Would you consider AMU a good school? Would you recommend it?

2015-07-17T00:09:04-04:00

Is it a good online school? Would anyone recommend it?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 12:23 AM

2015-07-17T00:23:03-04:00

Yes. It's not bad. They give a lot for your JST and VMET. The classroom and website setup is pretty easy to navigate as well. I went halfway through my bachelors with them.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 12:27 AM

2015-07-17T00:27:05-04:00

Depends on what major you are planning to achieve. I have been taking online courses in Bellevue University, and they're online system works great (They have Military TA).

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 12:37 AM

2015-07-17T00:37:01-04:00

I would keep in mind that AMU is a for profit, virtual school. It came into existence in the 90s and lacks the traditional brick and mortar advantage.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Public_University_System

The category of "for profit" as it pertains to universities has carried with it a heavy stigma according to various sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/30/for-profit-colleges-military-friendly_n_1392102.html

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/education/educating-sergeant-pantzke/for-profit-colleges-under-scrutiny-again/

For profit colleges/universities are known for the aggressive style of recruiting and in my experience, they do a good job targeting military populations.

On the other hand, I know of plenty of success stories of AMU graduates able to find successful jobs in the private and government sectors. Although, in my personal opinion I wouldn't want to risk it and I would look for more traditional brick and mortar universities that have an online program that TA will cover.

American Public University System - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

American Public University System (APUS) is a for-profit, online learning institution that is composed of American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU). APUS is wholly owned by American Public Education, Inc., a publicly traded private-sector corporation (NASDAQ:APEI). APUS maintains corporate and academic offices in Charles Town, West Virginia and administrative offices in Manassas, Virginia. APUS offers associate,...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 6:22 AM

2015-07-17T06:22:47-04:00

I loved AMU. I have a degree in CJ from there. I got that due to being a Police Officer. I plan on going back for a masters. I really thought it was great. I did Liberty for a while and didn't like. I would recommend AMU to anyone. The US News and World report ranks them pretty high on the list on online schools. They really cater to military also. I was taking classes while I was deployed and the mission got a bit busy for a while. They gave me a two month extension. No hassle at all. I think they are one of the best schools for military.

American Public University System | Online Bachelor's Degree | US News

Get information on undergraduate online programs at American Public University System at US News. Find out what online undergraduate degrees are offered and information on admissions and tuition.

Response by CW3 Stephen Mantie made Jul 17 at 2015 8:32 AM

2015-07-17T08:32:18-04:00

I completed my BA through AMU and currently finishing my first graduate level course. I recommend AMU not only because they are regionally accredited but because the professors are quality educators and the material is equally if not harder than the traditional brick and mortar university.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 8:32 AM

2015-07-17T08:32:18-04:00

I just graduated in May. It took me seven years, through deployments and sometimes my own laziness. I was grateful for my experiences and I enjoyed my time with the institution. It is far and wide the easiest for military members and very forgiving of our schedules. That said, the online experience doesn't work for everyone. I often felt that I wasn't challenged. Each experience is going to be different and I recommend giving it a shot. TA is free and covers the entire cost of a class. What do you have to lose?

Response by CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 8:32 AM

2015-07-17T08:32:23-04:00

I received my associates from them and am almost done with my bachelors. Some classes are better than others (better student interaction, professors who actually teach vice you teaching yourself from a book). I have heard many say the same about Ashford though. I'd say it depends on what you're getting your degree for (not to be confused with what you're getting your degree in). If you just need a piece of paper for a follow on government job - AMU will do.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 8:32 AM

2015-07-17T08:32:57-04:00

I had a great experience with my masters. They do have a campus in West Virgina, yet do more online. TA process as well as GI Bill are simple to use with AMU.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 8:35 AM

2015-07-17T08:35:10-04:00

Without a doubt would recommend this school. Classes are easy to access and the website is easy to navigate unlike other schools. I am a few classes away from my associates.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 9:08 AM

2015-07-17T09:08:28-04:00

I earned my AA through AMU and am working on my BA now. Very pleased with the quality of the programs and the flexibility of the educators. They realize that the mission sometimes interferes and they work with students on deadlines when it does.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 9:15 AM

2015-07-17T09:15:33-04:00

With you being National Guard i would encourage you to look elsewhwere. I graduated from AMU in May with a Management degree...liked the ease of the school and the flexibility and since I will retire from AD it gives me resume fodder to go along with 20+ years of experience. For my situation, it checks the block that many employers are looking for, a BS at a minimum. I won't get hired for my AMU degree but it will get me in the door where my experience can get me hired. For your situation, you probably want to consider a school where the degree might actually get you the job since you don't have as much full time experience. Just my thoughts...

