Admissions: First-Time College Students If you are a first-time college student, you’ll be applying for admission to one of our undergraduate programs. Associate Degrees
APUS offers Associate degrees. The General Studies degree is designed to provide a solid foundation for further academic achievement. Discipline specific Associate degrees provide students an opportunity to focus on courses that develop knowledge, skills, and abilities that are readily applicable to the student’s personal or professional interests. All students who enroll in the Associate’s degree program must enroll in COLL100 / RQ295 – Foundations of Online Learning as their first course. |
Bachelor's Degree
The Bachelor's Degree program is also open to students who possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. This minimum 120-124 credit hour program is the standard “four-year” undergraduate degree desired by most employers and prepares the student for graduate study. Undergraduate Certificates
APU offers certificate programs at the undergraduate level to applicants who have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Certificate programs allow students to focus on a particular topic of interest through a five- to nine-course program of study. Students choosing certificate programs usually have either an Associate or Bachelor’s degree and seek specific knowledge in one subject area.
Note: Students pursuing Undergraduate Certificates may not use Federal Student Aid to finance their program. Choosing Your Academic Program Selecting the right degree plan is a key step in ensuring a smooth admissions process and a successful educational experience. Many students come to us unsure of which program to choose and where to begin. Our Admissions Representatives can help you make this important decision. To speak with an Admissions Representative, call 1-877-777-9081 or email us at info@apus.edu Tips for Successful Degree Selection As you’re browsing the degree program pages, keep these tips in mind. - Associate and bachelor level programs are both undergraduate degrees
- Though it seems logical to earn an Associate degree first and then go on to the BA, that may not always be the best choice
- Keep your end goal in mind; choose the degree that best matches your career goals; this may not be the one that nets you the most in transfer credit
- Once you’ve narrowed your options, talk with an Admissions Representative; he or she can assist you in getting a preliminary evaluation of your previous transcripts so you can make a more informed choice
Admission Requirements
First-time college students are admitted upon completion of the online application and orientation. They may then register for their first course(s). For more details on official documentation needed for admission, click here.
Transfer Credit for First-time College Students
All students with American Council on Education (ACE)-evaluated military or professional experience and education that they need to have evaluated for credit should submit a Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) form and supporting documentation. APU will consider military or civilian training evaluated by the ACE as well as approved examinations, such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). For full instructions on TCE, please click here. Note: Undergraduate students who apply at the Associate level may transfer up to a maximum of 45 credit hours; those applying at the Bachelor's level may transfer up to 90 credit hours. Students with no prior college experience may have their ACE-evaluated military or professional experience considered for transfer credit. Mail or Fax Admissions and Transfer Credit Documents to the following:
American Public University System
10110 Battleview Parkway, Suite 114 Manassas, VA 20109
Attn: Student Records
Admissions Fax: 304 724 3787 Transfer Credit Fax: 304 724 3788 | 
