What is the reputation and worth of a degree from AMU?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 00:47:54 -0400

I am looking into getting a start on my MA and have been looking into AMU. Financially, it is a great option for a higher education degree and the online aspect will work well with my current workload.
I was more curious as to the reputation and worth a degree from this university holds. I know a lot of the online "for profit" colleges are considered degree mills or have a negative connotation about them and want to make sure a degree from here won't be a waste. There are quite a few colleges online colleges that have poor reputations, and so far AMU seems reputable, but not sure how it looks from an employer standpoint or those experienced in looking at people's CVs

currently I am thinking of enrolling for my MA and studying International Relations with a concentration in Conflict Resolution

Response by A1C Ian Williams made Apr 9 at 2018 12:55 AM

A1C Ian Williams — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 00:55:20 -0400

Congratulations, sir on pursuing your masters of Arts in an important field CPT Private RallyPoint Member I look forward to your success. I would compare degree requirements with other universities before committing. Always ask the alum and alumni about the efficacy of their degree in seeking employment or job competency. Good luck to you!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2018 7:44 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 07:44:23 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, it depends what you want to do with it. If you are looking to get hired by a major consulting firm in Washington DC after 4 years of being in the Army, AMU is worth more than not having a MA at all. Degrees from full-time resident programs carry more weight, but usually only at those large firms. More reputable institutions are also favored if you are pursuing more advanced degrees as the hatred and bile spilled by PhD's throughout the country sitting in tenure despise the lowly peasants getting education that is not from a brick and mortar college. Again...it depends what you want to do with it. I have three masters degrees. COMBINED with my 23 years in service, those mean something. Get your education in something you want to pursue.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2018 10:52 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 10:52:45 -0400

I think in the end it depends on where you want to work. If everyone at X government job or private corp has a degree from y university then I might be swayed to attend one of those named schools. I know OU and Texas A&M both have the International Relations degree you are looking to obtain and you can use TA to pay for all of it. Next, look up the folks currently in the position you want. See where all the policy wonks attend and see if there is a trend. And note on the degree. Knowledge is time based. Say you get a Masters Degree by 2020 or 21. What is the expiration date of that knowledge? If your Masters was in 2020 or 2001 and you transition in 2015- 2020 then how much new information will be out there? I am all for learning and educating the mind. But I think a timeline is critical in order to make you a marketable individual upon leaving the service.

Response by SGT David T. made Apr 9 at 2018 1:22 PM

SGT David T. — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 13:22:16 -0400

I am quite happy with my M.A. from there. Granted, it's not Ivy league, but for most things just having a degree matters. AMU is accredited and the Federal government accepts it as such for Federal employment. I was pleased with the quality of the education I received. Their prices are great too. I think the only folks who would view it negatively are those who can't quite wrap their minds around the idea of online school. Fortunately, nothing on the transcript says online so unless you mention it or they happen to know about it, odds are they wont give it a second thought.

Response by PO3 John Aldrich made Apr 9 at 2018 2:46 PM

PO3 John Aldrich — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 14:46:12 -0400

Hi LT--Great question.
There is one consistent measure of quality in higher education and it is not tax status or tuition, it is accreditation. American Military University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). American Military University is accredited by the same body that provides accreditation to Ohio State University, Northwestern University and all other regionally-accredited schools in the 19 state area covered by the HLC.
Another measure of quality is what students’ think of the institution and where they choose to enroll. Most regionally accredited schools compete in the online arena for the same students as AMU. Ten of American Military University’s programs are ranked #1 of all online programs based on student enrollment. Students have voted with their dollars and have selected American Military University. Those programs include Bachelors programs in Environmental Science and Emergency and Disaster Management, and both Bachelors and Masters programs in Homeland Security, Intelligence Studies and Transportation and Logistics Management. All are number one online programs among all institutions. APUS has many other programs in the top 10 as well.

Best of luck in your future education endeavors.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 9 at 2018 3:49 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 15:49:37 -0400

Just make sure they are regionally accredited. That's the main thing.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2018 3:52 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 03:52:38 -0400

I'll echo what most have already said, it depends. If you're only interested in checking a block in the military, then it doesn't matter. When I went for my Master's, I specifically searched out an engaging program of study. Then I narrowed it down by schools. It's slightly snobbish, but when you look at my resume, you know my university no matter where you're from. It has been brought up as a remark by raters and senior raters, imparting their being impressed by the pedigree. Also, keep in mind, if you're early in your career, you'll have time to attend different schools/better choice of schools. For example, resident ILE offers several great universities they partner with to obtain a Master's before you leave Ft. Leavenworth. Food for though, but either way, best of luck to you and your studies.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2018 9:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 21:48:19 -0400

Im finishing my BA there this semester. What made me go with AMU was checking out linked in and seeing what their alumni were doing and who they were working for. AMU graduates and APUS graduates are represented well across government agencies at all levels, as well as in the private sector. Its affordable, accredited, and their graduates are successful, thats I really worried about.

Response by CW3 Del Stewart made May 17 at 2018 11:11 AM

CW3 Del Stewart — Thu, 17 May 2018 11:11:36 -0400

FWIW, my masters in history from them landed me the job I now have as Senior Historian at TRADOC HQ. They are accredited and reasonably inexpensive.
Depending upon what you what to study, you may want to also consider Liberty U. in VA. Also accredited, they only charge $250/sh for masters level and $275/sh for doctoral level, for Veterans, spouses of veterans, etc.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2019 10:56 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 10:56:20 -0400

It depends on what you want to do with it. They are accredited and will work just fine for checking the box needed in the military. That's why I got my masters from them when active duty. They are not prestigious or well known so if you are looking to go into going to help significantly. But if your GPA is good, then you can use it to get into an advanced program even if your undergrad is not. I got a 2.99 in undergrad, a 3.65 in AMU Masters degree and was accepted into law school. So it depends on what your using it for. Am I happy I did, yes. But if I did it over again I would most likely see if I could get a Masters through a traditional school that had an online program in conjunction ( like virgina) where no one could tell it came from online.

Response by Mattaea Cooper made Jun 10 at 2020 12:14 AM

Mattaea Cooper — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 00:14:01 -0400

Did you end up going with this program? If so, how did it go? I am looking into it myself and haven’t fully decided.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2021 4:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 16:46:34 -0500

Ok, here is the deal. When you decide you would like to return to school for a degree higher than high school, you NEED TO BE VERY CAREFUL!!!! I understand many non-traditional students want something that will be credible. Many colleges and universities in your state have online degrees. When I decided to return to college, I looked at Capella, University of Phoenix, AMU, APU and the endless list. I chose the University of Kansas. They now offer online degrees. The university has been in operation since 1865. I would really look at higher education programs before applying. I honestly would feel more confident when interviewing with an employer with a degree from University of Minnesota, University of California, or Indiana University. You must always ask yourself, Will this degree be credible in years to come, and will the University or college be around also. Many of these online colleges have scandals that follow them. Be careful!!