
American Public University System (APUS) is an online institution of higher learning, tailored to working professionals who need affordable and convenient distance learning. It is regionally and nationally accredited. The American Public University (APU) has a partner institution, the American Military University (AMU), which offers distance learning to military personnel.
The APUS offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as Associate's Degrees and certificate programs, that are in emerging career fields such as homeland security, intelligence, emergency management, and education.
The teaching faculty at APUS includes professionals and practitioners in fields relevant to the academic curricula including the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, CIA, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the United Nations.
Mission Statement
To provide quality higher education with emphasis on educating the nation's military and public service communities by offering respected, relevant, accessible and affordable, student-focused online programs, which prepare them for service and leadership in a diverse, global society.
History
The American Public University System (APUS) was founded in 1991 as the American Military University.
Academics
The academic calendar for APUS runs on a semester system, but courses are offered on a monthly basis. Most courses start on the first Monday of each month, and courses run for eight weeks or 16 weeks.
Online students have the opportunity to chat with professors and other students, and may also work on collaborative projects with classmates in their local regional area. Online communities provide interactive learning environments and opportunities to connect with classmates.
Colleges and Schools
APUS offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs through its seven different schools:
- Arts & Humanities
- Business
- Education
- Public Safety & Health
- Security & Global Studies
- Management
- Science & Technology
APUS offers degrees and professional certificates in such topics as nursing, child and family development, computer applications, criminal justice, education (teaching), English, homeland security, legal studies, marketing, psychology, religion, and more.
Student Life
The typical American Public University student is a working adult who has been in his/her professional field for an average of 15 years, and is seeking to expand his/her career opportunities.
All students need a computer and a good Internet connection in order to effectively attend and complete courses. Students can log into the secure online "campus" to gain access to the academic community at APU including online classrooms, assignments, research, resources, other students, professors, staff and administrators, the registrar, and more.
Community Life
Enrolled students and APUS alumni have access to APU events such as conferences, seminars, open houses, webcasts, and more.
Programs Offered
The following is a list of areas of study available at American Public University System. Programs that have a link will take you to the program's profile page where education requirements, career pathways, and other information is available.

Learn more about programs available at American Public University System by clicking on the request information button.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A, B, C, M)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management (B, C, M)
- Commerce (A, C)
- Accounting (B, M)
- Bookkeeping (A)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (B)
- Advertising and Marketing (B)
- Real Estate (A, C)
- Retailing and Retail Operations (A, B, C)
- Restaurant and Food Services Management (A)
- Telecommunications Management (C)
- Meeting and Event Planning (C)
- Human Resources Management (A)
Communications and Journalism
- Communications (A)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Information Technology Project Management (B)
- Computer and Information Systems Security (B, C, M)
- Information Technology (B)
- Data Processing Technology (A)
- System Administration (C)
- Web Management and Webmaster (A, C)
- Word Processing (C)
- Web Design (C)
- Data Modeling & Database Administration (DBA) (A, C)
- Computer Programming, Specific Applications (C)
Education
- Guidance Counselor (M)
- Education (C, M)
- Educational Leadership and Administration (M)
- Educational and Instructional Media Design (C)
Engineering Technology
- Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering (B, M)
- Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology (C)
English Language and Literature
- English (B)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care (B)
- Child Care Provider (A, C)
- Family Systems (C)
- Family Studies (B)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Public Health (A, B, M)
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences (A)
- Nursing (B)
History
- History (A, B, C, M)
- Military History (A, B, C, M)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- International and Global Studies (B, C, M)
- Cultural Studies (B, C)
Legal Professions and Studies
- Legal Studies (B, M)
- Paralegal (A, C)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- General Studies (A, B)
- Humanistic Studies (M)
Military Technology
- Military Technologies and Applied Sciences (A, B, C)
- Explosive Ordinance and Bomb Disposal (A, C)
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Environmental Science (B)
- Environmental Studies (C, M)
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Religious Studies (B)
- Philosophy (B)
Psychology
- Psychology (B, M)
Public Administration and Social Services
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Kinesiology And Exercise Science (B)
- Sports Management (B, C, M)
- Sports Medicine (M)
Security and Protective Services
- Criminal Justice (A, B, M)
- Homeland Security (B, C, M)
- Disaster Management (B, C, M)
- Securities Services Administration and Management (B, C, M)
- Forensic Science (B, C)
- Terrorism and Counterterrorism Operations (A)
- Fire Science (A, B)
- Law and Justice Administration (C)
- Corrections Administration (C)
- Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism (C)
- Fire Services Administration (C)
Social Sciences
- International Relations (B, M)
- Sociology (B)
- Political Science (B, M)
Transportation and Materials Moving
- Aviation (B, M)
Notes:
*Amounts for tuition, fees, and supplies are an estimate which are calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only.
**Repayment rates, earnings, and loan payments are estimates and should be treated as informational tools only, contact the school for official information.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average annual "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around -. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. The financial details shown on this page are an approximation. The actual costs may differ, please contact American Military University for more information.
Note: Financial aid is only available for those who qualify, check with the school for details.
Tuition & Fees Information
Undergraduate Courses - Tuition Details
- Tuition is estimated to be around $7,100 per year
- Part time students are estimated to pay about $270 to $320 per unit
- Required fees for full-time students: $420
Graduate Courses - Tuition Details
- Tuition is estimated to be around $6,900 per year for graduate students
- Part time students are estimated to pay about $350 to $420 per unit
- Required fees for graduate students are around $320
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 99% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 92% | $4,251 |
Receiving Student Loans | 87% | $7,708 |
Other Career Colleges
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to American Public University System.
- Purdue University Global - Hagerstown Campus in Hagerstown, MD (28 miles away)
- Potomac College - Herndon in Vienna, VA (33 miles away)
- Stratford University in Fairfax, VA (43 miles away)
- Westwood College - Annandale in Annandale, VA (47 miles away)
- Potomac College - Washington in Washington, DC (48 miles away)