If you want to study at a recognized university in the United States from the comfort of your home and at the best possible price, APUS is an option that you should consider. Here is everything you need to know about this university system.
Meet the APUS
The APUS (American Public University System) is a group of higher education institutions, comprised of the American Public University (APU) and the American Military University (AMU). In turn, it is part of the conglomerate of institutions of the American Public Education, Inc.
An interesting detail about APUS is that it is not really a public institution, much less is it owned by or attached to the U.S. government it is not part of the U.S. military institutions either. Even so, more than 56% of its student enrollment has actively served the military at the time of enrollment.
This university system is officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It has several agreements with the U.S. military, which is why it is one of the ideal higher education options for members and former members of the military.
The specialty of this university is distance learning, that is, the online modality, which is recognized by several institutions, such as the SLOAN-C Consortium, as the best online higher education institution in the United States, in addition to the affordability of its programs and tuition in general.
A brief history of the American Public University System
James P. Etter, a retired member of the United States Marine Corps (USMC), was responsible for founding this for-profit institution in 1991 in Charles Town, West Virginia. It would not be until January 1993, and under the motto “Educating those who serve” that the university would begin operations.
The initial mission of this organization was, and continues to be, to provide quality education at the most convenient price for all members, active and retired, of the U.S. military. Since the last decade, they have adopted the online teaching modality and currently have an academic staff of more than 1,600 people and a student enrollment of more than 100,000.
Universities attached to APUS
American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU) are the two institutions of higher education that make up the American Public University System. Until 1998 AMU was a face-to-face institution, that year they adopted the online teaching methodology.
In 2002 AMU and APU were integrated into APUS as a single core. Today AMU is the leading provider of education and training services for members of every law enforcement and military organization in the United States. APU extends many of the programs offered by AMU to a non-military audience.
Also under the online learning model, APU has become the most attractive option for young people and adults from all over the world. It offers mainly short and medium-term flexible programs in order to guarantee professional training in specific areas, with a good number of undergraduate, graduate, and master’s degree programs.
APUS Educational Offering
In order to provide first-class education, the universities of the American Public University System offer more than 200 training programs in different areas, ranging from certificate programs to short and long-term online courses, all at a very affordable cost.
Careers
Focused on guaranteeing the widest possible variety of professional careers, APUS universities have the following schools:
- Arts, humanities, and education
- Business
- Health Sciences
- Science and technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Security and global studies
Among the most requested careers by undergraduate students are Cybersecurity, Health Administration, Communications Specialist, Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Medicine, and Electrical Engineering.
In addition to the extensive menu of undergraduate options, most degree programs offer post-graduate programs, and masters and doctoral degrees (business, health sciences, and security schools offer the doctoral degrees, in addition to law and law-related degrees).
Programs
The master’s degree is one of the most requested programs of the APUS by students who have completed their bachelor’s degree; these have an extension of 10 to 15 courses that demand an average of 38 academic hours per semester. Despite being an online program, students must still pass a final exam, complete, defend a thesis, and submit a final thesis.
As for the certificate programs, they represent an option to complement academic training for students who want a less extensive program that allows them shorter professional development. These include 6 to 9 courses with a semester demand of between 18 and 28 academic hours.
Benefits of registering
Accredited Institution
In addition to being the No. 1 provider of education for active and retired U.S. military, APUS is the best university with an online learning program, and of course, it is a high-profile university accredited by HLC, which in turn is an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED).
A global campus
By studying at AMU or APU you will be part of a virtual campus where you will not only receive knowledge and tools from certified professionals from different parts of the United States, experts in the branches or subjects they teach, but you will also be able to interact with a huge community of students from all over the world.
Asynchronous learning
Online learning modalities ensure maximum convenience for students, as well as being focused on providing students with the ability to study and learn at their own pace with scheduled assignments and courses. This especially benefits students who also work, serve in the military, or have any other responsibilities. This is known as “asynchronous learning”.
Wide variety of degrees and certificates
With a total of 263 degrees and certified programs, the range of options for students from all over the world is very wide, guaranteeing a platform of great recognition, excellent teaching quality, and above all, where you can find the tools to train in the areas of your choice.
High-quality standards
Being an online teaching institution and also being a low-cost university does not imply at all that APUS has low-quality standards. Its policies state that every undergraduate professor must have at least a master’s degree, while graduate professors must have at least a doctorate in the subject they teach.
How to register
If you want to take that step forward towards a prosperous future in the professional work field, APUS is the best option, to enroll you must follow these steps:
- Enter the APUS website (https://www.apus.edu/ )
- In the “Academic Community” section click on the “Catalog (Undergrad/grad)” button.
- Check the Undergraduate or Graduate Catalog to find the career or program you want.
- Select the university you wish to apply to (APU / UMA)
- Fill out the form that will appear on the screen and press “continue”.
- Upload the documents and requirements indicated
- Complete the admission tasks indicated
- Wait for the admission notification in your e-mail
Requirements
The requirements you must meet to be eligible to enroll in APUS are as follows:
- Speak and write English fluently
- World Trade Organization Certificate
- Passport, Student Visa, and National Identity Card
- Letters of recommendation (MA, Ph.D.)
- Profile and side shots
- Completed online application form
- Statement of financial support (if required)
- Letter of motivation to apply to APUS
- Personal and family data (including birth certificates and identity documents)
- Certificate of possession of Health and Life insurance
- Proof of payment of registration fee
- Research Proposal Outline (MA, Ph.D.)
- TOEFL Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is APUS only for the military?
While the majority of APU and AMU’s student enrollment is active, veteran and former members of the U.S. military, APUS is open to people from all over the world who want the best possible online training.
How much does APUS tuition cost?
The average annual tuition for undergraduate programs is $6800.
What is the difference between AMU and APU?
The main difference between the two institutions is that AMU is primarily focused on meeting the educational needs of members of the U.S. military, while APU provides more open and flexible programs for people from different countries around the world.
What financing does APUS accept?
APUS accepts a wide variety of funding for students, including Military Tuition Assistance (TA) for members of the military, as well as Federal Students Assistance (FSA).
How many academic hours are taught weekly?
The 8-week courses require 15 to 18 academic hours for undergraduate courses and 18 to 22 hours per week for graduate courses. The 16-week courses consist of about 10 hours per week for undergraduate courses and up to 1
Is APUS only for the military?
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