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School of Acquisition, Contract and Supply Management
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Frequently Asked Questions

   

 

 

Is AGU accredited?
Yes, AGU is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) (www.detc.org). DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). AGU is also approved by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.

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What educational programs are offered by AGU?
AGU offers these graduate degree programs: Master of Business Administration, Master of Acquisition Management, Master of Contract Management, Master of Project Management and Master of Supply Management. These certificate programs are offered as well: Master's Certificate in Acquisition and Contracting, Master's Certificate in Project/Program management, Master's Certificate in Financial Management and Pricing, Master's Certificate in Management, and Master's Certificate in Supply Management.

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What is the difference between the Master of Acquisition Management degree and the Master of Contract Management degree?
The Master of Acquisition Management degree program is oriented to Government acquisition professionals, whereas the Master of Contract Management is oriented
to industry contracting personnel.

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How do I apply to the degree programs?
You only need to fill out an application and ensure AGU receives an official transcript from the college or university that awarded your undergraduate degree.

The easiest way to apply is to use the online application available from our website at www.agu.edu. From the homepage click on "Apply Now." Fill in the required information and hit the submit button. Our admissions director will send you an email confirming your application should be application and notifying you of the requirement for an official undergraduate transcript.

The easiest way to apply is to use the online applicatio available from the Homepage of our website. Click on either "School of Acquisitions" (for the Master of Acquisition Management or Master of Contract Management), "School of Management" or "School of Project Management," then either "Degrees" or "Certificates." and "Apply Online." Fill in the required information and hit the submit button.

If you have any questions about the application please contact an enrollment advisor at 877-351-9060 Ext 1003.

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What items are required to complete the degree program application?
Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from their undergraduate institution and advanced standing documentation. (if applicable)

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Can I fax the application items to AGU?
Yes, you may fax the items to the attention of the "Admissions Department" at 626-915-1709.

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Do I need to submit transcripts from all the colleges or universities I attended?
No, just submit the official transcript from the institution that awarded your undergraduate degree.

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What is an official transcript?
An official transcript is a transcript sent directly from the college or university which bears the official seal of the institution. Student copies are not acceptable. Official copies of transcripts sent in a sealed envelope to the student are acceptable if they are submitted to AGU with the seal unbroken.

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How do I send for an official transcript from my undergraduate institution?
A transcript request form will be emailed to you upon receipt of your application. This form can be sent to the institution with the required application fee.

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Who may I choose to be a proctor?
Proctors cannot be relatives, friends or other AGU students. Proctors can be supervisors, co-workers, or members of your human resources or education and training offices. Public libraries often provide proctoring services.

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What is advanced standing?
Students may receive advanced standing or transfer credit for courses taken in other recognized public, private, or Government educational institutions. Approval for specific courses will be established individually on the basis of the breadth, scope, organization, and quality of work offered in relationship to the courses required by the American Graduate University. Under California law, no more than six semester units (two courses) will be accepted for advanced standing into the degree and certificate programs. Provisions are made for challenging a maximum of two additional courses. Requests for advanced standing must be accompanied by objective evidence of the quality of the courses offered, including (1) name of sponsoring organization, 2) text material used, (3) course outline, (4) proof that the student has taken the course, and (5) grade attained. No credit can be given for seminars or conferences.

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How do I challenge a course?
Students who have received advanced standing (transfer credit) for two courses, but have taken additional courses in a government or graduate institution, similar in content to courses in the AGU curriculum, may challenge up to two courses. In order to receive credit through a challenge, students must pass the final examination for the course with a score of 80% or above. The completed examination must be returned to AGU within 45 days.

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Is there a fee for a course challenge?
Yes, there is a $250 fee charged per challenge to cover the cost of the AGU text materials that are sent as part of the challenge package.

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What happens if I do not pass the challenge examination?
Students who do not receive a score of 80% or above on the challenge examination will be required to register for the distance course. The $250 challenge fee will be deducted from the $825 tuition.

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What is the relationship between the DAU and AGU?
The Defense Acquisition University (DAU) and the American Graduate University (AGU) have formed a strategic partnership for the establishment of cooperative graduate degree and professional certificate programs. Through this partnership with DAU, DOD personnel who have earned a Level 1, 2, or 3 certification in one of DOD's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics (AT&L) workforce career fields, may receive advanced standing for a maximum of two DAU courses. Applicants who have taken an additional two DAU courses may be eligible to challenge two similar AGU courses.

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I am a civilian government employee and have taken courses from organizations whose courses have DAU equivalency. Am I eligible for advanced standing?
Yes, if the courses are equivalent to DAU courses.

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Will the courses I take from AGU satisfy my Level 1, 2, 3 certification requirements?
AGU has achieved equivalency for its Course 601, Federal Government Contracting, for three Defense Acquisition University Level 1 courses: CON 110, Mission Support Planning, CON 111, Mission Planning Execution, and CON 112 Mission Performance Assessment. AGU students completing the 30 module distance education course will receive credit for the three DAU courses.

In addition, AGU has also achieved equivalency for Course 603, Government Contract Law for DAU's Level II course: CON 216, Legal Considerations in Contracting.

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How long will it take to process my degree application?
Once an applicant has submitted all the required documentation and is accepted into the program they will be notified of their acceptance and their formal acceptance package will be sent to them by UPS Ground. The time varies depending on how quickly the applicant supplies the required application items.

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Can I register for a course while I am going through the application process?
Yes, you are welcome to register for a course during the application process. However, if you are applying for advanced standing you should call our Admissions Department (877-351-9060 x 1003) to discuss your possible advanced standing so that you don't register for a course for which you may receive advanced standing or be eligible to challenge.