Response by SFC Joseph Bosley made Jul 17 at 2015 9:29 AM

2015-07-17T09:29:47-04:00

I got my BA in History from AMU and several of my co workers were enrolled at the same time in different programs. We all had a good experience. For me it was all online so it facilitated my continuing my education while I was deployed. Honestly I preferred actually going to school rather than taking online classes. What I would recommend is looking at your life as a whole. If you dont have the schedule that allows actually going to school then the online program at AMU might be a good fit. If you can fit in a local school I would recommend that, I think you will enjoy the experience much better and get more from it. Good luck to you either way.

Response by SGT Kristjan Rahe made Jul 17 at 2015 9:36 AM

2015-07-17T09:36:41-04:00

I received my Masters from AMU. The education was excellent, every instructor was not only an academician but a professional in the field of study. Excellent program

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Jul 17 at 2015 10:02 AM

2015-07-17T10:02:40-04:00

I received my Master's from AMU. They are accredited, the professors not only have doctorates in their field (at least one), many also have real world experience. They have a very flexible schedule which will help if you are a current service member. I was living in Montana while I took my classes. Tuition was less than in-state tuition at Montana State University. I highly recommend AMU. I have also attended traditional college for my BA.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 11:18 AM

2015-07-17T11:18:02-04:00

Oh yes... Absolutely! Great quality education. I received my BA in Intelligence Studies last year and I am currently following this up with an MA in Homeland Security. There are an array of professors (as well as students) with real life experience. Be prepared for lots and lots of writing; and more reading. I recommend saving all of your work in an external drive because you will never know if your work is worth publishing. Professor will tell you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-07-17T13:39:42-04:00

Determine what you want to do and ask people doing it what the best major is to attain that goal. This assumes it isn't obvious like accounting, major in accounting. Now Google school rankings and choose the link from US News and find your major. From there go to the best school you can afford that offers the classes in the format you need like traditional classes versus online.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made Jul 17 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-07-17T13:48:23-04:00

I've been having a problem getting a proctor to administer the LOA needed for me to receive my degree. The criteria has been frustrating because I don't have access to the people their list says would be an eligible proctor.

Prior to that, the classes were top notch.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 1:53 PM

2015-07-17T13:53:39-04:00

Absolutely, I earned a Masters Degree from AMU in 2006. They are very helpful for servicemen and generally look for every opportunity to transfer or accept credit from military training and courses, especially at the undergraduate level (from my understanding). They also understand both GI Bill and Tuition Assistance programs from both a pricing and billing perspective. Their on-line scheduling will allow you take courses at your pace and appetite. Beware, AMU is very academically challenging, so pace yourself. Highly recommend AMU for fellow servicemen. Get enrolled and get 'er done !

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made Jul 17 at 2015 2:28 PM

2015-07-17T14:28:29-04:00

AMU is both regionally and Nationally Accredited. It is recognized. UTSA honors it and I am in a masters program in UTSA now

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Jul 17 at 2015 2:34 PM

2015-07-17T14:34:55-04:00

It was a decent school. I wouldn't say that I learned a lot, but it has great military support. I was always sent my books free of charge, and was able to work with the school if at any point my work schedule interfered with the completion of my assignments.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 2:42 PM

2015-07-17T14:42:05-04:00

Regional accreditation (which AMU has) is the main thing you should worry about. While there are always going to be those who are skeptical of the caliber of a primarily online college education, you can't worry about that. There are plenty of people who have earned their degree(s) on campus and are eager to diminish the accomplishments of those who did not. Earning a college education in your spare time while serving on active duty in any way is a monumental achievement that speaks volumes about your character and perseverance. I would have considered AMU were I not deep into my degree program with Excelsior College at the time I really learned of AMU. I had taken 500-level classes that would count toward my masters as part of my undergrad so I naturally stuck with Excelsior for my masters. I was also in a bit of a rush to get my masters done before the powers that be decided that we would not be allowed to use tuition assistance for graduate degrees (again).

Response by MSgt Jamie Lyons made Jul 17 at 2015 7:35 PM

2015-07-17T19:35:12-04:00

Got my BA in History from there in 2009. Very flexible professors, ease of website in registering for your next class, and the free books (which the school will actually buy back from you) meant that not only was I completing my degree but was also getting paid to do it.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 9:58 PM

2015-07-17T21:58:20-04:00

I got my bachelors from AMU and its serves me well so far.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 5:19 AM

2015-07-18T05:19:52-04:00

I love AMU, I have a BA in Inelligence Studies, concentration in Intelligence Analysis-- professors are knowledgeable and you will be amazed how much you will learn.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 3:34 AM

2015-07-20T03:34:17-04:00

From my experience, AMU will get you an easy degree but not an education. I couldn't believe the aggregiously low quality of work produced by the majority of my classmates repeatedly class after class. I have to assume they were all passing, or else AMU would have a pass rate too low for accreditation.

But hey, what patriotic employer is going to discriminate against a school with a name like American Military University.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 9:08 AM

2015-07-20T09:08:20-04:00

AMU is great! They work with you!

