Degrees and Programs
Is AGU accredited?
Yes, AGU is nationally accredited by The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) (www.deac.org). DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. DEAC is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). AGU is also approved by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education.
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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. However, students use the online coursewebs system
to access the Study Reference Guide and 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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What educational programs are offered by AGU?
AGU offers the following graduate degree programs: Master of Business Administration,
Master of Acquisition Management, Master of Contract Management, Master of
Project Management, Master of Supply Chain Management, and Master of Leadership and Management. The following 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 Chain 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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Can I earn multiple degrees at AGU?
The State of California requires that for any additional degree earned at least half of the courses required for that program must be taken as new courses.
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Can I earn both a Master’s Degree and a Master’s Certificate?
Students in the Master’s degree programs can earn the corresponding Master’s Certificate if they complete six of the courses that are common to both programs. However, only one advanced standing is permitted in the Master’s Certificate program. In addition, challenges are not permitted in the Master’s Certificate program.
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How do the distance courses actually work?
Upon registration, you are sent the textbook(s). The Study Reference Guide (available through CourseWebs) is composed of reading assignments, learning objectives and lesson exams.
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 system 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, with the exception of Course 601 and Course 647.
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What are the requirements for the degree programs?
The Master of Acquisition Management, Master of Contract Management, Master
of Project Management, Master of Supply Chain Management, and Master of Leadership and 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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What are the requirements for the certificate programs?
To receive a certificate, a student must successfully complete the six
required courses and all course final examinations.
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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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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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Admissions
When can I apply to a degree or a certificate program?
Since AGU has rolling admissions you can apply to a program at any time.
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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 Director of Admissions
will send you an email confirming your application and notify you of the required documents needed to complete your application.
If you have any questions about the application please contact
an enrollment advisor at 877-351-9060 Ext 1007.
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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, a copy of photo ID, response to a brief distance education survey,
and advanced standing documentation (if applicable).
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Can I fax or email the application items to AGU?
Yes, you may fax the items (other than transcripts) to the attention of the "Admissions Department" at
626-915-1709 or by email to studentservices@patten.edu.
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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.
Electronic transcripts sent from a secure site are acceptable.
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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.
Many institutions now permit you to order a transcript online from the alumni section of their website.
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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 priority mail. The time varies
depending on how quickly the applicant supplies the required application items.
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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 Director of Admissions 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 current resume or detailed job description is required. Applicants must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Participation in an AGU degree program is not required.
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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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Transfer Credit/Advanced Standing
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 Master’s degree programs and no more than nine semester
credits (three courses) in the MBA programs. Certificate students may only receive
three semester credits (one course) in advanced standing.
For Degree students, 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?
Degree students who have received advanced standing (transfer credit) for two or three courses depending on the program,
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 $325 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 full course. The $325
challenge fee will be credited toward the full course price.
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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
in the master’s degree courses, three courses in the MBA programs and one
course in the certificate programs.
Applicants to the degree programs who have taken an additional two DAU courses may be eligible to
challenge two similar AGU courses.
No challenges are permitted in the certificate programs.
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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 121 Contract Planning, CON 124 Contract Execution, and CON 127 Contract Management. 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.
Also, AGU's Course 600 Government Contracting Business Arrangements is equivalent to DAU Course CON 100 Shaping Smart Business Arrangements.
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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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How do I request an official AGU transcript?
To request an official transcript, complete the AGU Transcript Request form. This form can be found at the Student Center/Forms page or by following this link: http://www.agu.edu/documents/AGU-Transcript-Request-Form.pdf. There is a transcript processing fee of $10.00 per transcript.
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Course Registration and Completion
When do courses begin?
Distance education courses are on a continuous enrollment basis.
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What are the technology requirements?
In order to fulfill the requirements of the AGU course curriculum all students are expected to have, or have access to: a personal computer, an email account, a word-processor software program such as the Microsoft Office Suite, and a web-browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome or Safari.
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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 1007) 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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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?
Enrollment in two courses is considered full-time at AGU. If a student not using VA benefits wishes to enroll in an additional one or two courses, the student's current course(s) must be at least 80% complete before the student can be enrolled in any additional courses. No more than two additional courses will be allowed and students must be actively working on their current courses.
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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 course list
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 (626-915-1709), email (studentservices@patten.edu), 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, 2433 Coolidge Ave., Oakland, CA 94601.
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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:
studentservices@patten.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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How do I determine my start and end dates?
Your start date for your course is five days from the day you register. Your end date is five months from that day.
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How much time do I have to finish each course?
Unless you are using your VA benefits 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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Who may I choose to be a proctor?
Proctors can be supervisors, co-workers, or members of your human resources or education and training offices. Public libraries often provide proctoring services. Proctors cannot be a past or present family member, subordinate, current/previous student of American Graduate University, or related to a current/previous student of American Graduate University.
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Tuition and Financing
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How much is course tuition?
Each distance education course is $975 or $325 per credit hour.
For active duty personnel without VA benefits, tuition is $600 or $200 per credit hour. For international students (addresses outside the U.S., APO, FPO, DPO and Canada), the tuition is $1,100 per course.
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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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Does AGU have a payment plan?
Yes, AGU offers a simple, interest-free payment plan that breaks tuition for each course into three equal payments of $325. Payment 1 is due at registration; payment 2 is due at 30 days; and payment 3 is due at sixty days from the date of registration. Payments are made automatically using the credit/debit card provided by the student on the payment plan agreement.
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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 who are using the Montgomery GI Bill will be required to pay the course tuition upon registration. Students using the Post 9/11 GI Bill are required to pay only the percentage of tuition not covered by their VA benefits upon registration since the VA pays their portion of the tuition directly to AGU.
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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 (2 courses) | | Full-Time |
| 3 semester hours (1 course) | | Half-Time |
VA students must complete their coursework within 5 months of
the course start date.
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If I am using my Post 9/11 benefits will I receive the monthly housing allowance?
In order to receive the housing allowance Post 9/11 VA students must be registered full time during their term. Full time is two courses taken and completed during the same five month term.
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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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