APUS Diplomas

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by basrsu, Aug 26, 2007.

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  1. basrsu

    basrsu Member

    I have a friend who is working on his master's degree from American Public University in the area of sports management. He's curious, and now so am I...what does the actual diploma itself look like? Are there any APU/AMU graduates on this board who could either describe it, or better yet provide an image?

    Many thanks.

    basrsu
     
  2. John Bear

    John Bear Senior Member

    One can only hope it's as handsome as this.

    --John Bear, Founder
    Millard Fillmore Institute
     

    Attached Files:

  3. that is the most beautiful thing i have ever seen.
     
  4. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    The real things are quite impressive, believe me. :D
     
  5. rlong107

    rlong107 New Member


    I actually asked a similiar question on the internal AMU discussion board. Although no one posted an actual image of the diploma, I did get some insightful responses which could allow one to "visualize" what the diploma looks like:

    Mine says "The Board of Trustees of the American Public University System, upon the recommendation of the Faculty of the AMERICAN MILITARY UNIVERSITY. does hereby confer upon (me), the degree of Bachelor of Science, Public Health, with Honors. In Witness whereof, the seal of the American Public University System and the signatures are hereunto affixed on this the Thirty-First day of December, two thousand six."

    and

    "It has an APUS crest at the top in gold, the American Public University System in large font, with American Military University below it in medium size font. "


    I heard the frame is rather sub par for the price we pay and that it be better off getting just the diploma and getting your own frame. Hope that helps.

    Ray
     
  6. rlong107, i see you went there for their intel degree, how did you like it? was it very changelling?
     
  7. rlong107

    rlong107 New Member

    originalbigjim,

    I don't think I can justify how satisfying, and more importantly relevent, the Strategic Intelligence program is at AMU in this one outing. I can tell you that the program is very challenging if you have no intel background at all. But I wouldn't let that intimidate you. It may be your biggest advantage because you come into the program with any mindset which allows you to fully absorb the material with any preconceived bias. In fact, I barely had any experience with Intel studies aside from knowing what the CIA "was." I can say at the end of my studies, (started writting the thesis), I not only can i discuss proficiently many of the topics in intelligence studies, but I have a real appreciate for the field and the many men and women that defend this country behind the scenes.

    I feel Intelligence, as a field of study, is emerging at an exponential rate since 9/11. Most people still have no clue what intelligence deals with and still associate the CIA, among other things, with the discipline. But I can tell you, its a discipline in its own with all the good and bad.

    Regardless, compartmentilzing training to mostly DOD instuitions is one the reason many practioners in the field - including both civilian and miiltary leaders - believe there is such a shortage of qualified professionals. Having said that, COL. Gary Berry, my department chair, made the comment that "outside the DOD, no other instuition has assembled as many military and civilian practicioners of intelligence and national security as AMU has." What this means is that everyone of your professors in the intel studies field has, at one point in time or currently, been a practioner in the intelligence field (i.e. national or military levels).

    I think, above all, my greatest experience (this is at the graduate level btw) has been the contacts I have made during my studies with fellow classmates. At several times during my studies, I was just dumbfounded by how much I didnt know and how much some of my fellow classmates did. Many of your graduate peers are currently serving within the major intelligence agencies, both military and civilian, and bring in a wealth of knowledge. They carry the Top Secret Level clearance (TSC) and just bring so much to the table. But whats is fantastic about these individuals is that, in no way, do they attempt to patronize you for your lack of knowledge in the field. My experience isnt isoloated either. I here this all the time from others in similiar positions as me (no real professional experience in intel). There just seems to be a great deal of camaraderie within the field (probably cause the end game for failure in Intelligence is something catastrophic like 9/11) Quite the contrary, they not only explain to you whatever you need to know, but do so freely. In fact, these individuals will probably have your best interest involved when you try to get a job in this field because alot of it has to do with your contacts.

    To sum it up, if your proactive in your studies at AMU and are geniuely interested in the field, your experience will be rewarding. That was about as general as I could get. Any specific questions, let me know. :D

    -Ray
     
  8. I am glad to hear that, I am not in the intel field but I am trying to get in. I am in Navy and trying to change my job to become an intelligence specialists. I should be starting this program soon and I was nervous about not knowing much of anything about intelligence, I mean I have a secret clearance but that is about it. I am a little worried about the thesis or taking the final exam, is that a make or break type of thing? It sounds like you really enjoyed the program, what are your plans after your done? going to try to work at one of the intelligence agencies? I am excited to hear from someone who has been there and done that when it comes to this degree. thanks a lot.
     
  9. sentinel

    sentinel New Member

    If you choose the MA Strategic Intelligence (Capstone option) there is no final comprehensive examination from my reading of the material. The comprehensive examination carries 0 credit hours whereas the capstone project/thesis carries 3 credit hours and therefore reduces your coursework to 33 credit hours instead of 36 credit hours.
     
  10. oh yeah, i forgot to ask how long did it take you to complete this masters program?
     
  11. rlong107

    rlong107 New Member

    From everything I have read and heard, the Comprehensive Exam is the "easier" of the two routes. Mainly because you have 16 weeks worth of structured review before you actually take the exam. You receive a study guide and according to the Dept Chair, "It is basically a guided review of what you have studied. If you have excellent retention, you will have no problem. If you are like me [Gary Berry], I would need all the review I can get before taking the 6 hour proctored comp exam."

    The thesis is option is definitely more intense. There is alot involved and were suppose to choose an advisor 3-6 months before we even start. Then there is a highly detailed manual stating how everything should be formatted etc. They want the thesis to be around 100 pages but I am sure very substansive work will be accepted with a lesser page requirement.

    Funny thing is someone asked what would happen if you failed the comps, and, the Dept Chair (hes very active in the Departments Message board) responded by saying, "You can fail once and still take it a second time...but you can only get a 'Pass" not a "pass with Distiinction.' Most students who have failed did not take it seriously, Just follow the study guide and you should be ok."

    Regarding the question about graduation, if everything goes as plans and there are no surprises, I would have completed the prograin about 13 to 14 months. However, I was taking a full time course load every semester (i.e 3 classes or 9 credits). I could see some completing the program in probably two years if pursuing it part time. It alot of it depends on the what courses are available at the time and what not. But regardless, that seems to be the time frame.

    Ray
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 11, 2007
  12. how were the class sizes? pretty small? I like it a lot more in an online class when there is about 10 people in a class opposed to 30+. even though most of the class really comes down to how much you want to put into it, smaller classes help get the attention you need if you are having a hard time.
     
  13. OpalMoon34

    OpalMoon34 member

    [​IMG]

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  14. silvertoday

    silvertoday New Member

    I recently completed my MA in Ancient and Classical History at APUS. I can certainly recommend the school. Though the level of the students varies enormously, the teachers all were competent, some more than others of course. I chose the thesis option,doubt regular bricks and mortar school would generally be at a higher level. Took three years but I took some time off.
     

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