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.

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

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

A student has submitted 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 undergraduate students (2.0).
A student has completed over 75% of their academic program.
Student has an IEP/Vocational Diploma and has not completed 12 semester hours successfully.
Student is a concurrent enrollment student.

Doctoral students, please visit this page for additional information.

Other Important Information Regarding Program Changes

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

Canceling Program Changes

If a student changes their mind before the program change is processed, 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 as well as any outside source credit will be applied, where applicable as institutional or transfer credit, and students will not be able to retake courses for which they have already received credit in their previous program.

If a student received below a C in a required course for their new program, they will need to contact their Academic Advisor for options.

Certificates and Minors

Students are NOT required to select a certificate or minor with their program. Adding an optional certificate or minor may reduce the amount of credit awarded to their program and can potentially increase the amount of time it will take to complete a 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 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 a student is currently disenrolled and submitting a request to change their program, they will not be able to select a certificate or minor to add to a program.

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