- Live Chat
- |
- Call Admissions 877-777-9081
- or
- E-mail Us
- Request Info
- Apply Today
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is APU accredited?
- What is the difference between AMU and APU, and do I have to be in the military to attend?
- How much will it cost me to get my degree at APU?
- How do the classrooms work?
- How many hours of study time should I expect per week?
- How are exams taken?
- Do I ever have to visit a physical campus?
- How long will it take me to earn my degree?
- What if I get deployed and cannot finish my classes?
- If I have online class experience do I still have to take COLL100?
- I need to write a resume for my COLL100 waiver; is there a preferred format?
- May I take a double major?
- How do I get my books?
- I'd like to know how many of my previously earned credits will transfer into my program at APUS. Is this possible?
- How do I get my previous education and training evaluated for credit?
- Where do I mail my official transcripts?
- Can I e-mail scanned copies of my military documents?
- Can I take just a course or two at APU, or do I have to be seeking a degree?
- Do you accept Pell Grants and other federal student aid?
- How do I get my military TA process started?
- Can I use my VA benefits?
- How do I get started?
- Is there a Graduation Ceremony?
- Where is APU located?
- Is there tutoring available?
- Is there a way to find out how much financial aid I might receive?
- I have disabilities and may need assistance, can accommodations be provided to me?
Is APU accredited?
American Public University System is one of the few higher learning organizations that is both regionally and nationally accredited by federally recognized accrediting agencies.
Regional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 800-621-7440.
National Accreditation: Accrediting Commission, Distance Education and Training Council www.detc.org, 1601 18th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202-234-5100.
Further information on recognition policies and standards may be found on the following Web sites:
- U.S. Department of Education at www.ed.gov
- Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) at www.chea.org
- Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) at www.detc.org
- Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association at www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org
- Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) at www.voled.doded.mil
What is the difference between AMU and APU, and do I have to be in the military to attend?
They are two separate institutions that are both part of American Public University System and share many resources. Both schools are open to military and civilian students.
How much will it cost me to get my degree at AMU?
Undergraduate tuition is $250 per credit hour. Graduate tuition for courses beginning prior to April 2010 is $275 per credit hour. Tuition for graduate courses beginning April 2010 and beyond is $300 per credit hour. Most courses are 3 credit hours. To determine the full cost of your program, multiply the number of credits needed to complete your degree by the cost per credit hour.
How do the classrooms work?
Once you start a class, you log into the Electronic Classroom at least once a week and complete your assignments. You will be required to write papers, conduct research, take tests and communicate with other students and the professor through the discussion board. Everything is asynchronous so there will not be a specific time that you have to be online.
How many hours of study time should I expect per week?
During an average week, an undergraduate student should expect:
- 9 - 10 hours completing coursework for a 16-week course
- 15 - 18 hours completing coursework for an 8-week course
A graduate student should expect:
- 10 - 15 hours completing coursework for a 16-week course
- 18 - 22 hours completing coursework for an 8-week course
How are exams taken?
Everything is done online. Exams are posted inside the classroom; students open and complete them within the time allotted. Sometimes a professor will require a proctor. A proctor might be a local college or university administrator or faculty member, a school superintendent or principal, a school or public librarian, a military base education officer, or any other professional who accepts the task and is approved by the University. If a proctor is required, the student must choose a proctor who will be able to give the student access to a computer for 3-4 hours, and who has an e-mail address.
Prior to exam day, the professor will e-mail a password to your proctor. On the day of your exam, your proctor will provide the password and monitor you as you take your final exam online.
Students must enter proctor information in the EXAMS section of the online classroom. Additional information on the exam process is located inside each classroom.
Do I ever have to visit a physical campus?
No, you will never have to travel to a physical campus. All coursework and administrative tasks can be completed online.
How long will it take me to earn my degree?
The answer to this question varies from student to student. It all depends on how many credits you transfer into your degree program and the pace of study you choose. Our classes are offered in both 8- and 16-week semesters, so you can choose the pace that best meets your needs. For example, a student who successfully completes two courses every eight weeks for a year can earn 36 credit hours in a year, but a student who takes the same courses over 16 weeks will earn 18 credit hours.
