Changing a 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.

A student's Academic Advisor is happy to assist with any questions regarding this policy and may be reached at [email protected].

A student's program change request may be denied under one or more of the following criteria:

A student has submitted an excessive number of requests to change majors.
A student has 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.).
A student has already attempted so many courses that their requested program change will put them above the 150% limit of courses attempted vs earned towards their program.
A student has submitted a graduation application and has not received final clearance.
A student is currently on a program hold.
A student is unsure of their academic and future goals.
A student has a GPA below the minimum GPA for graduate students (3.0).
A student has completed over 75% of their academic program.
A student has an IEP/Vocational Diploma and has not completed 12 semester hours successfully.
A student is a concurrent enrollment student.

Doctoral students should review the Changing Programs section of the Doctoral Student Handbook for additional information.

Other Important Information Regarding Program Changes

Students must use the UNIVERSITY FORMS menu inside their ecampus, located under the ‘Academic Plan & Forms’ tab, to submit the “Degree Change” form. Each time a student submits the form, it will count as a degree change submission, even if the student changes their mind.

Canceling Program Changes

If a student changes their mind before the program change is processed, they should email [email protected] immediately to cancel the request.

Starting Over

Students cannot "start over" in a new program at the same level unless their current program deadline has expired. If a student's program deadline has expired and they have not completed their program, they may start a new program with a new GPA. All previously completed APUS courses for which a student earned a passing grade, as well as any outside source credit will be applied, where applicable, as residential or transfer credit.

Certificates

Students are NOT required to select a certificate with their program. Adding an optional certificate may reduce the amount of credit awarded to a student's program and can potentially increase the amount of time it will take to complete their program.

Concentrations

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

Reposting TCE

If a student changes their program after they have had a transfer credit award posted, their newly evaluated transfer credit award will be posted within 21 days of their program change.

Disenrolled Students

If students are currently disenrolled and submitting a request to change their program, they will not be able to select a certificate to add to their program.

Students should contact their Academic Advisor at [email protected] for more information on program change requests.