Skip Navigation
Global Site Menu

On [DATE], American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.

 
APU Student Handbook
In this section

Last Revision: April 24, 2026

Independent Study Courses

If a student is currently enrolled as a Bachelor’s or Master’s program student, they may be eligible to register for Independent Study.

Independent Study courses are designed for students wishing to undertake a research project or to explore a specific area of interest outside the traditional classroom environment while under the mentorship of an APUS professor.

To be eligible for Independent Study, students must:

  • Be enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program.
  • Have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of their current degree program.
  • Have chosen and contacted a professor and gained approval for the independent study topic.

Once these conditions are met, students must contact their Academic Advisor. The student's Academic Advisor will arrange with the Registrar Scheduling department to have the student's course section scheduled and will then work with the Registrar’s office to get them registered in that course.

Students can contact Advising@apus.edu with questions about Independent Study Courses.