Academic Programs

American Public University offers several options for study: associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master's degrees, undergraduate and graduate certificates, undergraduate and graduate NanoCerts®, and doctoral programs. 

All associate and bachelor degree programs include a general education component. Associate degree programs require a minimum of 60 semester hours which must be completed within seven (7) years of the students’ first enrollment date. Bachelor's degree programs require a minimum of 120 semester hours. Students are allowed ten (10) years from the date of first enrollment to complete a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor's programs include general education, major and elective requirements; many offer an opportunity to focus on a specific area of concentration.

Master's degree programs range from 30 to 48 semester hours (10-15 courses) of study and require either a comprehensive exam, a thesis, or an integrative practicum and a GPA of 3.0 for graduation. Students must have completed a bachelor's degree program from an accredited institution to be admitted to a master's degree program. 

Certificate programs are available to students who seek a shorter program focused on career development or knowledge of a specific discipline. Certificates range from 12 to 24 semester hours; typically 4-8 courses.

Professional practice doctorate programs are comprised of 58 semester hours in coursework, 3 residencies; require a dissertation and a minimum GPA of 3.0 for graduation. 

Program Completion Rates, Median Debt, and More

For more information about the completion rates and median debt of students who completed each program, as well as other important information—visit www.APUS.edu/disclosure.