Catalog Addenda

July 2025

New Courses

COMM361 Global Communication

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of how to effectively communicate across cultures within the United States and Globally from a critical and applicable perspective. This course will cover how communication is influenced by culture and cultural norms and how culture is perceived through communication. Students will self-reflect on their own cultural identity and examine how that influences their perception of communication and how they communicate in their own workplace. By the end of the course, students will create ways to identify and resolve cross-cultural communication conflicts and misunderstandings and incorporate cultural understanding into strategic communication. (Prerequisite: COMM351)

CSCI225 Introduction to Networking I

This course introduces students to the structure and components of computer networks, including packet switching, layer architectures, and various applications. Specific topics include Web/HTTP, Voice Over IP, P2P file sharing, socket programming, TCP/IP, reliable transfer, flow control, congestion control, the network layer (names, addresses, and routing), local area networks (LANs), and wireless networks. The course also explores network security, including issues related to security threats and secure communication. Students will gain experience with tools needed to use and write protocols and understand core networking concepts. (Prerequisite: CSCI220)

CSCI245 Machine Architecture and Organization I

This course presents concepts related to computer architecture and their impact on program design and development. It introduces students to topics such as instruction set design, memory hierarchies, pipelining, storage systems, and parallel architectures. Specific topics include performance evaluation, computer organization, instruction formats, addressing modes, computer arithmetic, single-cycle and multi-cycle data paths, and processor control. Assembly language programming is used as a means of exploring instruction set architectures and understanding machine architecture. (Prerequisite: CSCI240)

DATS281 Introduction to Python I

This course introduces Python to students with very little programming experience. It covers the basics of programming, including core elements of programs, data types, and functions. Topics also include Python syntax, working with variables, and creating simple Python code. Additional areas of focus include debugging, runtime, and an overview of computational complexity. (Prerequisite: DATS200 or chair override)

DATS382 Python and Data Science I

This course explores how Python, one of the most popular programming languages today, is applied in data analysis, image processing, machine learning, and parallelism. As a lab-based course, it emphasizes significant time spent programming. Topics include handling data structures such as Python lists, NumPy arrays, and Pandas DataFrames. The course also focuses on functions, flow control, and building on data visualization concepts introduced in DATS225 – Data Visualization. (Prerequisite: DATS281)

DATS451 Sentiment Analysis I

Sentiment analysis is a specialized form of natural language processing intended to determine opinions expressed in written text. This lab-based course is designed to implement topics covered in labs. The topics covered include the concepts and theories behind sentiment analysis and opinion mining. The course will also discuss the research approaches taken in sentiment analysis, knowledge-based techniques, statistical methods, and hybrid approaches. Tasks in sentiment analysis will be discussed and implemented through labs, such as determining an emotional scale and generating a sentiment score. Students will analyze positive and negative words and evaluate customer sentiment through text analysis and emotion recognition techniques. (Prerequisites: MATH302 and DATS411)

DATS473 Simulation Techniques I

This course provides the theoretical foundations, tools, and methods used to implement solutions through discrete event simulation, agent-based simulation, and other simulation techniques. It emphasizes the use of simulation models to explore different scenarios and develop effective processes for complex systems. The course incorporates analytical methods and demonstrates how different types of simulation models can be used to simulate operations and evaluate outcomes. Learners will engage with examples of real-world simulations to understand how to design, implement, and optimize simulation programs. (Prerequisite: DATS371)

FINC201 Financial Management Principles

Explore the key principles of financial management and their impact on both an organizational and global scale. This course covers essential topics such as financial systems, financial markets, financial statements and analysis, and capital budgeting. Students will engage in financial decision-making processes, focusing on return on investment and the effective allocation of financial resources. Proficiency in Microsoft Word® and Microsoft Excel® is required. (Prerequisites: ACCT100 or ACCT105)

Program Changes

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

• Concentration in Strategic Communication: Remove COMM360. Add COMM361.

Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

• Major Requirements: Remove CSCI230. Add CSCI245.

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

• Concentration in Organizational Law Enforcement Leadership: Remove FINC405. Add FINC300.

Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

• Major Requirements: Remove COMM360, DATS331, DATS332, DATS351, DATS373, DATS431, DATS432, DATS481, DATS482, EVSP414, FINC400. Add COMM361, DATS382, DATS451, DATS473, EVSP309.

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Global Security

• Concentration in International Studies: Remove SCMT319. Add IRLS310.

Bachelor of Arts in Management

• General Concentration: Remove MGMT393.

