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through the educational programs offered by the military services. Armed with the knowledge that a
market existed, Mr. Etter gathered a small team of educators and other professionals to begin working
on the difficult task of putting together a university system structure that would fulfill the
requirements of reaching an anticipated audience. Over the intervening years, the power of his
concept became evident as more and more students enrolled in courses and degree programs.
American Public University System‘s corporate office is located in Charles Town, West Virginia with
administrative support located in Manassas, VA.

Method of Instruction
All instruction at APUS is delivered through on-line education with the exception of a few on-site
seminars conducted through special arrangements with subcontractors. Direct communication between
the student and professor is accomplished by using the Internet via the APUS web site. APUS's students
are located throughout the US and overseas, and are generally not able to attend traditional classroom
instruction. The University provides each of its students with sufficient material for directed self-study
and research, to be augmented by local research facilities.

Faculty
APUS employs instructors who are located all over the world and offer expertise in fields of study
ranging from military history to national security issues. New instructors may be added to match our
growth in students, courses, and degree programs.

Accreditation
The Importance of Accreditation
Accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental process that gives public recognition to institutions that
meet published quality standards. The purpose of accreditation is to assure the public of the quality of
an institution and its commitment to high standards through a system of continuous improvement.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) formally recognizes accrediting commissions that meet all
federal standards and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) extends recognition to
accrediting bodies and their institutions that meet these established standards.

Credits and degrees earned through APUS may be recognized for promotion, assignment, and position
qualification standards within the military, federal government, and private sector. For students
transferring to other colleges, APUS credit is considered transfer eligible based on its accreditation.
However, APUS cannot guarantee that its credit will be accepted, as acceptance of credit is always the
prerogative of the receiving institution.

Regional Accreditation
American Public University System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (formerly known as
the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools),
www.hlcomission.org, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604, 800-621-7440. The
Higher Learning Commission is an accrediting body recognized by the ED and CHEA.

Accreditation requires a significant amount of self-study and presentation of evidence to satisfy the
demanding requirements of each accrediting organization. Obtaining accreditation demonstrates that
APUS is focused on academic excellence and providing the best possible educational experience for its
students.

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