APU Student Handbook
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Last Revision: April 12, 2023

Changing your Major/Program - FSA Students

Students utilizing Federal Student Aid (FSA) may only change programs within a specific timeframe of any academic year or semester in order to not negatively affect eligibility and disbursement of FSA.

The timeframe is no sooner than 48 days before the end of the current semester up until 10 days prior to the start of their next semester.

Your Academic Advisor is happy to assist with any questions regarding this policy, and may be reached at [email protected].

Your program change request maybe denied under one or more of the following criteria:

  • You have submitted excessive number of requests to change majors.
  • You have started and abandoned an APUS program already (This includes changing program levels between undergraduate/graduate without completing a program, or movement between degree to certificate or between certificates.)
  • You have already attempted so many courses that your requested program change will put you above the 150% limit of courses attempted vs earned towards your program.
  • You have submitted a graduation application and have not received final clearance.
  • You are currently on a program hold.
  • You are unsure of your academic and future goals.
  • You have a GPA below the minimum GPA for undergraduate students (2.0).
  • You have completed over 75% of your academic program.
  • You have an IEP/Vocational Diploma and have not completed 12 semester hours successfully.
  • You are a concurrent enrollment student.

If you are a doctoral student, please visit this page for additional information.

Other Important Information Regarding Program Changes

You must use the University Forms menu inside your campus (available through the ACADEMIC PLAN & FORMS drop down along the top of your ecampus) to submit the “Degree Change” form.

Canceling Program Change

If you change your mind before the program change is processed, email [email protected] immediately to cancel the request.

Starting Over

You cannot "start over" in a new program at the same level unless your current program deadline has expired. If your program deadline has expired and you have not completed your program, you may start a new program with a new GPA. All previously-completed APUS courses as well as any outside source credit will be applied, where applicable as institutional or transfer credit, and you will not be able to retake courses for which you have already received credit in your previous program. If you received below a C in a required course for your new program, you will need to contact your Academic Advisor for your options.

Momentum Program Eligibility – Current Students

Students enrolled in a traditional program may be eligible to request a degree change to a Momentum program. These degree change requests are reviewed on a case by case basis. Students must have a conferred Associates degree to be considered for admission, and may be limited based on academic coursework completed in a traditional program format. Current students interested in learning more about their eligibility for the Momentum programs may contact their academic advisor at [email protected] to learn more.

Certificates and Minors

You are NOT required to select a certificate or minor with your program. Adding an optional certificate or minor may reduce the amount of credit awarded to your program and can potentially increase the amount of time it will take to complete your program. Minors may not be added to associate's or master's degrees.

Concentrations

Concentrations cannot be removed from programs if they are required. Not all programs require concentrations.

Reposting TCE

If you change your program after you have had a transfer credit award posted, your newly-evaluated transfer credit award will be posted within 21 days of your program change.

Disenrolled Students

If you are currently disenrolled and submitting a request to change your program, you will not be able to select a certificate or minor to add to your program.

Additional questions regarding program change requests may be sent to [email protected].