Bachelor of Arts in Transportation and Logistics Management

• General Concentration: Remove FINC400 and FINC405.
• Concentration in Air Cargo: Remove FINC400.

Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Management

• Concentration in Technical Management: Remove FINC400. Add FINC201.
• Concentration in Technical Resource Management: Remove FINC400. Add FINC201.

Bachelor of Science in Accounting

• Major Requirements: Remove FINC400. Add FINC201.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

• Major Requirements: Remove CSCI210 and CSCI230. Add CSCI225 and CSCI245.

Bachelor of Science in Data Science

• Major Requirements: Remove DATS481 and DATS482. Add DATS281 and DATS382.
• Flex Concentration: Remove DATS331, DATS332, DATS351, DATS373. Add CSCI381, CSCI386, DATS451, DATS473.

Bachelor of Science in Esports

• Concentration in Esports Business Administration: Remove FINC400. Add FINC300.

Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Management

• Major Requirements: Change hours to 69. Add FSMT284.
• Elective Requirements: Change hours to 18.

Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

• Concentration in Criminal Law Support: Remove LSTD454. Add LSTD212.

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

• Concentration in Data Science: Remove DATS331. Add CSCI381.

Minor in Business Administration

• Minor Requirements: Remove FINC400. Add FINC300.

Undergraduate Certificate in Government Agency Administration

• Certificate Requirements: Change to 15: Remove FINC405 and SSGS490. Add FINC300.
• Add Elective Requirements section: Change to 3 hours.

Undergraduate Certificate in Law Enforcement Leadership

• Certificate Requirements: Remove FINC405. Add FINC300.

Program Description Changes

Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

The Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies offers you the opportunity to develop diverse knowledge, skills, and abilities that provide a solid foundation for academic achievement.  In this degree program, you’ll combine general education courses with elective courses of your choice, helping you focus on fields most relevant to your interests, career, and goals. Successful achievement of this associate degree shows employers in all fields that you are capable of college-level studies and can persist in completing a degree program. Completion of this program can also serve as a springboard to a baccalaureate degree.

Note: This program does not qualify for Federal Student Aid

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of different cultures and societies
• Communicate and collaborate effectively in personal and professional contexts
• Identify academic disciplines and career paths that fit with personal and professional goals

Bachelor of Arts in English

A bachelor’s degree in English from American Public University System (APUS) will help you organize and articulate your thoughts in speech and writing, helping you achieve personal and professional success. You will not only gain skills that help to prepare you for the workplace but you will also build confidence in your ability to communicate effectively and efficiently in all situations.

The English department provides students with courses in Composition, Professional Writing, Linguistics, and World, British, and American Literature. Through a carefully planned program of planned and elective courses, you will hone your professional and personal communication skills by learning to investigate, analyze, and synthesize information. The program culminates in a final senior seminar where you will create your own work of academic research.

Our faculty are not only teachers; they are also active members of their professional fields and organizations. Among them are scholars, novelists, editors, poets, journalists, and bloggers, and as a student, you will have the ability to regularly interact with them. The Trefry Library at APUS gives you 24/7 access to the world with thousands of books and journals, media sources, and research guides. The English department at APUS welcomes you to our family.

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:

• Articulate ideas effectively and efficiently in speech and in writing.
• Demonstrate the ability to use a variety of critical theories in the analysis and synthesis of text.
• Analyze themes, multiple interpretations, and critical connections in texts.
• Assess a variety of different perspectives that challenge personal cultural experiences and expectations.
• Create texts of critical thought by integrating a variety of different viewpoints.

Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies focuses on the classic and contemporary theories of human life development from infancy through adulthood including family and societal issues.

In addition, courses in the program can help you prepare to pursue these certifications:

• Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE®) sponsored by the National Council on Family Relations. To qualify for the academic portion of the CFLE, you’ll need to complete all core requirements as well as these specific courses:
  • CHFD220 - Human Sexuality
  • CHFD350 - Family Life Education
  • CHFD360 - Family Resource ManagementCHFD348 - Marriage and the Family
  • CHFD445 - Family Communications
  • CHFD446 - Families and Social Action
  • CHFD498 - Senior Seminar in Child and Family Development
  NOTE – There is a work experience requirement for full certification by the CFLE which the University does not provide. More information is available at the CFLE website: https://www.ncfr.org/cfle-certification/become-certified/cfle-approved-application.