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How do I apply for the certificate program?
The easiest way to apply to the program is to use the online application available from our website at www.agu.edu. From the homepage click on "Apply Now." Fill in the required information and hit the submit button. Our admissions director will send you an email confirming your application and notifying you of the requirement for a short job description, current resume, or personnel brief.

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What must accompany the certificate program application?
A short job description, current resume, or personnel brief is required. If you are applying to the AGU-DAU certificate program a copy of your DAU transcript or course certificates of completion must be submitted.

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If I am in the certificate program and decide I would like to continue on and earn the degree can I transfer my certificate courses into the degree program?
Yes, if you have taken courses in the certificate program that are also required for the degree you can transfer them in after submitting all the required application items for the degree program.

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When can I register for a course?
You can register for courses at any time.

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How many courses can I register for at one time?
AGU understands that government funding issues may necessitate that a student register for several courses at once. This is acceptable. However, we recommend that students register for and complete one course at a time.

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In what sequence should I register for the courses?
It is recommended that students begin their coursework by registering for Course 602, "Essentials of Management." Students may then proceed through the curriculum as they like.

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How do I register online for a course?
To register online for a course please take the following steps:

Access the AGU website at www.agu.edu
Click on "for Current Students" on the top right hand corner
Click on "Register for Courses " in the left hand column
Select the course title from the "Course" drop down box
Click on "Register" to the right of the course title
Fill out the "Distance Course Registration" form and then click on the "Submit" link at the bottom of the page.
Fax or mail your signed tuition assistance form to AGU, ATTN: Debbie McDonald, Registrar
If you are paying by check please make the check payable to American Graduate University, 733 N. Dodsworth Ave., Covina, CA 91724.

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Who can I contact at AGU to check on my registration?
If you have any questions regarding your registration please contact the Registrar, Debbie McDonald, at 877-351-9060, extension 1001 or by email: debbiemcdonald@agu.edu

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Do I have to be a degree candidate to register for a course?
No, anyone may register for any AGU course at any time.

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When do courses begin?
Distance education courses are on a continuous enrollment basis.

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How much is course tuition?
Each distance education course is $825 or $275 per credit hour.

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How do I pay for a course?
You can submit with your registration form: (1) training assistance form; (2) government charge card number; (3) personal check; or (4) personal credit card.

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Can I use my VA benefits?
If you are eligible for VA benefits, you must first apply for admission and be accepted as an AGU student prior to setting up your VA benefits. Students eligible for the Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill are expected to pay for the course tuition upon registration, even though the VA benefits may not yet have started. Students eligible for the Chapter 33, Post 9/11 GI Bill are not required to pay the tuition upon registration since the Department of Veterans Affairs will pay AGU directly for their tuition.

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What are the VA benefit levels?
The following table equates semester hours with VA benefit levels:

Semester Course Load VA Benefit Level
6 semester hours Full-Time
3 semester hours Half-Time

VA students must complete their coursework within 5 months of the course start date.

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What does the tuition include?
Tuition includes instructor facilitation, all course materials, and shipping within the United States.

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How much time do I have to finish each course?
You are allowed to finish at your own pace. However, there is a maximum of 5 months is permitted to complete a course. If you need more time you must request an extension.

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Is this an online program?
The program is web-enabled, text-based, which means we do send you printed text materials and study guide. However, students use the online coursewebs system to transmit their exams with email attachments for essays and case problems. In addition, students use the online "Student Request for Assistance" form and direct e-mail contact with their instructor.

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How do the distance courses actually work?
Upon registration, you are sent the textbook(s) and a printed study guide. The study guide is composed of lessons. Usually there is one lesson per chapter of the text.

The lessons consist of lesson objectives, lesson review questions, with the answers, and a subject examination. The subject examination is sent to the University via our online exam form for grading. The subject examination is comprised of approximately 25 multiple choice and true-false questions. An essay, case problems, or exercises are required in a number of the lessons. There is a final examination for each course.

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How will I contact my instructor?
Each course has an assigned instructor who contacts the students upon registration with their email address. Students then may contact their instructor for assistance at any time during the course.

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Will I be graded on interactions with my instructor?
No, the instructors are course facilitators. They are available to answer questions, provide help, and grade essays, case problems, exercises, papers and projects. We request that students copy the AGU Student Services Dept on all correspondence with instructors so that we may monitor response.

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What are the requirements for the degree programs?
The Master of Acquisition Management, Master of Contract Management, and Master of Project Management degree programs each require a minimum of 36 semester credits of study, and then a passing grade on a comprehensive examination or an approved project.

The Master of Business Administration degree program requires a minimum of 48 semester credits of study and the completion of an approved project.

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How long will it take me to graduate?
This really depends on how much time you can devote to your studies. Students have completed the program within 12 months, but the average is closer to 24 to 36 months. However, students must complete their coursework within seven years.

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Are American Graduate University credits transferable?
Since individual institutions determine their own credit transfer policies AGU cannot guarantee that other schools will accept its credits in transfer. Students who wish to transfer credits from AGU to another institution should contact the Registrar or Admission Office at the university in question to determine whether credits from AGU will transfer to that institution.

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What are the requirements for the certificate programs?
To receive a certificate, a student must successfully complete the six particular required courses and all course examinations.

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Is tuition paid to AGU tax deductible?
Since circumstances differ for everyone, check with your accountant or tax professional to be certain of the IRS laws.

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Can I defer my student loans while attending AGU?
The federal loan programs (Federal Family Education Loan Program or Direct Loans) require that students requesting an in-school deferment on their student loans attend an "eligible institution" to qualify for an in-school deferment. AGU is presently not considered an eligible institution for Title IV (Federal Student Aid) purposes. As such, your request for loan deferral of past federal student loans may be denied by your lender. This decision is totally up to the individual lending institution. A lender is not obligated to give a deferment to a student who is attending an institution that is not Title IV eligible.

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