Capitol History | Capitol Technology University | Washington D.C. & Maryland Area

Since its start more than 90 years ago, Capitol Technology University has remained true to its mission – preparing students for careers in a quickly changing world. With a tradition of academic excellence and practical learning, Capitol Technology University has equipped its alumni with the knowledge and skills to evolve with the advanced sophistication of technology.

Capitol Technology University was founded in Washington, D.C., as the Capitol Radio Engineering Institute (CREI) in 1927 by Eugene H. Rietzke. A Navy veteran and radio operator, Rietzke saw the need for an advanced school that would produce talented radio and electronics technicians. CREI began as a correspondence school, but its popularity led to the 1932 opening of a residence division, allowing students to work hands-on in laboratories. As radio technology improved, new training programs and courses were quickly added. Following World War II, CREI became one of the first three technical institutes accredited by the Engineers’ Council for Professional Development.

The institute entered a new era in the mid-1950s when it began awarding three-year Associate of Applied Science degrees. The school expanded its reach to new programs in applied engineering and electronics. The institute also changed its name to Capitol Institute of Technology (CIT) in 1964. CIT awarded its first Bachelor of Science degrees in 1966 to four graduates of its electronics engineering technology program. Anticipating the need for more room, CIT relocated in 1969 to Kensington, Maryland.

During the following decade, enrollment increased as well as program offerings. In 1976, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools granted accreditation to Capitol. The National Science Foundation also provided funding for new instructional scientific equipment. Quickly outgrowing its space, Capitol’s leaders recognized a need for a permanent home and began searching for a new campus.

In 1980, the college found its home in Laurel, Maryland. Within three years, Capitol purchased the 52-acre former site of the Beltsville Speedway, built new academic facilities, and opened its doors. Enrollment swelled and the college added two more engineering technology degrees. Within the next decade, a capital campaign and funding from the state of Maryland raised millions for buildings, equipment, and a scholarship endowment. The campus expanded with Telecommunications Hall and the 340-seat Avrum Gudelsky Memorial Auditorium.

In the late 1980s, Capitol’s leadership again recognized the transformation in the institution. The technical-based curriculum had become broader by increasing the number of humanities and social science courses offered. With a spacious campus and the addition of four-year degrees, the school had shed its skin as a technical institute. Preferring a title and an environment that would better suit the evolving institution, the Board of Trustees changed the school’s name to Capitol College. Along with the name change came a plan to offer more degrees in engineering and management, build on-campus housing, and convert from a quarterly academic calendar to a semester system.

The period of growth continued in the 1990s. Capitol College began offering master’s degrees. The college began several outreach efforts and business partnerships, such as the NASA PREP summer program for minority students and the Maryland Distance Learning Network. As the 20th century came to a close, the college also expanded the John G. and Beverly A. Puente Library, creating a spacious state-of-the-art facility with a multimedia teaching center.

The opening of the William G. McGowan Academic Center in 2005 marked the beginning of the next era for the college. The academic center expanded the computer science department, Space Operations Institute, and the BRAC-funded Cyber Battle Lab.

In 2010, Capitol College launched its first-ever doctoral program. The doctorate in information assurance prepared students for leadership roles in the burgeoning field of cybersecurity. Since the college offered the degree almost exclusively online, Capitol began accepting doctoral students from across the globe. Four years later, the institution added its second doctoral program in management and decision sciences.

The increased growth and diversity of programs led the college to become Capitol Technology University in 2014. Since 2014, the University has embarked on a long-term strategic plan of continued expansion, including the addition of new facilities on campus and increased academic programs. In 2017, Dr. Bradford L. Sims became the eighth president of Capitol Technology University, inheriting the proud legacy that began with Eugene H. Rietzke.

As a respected regional leader, Capitol Technology University continues to attract the attention of government agencies and corporate partners. Through a partnership with NASA, Capitol offers academic programs in astronautical engineering and practical training at its Space Operations Institute. The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security have designated the University a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers has named the University one of its 12 educational partners.

Today, Capitol Technology University is the only independent university in Maryland that specializes in providing a relevant education in engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, business, and related fields. The institution takes pride in its proven record of placing graduates in competitive careers with salaries that are higher than the industry average. Capitol Technology University currently offers 3 associate’s degrees, 25 bachelor’s degrees, 19 master’s degrees, and 29 doctorates.

While innovations spur new developments and industries, the foundations taught at Capitol Technology University – thinking critically, actively and creatively – remain. Capitol Technology University is committed to providing students with a quality education and the relevant experience to excel in a rapidly changing world filled new technology and global commerce both now and in the future.

1927 – Capitol Radio Engineering Institute is founded on June 1^st by former Naval Officer Eugene H. Rietzke as a correspondence school teaching vacuum-tube theory, the high technology of the time.

1932 – CREI opens a residence school in Washington, DC.

1946 – CREI becomes one of the first three technical institutes in the country accredited by the Engineers' Council for Professional Development.