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS®) sponsored by the Association for Child Life Professionals. To qualify for the academic portion of the CCLS, you’ll need to complete all core requirements as well as these specific courses:
  • HDFS401 - Child Life Theory and Practice
  • HDFS402 - Benefits of Therapeutic Play
  • HDFS403 - Death, Dying and Grief
  • CHFD340 - Family Development
• Child Development Associate (CDA®) certification sponsored by the Early Childhood Education Training Institution and the Council for Professional Recognition. Courses in the program can help you prepare to pursue the CDA certification sponsored by the Early Childhood Education Training Institution and the Council for Professional Recognition by providing the required academic requirements for that certification. There are additional requirements regarding clinical hours that the University does not provide and students must secure their own placement. Additional information on those clinical requirements can be found at www.childlife.org.

Important note: This bachelor’s degree does not award professional licensure and does not qualify you to apply for a teaching licensure. In addition, individual states often require additional hands-on training, internships, or site visits not provided by our University. Students are encouraged to become familiar with all licensure/certification requirements in the state in which they plan to seek possible employment.

CFLE® is a registered trademark of the National Council on Family Relations.

CCLS® is a registered trademark of the Child Life Council.

CDA® is a registered trademark of the Council for Professional Recognition.

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate fluency in the terminology, tools, and methods used in the field of child and family development.
• Describe the contributions of multiple theories or practices to the field of child and family development, both within and across disciplines.
• Demonstrate the ability to synthesize multiple information sources and points of view into a discussion of major child and family development issues.
• Present a project or paper linking knowledge from work, community, or research activities with knowledge acquired in the study of child and family development.
• Explain different perspectives on contested issues in child and family development, including an articulation of how these issues might be addressed in social, political, or personal settings.

Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management

The Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management is designed for human resource professionals interested in understanding all of the functions within the field. The program will provide an overview of issues impacting the global workforce from a generalist and specialist perspective. While in the program, students will explore strategies to motivate, compensate, recruit, appraise, and develop an organization's talent base. Collaboration and case studies will support the importance of the human resource function to the strategic direction and effectiveness of an organization.

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:

• Examine various laws, rules, regulation, and policies affecting human capital in today’s global workforce.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of various compensation packages and employee incentive programs in enhancing recruitment, retention, and overall job satisfaction.
• Describe leading trends and issues in the field of human resource management.
• Summarize the role of the human resource department toward the strategic direction of the organization.

Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies offers you a chance to focus on two or more disciplines while helping build communication and critical thinking skills. Academic discipline choices are focused on employment trends for students with an interdisciplinary background: business and management; natural and social sciences, communication and media; and social services. This degree allows you to build and focus upon unique areas of study with fewer constraints than a traditional major. Graduates of this program apply their skills and abilities in communication, business and management, and social service.  The interdisciplinary foundation of the program helps to prepare you for diverse employment choices as well as for discipline focused graduate studies. 

Note: This program does not qualify for Federal Student Aid

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of and respect for different cultures and societies
• Communicate and collaborate effectively in personal and professional contexts
• Apply an interdisciplinary perspective to solving problems
• Explain how interdisciplinary knowledge supports success in different careers in service and leadership

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology examines the workings of the human mind by studying aspects of developmental, organizational, and abnormal psychology. Emphasis is on applying the science of human behavior to vocational, personal, academic, and clinical settings. This online bachelor’s degree is intended for students who are interested in public-facing professions such as politics, law, counseling, human services, education, law enforcement, military service, human-computer interaction, and public management.

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:

• Articulate the major theoretical, historical, and conceptual ideas that underpin the broad discipline and specialty areas of psychological science.
• Evaluate psychological research using scientific and quantitative reasoning.
• Identify the education, roles, ethical standards, and professional responsibilities of psychologists in research, practice, and academic contexts.
• Create clear and concise professional communications appropriate to different audiences.
• Develop evidence of skills, qualifications, and work ethics that graduate programs and employers desire in psychology graduates.

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology applies the unique approach of sociology to study all forms of human behavior from the individual and small group interactions of everyday life to larger institutions that shape our global experiences as humans. Sociology aids in developing a sociological imagination, the ability to examine the lived experiences of oneself and others. From different theoretical perspectives, sociology delves into issues such as healthcare; politics; religion; race and ethnicity; sex and gender; and the impact of social conflict, inequity, and injustice on society. 

Students will develop key skills in collaboration, information literacy, critical thinking, writing, and social science research methods and analysis. Students will also identify ways to engage in social movements that promote social justice in their career fields and daily lives. Sociological knowledge and skills are especially well suited as preparation for varied fields including civil service, research, education, healthcare, social service, business, management, social media, or law. 

