Capella University vs Western Governors University (WGU) - What is Your Experience?

What Members Are Saying (AI-Generated Summary)

Members are discussing their experiences with Capella University's BSN-MSN program, including the number of courses required, the flexibility of the program, and the process of translating the point system into a traditional GPA. Some members share advice on not changing specialties mid-program and the importance of asking questions about remote options and site listings. Overall, members are sharing their positive experiences with the program while also highlighting potential administrative challenges.

I'm wondering if anyone can give some updated light on which school (Capella vs WGU) would be better to attend. Are there discussion boards, group projects, and how many papers for each class?

On 10/24/2019 at 12:45 PM, lperry said:

I am late to this thread, but wanted to let you all know that Capella has significantly increased their tuition. It is now $3200/12 weeks. That makes it quite a bit more expensive, in my opinion. Also, their credit hour calculations are very confusing, as they keep track in quarter hours instead of semester hours. They require 180 quarter hours, and their 8 core nursing classes = only 48 quarter hours. Your ADN, is worth roughly 90 quarter hours. This means you will have to get another 50 quarter hours, or 9 classes more towards your BSN. That is alot, and according to their website, only 10% of students complete the program in <9 months. With that in mind, this program is no longer a way to save $.

Are those other classes the prerequisites for the ADN/ASN? For instance, BIO 101, A&P 1 and 2, CHEM, MicroBio, Humanities, Statistics, Algebra, etc.?

Specializes in Pediatric Specialty RN.
On 4/25/2020 at 3:29 PM, PgrassRN said:

Are those other classes the prerequisites for the ADN/ASN? For instance, BIO 101, A&P 1 and 2, CHEM, MicroBio, Humanities, Statistics, Algebra, etc.?

I can't answer this part specifically, but I know several nurses who did or are doing the capella program. If you have another degree you will most likely only need to take the 8 core classes. My friends who did not have a degree ended up needing 9 or 10 classes after all of their other credits transferred in. It's individualized. I will say that myself and two close friends all finished the program in 4-5 months. I know many others who did it in 6. It's not easy to do, but it can be done.

On 7/27/2019 at 6:25 PM, Nurse Magnolia said:

I was deciding between these two myself. I went all the way through the admissions process for WGU and then realized that I would be required to do a synchronous class for the first 3-4 weeks....twice a week at the same time for 3-4 weeks I'd need to be at my computer participating in a 2 hour synchronous class. For an online university, this felt ridiculous. I can't work my schedule to be off the same two days every week for a month. That plus the fact I'd have to take chem and stats at WGU swayed me towards Capella. WGU also has a class where you have to get 90 hours of participation, interviews, or site surveys of community health resources. That sounded like a lot of driving around and interviewing people, none of which I was truly interested in.

I chose Capella ultimately....I have no idea how that's going to work out as I only start there on August 5. But apparently it's research papers and power point projects and no synchronous classes. No groups. There is a capstone at the end, but it's mostly just putting together everything you've learned. According to the enrollment counselors and other stories online, it's doable to finish in 6-8 months.

I see that this was posted last year. Did you enjoy using Capella's program? I am currently looking into it. Thx!

Specializes in Pediatric Specialty RN.
15 hours ago, Lonnie48 said:

I see that this was posted last year. Did you enjoy using Capella's program? I am currently looking into it. Thx!

Yes I did. I ended up starting in October, and I finished my 8 BSN classes in February. It took me almost exactly 4 months to complete while working full time. There is a lot of work and a lot of papers, but there is enough information given to point you in the right direction. As with everything in college, a lot depends on your instructor. I'm glad I did it. I'm glad I'm done. I wouldn't do an MSN at Capella, but for RN-BSN I think it fit the bill perfectly.

Thank you! Appreciate your feedback! I am scheduled to talk with an enrollment counselor this week.

On 5/4/2020 at 9:43 AM, Nurse Magnolia said:

Yes I did. I ended up starting in October, and I finished my 8 BSN classes in February. It took me almost exactly 4 months to complete while working full time. There is a lot of work and a lot of papers, but there is enough information given to point you in the right direction. As with everything in college, a lot depends on your instructor. I'm glad I did it. I'm glad I'm done. I wouldn't do an MSN at Capella, but for RN-BSN I think it fit the bill perfectly.

What Math classes did you take?

Specializes in Pediatric Specialty RN.
13 hours ago, savena77 said:

What Math classes did you take?

I didn’t take a math at Capella. I transferred in my math from other college classes. I only had to take the 8 nursing classes, no others.

What type of Math did you take in College?

Specializes in Pediatric Specialty RN.
10 minutes ago, savena77 said:

What type of Math did you take in College?

Well I have an IT degree so I had calculus. But it’s not required. I’m not sure what math is required for Capella. It would say on the requirements. I think it’s just a college level math

Thank you. I called them but they don't want to give me information until I have my license.

I don't have any Math Class because I passed the exam from level 1 to 9.

I just want to take some math classes now to have less for my BSN.

Do you know if mat156 is okay? It is MTH 155 - Statistical Reasoning.

3 hours ago, savena77 said:

Thank you. I called them but they don't want to give me information until I have my license.

I don't have any Math Class because I passed the exam from level 1 to 9.

I just want to take some math classes now to have less for my BSN.

Do you know if mat156 is okay? It is MTH 155 - Statistical Reasoning.

What I had also transferred over. Algebra and Statistics

Specializes in Peri-op, ER, Cardiac Rehab.
On 5/4/2020 at 8:43 AM, Nurse Magnolia said:

Yes I did. I ended up starting in October, and I finished my 8 BSN classes in February. It took me almost exactly 4 months to complete while working full time. There is a lot of work and a lot of papers, but there is enough information given to point you in the right direction. As with everything in college, a lot depends on your instructor. I'm glad I did it. I'm glad I'm done. I wouldn't do an MSN at Capella, but for RN-BSN I think it fit the bill perfectly.

Why wouldn’t you do an MSN at capella?

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