Embarking on a doctoral program is a significant undertaking, filled with academic rigor and the pursuit of advanced knowledge. At Capella University, we understand the unique challenges and aspirations of doctoral learners. That’s why we provide a comprehensive suite of resources designed to support you every step of the way in your Capella University Doctoral Programs. From initial enrollment to dissertation completion and beyond, Capella is committed to empowering you with the tools and services you need to succeed.
This guide serves as your compass to navigate the wealth of support systems available within Capella University, ensuring you can focus on your studies and achieve your academic goals. Let’s explore the key resources that will be instrumental in your doctoral journey.
Your Central Hub: iGuide
Imagine a virtual campus designed specifically for your needs as a doctoral learner. That’s iGuide, your personalized portal to virtually everything Capella University offers. Think of it as your digital gateway to academic success. Upon logging in, you gain immediate access to your current courses, seamless course registration for upcoming terms, financial aid applications and status updates, the extensive Capella Library, and a wide array of online academic support services.
Becoming proficient in using iGuide is your first crucial step. We encourage you to dedicate time to explore its features and familiarize yourself with the numerous tools, tutorials, and resources available. While we will highlight some key services below, direct exploration of iGuide is the best way to uncover the full spectrum of support designed to enhance your doctoral experience.
Ensuring Equal Access: Disability Services
Capella University is deeply committed to inclusivity and accessibility for all learners. Our Disability Services department embodies this commitment by providing equal access to education for learners with disabilities. We firmly believe in upholding the integrity of our academic standards while ensuring that qualified individuals receive the accommodations and services necessary to reach their full educational potential.
This dedicated team works diligently to educate Capella faculty and staff about disabilities, relevant federal regulations, and effective accommodation methods. If you are a learner with a disability, Disability Services is your primary resource for ensuring a supportive and equitable learning environment throughout your doctoral program.
Dedicated Support for Military Learners
Capella University proudly supports the men and women of the military, their families, and veterans in their pursuit of higher education. We recognize the unique challenges faced by service members and are dedicated to advocating for the military and veteran communities across the university. The Military Support section within iGuide is specifically designed to help these learners achieve their individual educational goals seamlessly.
Beyond providing essential resources, Capella strives to be a leader in military friendliness within higher education. Military Support offers guidance on utilizing military benefits, navigating deployment challenges, and connecting with a community that understands your unique circumstances as you pursue your doctoral degree.
Launching Your Career: The Career Center
Your doctoral degree from Capella University is an investment in your future career. The Career Center is a comprehensive resource dedicated to assisting you in developing and implementing your professional goals. Whether you are seeking career advancement, a career change, or to leverage your doctoral degree for new opportunities, the Career Center provides invaluable support.
Personalized Career Counseling and Advising: Gain expert guidance from full-time career counselors available for consultations via phone or email. They can provide personalized advice on career paths, job search strategies, and maximizing your career potential with your doctoral degree.
Resume and Curriculum Vitae (CV) Review: Craft compelling application materials with the help of trained Career Center staff. They offer critique and feedback to transform your resume and CV into powerful self-marketing tools. Access online samples and templates within iGuide to get started.
Online Career Workshops: Participate in informative web conferences covering essential career development topics. Learn effective job searching techniques, master interviewing skills, and develop your personal marketing strategy to stand out in the competitive job market.
Career Exploration and Planning Seminar: Enroll in this free, 10-day, three-unit seminar designed to help you articulate your skills, interests, and work values. Facilitated by a career counselor within the Capella courseroom, this seminar provides a structured approach to understanding target industries and professions and creating a concrete action plan to achieve your desired career goals after completing your Capella University doctoral program.
Your Gateway to Knowledge: The Capella University Library
The Capella University Library is a cornerstone of your doctoral studies, providing effective, timely, and reliable resources to support your research and academic endeavors. As a doctoral candidate, you will rely heavily on scholarly research, and the library is equipped to meet your advanced needs.
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Extensive Databases: Access a vast collection of databases featuring scholarly journal articles, magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias, e-books, dissertations, and more. These resources are available online, 24/7, from anywhere with internet access through iGuide, facilitating seamless research at your convenience.
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Interlibrary Loan (ILL): Expand your research horizons beyond the Capella Library’s collection with Interlibrary Loan. Request books, book chapters, articles, and other resources from libraries nationwide using the online request form. This service ensures you have access to a wealth of materials crucial for your doctoral research and dissertation.