All of our academic programs have deadlines. Students are free to work as slowly as they like towards their degree as long as they complete at least one class per calendar year and stay within these deadlines:
| Associate Degree | 7 years |
| Bachelor's Degrees | 10 years |
| Master's Degrees | 7 years |
| Certificate Programs | 3 years |
What if I get deployed and cannot finish my classes?
We understand that many students will have professional and personal obligations that impact their ability to complete classes. We offer special circumstance extensions or withdrawals for students who find themselves deployed without computer access or experience other circumstances that will make it impossible to complete coursework within the prescribed time frame. Any student who is eligible for a special extension or withdrawal is required to contact the Registrar's Office, the ESO, the course instructor(s), and any other relevant parties when deployment or other circumstances will make it impossible to complete coursework within the prescribed time frame.
Students with extenuating circumstances which prevent them from making academic progress for extended periods of time (and who are not receiving Federal Student Aid*) may also be eligible to request a Program Hold for up to two years in order to remain in Active status. To request a Program Hold, students must submit the Program Hold Request Form located under FORMS MENU in the online campus.
If I have online education experience do I still have to take COLL100?
Any APUS undergraduate student who has significant prior learning and experience in an online college environment may request a waiver of COLL100 Foundations of Online Learning. If the waiver is denied, the student must take the course. If the waiver is granted, the student is required to take an additional 3 credit course in place of the COLL100 credit hours. To request a waiver you just need to click on Other Forms from the left menu inside the electronic campus, then click on COLL100 Waiver Form and follow the instructions.
I need to write a resume for the COLL100 waiver; is there a preferred format?
Students should use the chronological or functional resume format when writing a resume.
The chronological resume is designed to highlight progressive career growth and advancement. It is easy to read and can be quickly scanned for employment history. For these reasons, it is the most accepted format among hiring authorities. In fact, many even prefer and/or expect it.
The chronological resume is most suitable when:
1. You have a steady and consistent employment history with no major gaps in employment and have not changed career tracks recently.
2. Your employment history has been one of progressively responsible positions.
3. Your titles have been impressive and/or you have been recently employed at well-known companies.
4. Your major accomplishments have been achieved in your most recent positions.
5. You are seeking a career in a field where this format is expected.
The functional resume highlights key skills, accomplishments, and qualifications at the top of the resume, regardless of where they have occurred in your career. Your employment history is de-emphasized by placing it toward the bottom of your resume and by documenting a simple listing rather than details of each position. In this way, the functional resume firmly places the focus on what you have done rather than where or when you did it.
Unfortunately, many hiring authorities don't like this format, as it is generally believed that the functional resume is used to hide some deficiency in your career history. Despite this, the functional format can be very effective when:
1. Most of your achievements and accomplishments occurred in a past position.
2. You have recently graduated from high school or college.
3. You have been out of the job market for some time and are trying to re-enter.
4. You are an older worker and want to de-emphasize age.
5. You have held a variety of unconnected positions.
6. You are changing career tracks.
7. You are returning to a previous line of work.
May I take a double major?
We do not allow students to enroll in two majors.
How do I get my books and other course materials?
An APUS Book Grant automatically provides required texts and other reading at no charge to all undergraduate students who are earning academic credit. Students just need to register for courses and submit payment for tuition. APUS is transitioning to course materials in electronic format. If the material is not yet available electronically or students are stationed overseas, the printed textbooks and other reading matter will be shipped directly to them at no charge.
Although graduate students are required to buy their own course materials, APUS strives to minimize such costs. Items may be purchased independently, through publisher-provided sites, or directly from our online bookstore through MBS Direct at www.mbsdirect.net. On the MBS site, choose American Public University System as your school and follow the prompts on the screen to order your course materials.
I'd like to know how many of my previously earned credits will transfer into my program at APUS. Is this possible?
