Capella University was the inspiration of Stephen Shank, former CEO of Tonka Corporation, who felt that many adults were underserved by traditional universities. He envisioned a high-quality university that people could attend from any location.
In 1991, Shank established the corporate entity that would become Capella Education Company. In 1993, Dr. Harold Abel, an experienced leader in higher education and former president of three universities, joined Shank to found The Graduate School of America, now called Capella University. Originally, the university offered online master's and doctoral degrees in management, education, and human services.
Today, Capella University offers more than 1,250 online courses and 39 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 129 specialized areas of study. Capella's nearly 34,000 learners include a diverse group of adults from all 50 states and 52 countries.
Leading the Way for Quality Online Education
In 2000, Capella University became the first online academic institution to become a charter participant of the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) of the NCA. AQIP participants commit to a program of continuous quality improvement (CQI) similar to initiatives practiced in other industries.
AQIP provides an alternative model of accreditation maintenance with The Higher Learning Commission. Instead of the traditional 10-year review cycle, AQIP participants adhere to an ongoing annual review regimen. By participating in AQIP, Capella is required to analyze its operational processes and measure outcomes within each of nine different quality criteria, and to set ambitious performance goals, such as converting all its courses to an outcomes/competency-based model.
National recognition for excellence
Capella courses and programs have gained national recognition and awards for excellence from a variety of organizations.
* WebCT Exemplary Course Award
* National University Telecommunications Network (NUTN) 2006 Distance Education Innovation Award
* WebCT Exemplary Practice Award
* National Center of Academic Excellence designation from the National Security Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Capella History
What is now Capella University was established in 1991 by Dr. Harold Abel and Stephen Shank, former CEO of Tonka, who believed adults were an academically underserved population by traditional universities.
In 1993, Dr. Harold Abel, a former president of three universities, became the first president of the Graduate School of America. This school was later renamed Capella University.
In 1997, Capella University received regional accreditation.
In 1999, the parent company and university were renamed to Capella Education Company and Capella University, respectively.
In 2000, the Capella University began to offer bachelor's degree programs for the first time.
In 2006, Capella Education Company became a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: CPLA).
In 2007, Capella was named one of 86 higher education institutions in the United States to have received the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE) designation by the National Security Agency (NSA). The designation is valid for the academic years 2007 through 2012.
In March 2008, Capella Education Co., longtime occupant of the 225 South Sixth skyscraper in downtown Minneapolis, signed a new lease that expanded its office and renamed the building Capella Tower effective March 2009. The building houses all of the company's 1,150 downtown Minneapolis administrative staff.
In 2009, The Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Accreditation Center for Project Management (GAC)accredited two Capella University 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.
In 2009, Capella University launched its School of Public Service Leadership.
In 2010, Capella University, along with three other schools, was awarded the CHEA Award for Outstanding Institutional Practice in Student Learning Outcomes by The Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Capella University - Online School Website
Wikipedia
| No |
Less than one year certificate | Yes |
One but less than two years certificate |
| No |
Associate's degree | No |
Two but less than 4 years certificate |
| Yes |
Bachelor's degree | Yes |
Postbaccalaureate certificate |
| Yes |
Master's degree | Yes |
Post-master's certificate |
| Yes |
Doctor's degree | No |
First-professional degree |
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| No |
First-professional certificate |
BS in Business Accounting (Bachelor Degree)
New government regulations, greater scrutiny of corporate finances, and business growth have fueled the need for accounting professionals who possess up-to-date financial and business knowledge. This online accounting bachelor's specialization will help you develop the important technical, professional, ethical, and interpersonal skills you need to succeed in this fast-growing field. Your coursework will also provide an overview of key business areas to increase your ability to effectively partner with other functions and contribute to your company?s success. You may delve deeper into certain business areas by selecting elective courses based on your professional goals and needs. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing professional accounting, auditing, or other financial recording and reporting positions in a wide variety of business, nonprofit, government, or financial service settings.
