The Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Accreditation Center for Project Management (GAC) has accredited two Capella University (www.capella.edu) online degree programs: the MS in Information Technology with a specialization in Project Management; and the BS in Information Technology with a specialization in Project Management. Capella, an accredited*, fully online university that has built its reputation by providing quality online education for working adults, is one of less than two dozen institutions in the world that have received this recognition.

PMI is the world’s leading association for project management professionals. PMI - GAC acts as the sole governing body for the policies, procedures and standards for accrediting project management programs at the bachelor, master and doctoral degree levels.

“Programs like Capella's are imperative in meeting the rapidly growing international need for project management professionals," said Dr. Edwin Andrews, director of academic and educational programs and services and research for PMI. "Selecting an accredited program, such as Capella's, is the best way to advance in the project management profession."

Capella earned this accreditation by demonstrating that the quality of its programs meets PMI-GAC’s rigorous standards, which included an evaluation of program objectives/outcomes and Capella resources, an on-site review, and faculty and student evaluations. The accreditation also requires annual self-evaluation and continuous improvement efforts in the field of project management.

“This accreditation is highly sought after and requires a team effort by dedicated and highly qualified professionals. Universities around the world are seeking this recognition, so it feels wonderful to join the ranks of those few who have actually achieved the accreditation,” said Dr. Sue Talley, associate dean for Undergraduate IT at Capella University.

Individuals who complete one of Capella’s two accredited programs earn 1,500 hours of project management experience towards the requirements that are needed to sit for the PMI's Project Management Professional (PMP®) Credential Examination. Currently, applicants with a bachelor's degree (or higher) must document 4,500 hours spent leading and directing project tasks. If the applicant documents that he or she graduated from a GAC-accredited program, then only 3,000 hours of work experience need to be presented to fulfill this requirement.

Capella is also an approved Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.) of PMI, offering nearly 30 courses for its professional development units (PDUs). Capella offers a breadth of project management specializations, including two at the BS level, one at the MS level, one at the MBA level, and two at the PhD level. The online university’s project management curriculum is designed around A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).

The PMI Educational Foundation has also established a scholarship program to assist qualified students in obtaining degrees from accredited academic institutions of higher learning. They are available for study in the project management field or in fields that are related and that regularly make use of project management professionals.

About Capella University

Capella University (www.capella.edu) is an accredited*, fully online university that has built its reputation by providing quality graduate education for working adults. Eighty-three percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, psychology, public health, and public safety. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 111 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs. More than 24,000 learners were enrolled as of Sept. 30, 2008, from all 50 states and 45 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).

* Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.

Capella University, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), www.capella.edu.

About Project Management Institute (PMI)

Project Management Institute (pmi.org) is the leading advocate for the project management profession globally. Founded in 1969, PMI has more than 425,000 members and credential holders in 175 countries. PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP^®) credential is recognized as the only globally transferable credential in project management.

Learn more about earning an online degree at Capella University:

online education (http://www.capella.edu/online_education.aspx)

distance learning (http://www.capella.edu/distance_learning.aspx)

online university (http://www.capella.edu/online_university.aspx)