Yes, it is! Our Transfer Student Liaison Team can provide a Preliminary Transfer Credit Review (PTCR) for prospective students and applicants.
Who qualifies for a PTCR?
Prospective students who submit a request through their Admissions Representatives and current students who need to see if they have met the requirements for a prerequisite course.
What can the team review?
- Academic Transcripts
- Military Transcripts
- Credit by Exam Score Reports
Individual certificates can not be evaluated for the PTCR.
How do I request the PTCR?
Just let your Admissions Representative know that you’d like to request a PTCR. You’ll be sent a Preliminary Transfer Credit Review Disclaimer form to sign and return along with unofficial copies of your academic transcripts, military transcripts, and credit by exam score results. If you have not applied yet, please call us directly at 877-777-9081 and any Admissions Representative can assist you with a PTCR.
If you need to determine if only one course will meet requirements for a prerequisite, simply fax or e-mail the following:
- Course Name and Number
- Course Description
- Unit of Measure from sending institution (Semester or Quarter Hours)
Once we receive all your documents, you should get the results of your PTCR in 3-5 business days. Feel free to call your Admissions Representative if you have questions.
How do I get my previous education and training evaluated for credit?
We will accept up to 45 semester hours towards an Associate degree, 90 semester hours towards a Bachelor’s degree and 15 semester hours towards a Master’s degree. To start the evaluation process you first need to apply for admission and complete your orientation.
Next, log into the Electronic Campus with your student ID# and password; click on Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) Application from the left menu. This form should be filled out, printed, and submitted online. There is a $50 fee you can pay via credit card or e-check.
Lastly, we need documentation of your previous education. You can give us permission to request your academic transcripts for you at no extra charge by signing and faxing us the Transcript Release Authorization form offered during the TCE Application process. Once we have all of your documents, the evaluation will be started and the results will be e-mailed to you in 4-6 weeks. Click here for more details about the TCE process and sources of transfer credit.
Coming Soon! Students requesting evaluation of the SMART (Sailor Marine ACE Registry Transcript) document are no longer required to submit this documentation. APUS will request the SMART on behalf of the student once the TCE application has been submitted.
Where do I mail my official transcripts?
Please mail your official, academic transcripts to this address:
APUS
Attn: Student Records
10110 Battleview Parkway
Suite 114
Manassas, VA 20109
Can I e-mail scanned copies of my military documents?
Yes. You may fax military transcripts to 304-724-3788 or e-mail scanned copies to documents@apus.edu. When emailing scanned documents, please make sure they are saved in one of the following formats: .jpg, .tif or .pdf. We are unable to accept Word documents.
Can I take just a course or two at APU, or do I have to be seeking a degree?
You do not have to be seeking a degree to take classes at AMU or APU. We have many students who take just a class or two. Some enroll in courses for personal interest, and some for transfer into a degree program at another school. If you are planning to transfer credits earned at AMU or APU into a degree program elsewhere, we recommend that you contact the Registrar’s Office at your “home” school prior to registration to make sure the AMU and APU classes you choose will fit into your degree plan. When you’re ready to enroll, just choose Undergraduate or Graduate Non Degree Seeking as your academic program on your application for admission.
Do you accept Pell Grants and other federal student aid?
Yes, AMU and APU students who qualify can use Federal Student Aid as their payment option or to apply for deferment of current Federal Student Loans. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Federal Student Aid (FSA) Intent form at least six weeks before their intended start date.
Note: The Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies does not qualify as an eligible program for FSA funds.
Click here for information on Federal Student Aid.
How do I get my military TA process started?
To receive military tuition assistance, you must first apply for admission to APU, complete your orientation, and register for classes and choose Military TA as your payment option. Then we need your TA paperwork. Once that is received and processed you will be cleared to take the classes.
If you are in the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard you should print out copies of your Orientation Completion Certificate, your degree plan, Registration Confirmations and take these documents to your Education Center. They will process your TA form and then it is your responsibility to fax the form to APU. We suggest that all students have the process completed at least three weeks before classes begin.