BS in Business Finance (Bachelor Degree)
Regulatory reforms and economic expansion have driven growth in the financial sector, including financial analyst and personal financial advisor positions. This online finance specialization is designed to provide you the financial management, interpersonal, and professional skills you need to help companies or individuals achieve optimal returns while maintaining financial and reporting integrity. Your coursework will provide an overview of key business areas to increase your ability to effectively partner with other functions and contribute to your company?s success. Elective courses allow you to deepen your knowledge in such areas as international finance, risk management, entrepreneurial finance, and real estate. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing entry-level or senior professional positions in finance-related occupations or industries, including banking, insurance, investment, mortgage, and brokerage firms.
BS in Business Human Resource Management (Bachelor Degree)
Over the last decade, the human resource function has moved beyond personnel management and development to become a strategic cornerstone in many organizations, increasing the need for professionals with specialized human resources skills, as well as a sound foundation of general business skills. This Human Resource Management bachelor's specialization, mapped to the competencies identified by the Society for Human Resource Management's "The Competency Model for the New HR," offers a strong background in human resource functions, including compensation and benefits management, recruiting and retention, employee development, and labor relations. It also provides an overview of key business areas to increase your ability to effectively partner with other functions and contribute to your company?s success. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing entry-level or senior specialist positions in recruitment, compensation, benefits, labor relations, and other human resources fields.
BS in Business Management and Leadership (Bachelor Degree)
In today's efficiency-driven business environment, the ability to lead people and manage resources continues to be increasingly important. The focus of this business specialization in Management and Leadership is on developing the skills and competencies necessary to successfully manage people and organizations within a for-profit, nonprofit or government organization. Your course work will provide an overview of key business areas to increase your ability to effectively partner with functions across your organization, while building such management and leadership-focused skills as team collaboration, operations management, strategic planning, and change management. People who choose this specialization are often interested in pursuing team lead or supervisory positions in business, retail, government, or military organizations.
BS in Business Project Management (Bachelor Degree)
Businesses are recognizing the value of project management beyond its traditional use in information technology. This specialization is designed to offer the core business knowledge and project management skills you need to apply traditional project management techniques to cross-functional business initiatives. It is built around the competencies in "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge" (PMBOK? Guide), a globally recognized standard for project management. Because Capella is a Registered Education Provider of the Project Management Institute (PMI), you can earn your bachelor?s in IT and professional development units (PDUs) from PMI at the same time. People who choose this project management specialization are often interested in pursuing project lead or coordinator positions in corporations, consulting firms, or government agencies.
BS in Business Retail Management (Bachelor Degree)
Increase your career opportunities in the dynamic, diverse retail industry. Many retailers prefer a business-focused college degree when hiring or promoting to fill professional, supervisory, or managerial positions. This undergraduate Retail Management specialization offers a strong foundation in general business disciplines, including management, marketing, human resources, organizational communications, and finance. The retail-focused course work includes retail management, store operations, merchandising, pricing, competitive analysis and planning, and legal and ethical considerations in managing a retail operation. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing lead, supervisory, or management positions at the retail store level, or specialist/analyst positions within a retail department or corporate headquarters.
BS in Information Technology General (Bachelor Degree)
Five of the top 10 fastest growing jobs that require bachelor's degrees are in the field of information technology. Position yourself to take advantage of a wide range of opportunities with this General Information Ttechnology bachelor's degree designed to build both technical and business skills, a combination that is increasingly valued by today's employers. Through your choice of electives, you can design a broad program that touches on several IT disciplines or narrow your focus to deepen your knowledge in your niche area of information technology, including networking, Web development, project management, or information security. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing entry- or senior-level technical specialist positions in a variety of IT-related fields.
BS in Information Technology Health Informatics (Bachelor Degree)
More new jobs are being created in health care than any other field. At the same time, mandated electronic recordkeeping and tightened patient privacy regulations are making health informatics a sought-after skill. This specialization is designed to prepare you to use technology to improve health care quality and lower health care costs. Course work covers such topics as electronic information system management, information security, data integrity, and regulatory compliance. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing information technology specialist positions in hospitals, clinics, and health care systems.
