Doctoral Program Admissions

The Doctoral Admission Representative engages with you, answers your questions about completing the application, and ensures that the necessary documentation is complete.  

Admissions Requirements

The programs’ public web pages provide the definitive list of admissions requirements. The list below provides an outline for reference.

• Prior Education and Professional Practice: MA/MS in the discipline, or closely-related discipline, plus 3-5 years work experience in the field, or closely-related field.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume: This biographical statement document includes work history, professional accomplishments, service to the profession, and, as appropriate, teaching and research experience.
• Grade Point Average (GPA): A master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is required.
• Photo ID: Submit a legible color copy of your valid government-issued photo ID.
• Three Doctoral Reference Forms: Students will be prompted to enter the contact information for at least three academic or professional reference providers.
• Official Transcripts: All official transcripts verifying the award of a master’s degree must be sent to APUS from the issuing institution and arrive in sealed envelopes or by official electronic copy. No faxed or unsealed transcripts sent by you will be accepted, even for preliminary review purposes. Once received, all admission documents are a permanent part of your student record and the property of APUS. They cannot be returned to you.
• Unofficial Transcript: Applicants must provide an unofficial or official copy of other graduate-level work as well as an undergraduate transcript, showing a conferred BA/BS degree.
• Doctoral Admissions Essay: Please follow the writing prompt provided to you.
• Admissions Interview: Applicants may be interviewed by the Doctoral Admissions Committee.
• English Proficiency: If you are from a country whose native language is not English (regardless of current residence), you must provide proof of English proficiency, in one of the following ways:
  • Transcripts from a conferred bachelor’s degree or higher in residence at a regionally accredited college/university in the United States.
  • Transcripts from at least 12 semester hours of graduate coursework with a GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0) in residence at a regionally-accredited institution in the United States.
  • Standardized Test Scores. Please see this link for more information.
• Nonrefundable Application Fee of $100 (You may request a fee waiver due to financial hardship through the Doctoral Admissions Representative).
• Applications will only be evaluated once the admissions package is complete.

Categories of Admission

1. Admission to Doctoral Program: This category is used if you satisfy all requirements. There is no provisional admission status due to Federal Student Aid requirements.
2. There is no direct Post-Baccalaureate entry. You must have already earned a master’s degree in the discipline or a closely related discipline, and have 3-5 years of experience in the field or a closely related field.