AmPac accepts learners from all over the world. Any learner who is not a citizen of the United States and its territories will be considered an international learner. Since all instruction at AmPac is in English, prospective international learners may be required to establish their written and spoken English proficiency. AmPac does not provide visa services for its foreign learners. However, due to the independent study format of the program, it is not necessary to spend an extended period of time at AmPac’s facility.
The learner may choose to complete the entire course of study through assigned work or he/she may choose to complete the degree by using a combination of seminars, projects assigned, directed independent study, and dissertation (if required).
Degree program credit may be earned in four ways:
1 - Assigned Directed Independent Study courses:
The purpose of the degree program at AmPac is to provide academically excellent learning, acquired on a much more flexible basis than can be accomplished at traditional colleges and universities. This is accomplished by academic work done in the learner’s home and/or office. To meet this purpose, AmPac uses a directed independent study model, which allows year-round enrollment. A list of courses is available upon request. Unless otherwise noted, each course listed is a three-unit course. Each course is designed to require a minimum of 45 hours of study to complete. There is a course syllabus furnished to the learner for each course which identifies important concepts and lists performance requirements. The performance requirements are designed to facilitate the learner’s demonstration of his/her knowledge and understanding of the course material. This provides the basis upon which the learner’s academic progress is measured by the AmPac staff. In each instance, the learner must demonstrate to the instructor that he/she has mastered a proficiency in the subject area. Reading, investigation and research are all required of the learner. Written examination/reports must demonstrate that the learner has mastered the subject material. A separate guide is provided for the writing of the doctoral dissertation as a capstone project. Completed work is sent to AmPac via United States mail for its evaluation and grading. Distance learning is prescribed by AmPac via The Learner’s Guide to the Preparation and Submission of Directed Independent Course Work for each of the courses required for the degree chosen by the learner. (AmPac offers its programs for the learner who is not planning to sit for a licensing examination. There is no intent to provide the academic or a clinical training track for a learner seeking eligibility for state or agency licensure and/or certification.)
2 - Approved Seminars and Training:
A limited amount of credit (depending on the degree program the learner is enrolled in) may be earned by attending approved seminars and preparing a paper documenting the learning experience. Seminars for credit must be approved in advance by the AmPac office. One unit of credit is awarded for every 15 hours of class time and/or independent study assignments required by the seminars.
3 - Approved Research Projects:
Projects often involve research or experimentation with innovative applications that are directly relevant to the doctoral degree being sought. The learner must submit a written project proposal for approval prior to engaging in the project. The number of units assigned to a special project will vary, depending upon the complexity and work involved. Doctoral learners may earn a maximum of 15 units by completing one or more special projects. Projects are not allowed at the Bachelor’s level. No more than half of the learner’s remaining electives after subtracting Seminar/Training/Project units may be earned from completing courses in a different discipline.
4 - Preparation of a Doctoral Dissertation (required for graduation as a Ph.D.)
The Doctoral Dissertation is required for graduation in any of the Ph.D. programs. 15 units are allocated for this requirement. Following the completion of the dissertation, the learner will defend the dissertation either by telephone or in person. Earning a degree at American Pacific University, while a notable intellectual accomplishment, requires a learner with high motivation, commitment to self-improvement and emotional discipline. The faculty and staff of the University are ready to assist learners with both academic and administrative matters by telephone, electronic mail and facsimile transmissions. The reward is enhanced personal competency and a degree that the graduate will carry with dignity and honor. GRADING The subject matter covered at AmPac often lends itself to coursework that requires subjective answers, i.e.; there is no “right” or “wrong.” For this reason AmPac uses a pass/fail system. When the course performance requirements are all met to the satisfaction of the faculty, the learner passes the course, and credit is granted. If the learner’s work is substandard, an AmPac advisor will contact him/her to discuss it, and the learner is required to resubmit the course. (Please note that AmPac does not offer degrees designed for any form of licensure in the various states of the United States.)
