Institutional Learning Outcomes | American Public University System (APUS)

In this section

AMU and APU students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the following learning areas upon completion of any academic program in any discipline:

Applied learning is used by students to demonstrate what they can do with what they know.
Intellectual skills are used by students to think critically and analytically about what they learn, broadening their individual perspectives and experiences.
Specialized knowledge is the knowledge students demonstrate about their individual fields of study.
Broad knowledge transcends the typical boundaries of students in the first two years of higher education and encompasses all learning in broad areas through multiple degree levels.
Civic learning is that which enables students to respond to social, environmental and economic challenges at local, national and global levels.
Digital Information Literacy is concerned with responsibly, safely, ethically, effectively and efficiently accessing, evaluating, collaborating, organizing, and distributing information in the digital world. It includes using tools, technologies, techniques, and best practices, to develop responsible and safe consumers and communicators of information in the digital information world to support research and to solve real world problems.

For more information regarding APUS' Institutional Learning Outcomes please visit APUS' catalog: Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment.

A snapshot of student achievement, in reaching APUS' Institutional Learning Outcomes, is captured using assessment tools within the classroom. Signature assignments, found throughout each academic program, are one measure used to assess students’ success. When aggregated, the results show proficiency in meeting our institutional learning outcomes. American Public University System considers a student’s performance on a signature assignment to show proficiency when an 85% is earned. APUS strives to have 70% or more (university benchmark) of students reaching the 85% proficiency standard. When this benchmark isn't met, action is taken to improve curriculum and instruction.

The below charts show the success rate of APUS students demonstrating proficiency for each ILO area for Associate, Bachelor, and Master levels.