Capella University is well known for providing quality higher education to adults and is launching two new online degree programs and three new specializations. Capella University announced that it is now offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Master of Public Health (MPH) degree which replaces its Master of Science in Public Health program, and three concentrations that can be completed as part of selected public service degree programs: Security Management at the Bachelor level and Homeland Security and Public Health at the graduate level.

Growing Demand for Bachelor-prepared Nurses

The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice requires that a minimum of two-thirds of the nurses hold baccalaureate of higher degrees. Capella University new online Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN Degree Completion specialization offers RNs the flexibility to complete their BSN degree online with ease. Online degree program at Capella University incorporates the essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

BS/MS in Psychology Option Saves Time and Money

Capella University is now offering a combined BS/MS in Psychology option. After completing at least 100 undergraduate credits, eligible BS in Psychology students can begin to earn their master level credits which can be used toward completing the BS in Psychology. These master level credits may also be applied towards a MS in Psychology degree. Over $4,500 can be saved if each degree is purchased separately and the time required to complete the MS is shorter.

Online MPH Addresses Impending Shortage of Public Health Workers

According to the Partnership for Public Service’s recent report, “Where the Jobs Are 2009: Mission-Critical Opportunities for America,” 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. Similar needs have been projected at other levels of government and in the private sector.


To help meet that need, Capella University is offering a Master of Public Health degree program with three specializations: a new specialization in General Public Health; and two specializations, Health Management and Policy; and Social and Behavioral Sciences, previously offered as part of MS in Public Health degree.

Concentrations Provide Cost-effective Opportunity to Add Area of Focus to Degree

Capella University 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 level). The concentrations consist of three online courses at the graduate level or five courses at the Bachelor 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.


“We’re pleased to add a BS in Psychology to the baccalaureate degrees we offer,” said Feranda Williamson, EdD, dean of Capella School of Undergraduate Studies. “Our program is designed around the American Psychological Association (APA) Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major and emphasizes, writing, research, problem solving, and synthesizing and evaluating information. These are skills that have broad applications and are valued in a wide range of professions beyond psychology.


“Our bachelor program in Psychology also leverages the academic credentials and rich experience of the faculty in our graduate-level Harold Abel School of Psychology, which offers more than a dozen master and doctoral specializations in the field of psychology. For students who want to continue their education in psychology at Capella University, we have developed a Combined BS/MS in Psychology Option.”

About Capella University

Founded in 1993, Capella University is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Capella University has built its reputation on providing quality education for working adults and has over 80 percent of it students currently enrolled in master or doctoral degree programs in a variety of fields.


With over 31,000 students enrolled in 2009, Capella University is committed to providing higher quality education to busy students worldwide.

Enrollment is Now Open at Capella University Online

Capella University is currently accepting enrollment applications for its new Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Enroll today!

In the past, critics of the online learning format viewed distance education with much skepticism. They believed this type of learning model lacked the quality instructional design that a traditional classroom environment provides. Today, research conducted consistently reveals that there is no distinct difference between distance learning and traditional classroom learning. In addition, the growing popularity of distance learning has influenced most organizations involved in education and training to include virtual education in their future programs.

Top Schools providing Distance Education

The growing popularity of distance learning has raised the level and quality of programs offered by online institutions of higher education. Students have the ability to choose from a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs to meet their specific interests and career objectives. Some of these leading institutions include:

• Walden University
• Kaplan University
• Capella University
• AIU Online

Advantages of Distance Education

The primary advantage of distance learning is the matter of flexibility, particularly to international students seeking to obtain a degree from an accredited US-based institution. It allows them a wider choice of institutions to suit their specific interests and one that meets the requirements of the appropriate accrediting agencies. It also provides a great opportunity for busy working professionals to gain the additional training they need to advance within their respective fields without having to leave their jobs to attend a traditional campus-based institution. Other advantages of distance education include:


Accessibility: increased access for individuals living far away from the institution and those with restricted mobility such as the handicapped or elderly


Unlimited Information Access: distance education allows for unlimited access to expert information via online research databases. In addition, most online institutions boast a digital library that allows their students to access digital books and research materials.


