Azusa Pacific Online University is excited to share with you some academic changes designed to strengthen your academic program to meet your educational goals. The university is moving to a standardized undergraduate model for four-year programs, as outlined in the graphic below:
Please view the APOU Catalog for additional academic information.
The following highlights describe the benefits of the changes, the nature of the changes, and next steps for students.
Benefits for the student:
- The model provides consistency and predictability between programs when deciding a major to choose.
- The Liberal Arts Core enables learners to gain key competencies through a broad perspective, while the major and emphasis area offer specific expertise in the learner’s chosen field of study.
The Liberal Arts Core:
- The 51-unit Liberal Arts Core is consistent for all four-year programs. The Core is compatible with CSU and UC general education transfer guidelines, thus making it more "transfer friendly." Electives are not included in the Core; however, electives may be required in certain transfer situations. Students who enroll with no previous college coursework can expect to take the Core as is.
Degree Components:
- The 9-unit requisite bundle is unique to each academic program and prepares students for their major.
- The 45-unit major provides a strong academic foundation within each respective discipline.
- The 15-unit emphasis provides the adult learner with an in-depth concentration in his or her area of interest. This enables learners to expand the breadth of their knowledge base.
Next steps for students:
- All students are encouraged to talk with their success coach about how these changes relate to their academic plans and to make needed changes as soon as possible.
- Students who decide to complete their degree under the new program must submit an academic change form to the Registrar's Office. (This form can be located in “Learner Docs” in the Course Portal.)
As part of APOU’s commitment to academic excellence, these changes, we believe,will enhance your educational experience and propel you toward your goals. Please contact your success coach with any additional questions.