American Military University

Although I have never been able to obtain a job using my degree because of age and lack of experience in the field, I have found that my program has been helpful in different ways. I learned to do research, find sources, write better and in a more organized fashion, etc. Indeed, I am now published in multiple book review venues, working on magazine articles for publication and have topics in mind for future books that I plan to write. My only complaint about the program was the fact that I wished that instructors would be more forthcoming in each course with comments on what was good, bad, could use improvement and so forth. There was almost never any of that. Such feedback would aid the student in focusing more time where help and improvement were needed. Instructor accessibility could also be improved somewhat although I know they have considerable students of whom to keep track and can't always respond immediately. Otherwise, AMU did deliver, the price was affordable, support was outstanding and, who knows, perhaps I may eventually find someone to offer me a job in the field in which I would like to make a contribution and difference.

I just completed this program, electively taken after retiring from long career in a technical industry. As with most degree programs, I enjoyed some classes more than others. Most of my instructors were engaged in the program and their class, were knowledgeable, supportive and responsive to questions and needs. Given that this is an on-line school, I believe there is more pressure and personal responsibility with the student than in traditional teaching settings to complete assignments on time and as requested. I learned much from my classes and instructors and the flexibility regarding class load and timing was a huge element in completing the degree. In a few classes, taped lectures were made available and were very interesting. It seems to me that providing more on-line lectures would help students better understand the subject as well as get to be exposed to the knowledge of their instructors. I also think that including more tests at the expense of writing multiple papers might be a nice option.

With no other graduate program to which to compare it, I would have to say that you should make of this what you will and can. Don't necessarily expect complete engagement by the instructors. Just like a brick and mortar school, some are better than others but, for the most part, they are good and will provide at least some guidance and assistance. My main complaint was a basic and overall lack of specific feedback from instructors regarding what was good or bad, what was right or wrong, where there was room for improvement, etc. Otherwise, a pretty good program. Just don't expect oodles of job opportunities upon graduation unless planning on a PhD. It's a pretty narrow field/niche.

I can speak about graduate education as i have another masters from another school. I needed this degree to have my ticket punched for a job, and that's about all it did. I found some instructors to be "OK", others to be near incompetent. Many tach a zillion other sections at multiple online schools and can't give any real attention to the class. One admitted he did not have time to actually read all the discussions posted each week. Another could not take it when I challenged him on on something he was just wrong about. He was unable to admit he was teaching incorrect material. Thinking for ones self is not encouraged as it is harder to grade that spewing back what you were supposed to read that week. I suppose this place is no better and no worse than any other online school- although I felt I worked harder at other colleges. As long as you spellcheck, and make sure you have citations in perfect formatting you pretty much cannot fail. I shudder to think of the people that actually felt the program was hard as since I took it they cut BACK on the amount of reading per class as it was apparently too much for many students. Adminstration does not care- they just want the tuition money to flow. If I see someone with a degree from here it will not impress me. In fact, I'm kind of embarassed to admit I have it myself.

I graduated from AMU in 2006 and I found it a wonderful experience. A word to the wise: "Don't go here if you need constant hand-holding!!!". The program I went through was rigorous and demanding. I DID NOT expect my teachers to walk me through the courses. This is mostly self-directed learning. You read, reflect and write. If you can't do this go to some other school. I worked by rear-end off for 3 1/2 years and earned every credit I got.

If you a serious about your education I would advise skipping this school. I am currently in the Masters Military History program and I will give you my experience. The Instructors are a joke, I question if they are truly qualified to teach anything. This school is obviously about making money and not about a quality education. I am currently looking for another school because I have yet to find a instructor at this school that can teach. I have read reviews from other students who say they like this school I am not sure what they like about.