BS in Information Technology Health Informatics (Bachelor Degree)
More new jobs are being created in health care than any other field. At the same time, mandated electronic recordkeeping and tightened patient privacy regulations are making health informatics a sought-after skill. This specialization is designed to prepare you to use technology to improve health care quality and lower health care costs. Course work covers such topics as electronic information system management, information security, data integrity, and regulatory compliance. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing information technology specialist positions in hospitals, clinics, and health care systems.
BS in Information Technology Information Assurance and Security (Bachelor Degree)
Information systems play an important role in the infrastructure that supports commerce, banking, telecommunications, health care, and national security, driving the need for qualified informational assurance and security specialists. New financial and health care regulations related to privacy and security, along with a growing move to more vulnerable wireless systems, have also increased the importance of these skills. This Information Assurance and Security bachelor?s specialization is designed to help you acquire and apply the latest tools, techniques, and methods of securing an enterprise, while building the business and communication skills you need to influence internal decision making and enhance organizational effectiveness.
BS in Information Technology Information Assurance and Security (Bachelor Degree)
Information systems play an important role in the infrastructure that supports commerce, banking, telecommunications, health care, and national security, driving the need for qualified informational assurance and security specialists. New financial and health care regulations related to privacy and security, along with a growing move to more vulnerable wireless systems, have also increased the importance of these skills. This Information Assurance and Security bachelor?s specialization is designed to help you acquire and apply the latest tools, techniques, and methods of securing an enterprise, while building the business and communication skills you need to influence internal decision making and enhance organizational effectiveness.
BS in Information Technology Project Management (Bachelor Degree)
With today's smaller budgets and tighter deadlines, project managers who can deliver the desired results on time and on budget are a valuable business resource. Develop the skills to effectively lead and manage complex information technology projects with this Project Management specialization built around the competencies in "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge"(PMBOK? Guide), a globally recognized standard for project management. Because Capella is a Registered Education Provider of the Project Management Institute (PMI), you can earn your bachelor's in project management and professional development units (PDUs) from PMI at the same time. People who choose this specialization are often interested in pursuing project lead or coordinator positions with corporations, consulting firms, or government agencies.
BS in Information Technology Project Management (Bachelor Degree)
With today's smaller budgets and tighter deadlines, project managers who can deliver the desired results on time and on budget are a valuable business resource. Develop the skills to effectively lead and manage complex information technology projects with this Project Management specialization built around the competencies in "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge"(PMBOK? Guide), a globally recognized standard for project management. Because Capella is a Registered Education Provider of the Project Management Institute (PMI), you can earn your bachelor's in project management and professional development units (PDUs) from PMI at the same time. People who choose this specialization are often interested in pursuing project lead or coordinator positions with corporations, consulting firms, or government agencies.
BS in Information Technology Project Management (Bachelor Degree)
With today's smaller budgets and tighter deadlines, project managers who can deliver the desired results on time and on budget are a valuable business resource. Develop the skills to effectively lead and manage complex information technology projects with this Project Management specialization built around the competencies in "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge"(PMBOK? Guide), a globally recognized standard for project management. Because Capella is a Registered Education Provider of the Project Management Institute (PMI), you can earn your bachelor's in project management and professional development units (PDUs) from PMI at the same time. People who choose this specialization are often interested in pursuing project lead or coordinator positions with corporations, consulting firms, or government agencies.
BS in Information Technology Project Management (Bachelor Degree)
With today's smaller budgets and tighter deadlines, project managers who can deliver the desired results on time and on budget are a valuable business resource. Develop the skills to effectively lead and manage complex information technology projects with this Project Management specialization built around the competencies in "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge"(PMBOK? Guide), a globally recognized standard for project management. Because Capella is a Registered Education Provider of the Project Management Institute (PMI), you can earn your bachelor's in project management and professional development units (PDUs) from PMI at the same time. People who choose this specialization are often interested in pursuing project lead or coordinator positions with corporations, consulting firms, or government agencies.
