American Military University

Date: Sep 17 2012
Major: Other (This Major's Salary over time)
I have been steadily pacing myself on a degree with AMU/APUS for just over 4 years. The Good: Great value, Book Grant, helpful support staff. The Bad: It seems AMU has made a distinct shift in their operations as they have grown and peaked as an online educator. Challenging classes have always felt that way. Historically however, one also felt this university and faculty 'had your back', for lack of a better phrase, in supporting you in your success. Anymore, not-so-much and it's hit or miss based on a plethora of faculty members. I will finish my degree with AMU, have recommended several battle buddies to AMU in the past, but my heart is no longer in this organization as opposed to my first few years. It's as if they (the university) were striving to pinnacle as the #1 military online educator; but during their crusade, vision was lost as to whom their backbone or student base is. Unparallelled and tempered support for Military members, who laid the foundation for this school, has been metaphorically sacrificed for upgraded technology and exponential growth. It's more so we are marketed to as service members with G.I. Benefits, rather than focus being placed on an education for those of us with more transient jobs than most Americans. Outside of cost; I would say shop around to find the best fit for you and your educational needs. Example, my 1st deployment I was able to complete 3 classes. Now, I wouldn't even attempt to take classes while deployed. AMU has morphed into a strangely different university with unsubstantiated and inflated increases in class workloads, significant increases in the number of professors, and shifting behaviors within the university itself…all the above felt like a switch was thrown almost overnight in changing focus from the education of the student/service-member and more toward school growth and user-friendliness for instructors.

Actual learning and educating is different from busy work. At one time that felt like AMU's unspoken mantra. Now, classes are geared more heavily toward keeping the student super busy with low to no touch freight for instructors. Not all teachers are the same, and some are better than others…but most instructors now employ over burdening and numerous assignments in readings, tests, quizzes, essays, discussion boards and responses, term papers, final papers, research papers…etc. Yes, College encompasses all those things…but in the past, AMU never lost sight of their primary student base and adjusted fire accordingly to support that dynamic base. In other words, you received a quality education at a level of sustainment that was tailored for any service member with the will and intestinal fortitude to try and get an education; deployed or not. Now, not so much. AMU has lost its luster as standing head and shoulders above most online colleges. Additionally, the new interface has or had a tendency to stifle productivity; particularly while deployed. A night and day contrast as opposed to the previous system which was simple, but solid as oak. The course setup and school just doesn't have the same feel it once had. AMU seems more cookie cutter and has lost a feeling of 'camaraderie' it once held; which attracted me in the first place…made me proud even. My comments through years 2009-2010…Awesome university and bar none the best in the business, particularly for military members and their civilian counterparts. Comments after year 2010…outside of cost effectiveness, explore other options…and it pains me to say so. If you are a reasonably intelligent individual it doesn't matter which school you go to; you'll succeed. However, for a Joe who depends on motivation more than intellect and collegiate experience…AMU no longer has your "six" as it once did. Don't get me wrong, AMU is by far not a bad school. AMU is still a very reasonable choice for military personnel or otherwise. But it's not the same university it was on track to be…it's just a lot more flashy, and a great deal bigger.