1954 – The District of Columbia licenses CREI to confer the associate in applied science degree to graduates of its three-year, 160 quarter-credit-hour program. The new program retained ECPD accreditation.

1964 – Capitol Institute of Technology is created as a nonprofit college from the residence school of Capitol Radio Engineering Institute and the school inducts its first official president, Henry H. Armsby. CIT continues offering the 3-year associate in applied science degree program. The first off-campus program begins at the Naval Air Test Center in Patuxent River, Maryland.

1965 – Second president Col. Elbert S. Maloney, USMC (Ret.) steps into his new role with the school.

1966 – The District of Columbia licenses CIT to award the bachelor of science in engineering technology to graduates. The degree is a four-year, 216 quarter-credit-hour program. The first class of four students graduates from this program.

1967 – Martin A. Mason, Ingenieur-Docteur becomes Capitol’s third president.

1969 – CIT moves from Washington, DC, to a leased facility in Kensington, Maryland.

1970 – The Kensington campus opens in January with an enrollment of 215 students.
The Engineers' Council for Professional Development gives accreditation to the the BS in engineering technology. The college becomes a candidate for accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

1971 – Ernest E. Blanche, PhD steps up as acting president for a short duration. In that same year, Edward L. Fleckenstein becomes Capitol’s fourth official president.

1976 – CIT receives full accreditation by Middle States. The National Science Foundation awards the first in a series of grants for the purchase of instructional scientific equipment. With the induction of our fifth president, Brig. Gen. Harold R. Johnson, USAF (Ret.), the college realized a need for permanent home for the institution and began searching for a new campus.

1977 – G. William Troxler, PhD is inducted as president of CIT.

1981 – The long search for a new campus ends with the purchase of 52 acres in Laurel, Maryland. The state awards CIT a $1 million matching grant to help with the construction of the new campus. The U.S. Department of Education awards $75,000 to fund a long-range plan for the institution. A $35,000 donation given by the Homer and Martha Gudelsky Family Foundation establishes the first endowed scholarship.

1982 – The college receives a federal grant to expand the college's programs and a second federal grant establishes the cooperative education program.

1983 – The college moves from Kensington to the completed Laurel campus in September and enrollment increases 30 percent. New degrees are introduced: AA and BS degrees in computer engineering technology and telecommunications engineering technology. The cooperative education program begins and the federal grants are renewed.

1984 – Construction begins on the first phase of Telecommunications Hall. A turn-key central office switch, donated by MCI Corporation and valued at more than $1 million, is installed in the new building.

1985 – An associate of arts in optoelectronics engineering technology is introduced. Construction of Telecommunications Hall begins with help from a $1.5 million Maryland state grant. A minor in computer-aided design is introduced and the cooperative education program expands. The Decade of Growth Campaign exceeds its $3.5 million goal, which largely established numerous endowed scholarships. The college receives donations of state-of-the-art equipment and significant funds to help with construction costs.

1986 – Telecommunications Hall and the 340-seat Avrum Gudelsky Memorial Auditorium are completed.

1987 – The Board of Trustees approves a five-point plan under which the college changes its name from Capitol Institute of Technology to Capitol College. Other elements of the plan include developing new curricula in electrical engineering and management of telecommunications systems and technical communications; creating student housing on campus; and changing the academic calendar from a quarter system to a semester system.

1989 – Residence halls, consisting of six apartment-style buildings, are completed in January. The halls are named after inventors: Bell; DeForest, Edison, Franklin, Morse and Steinmetz.

1990 – The graduate school, established in August, offers the Master of Science in systems management.

1992 – Capitol College and NASA begin the NASA PREP college preparatory summer program in engineering for minority students.

1994 – The Distance Learning Center becomes operational, transmitting undergraduate courses via satellite to Hagerstown. A master's degree in information and telecommunications systems management is added to the graduate school.

1997 – The renovated John G. and Beverly A. Puente Library opens its doors. This state-of-the-art facility houses the William G. McGowan Center for Innovative Teaching. Capitol College offers its first courses over the Internet.

1998 – Three new BS degree programs are offered: computer engineering, software engineering, and software and Internet applications.

2001 – MS degree programs are introduced in information architecture and network security. The college launches a campaign to raise funds for the William G. McGowan Academic Center and Campus Development Plan.

2002 – The college experiences significant increases in online enrollments. The state of Maryland approves a $3 million grant for the construction of the McGowan Academic Center. BS and MS degrees in computer science are introduced for the fall semester. A NASA grant helps establish the Space Operations Institute; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center turns over control of three satellites to SOI.

2003 – The college introduces two more online degrees: an MS in electrical engineering and an MBA. The BS in astronautical engineering degree is introduced in the spring; the BS in network security begins in the fall. Capitol becomes an academic partner with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, one of only eight partners at this time. NASA turns over control of a fourth satellite to SOI.