BS in Information Technology Software Architecture (Bachelor Degree)
Software architecture, one of the fastest growing job sectors in the country, focuses on integrating and maintaining complex software systems within an organization. This specialization offers courses in software development, design, and construction in multiple platforms, including Web and mobile. It also emphasizes project management and communication skills, providing a blend of business and technology skills increasingly valued in today?s businesses. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing technical specialist positions in software, data, or applications architecture; software development; or database administration.
BS in Information Technology Software Architecture (Bachelor Degree)
Software architecture, one of the fastest growing job sectors in the country, focuses on integrating and maintaining complex software systems within an organization. This specialization offers courses in software development, design, and construction in multiple platforms, including Web and mobile. It also emphasizes project management and communication skills, providing a blend of business and technology skills increasingly valued in today?s businesses. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing technical specialist positions in software, data, or applications architecture; software development; or database administration.
BS in Information Technology Software Architecture (Bachelor Degree)
Software architecture, one of the fastest growing job sectors in the country, focuses on integrating and maintaining complex software systems within an organization. This specialization offers courses in software development, design, and construction in multiple platforms, including Web and mobile. It also emphasizes project management and communication skills, providing a blend of business and technology skills increasingly valued in today?s businesses. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing technical specialist positions in software, data, or applications architecture; software development; or database administration.
BS in Public Safety Emergency Management (Bachelor Degree)
Advance your career in the fast-growing field of emergency management. This undergraduate specialization provides an overview of public safety research, theory, and principles within an emergency management framework. The curriculum focuses on such topics as emergency planning and decision-making, homeland security, disaster response and recovery, and hazard identification and mitigation. A capstone project provides the opportunity to apply and demonstrate emergency management skills gained during the course of the program. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing career advancement or deeper expertise in emergency management, or are planning to transition from the military into a civilian public safety career.
BS in Public Safety Homeland Security (Bachelor Degree)
Pursue a homeland security career and help protect your country?s citizens, lands, and property. This specialization focuses on managing public security in conjunction with federal resources. The curriculum includes course work on such topics as domestic and international terrorism; multijurisdictional coordination; and diplomatic, technological, and intelligence approaches to national security. A capstone project provides an opportunity to apply and demonstrate your leadership skills in the growing field of homeland security. People who choose this specialization may wish to pursue career advancement or deeper expertise in federal, state, or local security/enforcement agencies, or to transition from the military into a civilian homeland security career.
BS in Public Safety Security Management (Bachelor Degree)
Prepare yourself to assume a leadership role in the growing field of private security. Private security professionals are responsible for protecting the vast majority of the nation?s infrastructure, 85 percent of which is privately owned. They are also increasingly recognized as being integral to the central business functions of corporations that must protect their operations against fraud, information and property theft, workplace violence, terrorism, and other security concerns. Capella?s Security Management curriculum includes courses covering such topics as leadership; information, operational, commercial, and retail security; executive protection; laws and legal procedures; and security management in a global business environment. A capstone project provides an opportunity to apply and demonstrate your security management skills. People who choose this specialization may include military, public safety, or private security personnel who wish to pursue management positions focused on private security risk management and asset protection.
- Business Administration and Management, General.
- Clinical Psychology.
- Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst.
- Computer and Information Systems Security.
- Counseling Psychology.
- Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
- Developmental and Child Psychology.
- Education, General.
- Educational Psychology.
- Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship.
- Family Psychology.
- Finance, General.
- Geropsychology.
- Health/Medical Psychology.
- Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General.
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
- Information Technology.
- International Business/Trade/Commerce.
- Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
- Mental Health Counseling/Counselor.
- Psychology, General.
- Psychometrics and Quantitative Psychology.
- School Psychology.
- Social Work.
