MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Capella University, an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing high-quality online degree programs for working adults, has announced a new Master of Science in Higher Education with three specializations, Higher Education Leadership and Administration, Adult Education, and Enrollment Management. The online master's degree is designed to prepare graduates to address the specific issues faced by faculty and administrators in higher education, including cultural and academic diversity; strategies for teaching, assessing and measuring higher education and adult students; the use of technology to improve learning; and the development of business skills needed to lead and manage change in higher education institutions.

"Capella has had strong higher education specializations for many years," said Barbara Butts Williams, PhD, dean of Capella's School of Education. "By moving these specializations from our MS in Education degree into our new MS in Higher Education, we were able to better focus on the core knowledge and skills needed in the post-secondary education environment. In turn, our existing MS in Education can focus more strongly on educators who wish to advance their skills in P–12 and other education professions."

Capella's MS in Higher Education was designed around recognized, professional standards in the field. The online degree program also features strong educational and career support, including personalized support provided by teaching assistants from Capella's doctoral programs to help students apply what they are learning to their professional goals.

“Because of the growing number of retirements, finding quality faculty and college leaders is becoming a real issue," said George Boggs, PhD, president and CEO emeritus of the American Association of Community Colleges, who consulted with Capella on the development of the university's new MS in Higher Education. "Programs such as Capella's help prepare educators and administrators to address these needs and move into higher levels of responsibility."

The three specializations now offered as part of the MS in Higher Education include Higher Education Leadership and Administration, which offers a choice of emphases in either Community College Leadership or Higher Education Program Administration. Capella’s master’s specialization in Enrollment Management is the only online program that also includes professional certification from Noel-Levitz, a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in higher education recruitment and retention. The third master's specialization, Adult Education, covers such topics as collaborative learning, program development for adult students, and diverse learning styles.

As of Sept. 30, 2011, more than 35,000 students are pursuing an online degree at Capella, with nearly 80 percent enrolled in Capella's doctoral degree programs and master's degree programs.

Enrollment now open
Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for its Master of Science in Higher Education. For more information, please call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552) or email info@capella.edu.

Review of this program and specializations is pending in KS, ND, SC, and WA.

In accordance with U.S. Department of Education (DOE) new advance notice requirements, a notification for these program/specializations will be submitted to the DOE. These programs/ specializations may be subject to additional review and approval by the DOE, which could result in a potential delay in learners being able to start these program/specializations. If these programs/specializations are subject to additional review, the DOE will notify Capella University at least 30 days prior to the scheduled start date. Capella University proactively will keep applicants and learners enrolled in these program/specializations fully informed of any actions taken by the DOE that may affect their ability to successfully begin classes as originally scheduled.

About Capella University
Capella University (www.capella.edu) is an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. Nearly 80 percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's, specialist, or doctoral degree programs in business, counseling, education, health administration, homeland security, human resource management, human services, information technology, nonprofit management and leadership, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 143 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 17 certificate programs. More than 35,000 learners were enrolled as of September 30, 2011, from all 50 states and 59 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).

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* Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), http://www.ncahlc.org.
Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552), http://www.capella.edu.

Learn more about earning an online degree:
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Capella University, an Accredited Online University, Announces New MS in Higher Education with Three Specializations