Undergraduate Student Admissions
Selecting the right degree is your first step toward a successful educational experience. If you’re like many students who arrive here unsure of which program to choose, you’re not alone. Our admissions representatives can help you make this important decision.
Information for all Undergraduate Students
- You must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e. GED) to apply to the university. (Current high school students can request concurrent enrollment before earning their diplomas, although you must be at least 14 years of age to attend APUS.)
- If you have not previously earned college-level academic credits, you must submit proof of high school completion when you apply to the university.
- If you are a transfer student, you will be asked to submit your transcripts from any other schools where you earned college-level academic credit.
- If you are a community college graduate, we have agreements with some community colleges that align earned associate degrees with specific bachelor’s programs for maximum transfer credits. Find out if we have an agreement with your school.
- If you plan to take courses here for personal knowledge or to transfer to other universities, please select “Non Degree Seeking” on the admissions application.
- You will be asked to submit a legible color copy of your valid government-issued photo ID before registering for courses. Military undergraduate students will submit a government issued JST or CCAF transcript.
Information by Degree Level
Some programs have additional admissions requirements, while others might not eligible for federal student aid (FSA). Please carefully review your program of interest for these details before applying.
The associate degree is ideal if you seek a 2-year program as either your final degree in higher education or as the foundation for further study.
- Average 60 credit hours
- Takes about 2 years to complete full time
- 7 years total time allowed to complete
- 45 max transfer credits accepted (42 for Virginia state residents)
A bachelor's is the traditional 4-year degree commonly recognized as the standard credential of higher education in the U.S.
- Average 120 credit hours*
- Takes about 4 years to complete full time
- 10 years total time allowed to complete
- 90 max transfer credits accepted (84 for Virginia state residents)
A certificate program provides a 6- to 8-course focus on a particular topic or set of issues.
- Average18-27 credit hours
- Takes about 1 year to complete full time
- 3 years total time allowed to complete
- 9 max transfer credits accepted
A learning track program provides a 3-course focus on a particular topic or set of issues.
Programs with Additional Requirements
- AAS in Culinary and Foodservice Management: Culinary experience is required.
- AS and BS in Data Science: Applicants must have completed preparation in mathematics equivalent to pre-calculus or higher.
- BS in Nursing: Requires you to have a diploma or associate degree in nursing as well as a current, active, and unencumbered U.S. Registered Nursing (RN) license.
- CPA Examination Preparation Certificate: Requires previous credit in accounting.
- Child Life Certificate: Requires you to already have a bachelor's degree.
- Electrical Engineering (BE)*: Requires 128 credit hours for completion and the purchase of in-home lab equipment.
- Foundations of Homeland Security Certificate: Open only to TSA employees.
- Airport Transportation Security Learning Track: Open only to TSA employees.
- Information Security Learning Track: Requires previous credit in a network technology course.
Steps to Get Started
After you submit your application, an admissions representative will walk you through the follow-up steps you need to get started.
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