This handbook is designed for doctoral students at American Public University System to understand the policies related to doctoral study. Please review this handbook carefully to familiarize yourself with program expectations, milestones, and policies. University policies described in the Student Handbook apply to doctoral students, unless otherwise stated. This Doctoral Student Handbook explains unique features of the doctoral programs and policies pertaining to those features.

For your convenience, you may  download the entire handbook in PDF format

Message from the Provost

Welcome to APUS!

Greetings –

It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to the American Public University System. I am thrilled that you are part of this university family that seeks to provide you with quality education that will serve you throughout your student journey, your career, and your lifetime. Welcome aboard!

By enrolling as a student at APUS, you have taken the first step toward the completion of your goal–obtaining a degree in higher education. Your sense of accomplishment will only grow as you complete each class and move one step closer to graduation. 

As a new student, the path to fulfill your academic dreams and goals can seem daunting–overwhelming even–but I encourage you to take each day in turn and do your absolute best each day. Our faculty and staff are here to support you throughout your academic journey. To help you succeed, I encourage you to work to establish good academic habits, become familiar with student policies, and ask questions as often as you can for clarification and understanding.

Our faculty have extensive backgrounds in their subjects, and many of them work within the field they teach, making them excellent resources who offer a wide range of knowledge and experience. We encourage you to stay engaged within your classes, join a student group, and become involved with organizations within your field to enhance your learning experience.

Finally, I invite you to explore the many resources we have available to assist you throughout the pursuit of your degree and hope that you will be energized and inspired during your academic career.

I wish you the absolute best in the pursuit of your degree here at American Public University System.

My best,

Dr. Elizabeth J. Johnson

Provost

American Public University System