- System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager.
- Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.
- Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.
I am interested in going to school to get a college degree. Because of my working hours I think that easiest way to a degree and work will be to go online. I am interested in getting a bachelors degree in Health informatics. Does anyone have experience in going to school online either at Capella or a different online school and let me know if it is a good experience or not.
Thanks for the answers so far! I am responding to PE2008....Please give me more information as to how the reputation of the school is bad. What have you heard about this school?
Top Answer:
No, it is not.
Capella has a bad reputation. The degrees do not get respect.
The school essentially has no standards, and accepts losers who cannot gain admission anywhere else.
ADDED
"Dr. René" recommends this worthless school.
Dr. René has a Ph.D. from Capella University. He should not be calling himself a "doctor".
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If so then what are they? How many students are accepted and rejected?
Top Answer:
Many don't have admission standards especially if they are for profit universities. Since sometimes employers look down on these schools I recommend doing what I am and looking for a school with traditional campuses that offer an online program. An example is DePaul or University of Wisconsin.
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Is there anyone out there who has gone to Capella University? I am thinking about getting a MS in Human Services -- with a specialization in School Counseling. Wondering about what others think of this school? Thanks!
Top Answer:
There are many complaints and negative reviews about Capella University. One place that provides links to many of these complaints may be found on the Capella Facts web site. A link is provided below.
Does anyone know anything about ONLINE SCHOOLS, ARGOSY UNIVERSITY, CAPELLA, WALDEN, CSU...?
Hi All, I plan to pursue my PhD marketing and Finance program. I do research a few online schools like Argosy, Capella, Walden, Columbia Southern University...? Please let me know do you hear anything about those school's reputation? thanks
Top Answer:
Worthless schools. Anyone getting a PhD from these "pretend" schools will be laughed at his entire career.
I am planning on pursuing my PhD in Instructional Design and Online Learning at Capella. I just wanted to hear from others who are currently enrolled in that degree program or who have completed that degree program about their experiences with it. Before I invest thousands of dollars, I want to make sure the piece of paper (degree) I walk out with will not be deferred because it's from an "online" school versus a brick mortar school. If you have this degree, did you experience any setbacks with it? Those still in the program, do you enjoy your classes, how are the professors, any other insight? Thanks in advance for any insight. I just don't want to regret later and think that I should have gone to Drexel University as a brick and mortar student. I completed my BS at a brick and mortar (Temple University) with a few online classes, went to Drexel for my MS and did a completely online MS program there and really like the flexibility offered with distance learning. I'd like to continue, but only if it's not going to bar me from being considered for career advancements, etc. Any insight and advice would be appreciated.
Top Answer:
As with your MS, you'd do better getting an online degree from a traditional, brick and mortar college, rather than from a college that's famous for being online and which is for-profit, like Capella.
In addition, what do you hope to do with this PhD? Academia - college teaching? If so, then know that online PhD are very much looked down on re: college professorships.
In addition, if you can do the degree full time in person at a real uni, it may be free for you. You may end up fully funded - they'll pay for your tuition in exchange for your work as a TA or RA.
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I just got my AAS in Information Technology- Computer Network Systems and Want to enroll into Capella's BS in Information Technology- Network Technology. I see that the degree is Regionally accredited and ABET accredited! Infact it is the only online University with Full ABET accredidation in IT. Will this play well with employers, or will they only see an online, for-profit university?
Top Answer:
Actually, Dr. Innovation is dead wrong. Since I completed my BSIT at Capella in 2009 I have been promoted twice and now make more money than I could imagine. Once I graduated I was offered a position at Microsoft, and Apple. If it was perceived as lazy would these very large companies even considered me? Some people have lives and work. Some people live too far from a brick and mortar school. Also if online education was perceived as lazy why would schools such as UNC, NC State, ECU, MIT, and Harvard be conducting online education today? But don't just take my word for it. Here are some resources for you to look into:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110322006631/en/Quality-Matters-Recognizes-Capella-University-Accredited-Online
http://www.capellaeducation.com/news/news/03-24-10_IIBA.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capella_University#Notable_alumni
Some notable Alumni:
Notable Alumni
Dr. Curtis J. Crawford, American computer systems engineer and CEO
Dr. David F. Duncan, American epidemiologist and expert on drug abuse.
