APU Student Handbook
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Last Revision: January 24, 2025

Changing a Major/Program - Non-FSA Students

If students are not registered yet and have NOT submitted a TCE Application, they may change their program online by submitting the “Degree Change form” within the UNIVERSITY FORMS menu under the ‘Academic Plan & Forms’ tab within their ecampus. It is highly recommended that students discuss their academic program options with their Admissions Representative or their Academic Advisor before requesting the change.

A student's program change request can 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 your 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.
  • A student has an IEP/Vocational Diploma and has not completed 12 semester hours successfully.
  • A student is a concurrent enrollment student.

Other Important Information Regarding Program Changes

Students must use the UNIVERSITY FORMS menu, within the ‘Academic Plan & Forms’ tab, from their ecampus to submit the “Degree Change” form.

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 coursework for which they earned a passing grade, as well as any outside source credit, will be applied, where applicable as residential or transfer credit.

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 a student's program and can potentially increase the amount of time it will take to complete their 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 students change 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 or minor to add to their program.

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