Course System and Study Load
- Course Numbering System
- Credit Hours
- Normal Progress Toward a Degree
- Study Load
- Classification of Students
- Concurrent Enrollment Policy
- Graduate Courses Taken by Undergraduate Students
Course Numbering System
Courses are identified by a departmental abbreviation, followed by a three-digit course number. The course number indicates: 001-099, remedial (no credit toward any degree); 100-299, lower division; 300-399, upper division; 400-499, upper division or graduate; 500-899, graduate courses; and 900-999, continuing education courses.
The department abbreviations are as follows:
| ACCT | Accounting | HUM | Humanities (General Studies) |
|---|---|---|---|
| APS | School of Adult and Professional Studies | IBUS | International Business |
| ART | Art | JAPA | Japanese |
| AT | Athletic Training | LDRS | Leadership Studies |
| BCLM | Business and Christian Leadership Management | MATH | Mathematics |
| BIOL | Biology | MCIS | Management and Computer Information Systems (Accelerated Degree Program) |
| BLNG | Biblical Languages | MISS | Management Information Systems (Accelerated Degree Program) |
| BMGT | Business Management (Adult and Professional Studies Program) | MKTG | Marketing |
| BNRS | Nursing (Adult and Professional Studies Program) | MUS | Music |
| BUSI | Business and Management | OXUN | Oxford Program |
| CBA | Cinema and Broadcasting Arts | PE | Physical Education |
| CHEM | Chemistry | PHIL | Philosophy |
| CHIN | Chinese | PHYC | Physics |
| CISS | Computer Information Systems (Adult and Professional Studies Program) | PNRS | Pre-Nursing |
| CMIN | Christian Ministries | POLI | Political Science |
| COMM | Communication Studies | PSYC | Psychology |
| CS | Computer Science | REC | Recreation |
| CSA | College Student Development | SOC | Sociology |
| EDUC | Education | SOCW | Social Work |
| ENGL | English | SPAN | Spanish |
| FIN | Finance | TEP | Teacher Education Program |
| FREN | French | TESL | Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages |
| GERM | German | THEO | Theology |
| GLBL | Global Studies | UBBL | Biblical Studies |
| HDEV | Liberal Studies (Adult and Professional Studies Program) | UNRS | Nursing |
| HIST | History | WEB | Web and Information Technology |
Credit Hours
Semester credit is generally determined on the basis of the Carnegie System, which awards one unit of credit for each 50-to-55-minute class session per week. However, the nature of the course will determine the number of class contact hours. Emphasis will be given to achieving course objectives.
Normal Progress Toward a Degree
The minimum number of credits for a bachelor's degree is 126. Twelve (12) units per semester constitute a minimum full-time load and normal progress toward a degree. However, the student should be aware that to complete a bachelor's degree in four years, an average of 16 units per semester is needed.
Study Load
The maximum study load recommended by the university is 17 units per semester. However, upon approval of the Undergraduate Registrar, a student may take additional units above the maximum study load. Approval for additional units is usually given only to students with a 3.45 grade-point average or higher who have completed 28 units.
Classification of Students
A full-time student may be defined as one taking a minimum academic load of 12 units each semester. The following system for student classification is used by the university:
- Freshman: 0-27 units
- Sophomore: 28-59 units
- Junior: 60-89 units
- Senior: 90+ units
Senior classification does not ensure graduation. All requirements for a degree must be met in order to graduate. Freshmen and sophomores have lower-division standing. Juniors and seniors have upper-division standing. Unclassified students are those admitted to the university program on a provisional basis and/or those who are not registered in a degree credit program.
Concurrent Enrollment Policy
Students wishing to take courses at another institution while enrolled at APU should obtain prior approval from the Undergraduate Registrar. Without written prior approval from the Undergraduate Registrar, transfer credits may be denied.
Graduate Courses Taken by Undergraduate Students
An undergraduate student may only enroll in a graduate course if:
- The student is a senior.
- The department chair of the student's major approves.
- The request is submitted with the form provided (PDF) by the Undergraduate Registrar.
Graduate courses taken by an undergraduate student may not apply toward the graduate degree unless the grade received in the graduate course is a 3.0 or higher. No more than eight units earned as an undergraduate student may be counted toward an APU graduate degree.
