The Online University Experience at APU
Who is the typical student?
APU students are active, working adults in the U.S. and in over 130 countries. Many have worked in their professional fields for more than 15 years, holding positions at organizations that include major corporations and industry associations as well as government organizations such as the Transportation Security Agency (TSA), the New York Police Department (NYPD), and the State Department, just to name a few.
What’s inside the electronic campus?
Once you become a student and log into the secure campus, you are welcomed into a typical academic community of fellow students, professors, staff, and administrators. On the campus homepage, students view alerts such as important University news from the registrar, administration, and more. The campus page also includes registration dates and other important calendar events, and provides access to pertinent University forms. With a click of a mouse, you can view and print your personalized degree path and profile. Here, you will track your academic progress, update personal information, order transcripts, and more.
What is the classroom like?
As a student, you will enter your individual classrooms from the campus homepage. Inside the classroom, you obtain assignments, write papers, conduct research, take tests and exchange information just like in a traditional class – except it’s done online. Professors use a variety of teaching methods, including: posting weekly lecture notes, linking to videos and Web sites, providing access to research information, and initiating asynchronous class discussions and group projects.
What are the University’s technology requirements?
Essentially, you need access to a computer and an Internet connection. It’s that simple.
How do I take exams?
If the course requires you to take an exam, the professor will determine whether or not the exam requires a proctor. Often, you will choose a proctor who monitors and validates the exam. You will never have to physically travel to a campus or other location to take your exams.
Do I ever have to physically go to a campus?
No. APU offers a completely online educational experience.
How do I contact professors and fellow students?
Students contact fellow classmates and professors via email, through posting opportunities inside their classrooms, or via telephone. Professors encourage contact through email any day, any time and telephone calls for additional feedback.
What if I travel frequently, or I work changing shifts?
APU goes with you wherever go. All of your courses are delivered over the Internet. Our students are located in 130 countries. The asynchronous course delivery means no specific login times are required. Simply log on and download your assignments when it’s convenient for you during the week.
What resources are available to students to help them succeed?
Students have a multitude of resources at their fingertips. In our online library, you will find a searchable catalog comprising over 2,000 print books and 17,000 electronic books, 9 electronic full-text databases, thousands of website links organized by subject, and an online tutoring center. Our electronic databases include Columbia International Affairs Online, EBSCO Academic Search Elite, EBSCO Military and Government Collection, Emerald Management Full-text, LexisNexis Academic, ProQuest Criminal Justice Periodicals, Proquest Research Library, PsycARTICLES, and Brown’s Women Writers Online.
What are alumni doing professionally with their APU degrees?
APU alumni are working throughout the globe in a variety of leadership positions. You will find them in a variety of fields, including intelligence, security management, military management, government agencies, contractors, and more.
Accreditation
American Public University is a member of the American Public University System (APUS). APUS is one of the few institutions that is both regionally and nationally accredited by federally recognized accrediting agencies.
Regional Accreditation
The American Public University System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association, www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 800.621.7440.
National Accreditation
The American Public University System is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council, www.detc.org, 1601 18th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202.234.5100
As an accredited institution, APUS is eligible to participate in federal educational entitlement programs such as military tuition assistance, government tuition reimbursement programs, the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill, and many corporate education assistance programs. Credits and degrees earned through APUS are therefore recognized for promotion, assignment, and position qualification standards within the military and federal government.
Further information on recognition policies and standards may be found on the following web sites:
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U.S. Department of Education at www.ed.gov |
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Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) at www.chea.org |
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Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) at www.detc.org |
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Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association at http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org |
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Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) at www.voled.doded.mil |