About Capital
With a foundation based in a history of academic excellence in the tradition of Lutheran higher education, Capital University’s undergraduate and graduate programs are preparing students for lifelong learning and professional goals in the global environment of the 21st century. Founded in 1830 as a Lutheran seminary, and chartered as a university in 1850, Capital has been at the forefront of preparing students personally and professionally to achieve their vocational calling.
Capital University includes The College, Law School, and Trinity Lutheran Seminary. The university offers four undergraduate degrees with more than 70 majors, as well as 10 graduate degrees to its approximately 3,400 students. Graduate offerings provide opportunities for degrees in Juris Doctor, Master of Law, Master of Taxation for Accountants and graduate tax programs, the Master of Business Administration, the Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Music in Music Education, Master of Arts in Education, Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Theology, and the Master of Theological Studies. Academic opportunities are enhanced at Capital with the many opportunities for student involvement in co-curricular activities including student government, athletics, music, theatre, and cultural, political and social organizations.
Since Capital is in a metropolitan setting in Columbus with campuses in the suburb of Bexley and City of Columbus, students enjoy academic, cultural, recreational and social activities. Theatres, galleries, museums, shops, restaurants and sporting events are just minutes away from both campuses.
As the state capital and the largest city in Ohio, Columbus is the home for an increasing number of national corporations. The academic experience at Capital includes a rich variety of internships and educational opportunities for students in cooperation with these businesses, health and other non-profit agencies and governmental offices. In addition, the business community of Columbus is an important employer of Capital University graduates.
Mission
Capital University transforms lives by empowering an inclusive community of learners through engaging academic, co-curricular, and professional experiences.
Vision
Capital University is a vibrant and innovative leader in higher education. Our inclusive community supports access and ensures success for all.
Students engage in the relevant and collaborative experiences necessary to be knowledgeable, resilient, and ethical citizens. They leave Capital prepared to make meaningful contributions in their communities and advance the common good.
Values
- Student Success - We proactively support the academic, social, physical, mental, and spiritual development of every student as they pursue their academic and personal goals.
- Educational Excellence - Expert faculty and staff use evidence-based best practices to create intellectually challenging and personally supportive learning experiences in and out of the classroom.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - We respect all identities, cultures, and perspectives, promote equity in access and opportunity, and foster a sense of belonging for all members of our community.
- Integrity - Through honesty, transparency, and hard work, we demonstrate our best selves and value the same in others.
University Learning Goals
Capital University prepares a diverse student body for life and work through undergraduate and graduate curricula that balance liberal studies with professional and career fields. Through an extensive curriculum and numerous student-centered activities, the effectiveness of which is assessed, Capital University students will develop skills in:
- thinking critically,
- reasoning logically and
- communicating clearly.
Students also will be encouraged to:
- develop their leadership and service potentials,
- become independent, lifelong learners,
- develop a sense of values that guides personal decision making and develop intercultural competencies and the ability to work in diverse groups
The University
The University’s Academic Affairs division includes the College and the Seminary, under which all academic programs on the Bexley campus are organized, and the Law School, which provides legal and related studies on a separate campus located in downtown Columbus. Five schools comprise the College.
The College
- The School of Natural Sciences, Nursing, and Health is composed of five academic departments including Biological and Environmental Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Health and Sports Sciences, and Nursing. Through the School of Natural Sciences, Nursing and Health, the university offers degrees in the Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Science in Nursing; and the Master of Science in Nursing (online). The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is available through both the traditional four-year program of study and a second degree Accelerated Program (C-NAP), The MSN Program offers tracks in Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, Legal Studies and Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist. The following dual degrees are also available: MSN/MBA and MSN/JD. Nursing education post-master’s certificate program is also available.
- The School of Management and Leadership is composed of two academic departments: Business and Military Science. The Master in Business Administration (MBA) is offered through a flexible part-time evening program for working professionals. The MBA also can be earned as part of a joint program with the Capital University Law School (JD/MBA) or with the School of Natural Sciences, Nursing, and Health (MSN/MBA). Undergraduate business administration majors for working students also are available through Adult and Graduate Education. The Military Science Department houses the Army ROTC program and offers a minor in Military Science and Leadership.
- The School of Social Sciences and Education is composed of five academic departments including Education, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology and Criminology, and Professional Studies. They offer both Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Work degrees, and Master of Arts in Education.
- The Conservatory of Music and School of Communication is composed of The Conservatory of Music, and the Communication and Art departments. It offers two undergraduate degrees, the Bachelor of Music and the Bachelor of Arts, and a Master of Music degree in Music Education.
- The School of Humanities is comprised of five academic departments and offers Bachelor of Arts degrees composed of the English, History, Political Science and Economics, and World Languages and Cultures as well as Religion and Philosophy Departments.
The Law School
Dean-Reynaldo Anaya Valencia, J.D.
The Law School became part of the university in 1966. The Juris Doctor degree is awarded upon successful completion of 86 semester hours in either the three-year, full-time day program or the four-year, part-time evening program. A part-time day program began in fall 1999. The graduate programs were established in 1986. These programs include a Master of Laws in Taxation for attorneys; a Master of Taxation for accountants; a Master of Laws in Business and Taxation for attorneys, and a Master of Laws in Business. In 2015, Capital launched Ohio’s first accelerated 3+3 Bachelor of Arts to Juris Doctor program. In 2018, the Master of Legal Studies was established.
