American Intercontinental University Online

American Intercontinental University Online Academics

American Intercontinental University Online is the online campus of American Intercontinental University, which was founded by Steve Bostic in 1970. As its name signifies, there are campuses on two continents, North America and Europe, where the university was started. The original goals of the university were geared toward offering more practical uses of education; thus the online branch, which opened in 2001, was a natural progression. Currently, there are campuses in London, South Florida, Houston, Georgia and the online campus which has corporate offices in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, American Intercontinental University Online offers over thirty different undergraduate programs in business, information technology and criminal justice, along with master’s degree programs in Education and Business Administration (MBA).

AIU Online’s School of Business is its largest online branch. Associate’s degrees in Business Administration are available in Business, Criminal Justice Administration, Healthcare Administration and more. Bachelor’s programs are even more extensive and include bachelor’s degrees in International Business, Organizational Psychology and Development and Project Management. Master’s programs in business are just as extensive.

AIU Online’s School of Criminal Justice offers bachelor’s degrees in Forensic Science, Law Enforcement and Special Populations. The university offers an Associate of Arts in Business Administration with specialization in Criminal Justice as a way for students to get a foot inside the door of this industry.

The School of Education offers Master of Education degree programs, with emphases in Curriculum and Instruction, Leadership of Educational Organizations, Instructional Technology and Educational Assessment and Evaluation.

The School of Healthcare Management, School of Visual Communication and School of Marketing all offer specialized programs for the online student, focusing on practical applications in the business world.

The School of Information Technology offers students the chance to apply their skills in an industry that is a necessary component of any business and always in high demand on the job market. Along with Bachelor of Science programs in Computer Forensics and Computer Systems, AIU Online offers master’s degrees in IT Project Management and Internet Security.

American Intercontinental University Online Admissions

The admission process at American Intercontinental University Online involves providing transcripts and interviewing with an AIU Adviser. The university sees the potential in every application for enriching the student body in a unique way. Therefore, the application process is not extremely grueling. AIU Online has cut down the application process so only the essential documents are required for students who wish to enroll for the first time as part of degree programs.

Applicants need to:

• Fill out the online application
• Include the application fee
• Submit proof of high school graduation or GED equivalent
• Engage in an interview with an AIU Online Admission Adviser

Note: For students who speak English as a second language, proof of competence in the language will have to be provided before an application is approved. This documentation could be a TOEFL certification or any other qualified language assessment.

Like many innovative web-based organizations, American Intercontinental University Online has live operators who answer questions online throughout the day. Students who need information can cover more bases without heading to a phone or searching for more help.

For members of the U.S. Armed Forces, AIU Online can accommodate both active members and veterans who are pursuing further studies. The university provides a “Military Info-2-Go” packet as a way to get started and understand the entire process of application, credits and the education process itself. Most of the standard application requirements also apply.

International students are also encouraged to apply to American Intercontinental University Online. The same standards of English proficiency will apply as with U.S. residents who speak English as a second language.

American Intercontinental University Online Financial Aid

Part of the reasoning behind an online university is the attempt to bring exorbitant university costs down, so the help offered by AIU online is extensive. To begin the financial aid process at American Intercontinental University Online, applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This process puts the student’s finances in a clear light and helps the university along in the process.

AIU Online offers a Financial Aid Estimator, which is a calculator designed to give applicants a preview of what they might expect. AIU Online students are eligible not only for federal and locally funded grants, but also for the university’s own scholarship and grant program. Special financial aid programs are available at AIU Online for members of the military students and international students. Also available is an Education Partner Grant, which gives students help for tuition when they are employed by certain companies, or are directly related to an employee of specified companies. The direct efforts of AIU Online are important at a time when federal grants to some online universities have come into question.

AIU Online Grant Programs

An Advantage Grant from AIU Online may be available to students who can demonstrate serious hardship, of a financial or other nature. Students must be in good academic standing and remain on top of studies to receive the funding.

An Education Partner Grant (along with an application fee waiver) will be provided to students who are employed by recognized companies, or whose spouse or parent is employed by such a company. 5% grants are available under this program. 10% grants are available to employees of the Boeing Company and their dependents.

Freedom Grants are awarded to active members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouse and/or dependents. The grants are awarded based on a sliding scale — as students pursue further degrees, a higher percentage of tuition will be covered by AIU Online. The system is laid out in this manner:

• Associate programs: 10% funded
• Bachelor programs: 15% funded
• Graduate programs: 20% funded

Veterans of the Armed forces are also eligible to receive 5% of tuition funding.

The Lifelong Learning Grant is available to students who have completed undergraduate programs with Briarcliffe College or AIU Online and wish to continue pursuing studies in hopes of a master’s degree.

AIU Online Scholarships

The Career Education Scholarship Fund provides students with inspirational stories to attend the online university with partial scholarships.

The Working Woman Scholarship offers women already working full-time the possibility for a full academic scholarship. New students only are eligible and applications must be accompanied by a personal essay as well as a recommendation from an employer.

American Intercontinental University Online Students

One of the biggest questions about an online university is how the students can interact. AIU’s Communities Online offers a chance for students to workshop and discuss the progress of courses. Students interact with classmates all over the globe, which provides fertile ground for cultural exchange and academic enrichment with people of all walks of life, nationalities and ages. The Virtual Campus is one of the newest innovations in university dynamics.

American Intercontinental University Online Alumni

Alumni success stories from American Intercontinental University Online are surprising, given the university’s online campus began recently, in 2001. One great story is Ray Nagel, a veteran of tours of duty in the Gulf War whose MBA from AIU Online allowed him to rise to CEO of a veterans’ hospital group in Maine.

Most importantly, career services are provided for all alumni. From strategies which aim at drafting attractive resumes to interviewing tips and personal consultations, students will have help when trying to break into their respective fields. With coursework designed to getting students the most practical tools available for the real world, AIU Online doesn’t abandon alumni once the diploma is delivered.

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Master's degree
Calendar System	Quarter
Years of college work required	2
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification