Lana Oconnell
American Military University (AMU) is a private, for-profit, online university based in Charles Town, West Virginia. It was founded in 1991 by retired Marine Corps Major James P. Etter, with the goal of providing career-relevant, distance education for military personnel. The university is part of the American Public University System (APUS), which also includes American Public University (APU). APUS offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as dual degrees, certificate programs, and learning tracks. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is the #1 provider of higher education to the U.S. military and veterans, with approximately 55,000 military service members receiving tuition assistance. While the exact number of students enrolled at AMU is unclear, it is known that the first AMU class featured students from across the U.S., including active-duty and reserve officers and educators.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of founding | 1991 |
| Founder | Major James P. Etter |
| Type of institution | Private, for-profit, online university |
| Location | Charles Town, West Virginia |
| Number of faculty members | 410 full-time and 1,800 part-time |
| Number of academic programs | 190+ |
| Number of students | N/A |
| Number of students with military background | 56% |
| Number of military service members receiving tuition assistance | 55,000 |
| Number of students using GI Bill benefits | 16,702 |
| Number of students in the first class | 18 |
| Graduation rate | 22% |
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What You'll Learn
- American Military University (AMU) has over 200 degree and certificate programs
- AMU is an online university with no set login times
- The university is open to international applicants
- AMU offers low tuition rates and other savings for military students
- AMU is the #1 provider of higher education to the US military and veterans
American Military University (AMU) has over 200 degree and certificate programs
American Military University (AMU) is an online university that offers over 200 degree and certificate programs. It is part of the American Public University System (APUS), a private, for-profit, online university system headquartered in Charles Town, West Virginia. APUS is composed of AMU and American Public University (APU).
AMU was founded in 1991 by Major James P. Etter, a retired member of the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The university began operations in January 1993 with the enrollment of 18 graduate students. Initially, AMU aimed to meet the unique educational needs of military personnel requiring specialised courses such as counterterrorism and military intelligence. In June 1995, the university received national accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The following year, AMU introduced its first undergraduate programs, and in 1998, it launched its first online courses and classrooms.
AMU offers a wide range of programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as dual degrees, certificate programs, and learning tracks. The university's degree programs are designed to provide students with a flexible and well-rounded learning experience. Students can pursue their associate, bachelor's, or master's degrees from anywhere in the world through online education. AMU employs asynchronous learning, allowing students to access their classes each week at their convenience. This flexibility enables students to engage in enriching discussions with classmates and faculty who bring diverse, real-world perspectives to the virtual classroom.
AMU's degree programs cover various areas of study. At the undergraduate level, students can explore fields such as computer science, business essentials, supply chain management, and instructional design and delivery. The university also offers graduate certificates in areas like organisational management, executive law enforcement leadership, and counterintelligence. Additionally, AMU provides master's degree programs in subjects including environmental policy and management, legal studies, and public policy.
The university caters to a diverse student body, including international applicants and those with non-US transcripts. AMU welcomes students from various countries and only requires proficiency in the English language for admission. For students with non-US transcripts, the university offers an evaluation process to determine their US equivalency.
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AMU is an online university with no set login times
The American Military University (AMU) is an online university with no set login times. It offers students the flexibility to pursue their academic goals without the constraints of fixed class schedules. With over 200 degree and certificate programs, AMU provides a wide range of educational opportunities that can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
As an online university, AMU eliminates the need for students to live on campus or commute to a physical location. Students can access virtual classrooms 24/7 via their computers or mobile devices, allowing them to attend classes on their own time and from the comfort of their homes. This flexibility is especially valuable for those with busy schedules, such as deployed military personnel, working professionals, or individuals managing personal commitments.
The university's monthly class starts further enhance this flexibility. Students can enrol in courses and begin their academic journey at various points throughout the year, rather than being restricted to traditional semester timelines. This feature ensures that individuals can start their studies when it suits them best and aligns with their personal circumstances.
In addition to flexibility, AMU offers affordability and accessibility. The university provides no-cost ebooks for undergraduate, doctoral, and eligible master's-level students, helping to reduce the financial burden of higher education. The open enrollment policy and lack of application fees further contribute to making AMU's programs more accessible to a diverse range of students.
AMU's online platform also fosters a sense of community among its students. Virtual student communities enable learners to connect and interact with their peers outside of class. Additionally, academic and honour societies provide opportunities for students to engage with others who share similar interests and academic pursuits. This sense of community enhances the overall educational experience and creates a supportive environment for online learners.
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The university is open to international applicants
The American Military University (AMU) is a part of the American Public University System (APUS), which is a private, for-profit, online university system with its headquarters in Charles Town, West Virginia. APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. AMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and learning tracks. The university is open to international applicants and offers a flexible and accessible educational option for those seeking to advance their knowledge and skills.