The Law School offers four joint degree programs. In cooperation with Ohio University, students may earn a Juris Doctor and a Master’s of Sports Administration. Also offered is a joint JD/MSN with the School of Natural Sciences, Nursing, and Health and a joint JD/MBA with the School of Management and Leadership. A joint degree with a Juris Doctor and a Master of Theological Studies is offered in partnership with Trinity Lutheran Seminary. A Juris Doctor student may earn both a Juris Doctor and one of the master’s degrees in three and a half years under the combined degree program.
Dean-The Rev. Kathryn A. Kleinhans, Ph.D.
Trinity Lutheran Seminary forms leaders for Christ’s Church at work in the world.
Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University, a seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, welcomes students, faculty and staff from many denominations. As a Reconciling in Christ seminary, Trinity welcomes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
A theological seminary is more than an educational institution. It is also a community of Christians gathering in the nature of Jesus to praise God and to be empowered for mission. A seminary education is a multi-faceted experience of academics, common meals, worship, ministry in context, community life and special programs.
Degrees Offered
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity degree prepares individuals for the pastoral ministry of the church. Courses at Trinity offer students the opportunity to integrate the various disciplines of theology, their personal and spiritual growth and their contextual experience. Students engage in structured field work in ministry settings where they apply the concepts and practices learned in the classroom.
The 2+2 Program for completing the Master of Divinity degree is unique to Trinity, allowing for flexibility in life, study and work balance. During the first two years of full-time study, students take classes on campus and work at their contextual education sites. Clinical Pastoral Education in a chaplaincy setting is typically completed in the summer between the first and second years. During the second two years of full-time status, students live and work at their internship sites in a variety of church settings.
Master of Theological Studies
The Master of Theological Studies degree prepares individuals for a wide variety of career options, teaching and leadership roles in lay ministry, spiritual formation, advocacy and community organizing.
Master of Sacred Theology
The Master of Sacred Theology degree is intended for students whose interests lie in pursuing an advanced theological degree with an emphasis on academic study. The S.T.M. degree aims to enrich both scholarly and vocational competency, making it suitable to both ministry practitioners and those whose goals include additional graduate study.
Affiliation
Capital University is one of the oldest institutions of higher education of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Accreditations, Authorizations, and Memberships
Capital University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission whom ensures institutions have standards and processes that focus on student learning, education for a diverse and global audience, and well-being for the entire campus community, among other aspects. In addition, several disciplinary programs at Capital University maintain specialized accreditation. More information can be found about the specialized accreditors within the program’s specific handbook. At this time, all programs are in good standing with the respective accreditors.
- Higher Learning Commission; 1921-to present (accredited)
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; 1999 to present (accredited)
- American Bar Association; 1954 to present (member)
- American Chemical Society (approved); 1966 to present
- Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education; 1998 to present (accredited)
- Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools; 1940 to present (accredited)
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation; 1966 to present (accredited)
- Council on Social Work Education; 1974 to present (accredited)
- National Association of Schools of Music; 1932 to present (accredited)
University programs are also recognized by the following organizations:
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (member)
- American College Health Association (member)
- Association of American Law Schools (member since 1983)
- League of Ohio Law Schools (charter member)
- National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA member)
- Ohio Board of Nursing (approved)
- Ohio Department of Higher Education; 1969 to present (authorized)
- State Board of Education of Ohio
Currently there are eleven graduate degree offered at Capital University.
- Master of Arts in Education
- Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Divinity
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (begins fall 2022)
- Master of Music in Music Education
- Master of Sacred Theology
- Master of Theological Studies
- Law and Paralegal (Capital University Law School)
University Counseling and Assistance Program for Students
Capital University welcomes students with disabilities to be an integral part of the educational community. Our mission is to coordinate support services and accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure equal educational opportunities and equal access to university life. The Office of Accessibility Services (AS) seeks to make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities through appropriate modification of educational procedures and methods used to assess student performance. Students with disabilities who wish to receive assistance from Accessibility Services are responsible for disclosing their disability to the (AS) office. Students should use the following steps as a guideline for requesting services: (a) complete the Accommodation Request Form; (b) submit documentation by a qualified, licensed professional to verify the presence of a qualifying disability; and (c) arrange an appointment with a representative from Accessibility Services.
The aforementioned forms can be located online atwww.capital.edu/about-capital/accessibility-services. Accessibility Services is located in the Ruff Learning Center (First Floor) and may be reached by telephone (614-236-6611) or by e-mail (accessibilityservices@capital.edu).
Capital University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, sex and gender, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, in administration of its programs and activities or employment. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policy: University Counsel, 210 Yochum Hall, 614-236-6408. For further information on the notice of non-discrimination visit http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OCR/contactus.cfm for the address and phone number of the regional U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights in connection with educational records maintained at Capital University. For purposes of compliance with FERPA, the University considers all students independent. Notification of Student’s rights can be found on Capital University’s website can be found at https://www.capital.edu/student-rights/.
Capital University is committed to ensuring safe environments free of discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual misconduct and harassment. If you have experienced an incident of sex or gender-based discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, we encourage you to report it. Capital University faculty are committed to supporting students, however, please understand that faculty are “responsible employees” of the University and must report incidents of sex- or gender-based discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator. If you would like to make a confidential report, please refer to Capital University’s Sex- or Gender-Based Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct policy for more information on reporting options here.
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