2004 – A BS in business administration is introduced. G. William Troxler retires in June after serving 27 years as president. Michael T. Wood is named the seventh president of the college.

2005 – The college dedicated the simple but dramatic structure, the William G. McGowan Academic Center, named for MCI founder and college benefactor William McGowan. The $7 million building houses the Space Operations classrooms, faculty offices, computer labs, conference rooms and areas for larger functions. Also during this year, the business programs were accredited by the International Assembly of College Business Education.

2006 – Capitol takes on a modernized logo, revamping the college’s brand and identity among its constituents. The Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Protection Center was created to provide the information assurance workforce with technical skills training, focused professional development, certifications in various specialty areas, and examination review opportunities.

2007 – Capitol College celebrated its 80th year of educating students in technology-related fields. The Innovation and Leadership Institute was established to train students to not only succeed in their respective industries, but to excel as leaders and innovators. Also during this year, the college agrees to provide members of the Maryland National Guard tuition discounts, building upon its “military-friendly” status.

2008 – Despite tough economic times, Capitol renewed its commitment to providing access to an affordable and practical education by freezing undergraduate tuition, lowering tuition for the undergraduate business program, and providing discounts for alumni and summer classes. A grant from the National Science Foundation provided funds for the establishment of the Capitol Scholars Program, and an MHEC grant helps establish STEM outreach programs. Course offerings are expanded at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center to include MSIA, BSBA and MBA.

2009 – Capitol enlisted in the Yellow Ribbon Program, furthering the college’s dedication to our country’s service men and women. Also this year a new monthly e-newsletter, the Capitol Connector, went out for the first time, the first occurrence of our annual scholarship Golf Tournament took place, and Capitol College was re-designated a National Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the NSA and DHS.

2010 – Capitol launches its first doctoral program. The doctorate in information assurance is offered almost exclusively online to students across the world, and is designed for professionals employed full-time that are seeking an education that will allow them to perform as senior leaders, program developers and policy makers in the IA field. Students attend three residencies at the Laurel campus throughout the program.

2011 – The Cyber Battle Lab is established to provide students with greater learning opportunities in the field of cyber and information assurance. This same year, our cyber battle team made it to the regional competition, our robotics team finished in second place at the VEX Robotics competition, and our first ever doctoral class completed their first residencies.

2012 – The college is named as a “Military Friendly School” for the fourth consecutive year by G.I. Jobs Magazine. The list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus. Capitol’s dedication to providing a quality education to military members makes it a regular member of the coveted list. Also this year, Capitol established a partnership with the Maryland Space Grant Consortium to bring further opportunities to AE students and launched a career mentor program through the office of career services.

2014 - Capitol becomes a university, changing its name from Capitol College to Capitol Technology University.

2015 - Capitol establishes its second doctoral degree program: a PhD in Business Analytics and Decision Sciences. The program is designed to prepare accomplished professionals for senior positions in either public or private sectors.

2016 – The SOI, Space Operations Institute, was an undeniable success for both Capitol students and NASA. However, as the satellites students monitored aged out, the SOI was forced towards relative inactivity. This year Capitol AE alumni turned professors, Marcel Mabson and Rishabh Maharaja, began the work to bring some of their experience in the SOI back to current and future students. Along with AE chair, Angela Walters, they established the SFOTC or Space Flight Operations Training Center. Students will be able to fly simulated satellites through real-world spacecraft software donated to Capitol by the Hammer’s Company. These simulated satellites will function exactly like the real thing, without the threat of time disrupting their telemetry.

2017 - Dr. Bradford L. Sims becomes the eighth president of Capitol Technology University following Michael Wood’s thirteen years of service to the school. New labs including the unmanned and autonomous systems and computer lab were constructed. New bachelor’s degrees including business analytics and data science, cyber analytics, and unmanned and autonomous systems are added to Capitol’s program offerings.

2018 – Innovator’s Hall, a new 18.2 million dollar residential hall with the capacity for 220 students, was officially opened. The first students to call the hall home moved in during the fall of 2018. More new programs including four new doctorate degrees, five new master’s degrees, and six new bachelor’s degrees were added to Capitol’s program offerings. A plan for continued program expansion, more new labs, and campus renovations was put in place. In keeping with our tradition to provide more educational opportunities to members of the military, Capitol announced two new partnerships with the National Cryptologic School (NCS) and the Air University – Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC).

2019 – Capitol alumnus and retiring Board member John E. Dettra, Jr. named Trustee Emeritus.

2020 – Capitol awarded a two-year grant from NSA to lead the National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) Northeast Regional Hub. Also, our Chargers Mascot was reimagined.

2021 – Our cybersecurity programs celebrate 20 years of excellence.

2022 – The ALPHA observatory completed its construction phase and entered observatory commissioning. Esports offerings established at Capitol. Former Capitol Chairman Haden Land named Trustee Emeritus.

2023 – A new satellite ground station terminal was developed by Professor Marcel Mabson and students.