American Public University System Catalog

This course integrates Human Resource Management principles from previous coursework, culminating in comprehensive projects and case studies. Students will focus on foundational human resources management functions including understanding controlling employment laws, the use of HR technology and data analytics, designing fair compensation programs, and implementing initiatives that promote a respectful and ethical workplace culture. Prerequisite: Senior standing and completion of all major courses prior to enrollment.

Spanish language learners may complete this course in Spanish.

The world of cybersecurity is shifting as organizations move from defensive security toward a more proactive approach thatanticipatesthe tactics of malicious actors. This course examines offensive security operations, including attack vectors, threat actors, persistent threats, and social engineering, supported by insights from cyber threat intelligence. Through hands onlabs, students gain real worldexperience applying techniques to detect and mitigate adversarial activity. By learning to think like attackers, security professionals strengthen their ability to protect networks against evolving cyber threats.

Spanish language learners may complete this course in Spanish.

This cybersecurity principles course introduces students to the fundamental principles of cybersecurity and information security, with a focus on both management and technical perspectives. Students will explore systems security, network security, and the CIA Triad while analyzing business processes and computing environments for potential vulnerabilities and security incidents. Core topics include risk management, security controls, and security measures that safeguard sensitive information, data integrity, and other critical digital assets. The course also emphasizes regulatory compliance, effective policies and controls, and the role of cybersecurity professionals and security teams in sustaininga strong security posture. By addressing business continuity, incident response, and disaster recovery, students will gain practical knowledge to help organizations adapt to emergingthreats.

Spanish language learners may complete this course in Spanish.

This end-of-program course is designed to allow students to create a final project or paper by integrating the knowledge obtained throughout their program of study. (Prerequisite: Taken after all other program requirements have been met.)

Spanish language learners may complete this course in Spanish.

This course is the first in a two-course sequence for students to complete a thesis as the capstone for their master's degree in psychology. This course will help students understand the process of developing and writing a thesis in psychology, including the creation of a research prospectus demonstrating their plan for conducting their study. Students will leave the course with a fully developed prospectus for their thesis project.

This course may not be taken until the student has completed at least 85% of their program and is in their last term before enrolling in the PSYC698 Master's Thesis course.

Spanish language learners may complete this course in Spanish.

This course is the second of a two-course capstone thesis project for a master's degree in psychology. Students enter the course with a completed prospectus, and, after verification of Institutional Review Board (IRB) exemption or IRB approval, students will complete their literature review, data collection and appropriate statistical analyses, a summary of results, and a discussion of findings, implications, and limitations. This course is completed after all other coursework in the program is finished, including PSYC697 Thesis Preparation.

Spanish language learners may complete this course in Spanish.

Program Changes

• Institutional Requirement - Change hours to 3: Add BUSN604.

• Core Requirements - Change hours to 12: Remove BUSN604, ENTR510, ENTR623, ENTR635. Add FINC615 and MKTG602.
• Concentration in Small Business - Remove ENTR615. Add HRMT602.

• General Concentration - Add PSYC506, PSYC507, and SOCI603.
• Final Program Requirements - Add PSYC697 and PSYC698.

• Core Requirements - Remove BUSN623. Add MGMT618.

• Core Requirements - Remove EDMG600 and ISSC641. Add ISSC635 and ISSC636.

• Concentration in Information Assurance and Security - Remove ISSC641. Add ISSC636.

Program Description Changes

The graduate certificate in Information Systems Security teaches secure network design, development of security policies and programs, cryptography, business continuity planning, and other skills necessary to protect organizational systems from growing sophisticated attacks. This certificate program is intended for graduate students whoseekto heighten their knowledge of information assurance without committing to an academic degree program.

Courseware in this online program aligns with knowledge needed for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) certification, the gold standard certification for international information security.

CISSP® is a registered trademark ofInternationalInformation Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc.

This program has specific admission requirements.

The Master of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management provides graduate-level knowledge to improve critical thinking and decision-making skillsrequiredin the planning and management of public crises. This online master's degree program exposes you to the history, theory, response, recovery, and economics of EDM. Through case studyexamination,you'llstudy natural, technical, and human-induced public emergencies, disasters, and catastrophes. Knowledge gained from this online program can supplement experience previously gained in the public safety field.

This program is recognized by the Foundation of Higher Education for Disaster and Emergency Management and Homeland Security. The university is the first online institution to receive this important distinction. This program is taught by highly credentialed and experienced instructors, many who are board-certified emergency managers (CEM) or who have professional experience in government agencies or national safety and security organizations.

The mission of the Master's in Emergency and Disaster Management is to help students gain the knowledge often required in leadership roles in the protection of the public in emergency circumstances by providing students with the theory, operations, and best practices across the entire field and challenging them to demonstrate how to effectively apply them.

Spanish language learners will be able to complete the Emergency and Disaster Management program through select courses beginning in July 2026.

