Admission Requirements

Preparing to apply

We want to make sure your admission process goes smoothly. Below you’ll find the information you need to get started on your application.

General admission requirements

All Capella applicants must meet the following general admission requirements.

Admission application

Admission application Submit an application, along with a non-refundable $50 application fee.

Begin application »

Acknowledgement agreement

Agree to abide by Capella policies and program requirements.

Transcripts

Provide official transcript(s) from previous institutions for degree and post-degree coursework, if applicable.

Minimum GPA

Each program has specific minimum GPA requirements for admission.

English proficiency

All applicants must understand, read, speak, and write fluently in English.

The program you enroll in determines your admission requirements. GRE, GMAT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission.

Learning format requirements

There are additional requirements specific to each of our two learning formats: GuidedPath and FlexPath.

GuidedPath logo

Admission requirements

  • Certificate and individual-course students must meet the minimum education requirements determined by the degree level of their course registration.
  • Bachelor's students must be least 24 years old (may be waived for military/veteran applicants, and those with at least 24 quarter credits of prior college/university coursework), and must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Master's students must have a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or internationally recognized institution.
  • Doctoral students must have a master's degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or internationally recognized institution.
FlexPath logo

Admission requirements

Bachelor’s programs

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 45 applicable college credits
  • Recommended minimum college GPA: 2.8 Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered by providing additional documentation for a holistic review

Master’s programs

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Recommended minimum college GPA: 2.8 Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered by providing additional documentation for a holistic review
  • Some programs require that your bachelor’s degree be in your intended field of study, or that you have a minimum amount of relevant, professional experience in that field

Don’t qualify for FlexPath? You have the option to start your program in our GuidedPath format. When you successfully complete a set number of courses at a 2.8 GPA or higher, you can transfer into FlexPath.

Individual program requirements

Some Capella degree programs have additional admission requirements. See the program page or talk with your enrollment counselor for details. Examples of these requirements include:

  • Forms and documents disclosing licensure information, background, and work experience
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • Essay or writing sample
  • Faculty interview
  • Registration acknowledgement form

Take the next step

Your questions are unique—like you. Talk with someone who gets it. Our team of counselors, coaches, advisors, and faculty are here to provide the support you need throughout your journey.

Call Us: 1.866.796.6651