About APUS

Originally founded as American Military University (AMU) in 1991 by a former Marine Corps officer and instructor, James P. Etter, APUS focused on meeting the unique educational needs of the military — a very mobile population with extended, irregular schedules and limited financial resources. Over time, AMU expanded program offerings in response to demand by military students for post-military career preparation. With these new programs, AMU extended its outreach to the greater public service community, primarily police, fire, emergency management personnel and national security professionals. 

In 2002, the American Military University was reorganized into the current university system and began operating through two brands, AMU and American Public University (APU). The reorganization established an institutional brand – APU – that would appeal to non-military markets, including public service professionals such as teachers. APUS offers 74 associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Today, American Public University System (APUS), through its member universities American Military University and American Public University, provides relevant and affordable distance learning to more than 50,000 working adults worldwide. More than 100 degree and certificate programs are offered in disciplines such as education, technology, business administration, liberal arts, national security, military studies, intelligence, homeland security, and criminal justice. APUS is one of the nation’s largest providers of higher education to the armed forces.

Nearly 200 full-time and more than 600 adjunct faculty members combine relevant theory with real-world experience to the subjects they teach. Many are executives in government, business and non-profit organizations, including the United Nations, the State Department, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

APUS students — most of whom are working adults — study in all 50 states and more than 100 foreign countries. Students are working full-time in a variety of public and private sector positions. About 70 percent are pursuing undergraduate degrees and about 25 percent are pursuing master’s degrees. The median age of an APUS student is 31. Graduates are working in a variety of fields including intelligence, security management, military management, government agencies, contractors and elsewhere.

APUS’s courses and programs are delivered online. Classes start monthly, and courses are offered in 8- or 16-week sessions.

APUS is regionally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (link) and is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (link). Headquartered in Charles Town, W.Va., with additional offices in Manassas, Va., APUS is licensed to operate in West Virginia by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and is certified to operate as an out-of-state institution in Virginia.