The Master of Arts of Entrepreneurship is designed for studentsseekingto pursue a business venture or manage an entrepreneurial enterprise. You will be exposed to practical application of business theory in ideation, marketing, management, capital, and the virtual experience involved with being an entrepreneur. Developed to provide specialized knowledge for those interested in entrepreneurship, this online graduate degree provides specialized knowledge taught by faculty members who will help lend direction to your entrepreneurial plans.

This program has been designed in consultation with industry business leaders and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP®).

ACBSP® is a registered trademark of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Spanish language learners will be able to complete the Entrepreneurship program through select courses beginning in July 2026.

The Master of Arts in Psychology blends scientific theory and principles with academic research, scholarly and technical writing, and applied skills. This online degree program emphasizes the factors related to human behavior, including lifespan development, social and culturalcompetency, personality, human relations, and organizational functioning with concentrations available in general psychology, developmental/personality psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, military and trauma psychology, and child life. Through the online classroom, you will interact with peers and instructors who share your passion for the field of psychology. This MA in Psychology has professionalapplicationfor business, nonprofit, law enforcement, healthcare, research, and child and family services. The degree may also bepreparationfor further graduate study.

This program does not provide licensure to engage in clinical practice, preparation for licensure, or professional certification.

This program has specific admission requirements.

Spanish language learners may complete thePsychologyprogram through select courses in the General Concentration.

The Master of Arts in Supply Chain Management program focuses on the major areas of the industry, including purchasing, transportation,logistics, distribution, warehousing, reverselogistics, andacquisitionsmanagement from a global perspective. This degree will help students investigate, understand, analyze, critique, and solve the complex challenges of moving goods in,through, and around an interconnected global supply chain network. The curriculum for this master's program focuses on the elements of supply chain information;logisticsnetwork design, process/product flows, and process improvements for supply chain efficiencies as they apply to the global supply chain. This versatile degree helps to prepare students for job opportunities in many industries. Businesses, regardless of size, rely on the supply chain to get products to their customers.

This program has been designed in consultation with industry business leaders and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP®).

ACBSP® is a registered trademark of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Spanish language learners may complete theSupply Chain Managementprogramthrough select courses.

The Master of Arts in Transportation and Logistics Management focuses on the principles, policies, trends, and current issues within air, maritime, or ground transportation. Transportation andlogisticsmanagement is at the core of global supply chain management, encompassing the manufacturing, distribution, retailing, recreation, and national security industries. This versatile master's degree can help you obtain new skills relevant to industries such as the military, government, and large corporations whose success depends on the global fulfillment of customers' requirements.

This program has been designed in consultation with industry business leaders and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP®).

ACBPS® is a registered trademark of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Spanish language learners may complete theTransportation and Logistics Management programthrough select courses in the General Concentration.

The Master of Science in Applied Business Analytics can help you master the high demand business intelligence skills necessary to stand out as a problem solver, decision maker, strategic thinker, and communicator in any industry. Using problem-solving exercises, you will learn to use data mining techniques and apply business and big data analytics to help you meet your organization's businessobjectives.You'lldevelop and apply critical thinking skills and create better management analytics tools to use in businessprocessand decision-making.

Spanish language learners may complete theApplied Business Analytics programthrough select courses in theMajor.

The Master of Science in Information Technology focuses on the development and implementation of information systems and includes topics such as database systems, IS architectures, IT project management, security, and computer forensics. In this graduate program, students will study the theory, principles, best practices, tools, and technologies associated with the IT marketplace. Students will also be taught the analytic, problem-solving, and research skillsrequiredto solve real-world business problems.

This program has specific admission requirements.

Spanish language learners may complete theInformation Technology programthrough select courses in theConcentration in Information Assurance and Security.

The Master of Science in Sports and Health Sciences studies the physical, physiological, psychological, and functional adaptations of humans. This online master's degree helps to develop your critical thinking skills and provides the scientific principlesyou'llneed to help varied populationsoptimizesports performance and reach athletic, fitness, and general health goals. Physical fitness and health and wellness employers seek experienced professionals with extensive knowledge of nutrition, fitness training, and changes in fitness technology to help individuals improve functionality and quality of life.

Spanish language learners will be able to complete the Sports and Health Sciences program through select courses beginning in July 2026.

The Master of Science in Sports Management provides students with an improved understanding of sports administration, coaching theory and strategy, and business skills such as marketing, promotion, public relations, and finance. In the sports and fitness fields, students with advanced business skills and sports-related knowledge are needed to help advance the success of athletic programs and individuals. This program has achieved specialized accreditation through the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).

Spanish language learners will be able to complete the Sports Management program through select courses beginning in July 2026.

Program Objective Changes

• Analyze the academic and professional practice of strategic intelligence.
• Synthesize the major theories, approaches, and concepts relevant to strategic intelligence.
• Evaluate complex issues and challenges related to strategic intelligence.
• Design research studies usingappropriate qualitativeand quantitative approaches for strategic intelligence.
• Assess the impact of strategic intelligence on domestic and global problems.
• Operate according to the ethical and professional behavior guidelinesin accordance withuniversity best practices.
• Defend and communicate research relevant to strategic intelligence issues before a body of peers, policymakers, or press, in a professional conference setting.