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Jul 22 at 2015 7:54 AM

2015-07-22T07:54:57-04:00

Recieved my undergraduate degree in Marketing from AMU. military-friendly; an excellent instituition!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 8:45 AM

2015-07-22T08:45:00-04:00

I am currently attending AMU and have 4 classes away from my degree. the instructors were more than willing to work with my busy schedule. I recommend this school to anyone who wants a great education.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 1:25 AM

2015-07-29T01:25:36-04:00

It really depends what you are hoping to get from your degree. AMU offers a great education, and the courses are generally just as challenging as a traditional University, but as others have pointed out you are sacrificing some of the name recognition, alumni support, and other intangible qualities that come from a traditional school. I completed my B.A. through AMU because I felt it fit my needs, but that may not be the case for everyone, so weigh your options.

On the plus side, the school is regionally accredited and ranks very highly in many publications for online schools, so if you do want to pursue an online-only option you could do a lot worse.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Aug 26 at 2015 8:13 AM

2015-08-26T08:13:56-04:00

I love AMU. I can do my schoolwork when I need to as opposed to having to be somewhere at a set time. With my shift changing as often as it does it is easy to work around. The teachers are generally understanding when it comes to military. Plus, if you have great classmates you can still make new friends even though you are not face to face. I have only taken Arabic 100, english 101, and I'm currently on math 110 but I really love this school.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 9:53 PM

2015-08-26T21:53:32-04:00

I think the school is very military friendly. They have gone above and beyond to help me out with getting my Masters degree started. It is also so how much work you put into the school. Are you looking for an easy school or a reputable one. Up to you in the end.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2015 8:07 AM

2015-10-03T08:07:24-04:00

I went to AMU for my BS and I felt like I worked just as hard as all my bros that went to traditional colleges after many discussions about our experiences. I went to AMU because I kept going TDY while stationed in Japan and had to switch from UMUC if I wanted to finish school. I also liked how often classes started, so I could stagger them how I needed in order to make it work.

I would recommend AMU if they have the degree that fits your experience.

Response by SGT Kevin Smith made Oct 3 at 2015 2:15 PM

2015-10-03T14:15:15-04:00

Yes. I highly recommend it. I am working on my Bachelors Degree with them now.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2015 12:38 PM

2015-11-22T12:38:17-05:00

I would recommend the school in general. Before making a specific recommendation, you have to take into account the person's personal goals and where they want to be in the short, mid, and long term.

Response by SrA David Steyer made Nov 23 at 2015 12:29 AM

2015-11-23T00:29:44-05:00

I took a few classes at AMU and I actually liked the school a lot. It was to finish my CCAF but overall it was a great experience. No idea if I'd get a BS or MS through them though.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2015 5:35 PM

2015-12-15T17:35:42-05:00

AMU is an excellent online school!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2016 9:41 PM

2016-01-17T21:41:16-05:00

I'm currently going to AMU and I love it. The professors work well with the students and are very knowledgeable. I'm looking forward and continuing my graduate studies through AMU after I complete my undergraduate.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2016 2:49 PM

2016-01-26T14:49:18-05:00

I absolutely recommend AMU. I completed by BS and Master's in Public Health (MPH) at AMU despite the Op-Tempo of the 90's and early 2K (GWOT). It's very military-friendly, especially for those experiencing uncommon tours of duty who cannot attend synchronously according to a traditional schedule. I also offer that those who complete their education this way are looked upon with greater respect by potential employers for having exceptional time-management skills and motivation to complete their studies. We are seeing a shift in traditional thinking from, in some cases, the benefit of traditional "brick and mortar" school graduates to those of us who completed our education whilst gaining real-world experience during deployments. Best of luck to you...

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 7:38 PM

2016-01-28T19:38:27-05:00

AMU is great. I've heard nothing but great things. Whether it's a good school is a subjective question, but if it has regional accreditation, that's a huge consideration. Schools that understand what active duty service members go through are extremely valuable. Military/vet friendly schools are out there and that's a good thing. I'm very satisfied with my experience with another outstanding military friendly school, Excelsior College.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2016 8:27 PM

2016-02-04T20:27:13-05:00

I have my bachelors in psychology from there.. And now working on my masters from there as well.

Response by SPC Robby Robinson made Mar 23 at 2016 4:50 AM

2016-03-23T04:50:23-04:00

I think it is great! I did it the hard way. I spent 3 years at the university of Phoenix (NEVER go there no matter what) before I heard about AMU. I transferred but multiple UOP courses did not transfer. I sucked it up and pushed through and will graduate 29 May 2016 (after two more classes) with a BA in Emergency Management / Disaster Management

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2018 12:22 AM

2018-04-21T00:22:02-04:00

It’s very military friendly. The course work is fairly easy. I enjoyed it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2018 10:50 PM

2018-12-19T22:50:55-05:00

I just finished my BS in Legal Studies from AMU. Definitely recommend them. Planning to start on my Master's from them soon.