Increases Interaction with Technology: the online learning format allows students to conduct interactive teamwork between groups. They have the opportunity to network with each other from anywhere around the world via chat rooms, bulletin board discussions or emails.


Reduced Cost: distance learning allows for reduced tuition fees due to not utilizing the institution’s physical resources.

Students also have the ability to seek expert advice and conduct interactive discussions with instructors via internet chat rooms and emails. This fosters and promotes an intuitive and better learning environment between instructor and student. The added advantage of the online learning is students can email assignments to their instructors at anytime of the day, also the ability to revisit coursework until they have fully mastered the material.

Early childhood education focuses on the early care and education for children from birth to age eight years. It involves the use of various techniques and instructional skills to encourage and stimulate growth and development through to the next stage.

Getting an Early Childhood Education degree online will prepare you to meet the specific challenges in the education of young children. If you have a genuine love and passion for working with young children and are looking to enter into the field, an Associate’s degree in early childhood education will provide you with a well-rounded education in early childhood and field experience.


The program also provides a great opportunity for unlicensed substitute teachers and childcare workers to obtain the additional knowledge and training needed to upgrade their skills. The program focuses on core online courses and topics that teach the principles of educational practice and theory with an integration of teaching skills. Some of the courses covered include childhood education, educational development, nutrition, health and special-needs-care.


The program takes one to two years to complete. Successful completion of the online Associate degree in early childhood education opens the door to a four-year degree program that allows for more advanced and specialized studies within the field.


An Online Early Childhood Education Degree pursued at the Masters or PhD levels will see students focusing on specialized content, knowledge and training that will qualify them for administrative and leadership positions within the field.

Employment Outlook for Childcare Professionals

Graduates of an advanced degree program in Early Childhood Education will have the appropriate qualifications needed to seek licensure within the state they wish to work. They can then pursue various employment opportunities in pre-school childcare centers, day-care centers, recreational centers, kindergartens or other agencies that specialize in childcare. They can also work as a teacher or teacher’s assistant at the elementary or secondary level.

Schools that provide an Online Degree in Early Childhood Education

Western Governors University (BA in Early Childhood Education)

Northern Maine Community College (Associate in Early Childhood Ed)

Penn Foster College

Capella University

Rasmussen College

Salary Range for Childcare Professionals

The median salary for childcare professionals working in a kindergarten, elementary or secondary school is around $25,000- $33,748 per year. A daycare teacher can earn up to $24,165 per year, while a director of a preschool can earn up to $33,458 per year.

The field of education is ever evolving due to internal and external political, cultural and philosophical influences as well as technology. As a result, the demand for innovative and knowledgeable instructional leaders is steadily growing. These specialist practitioners design and implement innovative instructional curriculum designs to facilitate the learning process for students, thereby promoting a higher level of student outcomes in school.

Online Program: Masters in Curriculum and Instruction

The Online Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction targets individuals seeking to acquire the necessary knowledge and practical training needed to meet the standards established by the higher educational community.
The program encompasses a comprehensive study of curriculum planning and development, with an additional focus on technology. It also includes research, development and assessment and evaluation of practices and strategies crucial to the effective education of learners from various educational, cultural and geographic backgrounds. Through rigorous analysis and in-depth evaluation methods, curriculum and instruction students will be able to apply their expertise to critical issues and challenges present within the field of education. Students can complete the program within one to two years.

Career Outlook for Online Curriculum Instructors

The demand for new and well-trained curriculum instructors has broadened the career opportunities for these professionals. These opportunities exist in public school districts, private institutions and research centers. This demand is expected to grow for years to come as the field of education continues to undergo rapid changes. Graduates of a curriculum and instruction degree program qualify for a wide range of challenging but rewarding positions within the field such as Education Consultant, Learning Consultant, Curriculum Developer and Training and Development Advisor.

Schools that offer Online Programs in Curriculum and Instruction

• Capella University: PhD in Ed-Curriculum and Instruction
• AIU Online: M.E.D- Curriculum and Instruction
• Grand Canyon University: M.E.D- Curriculum and Instruction

Salary for Online Curriculum Instructors

The earning potential for graduates with an advanced degree in curriculum and instruction will depend on factors such as level of training, experience, specialty, and area or location. These specialist practitioners can earn an average $48,790 to $80k annually.

