven’t had any conflicts with work. I haven’t had any
of a financial organization
conflicts with my personal life. It’s fit very nicely into the free time I do have.”
in Arkansas. Armed with
a bachelor’s degree and
many years of professional
experience, he never thought
he needed an advanced
degree to continue advancing
in his career.
That changed when he
began considering his
next move.
Rodney did have some initial reservations about FlexPath.
“It’s been several years since I’ve been in a college environment where I had to turn in papers for grades, so I was a little concerned about
how I would do. But after I got through the first couple of classes, it was a lot of fun.
“One of the great things about FlexPath is that you can take both what you’ve learned in your career and apply it to the program and you
can take information that you learned from the program and apply it to your everyday life. At this point in my career, I could apply a lot of
the experience that I’ve had to the assessments.”
Today, armed with his MBA, Rodney has achieved his career goal with a promotion to President and CEO of his financial organization.
DEGREE EARNED VIA FLEXPATH: MBA in Finance | See more of Rodney’s story
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Do you have what it takes
to make FlexPath work?
A successful FlexPath student:
• Sets goals and sees them through
• Has better than average time-management skills
• Is highly motivated and likes working autonomously
• Likes an online learning environment
• Is comfortable building and using a support network to
help stay on track
If you prefer a more structured approach to learning,
Capella’s credit-bearing programs also provide flexibility and
a direct path to your goals, but with set due dates, required
course materials, and faculty-led discussions.
Is FlexPath Right for You? Take the Assessment
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Advice from FlexPath Alumni
“FlexPath is a great option for folks who really want to go get it done, who’ve
already got experience, and who don’t want to spend lots of time going back to
school to get their degree. They can leverage what they already know and finish
their degree in a much shorter period of time.” - Coni P.
“I would recommend FlexPath to anyone who has a desire to make themselves
better and improve their education. It’s really designed for anybody who’s
dedicated and disciplined enough to reach a goal that they set for themselves. I
don’t think it eliminates anybody. I think it’s open to anybody and anyone who wants
to get their degree.” - Rodney S.
“It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you first enter a course. Take time to read
through the material and utilize the available resources. If you struggle with writing,
there’s a whole center developed around it. If you struggle with procrastination,
there are tons of ways you can approach that. Focus on what is in front of you and
utilize all the things that Capella offers to navigate that process.” - Jacob S.
“Don’t be afraid. Be open to the program. Look at all the options that it has to offer.
Let go of your fears, or use that fear to push you forward, instead of being held
back by it.” - Tarishia M.
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Is FlexPath an option?
FlexPath is currently available for select bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, and certificate programs in Business, IT, Nursing, and Psychology.
Business – Bachelor’s
Information Technology – Bachelor’s
Accounting
Business Administration
Health Care Management
Human Resource Management
Project Management
Management and Leadership
General Information Technology
Information Assurance and Security
IT Project Management
Minor: Network Technology: Cisco
Minor: Network Technology: Microsoft
Minor: System Development: Mobile
Minor: System Development: Web Application
Business – Master’s of Business Administration (MBA)
Accounting
Business Intelligence
Entrepreneurship
General Business Administration
Global Operations and Supply Chain Management
Health Care Management
Human Resource Management
Project Management
Information Technology – Master’s
Business – Certificates
Child and Adolescent Development
Educational Psychology
General Psychology
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Sport Psychology
Business Intelligence*
Business Management*
Entrepreneurship*
Management Consulting*
General Information Systems & Technology Management
Project Management
Psychology – Bachelor’s
General Psychology
Psychology – Master’s
Nursing – Bachelor’s
*This program is currently not approved for federal financial aid by the
RN-to-BSN*
U.S. Department of Education (ED).
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FlexPath Resources
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Compare Capella’s Standard Online Path and FlexPath
FlexPath Admissions Requirements
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ACCREDITATION: Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION: https://www.hlcommission.org, 800.621.7440
CAPELLA UNIVERSITY: Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis
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