Program Deadline Requirements for Graduation Eligibility

Once a student starts their program at APUS, they will have a set deadline for completing their program. A student's program deadline starts at the start date of the first course in their program which they attend past the first week of the course. This date is called the initial enrollment date. If a student does not have their program conferred before the program deadline, we can issue a letter of program completion. However, the student will not actually earn the degree or certificate.

Each program has an established program length:

• Master's Degrees (except Nursing): 7 years
• MS in Nursing: 5 years
• Graduate Certificates: 3 years

Academic Advising

If a student is less than 6 months away from their program deadline, they will see a message to warn them of their upcoming deadline when they try to register for their next course. Students will be blocked from registration until they have met with their Academic Advisor to discuss their best options.

Program Holds

A student's program deadline is not extended if they are on an approved Program Hold. They will have the same program deadline when they return from a Program Hold and may need to work with an Academic Advisor based on whether it is nearing or expired upon their return.

• Program Deadline Extensions: In some very special circumstances, students may request an extension of their program deadline. The Program Deadline Extension Request form is accessible through the ACADEMIC PLAN & FORMS drop down along the top of a student's ecampus, under the UNIVERSITY FORMS menu, ‘All Forms’ link. Students should be sure to submit the request before reaching their program deadline.
• Students may only be granted an extension of up to 25% of their initial program length.
• If a student is not able to meet conferral by their program deadline, even with an extension, they will need to enroll in a new program and any courses previously completed will count as residential credit in their new program. These courses will be subject to the standard transfer credit limit, which will include all APUS courses previously completed as well as any previously transferred courses.

Students should contact their Academic Advisor at [email protected] with questions pertaining to program deadline extensions.