AMU welcomes international applicants from many countries and provides a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The university does not require international students to enter the United States to attend, as it is an online university. This means that AMU does not issue I-20 or DS-2019 forms for F-1 or J-1 student visas. However, international applicants should note that all documents submitted to the university, including transcripts, must be in English. Depending on their country of citizenship, they may also need to provide documentation of English proficiency to ensure they have the necessary language skills to succeed in the courses.
For international students enrolling in undergraduate programs, AMU requires a standard high school diploma or its international equivalent. If applicants have a high school credential from a non-U.S. high school, they must have it evaluated by an accepted educational agency to determine its U.S. equivalency. This requirement can be waived if the student has earned 60 or more college credits applicable to their degree plan. Additionally, international students seeking transfer credits for previous college-level courses completed at non-U.S. institutions must follow specific guidelines. They may need to submit a Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) Application and have their transcripts evaluated for U.S. equivalency by a university-approved agency.
AMU offers a seamless application process for international students, with no application fee for undergraduate and master's-level programs. The online application is quick and easy to complete, and classes start monthly, allowing students to begin their academic journey soon after being admitted. The university provides a supportive environment, with both student services and faculty teams dedicated to helping students reach their academic goals.
Overall, the American Military University is committed to providing accessible and affordable education to a diverse student body, including international applicants. With its online format, flexible start dates, and range of academic programs, AMU offers a convenient and inclusive option for those seeking to pursue their educational aspirations.
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AMU offers low tuition rates and other savings for military students
The American Military University (AMU) is a private, for-profit, online university that offers low tuition rates and other savings for military students. The university was founded in 1991 by Major James P. Etter, a retired member of the USMC, to meet the unique educational needs of military personnel requiring courses in specialised areas such as counterterrorism and military intelligence.
AMU offers a Preferred Military Rate of $250 per credit hour for both undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and their families. In addition, all veterans and their families are eligible to receive a 10% Veterans Grant on standard undergraduate tuition and a 15% grant for master's-level tuition. These tuition grants cannot be combined with any other special promotions, and only one grant can be applied per course registration.
The university also provides no-cost ebooks for all undergraduate, doctoral, and Preferred Military Rate-eligible master’s-level students. This helps to minimise out-of-pocket costs and reduce the burden of college debt. AMU also offers transfer credit options, allowing students to earn credit for their previous college courses and military service.
AMU is the #1 provider of higher education to the U.S. military and has been named the top choice nationwide for veterans using their GI Bill benefit. About 56% of AMU students reported that they served in the military on active duty at initial enrollment, and about 55,000 military service members receive tuition assistance for AMU.
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AMU is the #1 provider of higher education to the US military and veterans
American Military University (AMU) is the top provider of higher education to the US military and veterans. The university was founded in 1991 by Major James P. Etter (USMC, retired) to meet the unique educational needs of military personnel requiring courses in specialized areas, such as counterterrorism and military intelligence. AMU is a military-friendly online university, offering 200+ undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates, as well as multiple resources to help military students and their families maximize their benefits. The university is committed to providing flexible online programs that allow students to learn anywhere and anytime, enabling them to fulfill their commitments to their family, the military, and their careers.
AMU offers a Preferred Military Rate of $250 per credit for undergraduate and master's-level courses to all US active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and their families. This rate includes no-cost ebooks and supersedes all other university grants and special rates. Veterans and their families are also eligible for a 10% Veteran Grant on standard undergraduate and 15% for master's-level tuition. AMU understands the challenges faced by military and veteran students and provides a supportive faculty and staff dedicated to helping them achieve their goals.
The university has a strong military heritage and has been named the top choice nationwide for veterans using their GI Bill® benefits. AMU provides various GI Bill® options, including Top-Up and the Yellow Ribbon Program, and offers individual help with activating veteran benefits, academic and career support, and flexible online classes. The AMU Student Veterans of America chapter has 5,000 members, and the university's faculty and staff include veterans, ensuring a deep understanding of the needs of those who have served.
With its focus on military and veteran students, flexible online programs, and extensive support services, AMU is the #1 provider of higher education to the US military and veterans, helping them achieve their educational and career goals. The university's commitment to serving those who serve demonstrates why it is the top choice for military and veteran students across the nation.
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Frequently asked questions
The American Military University (AMU) is part of the American Public University System (APUS), which offers more than 190 academic programs to students enrolled worldwide. While the exact number of enrolled students at AMU is unclear, APUS is reported to have about 56% of its students as military service members.
The American Military University was founded in 1991 by retired Marine Corps Major James P. Etter. The university began with the enrollment of 18 graduate students, focusing on meeting the unique educational needs of military personnel in specialized areas such as counterterrorism and military intelligence. Over the next decade, AMU expanded its academic offerings, adding numerous undergraduate and graduate programs. In 2002, AMU was reorganized into APUS, and American Public University (APU) was established to cater to a broader audience, including civilians interested in public service programs.
The American Military University is a private, for-profit, online university headquartered in Charles Town, West Virginia. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as dual degrees, certificate programs, and learning tracks. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