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Journal and Book Locator: Quickly determine if the Capella Library holds the specific journal or book you need. Simply enter the title into the Journal and Book Locator to instantly check availability and access the full text if available.
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Online Guides & Training: Enhance your research efficiency with a variety of online research and instructional guides. These resources are designed to help you navigate the library’s resources and conduct effective research for your doctoral coursework and dissertation.
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Personalized Research Help: Connect with Capella University librarians via email or telephone for expert assistance with your research questions and navigating the Library website. For in-depth support, schedule an Individual Reference Appointment (IRA) at Residential Colloquia to receive personalized guidance on your research project.
Sharpening Your Writing Skills: The Online Writing Center
Effective communication through writing is paramount in doctoral studies. The Online Writing Center provides a comprehensive suite of resources to help you develop clear, effective, and scholarly writing skills.
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Writing Feedback: Submit your work for constructive feedback from writing experts. Improve the clarity, coherence, and academic rigor of your papers and dissertation chapters through professional review.
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Strategies for Writers: Overcome writer’s block and learn effective strategies for structuring your ideas and arguments. The Writing Center offers techniques to enhance your writing process and productivity.
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Revision and Editing Expertise: Master the art of revision, editing, and proofreading. Develop a polished and error-free writing style essential for doctoral-level work.
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Academic Publishing and Integrity: Gain insights into academic publishing standards and best practices for maintaining academic integrity in your writing. Understand the expectations of scholarly communication in your field.
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Writer’s Relief: Reduce writing-related stress with resources designed to support your well-being throughout the demanding writing process of a doctoral program.
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Capella University Writing Handbook: Access this comprehensive handbook, available in downloadable format, containing a wealth of writing resources. It covers key areas such as the writing process, grammar, business and technical writing, APA style and formatting, and annotated bibliographies. Each section includes online highlights and downloadable PDFs for in-depth information.
Navigating Dissertation Research: Research at Capella
The dissertation is a defining component of Capella University doctoral programs. Research at Capella within iGuide is dedicated to supporting learners and faculty in the formal aspects of the dissertation research process.
This section provides guidance on ethics and compliance in research, essential for ensuring the integrity of your dissertation. Additionally, find resources on publishing, presenting, and seeking funding for your research, empowering you to disseminate your scholarly work and contribute to your field.
Planning Your Academic Path: Advising and Program Planning
Strategic planning is crucial for successfully navigating your doctoral journey. Academic Advisors are knowledgeable guides in degree planning, course selection, university policies, and navigating potential challenges. Given the rigor and unique structure of EdD programs and other doctoral degrees, advisors are key to helping you stay on track.
Advising and Program Planning provides essential resources:
- Getting Started and Tools: Identify the necessary resources and documents for effective degree planning and program success.
- Degree Planning: Understand the required courses for your specific doctoral degree and access helpful tips for long-term academic planning.
- Advisor Role and Contact Information: Learn how your academic advisor can support you and how to connect with them for personalized guidance.
- Key Policies and Additional Information: Familiarize yourself with important university policies relevant to doctoral learners.
- Maintaining Your Plan: Discover strategies for staying on course and progressing smoothly towards program completion.
- Preparing for the Next Stage: Gain insights into preparing for milestones such as candidacy, dissertation proposal, and graduation as you approach the culmination of your coursework and degree.
Comprehensive Support Services
Capella University provides a wide array of Support Services accessible through iGuide. This centralized hub connects you with academic support, iGuide assistance, bookstore inquiries, courseroom issue resolution, and general support. Reach out for assistance by calling 1-888-CAPELLA or through the Contact Learner Support link for any questions or concerns throughout your doctoral program.
Licensure Resources
For doctoral programs that may lead to professional licensure, Licensing Resources are available to guide you. These resources assist in:
- Determining if licensure is necessary for your career goals.
- Identifying the specific type of license that may be required in your field and location.
- Locating the necessary resources to conduct thorough licensure research for your chosen profession.
Capella University is dedicated to providing a supportive and resource-rich environment for all learners pursuing Capella University doctoral programs. By leveraging these essential resources, you can confidently navigate your doctoral journey and achieve your academic and professional aspirations.
