Course Modalities and Instructional Activities

Graduate programs are taught in a variety of formats, including: 

  • In-Person: In-person courses deliver their instruction in classrooms on APU campuses. Students and faculty engage during regularly scheduled times in a designated classroom at their campus location. In-person faculty use Canvas to support student learning.
  • Online Asynchronous: Online asynchronous courses deliver their instruction in an entirely online format. Students are not required to attend class at scheduled times; rather, they engage in independent learning activities and assignments using Canvas, in accordance with course instructions. Some online asynchronous courses may offer occasional live videoconference meetings; these courses have specific technology requirements such as access to a computing device and internet connectivity.
  • Online Synchronous: Online synchronous courses deliver their instruction in an entirely online format. Using videoconferencing technology (e.g., Zoom), synchronous courses require students to meet online in real time for live instruction, group interactions, and/or other learning activities. Synchronous online courses do not meet on campus; rather, students use their personal technology to access the online classroom from off-site locations. These courses have specific technology requirements such as access to a computing device and internet connectivity.
  • Hybrid (Formerly “Blended”): At least one class session is held on campus in a physical classroom. Other class sessions are conducted entirely online with no students attending class on campus for those online sessions. The online class sessions may be synchronous or asynchronous. Students must have the technology and internet access required to participate in the online sessions.
  • Hyflex (Formerly “Distance Learning”): Class sessions are held on campus in a physical classroom (originating classroom) that is equipped with specialized videoconferencing equipment. Classroom proceedings are transmitted to other campuses (satellite classrooms) that have specialized videoconferencing equipment, and/or to off-campus students who connect using their personal equipment and internet connections.

Some graduate programs may have clinical placements, fieldwork, or practicum assignments at clinics, schools, hospitals, or other APU-approved organizations that meet specific program degree and/or certification requirements. Such placements and assignments may need to be completed within the geographic vicinity of APU’s main campus or regional locations. Check with your department of interest regarding these requirements as part of your admission process, especially if there is a possibility you may relocate out of the area before your program is completed.