Minor in Child Development

Minor Objectives

Upon successful completion of this minor, the student will be able to:

• Assess developmental changes and processes influencing child development.
• Identify scientific approaches and the application of research and theory to working with children.
• Examine socio-cultural and historic constructs related to child development.
• Examine the impact of culture on youth in family and societal settings.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and observation skills related to the study of child development.

Undergraduate Certificate in Instructional Design and Delivery

The undergraduate certificate in Instructional Design and Delivery focuses on how to develop curriculum and assessment for adult learners within online, face-to-face, and hybrid learning environments. In this online program, you will study leading theories and concepts of curriculum design, while learning to organize effective instruction that challenges and involves adult learners in ways that meet their different needs. Courses address topics such as pedagogy versus andragogy; organizing and managing adult learner instruction; creating courses, syllabi, objectives, and engaging activities; basics of curriculum and program evaluation; inclusiveness and accommodations; and assessment.

This concentrated, 6-course program is intended for undergraduate students who wish to further their knowledge in instructional design and teaching adult learners in academic settings and corporate/military training contexts without committing to a degree program.

Note: This program is not designed to prepare educators for work in K-12 public school settings and is not a degree program that would lead to state-level teaching certification.

Concentration Description Changes

Associate of Arts in Management – Concentration in Human Resources

This concentration is designed to offer a practical base of knowledge that prepares students to deal with the complexities and challenges of managing today's global workforce. Topics of study include recruitment, selection, team dynamics, ethics, performance management, compensation, benefits, labor and employee relations, and policy and records management.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

• Supervise people in the workforce environment.
• List the necessary steps to take in the recruiting, grievance and corrective action processes.
• Communicate an organization’s mission, vision, goals and objectives to direct reports.
• Discuss the challenges that human resources face in modern organizations.
• Describe team-management skills with a focus on the group dynamics and ethics of an increasingly varied workforce.

Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management – General Concentration

The general concentration delves into behavior in organizations, training and development, compensation, performance management, and technology to support the human resource management function. Students will compare compensation packages and reward systems and differentiate between various performance management methods.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

• Explain the concept of total rewards in relation to employee compensation and benefits.
• Describe how human resource development is linked to the overall goals and strategies of an organization.
• Develop an understanding of basic systems and the criteria for success in using HR software in organizations.
• Compare and contrast successful and unsuccessful performance management systems.
• Prepare a strategy to motivate a group of employees with varying backgrounds and perspectives.

April 2025

New Courses

CHFD314 Students with Special Needs

This course focuses on theory and practical approaches to understanding and providing accommodations for students with special needs. Students will be presented with an overview of the characteristics of the most prevalent types of disabilities, as well as the laws that protect and best educational practices for children with disabilities. Students will examine the methods to teach, as well as the documents that provide the legal basis for meeting the needs for an appropriate education for this population.

Program Changes

Associate of Arts in Childhood Care and Education

• Major Requirements: Remove CHFD312. Add CHFD314

Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies

• General Concentration: Remove CHFD312. Add CHFD314

Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

• Major Requirements: Remove CHFD312. Add CHFD314

Minor in Child Development

• Minor Requirements: Remove CHFD312. Add CHFD314

Undergraduate Certificate in Infant and Toddler Care

• Certificate Requirements: Remove CHFD312. Add CHFD314

Program Description Changes

Associate of Science in Fire Science

The Associate of Science degree in Fire Science provides you with scientific knowledge of fire behavior, prevention, suppression, and equipment. In addition to learning how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled, you’ll examine the history and philosophy of fire prevention bureaus, use of fire codes, and identification and correction of fire hazards.

The mission of the Associate in Fire Science program is to prepare students with introductory fire protection concepts and theories that complement on-the-job fire services training.

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:

• Describe the historical development of fire protection and response from its origins through contemporary times.
• Identify and differentiate the various forms of fire, their fundamental scientific principles, and their associated mitigation and response strategies.
• Describe the legal and regulatory duties and responsibilities of the fire department as a public organization.
• Analyze the design principles of fire service pumping apparatus and water use in fire protection.
• Evaluate fire and emergency services safety and survival principles to ensure effective response in emergency situations.
• Examine the role of building construction in fire protection and how it influences fire spread and containment.
• Examine the theoretical and practical applications of fire prevention principles, regulations, and technologies by combining historical context, detailed discussions, and industry insights to contribute to community fire prevention efforts.
• Analyze the interaction between combustion processes, fire behavior, and flow paths related to fireground strategies to effectively predict, mitigate, and manage fire incidents.