Special education entails using individualized and systematically monitored teaching procedures, adapted materials and techniques and other interventions designed to provide additional services and support to help learners with special needs achieve their particular educational goals. The nature of this field will require specially trained educators to help these students learn and the ability to identify their special needs whether physical, social or educational.

Requirements to Become Online Special Education Teacher

To become a special education teacher, students must complete a degree program in special education along a with a teacher education certificate.

Online Bachelor Degrees in Special Education

A Bachelor degree program in special education typically takes four years to complete and will require a high school diploma or GED. The program provides teaching in general education that includes online courses in foundations of teaching, interdisciplinary studies, effective teaching practices for special education and instructional teaching. Students will undergo supervised practice teaching (in a special school for students with disabilities) and completion of a professional portfolio. Students who successfully complete the program will have acquired the effective teaching skills needed to teach learners with mild to moderate disabilities. The program leads to licensure in special education.

Master’s Degree in Special Education

The Master of education degree in special education caters specifically to special education teachers with teacher certification who wish to advance their studies in the field of special education. Participants of the Masters in special education degree program will acquire specialized training and in-depth instructional courses from experienced professionals within their respected fields. These courses will cover areas of learning disabilities, mental retardation, emotional and physical disabilities. Participants must have access to a class of children with special needs so they may be able to complete all programmed assignments given during the course.

Employment Outlook for Special Education Teachers

Special educators can obtain employment in public and private school systems, counseling centers, mental facilities, military, private learning centers and places of safety. The type of job offers received will depend on your level of qualification and area of specialization.

Schools that offer Special Education Degrees Online

Capella University
Ellis University Online
Western Governors University
Walden University Online

Salary Range for Special Education Teachers

The salary for special education teachers varies widely depending on the level of training and experience, area of specialization and source of employment. Special education teachers working in a preschool, kindergarten or elementary schools can earn up to $45,000 per year. Those teaching in private institutions or corporations can earn over $60,000 per year, PhD holders within the field can earn up $100,000 per year.

An online K-12 education degree program teaches the fundamentals of class instruction in four areas: early childhood, elementary, middle school and high school. A degree in this field allows you to choose the subject area and grade level you wish to teach. K-12 teachers utilize a variety of instructional techniques and materials to communicate ideas. Most online institutions offer a broad selection of degrees and certification to K-12 educators. The amount of training you require will depend on your level of education, experience and desired area of specialty.

Getting an online K-12 education degree will allow you to acquire the specialized training needed for advancement opportunities in your current career while continuing to work in your present job. These programs are also beneficial to those seeking a career change.

K-12 Education Degree Programs Online

Associate Degrees in K-12 Education

An Associate Degree in K-12 education is typically a two-year academic program that prepares you for a career as a support staffer or teacher assistant in areas of early childhood education, child development or daycare work. Courses covered will include topics in classroom management and lesson planning.

Bachelor Degrees in K-12 Education

Bachelor degree programs in K-12 education will vary depending on the subject area and grade level you wish to teach but they include general courses in child development, education techniques and classroom management. Students who successfully complete a Bachelor’s degree in K-12 education will have the appropriate qualifications to teach in public and private schools at the preschool, middle school or high school levels. A Bachelor’s degree in education is also the required qualification needed to obtain licensure in the state you wish to teach. It also keeps you on track for a graduate degree program that can qualify you for a department head or administrator position within the field.

Masters in K-12 Education

Masters of Education degree programs provide specific training to K-12 educators depending on the grade level or subject area they wish to specialize in. These programs cover a wide range of courses in areas such as school administration, advanced classroom instruction, educational leadership, elementary reading and literacy and middle level education. They also allow for concentration in mathematics, science or education administration such as counseling, educational technology or curriculum design.

Top Schools that provide Online Degrees in K-12 Education

• Capella University
• Jones International University Online
• Western Governors University

Salary Range for K-12 Educators

Salaries for K-12 educators with an advanced degree will vary depending on the level of training, experience, position and employer. The average salary for elementary, middle and secondary school teachers is around $52,000 per year. An administrator in a senior position can earn an average $75,000 to $120,000 per year.