Is American Military University Accredited?
In the pursuit of higher education, it is essential to research the credibility and legitimacy of an institution before enrolling. American Military University (AMU) is a renowned online institution that offers academic programs to military personnel and civilians alike. But one common question that arises in many students’ minds is whether AMU is accredited or not. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question, along with other key facts and figures about the university.
Direct Answer: Is American Military University Accredited?
The simple answer is Yes. American Military University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Accreditation Background
Accreditation is a process that assesses the quality of educational programs and institutions. Accreditation is crucial because it ensures that institutions meet rigorous standards of quality, making them eligible for federal student financial aid, recognition of academic credits, and job and graduate school opportunities. There are two main types of accreditation: institutional and specialized. Institutional accreditation involves reviewing an institution’s entire curriculum and programs, whereas specialized accreditation focuses on a specific field or program within the institution.
Types of Accreditation
To achieve accreditation, institutions typically go through the following types of accreditation:
- Initial Accreditation: New institutions undergo a thorough evaluation by the accrediting agency to assess their quality, policies, and procedures.
- Continuing Accreditation: Institutions already accredited are evaluated regularly to ensure they maintain the same high standards of quality.
- Specialized Accreditation: Programs within an institution undergo accreditation, focusing on a specific field or curriculum.
American Military University Accreditation
American Military University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA. HLC accreditation verifies that AMU meets specific standards of quality, such as:
- Learning-focused governance: AMU has a governing board responsible for ensuring the institution meets the needs of its students and stakeholders.
- Financial stability: AMU maintains financial stability, providing for its operations and growth.
- Academic program quality: AMU programs meet academic standards, incorporating industry trends, workforce needs, and student career goals.
Other Key Accrediting Bodies
Besides HLC accreditation, American Military University also holds certifications and memberships from other key organizations, including:
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for its School of Business, offering graduate and undergraduate degree programs.
- The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), recognizing AMU’s undergraduate programs.
- The International Association of Correctional Rehabilitation Administrators (IACRA) for its programs in corrections management and administration.
Importance of Accreditation for Students
Accreditation holds significant importance for students. With an accredited degree, you can:
• Pursue higher education: Accreditation paves the way for smooth transfers between institutions and into graduate programs.
• Gain federal student aid: Accredited institutions are eligible for federal student financial aid.
• Increase job and graduate school opportunities: Many employers and graduate programs only recognize and consider applicants with degrees from accredited institutions.
• Build professional credibility: An accredited degree demonstrates commitment to academic excellence and credibility.
Comparison of American Military University Accreditation with Other Institutions
| Institution | Accreditation |
|---|---|
| American Military University (AMU) | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Liberty University | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| University of Maryland University College | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| Walden University | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
Table 1: Accreditation Status of Various Institutions
In conclusion, American Military University is indeed accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA. Accreditation provides a level of trust, quality, and reliability for students, employers, and other stakeholders. Before pursuing a degree, students should always research the credibility of an institution to ensure a smooth academic journey.
References:
American Military University. (n.d.). Accreditation. Retrieved from https://www.amu.apus.edu/about-accreditation
Higher Learning Commission. (n.d.). Overview of HLC Accreditation. Retrieved from https://www.hlcommission.org/how-hlc-accredits-1/
Council for Higher Education Accreditation. (n.d.). Accrediting Organizations. Retrieved from https://www.chea.org/about-chea-who-we-are#accrediting-organizations
American Council on Education. (n.d.). About ACE. Retrieved from https://www.acenet.edu/AboutACE/Pages/default.aspx
National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.). Accreditation and Certification in the United States. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=82
Wikipedia. (2023). Accreditation (higher education). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accreditation_(higher_education)
Additional Resources:
For more information about American Military University’s accreditation and other important topics, students can visit the AMU website at www.amu.apus.edu or contact the university’s accrediting agency, Higher Learning Commission, at https://www.hlcommission.org/.
