APU Doctoral Handbook
In this section

Last Revision: January 30, 2024

Program Objectives

American Public University System structures its institutional learning objectives according to the Degree Qualifications Profile (DQP). As designed by the Lumina Foundation, the DQP includes several broad categories of knowledge and skills: Broad and Integrative Knowledge, Specialized Knowledge, Intellectual Skills, Applied and Collaborative Learning, and Civic and Global Learning. In addition, APUS has added the categories of Digital Information Literacy and Professional Skills to doctoral programs. Doctoral program objectives align with these areas to provide students with a range of skills needed for career advancement and lifelong learning. Specific program objectives speak to the unique knowledge, skills, and abilities within the program and align with the institutional learning objectives. Through the curricular design of the doctoral programs, students will be introduced to key stills, develop them through structured practice, and master those skills by the conclusion of the program.