Furthering the thread about Capella University and a response to the posting from domineus regarding the Capella psychology programs.
Id like to offer some comments to this thread and respectfully offer a different perspective on a couple of comments offered by domineus. I am nearing the completion of my program with Capella University and have had some similar experiences and some that are apparently a bit better.
First, lets state the obvious, not all schools or all programs are the right fit for everyone. Thorough research is a good idea to be sure the program you chose is a good fit. Next, again I realize I am stating the obvious, but it will make sense by the end of my comments, even the Masters or PhD program most well suited to an individual will have a few issues that will be frustrating. I attended a top-quality Midwestern college for my undergraduate and I am proud to have a diploma from that school. There are certain things about that school that bug me and I wish I could change, but they forgot to check with me before structuring the psychology and art department majors (humor intended).
A quick comment about the residences (colloquia) at Capella; I can honestly say that my course one residency was powerful, emotional, self-revealing, and overall a great learning experience. Was it expensive? Well, it depends how you look at it. It was nearly $2,000 all-in counting the course, the hotel, transportation, and odds and ends. That does not include some very fun nights out with new friends and associates, a little food, a little beer and wine, etc. The bottom line: was it worth it to me? Unquestionably yes.
I am a mid-career changer and I am using Capella to get to some new opportunities that I would not have a chance to pursue without a CACREP endorsed advanced degree. If you are considering on-line universities and you dont know what CACREP is, do your homework to find out and you will be glad you did. Anyway, my point here is that I have attended many 3, 4, or 7 day seminars over the years. Some of them cost more than the Capella residency, some cost about the same and just a few cost less than the Capella residency. Its part of getting the degree and while we all wish things cost less, in comparison to other similar experiences, the cost is quite reasonable.
A quick comment on the requirements of practicum. Time spent in internships (pre-practice practicums) can take many forms. I have examined this fairly thoroughly. There are a few private-practice psychologists who will take in interns and charge an hourly fee. That seems fair to me since the hours spent with an intern are hours that they cannot earn their living. However, do note, Capella has no requirement that student-interns pay their internship supervisors. My asking around to other fellow students nearing the end of their programs did not find anyone that took this approach. Everyone that I spoke to found a traditional place to conduct an internship and will not be paying their supervisor. Frankly, to get direct feedback from an experienced, respected practicing psychologist, I might consider paying an hourly rate. This may be more meaningful for a mental health care professional than a research psychologist, I am not actually sure.
A quick comment about instructors. I agree with domineus that some of the Capella instructors are absolutely great; Dr. Loos, Dr. Zeng, and Dr. Cabanilla (Dr. C) come to mind. Most of the rest of the instructors I have had were good to adequate, with one that I was not overly impressed with. I suppose that compares well with other schools. The schools web site for students, they call it the I-guide, gives you the background for each instructor. All the instructors that I have had for classes have had great backgrounds.
Heres how I decided which on-line school to attend. I looked around to the practicing mental health counselors and psychologists and asked them right out which on-line school they would suggest. Id say 75% or so brought up Capella. A number of them got their Masters or PhDs from traditional colleges, but now attend on-line schools for further training or for certificates. A traditional school was out of the question for me at this point in my life. A majority of the Capella students I have come to know over the last three years could not have gone back to school for their advanced degrees if not for the on-line approach. So, requiring that students and instructors get together once a month, or something like that, would eliminate most students. It would have eliminated me.
I have not attended any other on-line Universities so it is unfair of me to project what my experience might have been at some other on-line school. All things considered, my experience at Capella has been rewarding and I have learned a great deal. Similar to part of the comments from domineus, you will get out of it what you put into it. If you are not a self-starter and motivated, possibly the on-line approach is not the right one for you. If you are willing to do the work and are motivated from within, then the flexibility of the on-line approach could be great.
Thank you for the opportunity to further the discussion thread on the topic of Capella University. Sincerely, a 3rd year Cappella student.