If you are in the Air Force you need to go through the Air Force portal to have the TA sent to us after registering for classes.
If you are in the Army you need to register for classes with us first, then through GoArmyEd.com to have the TA electronically sent to us. For more information about Army TA, click here.
Can I use my VA Benefits?
Yes, you can use your VA Benefits with us. Students eligible for VA funding should contact the VA directly to determine eligibility and chapter. Depending on your chapter and eligibility, you may have to pay your course tuition in full via credit card or set up ADP (Automatic Debit Plan) payment at registration. For the Montgomery GI Bill, the VA office will reimburse you directly by sending a check or direct deposit. The New Post 9/11 GI Bill makes reimbursements directly to APUS. Find out more information on how to start your VA benefits.
How do I get started?
Becoming a student at APU involves these simple steps:
- Decide what you want to study.
- Submit an application for admission.
- Complete your online orientation and degree plan. You will be automatically guided to these options upon completing your online application.
- If you’ll be using Federal Student Aid to finance your education, submit the FSA Statement of Intent form.
- Register for your first classes as prompted, at the conclusion of orientation.
- Submit admission documents and forms and payment for transfer credit evaluation. These forms and instructions for submission are accessible from your orientation and registration screens.
Follow the link for more details on the APU admissions process.
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 877-777-9081 or e-mail 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's level programs are both undergraduate degrees.
- Though it seems logical to earn an associate degree first and then go on to the bachelor's degree, that may not always be the best choice.
- Keep your end goal in mind and 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.
Need help? Click to chat online with an APU Admissions Representative, or call Enrollment Services at 877-777-9081.
Is there a Graduation Ceremony?
Yes. We conduct a graduation ceremony once a year, in May or June, in the Washington D.C. area. Students who graduate between June 30 of the previous year and March 31 of the current year are invited to attend the commencement ceremony along with family members. Students who do not wish to participate in the ceremony will have their diploma and transcripts mailed to them.
Where is APU located?
We are located everywhere there is Internet access – your home, your office, the local coffee shop, libraries and even in remote military posts in Iraq.
Our professors work from around the world – California, Canada, Austria – where many hold teaching positions at other universities or are active professionals at the National Security Agency, United Nations, the U.S. military among others.
We have two administrative offices – our headquarters are in Charles Town, WV and supporting administrative offices are in Manassas, VA.
Corporate Offices
111 West Congress Street
Charles Town, WV 25414
Phone: 304-724-3700
Toll Free: 877-468-6268
Administrative Offices
10110 Battleview Parkway, Suite 114
Manassas, VA 20109
Phone: 703-330-5398
Toll Free: 877-755-2787
Have other questions? Give us a call at 877-468-6268 and choose menu option 2 or e-mail us at info@apus.edu.
Is there tutoring available?
APUS offers a variety of tutorial help through the Online Library. Smarthinking, for example, is licensed to provide students with 5 hours of free sessions and with additional time available on request. The service brings individual tutors to your side. They can help you focus on basic writing and math skills—but will also deal with Science, Accounting, Statistics, Economics, Spanish, and much more. Simply click on Smarthinking in the Tutorial Column of the Library to:
- Connect with an e-structor and interact with a live tutor.
- Submit your writing for any class to their Online Writing Lab.
- Submit a math problem for analysis.
- Look for assistance in other courses and receive a reply from a tutor
Is there a way to find how much financial aid I might receive?
Yes, there is. The FAFSA4caster can give you an estimate of your eligibility for Federal Student Aid (FSA). You'll need tax information (your tax return and/or W-2's) on hand; click here to get started: www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov.
I have disabilities and may need assistance, can accommodations be provided to me?
APUS complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and state and local requirements regarding students with disabilities. In compliance with federal and state regulations, reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified students with disabilities.
For more information about accommodations for students with disabilities, visit our Disability Accommodations page or e-mail us at dsa@apus.edu.
- Live Chat
- |
- Call Admissions 877-777-9081
- or
- E-mail Us
- Request Info
- Apply Today