Christopher Erhardt, American video game designer and retired professor
Don Nicholas, American publisher and information architect
Richard Rios, U.S. Republican political activist (non-graduate)
Dr. Betty Schueler, American author and computer consultant
Dr. Gerald Schueler, American author and retired Systems Analyst
Rafael C. Castillo, PhD, First Editor of ViAztlan: a journal of Chicano Arts and Letters
Dr. Rhadi Ferguson, 2004 United States Judo Olympian, 4-Time National Judo Champion, Only PhD Male and also the only African American PhD Mixed Martial Arts Fighter to fight in a major organization Strikeforce.
Dr. Rhadi Ferguson is also a master educator, trainer, teacher and coach.[20]
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I need to find an accredited college to get my Accounting Bachelor's Degree. I need something that allows me to take night classes and/or online classes. I have a friend who is taking classes at Capella University, and she says she loves it. I just want some more opinions on whether their degrees are worth anything to employers or not. Or maybe some other university ideas?...
Top Answer:
No. It's a for-profit school with a poor reputation. Employers have been known to toss any job application listing a Capella degree directly into the trash.
70% of Capella students are female, and 45% are minorities. Most of these students would not be accepted in schools of higher reputation. Most Capella degree programs do not have programmatic accreditation. Graduates of Capella degrees must endure the barely suppressed snickers of friends and colleagues their entire careers.
Try Athabasca University.
ADDED
It's interesting that all the positive Answers to this question came within a one hour period, three days after the Question was posted, mostly by Responders who joined Q!A just today June 1/10... The Question is being spammed by Capella "ambassadors"...
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Do they require you to take the graduate admissions exams like the GRE and the GMAT?
Do they make you do a dissertation?
Do they take about 4 years to complete?
Typically, How expensive are they?
Top Answer:
Any real online school will require you have a masters degree from an accredited university and minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher to enroll in a PhD program and will require writing an original dissertation. Online colleges are businesses - it will be more expensive than attending a 'real' college and not as well regarded.
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I was just wondering if their was a school I could go to that I could do all my school work online and it was accredited. I look into phoenix, capella, and other online universities. Is their an online university that I can trust?
Top Answer:
A bachelor's degree in social work, especially an on line one, will seldom lead to good employment opportunities. A master's degree in social work is needed for a good career in the field.
I suggest that you study on line for a bachelor's degree in psychology which is excellent preparation for a master's degree in social work. If this program is not offered by your state university, look at University of Maryland University College.
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I am still looking at the online schools and I see that Capella University, which already is the only online school pessessing CACREP accreditation and SHRM certification, was just recognized by the Department of Home Land Security and the National Security Agency as a Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance. What does this mean to Capella learners, current and future?
Top Answer:
Taranto is right. Capella University is a place for those who can't cut it anywhere else. Only bottom feeders need apply. HR Directors are known to throw resumes from those attending Capella in the trash can. The Chronicle of Higher Education recently posted an article called, "Employers Often Distrust Online Degrees" That article mentioned that
"Silvia Guzman, regional human-resources manager for ProTec Building Services, likens online degrees to diploma mills or institutions that advertise on career Web sites promising to help you earn a degree in a year.
"The online degree is not weighed as heavily as a traditional degree," says Ms. Guzman, who hires people for a range of positions, including publishing, administration, and building engineering. "It's almost like, oh, you're purchasing a degree."
"She mentioned several universities that raise red flags for her when she sees them on résumés, including Capella University, an accredited for-profit online institution, and the University of Phoenix, an accredited for-profit institution that has both classroom and online programs."
Capella University is the place to go if you want to buy a degree that others will laugh at.
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