Course Substitutes: What to Do When a Course Is No Longer Available

By Amber Tobery
Academic Advisor

At AMU and APU, we review our programs and courses annually. This practice helps us to maintain subject relevance, so that students can complete their program with up-to-date industry knowledge and resources.

During the annual review process, however, some courses might be phased out of the curriculum. In this situation, course substitutes may be provided by the Program Director for that particular degree.

These substitutions allow your program to stay up to date within your field of study. Course substitutions also permit you to complete your degree requirements and reach your educational goals in a timely manner.

Course Substitutes Will Often Appear under a Discontinued Course on Your Academic Plan

In some cases, course substitutes are listed on your academic plan in your student ecampus. When a course substitution occurs in your academic plan, it will be listed directly under the course that has been discontinued. You can simply register for the substitute as you would for any other course.

When no substitute is listed below the discontinued course in your academic plan, contact your academic advisor. He or she will work closely to assist you with the registration process.

Steps for Registering for a Course Substitute

The registration process for a course substitute can vary.  Generally, you’ll register for a course substitute using the following steps:

• Log in to your ecampus and click on the drop-down “ACADEMIC PLAN & FORMS” menu at the top of your ecampus.
• Click on “Program and Course Descriptions” under the “COURSES & REGISTRATION” menu.
• Click on “Course Descriptions.”
• Click on the program (for example, Homeland Security) subject heading under the undergraduate/graduate listing.
• Scroll through the list until you find the substitute course and click on the title.
• Continue through the registration steps until you receive a registration confirmation.

After you have registered for the substitute course, it is important to notify your academic advisor to that effect. He or she can then add the course to correctly reflect your academic plan.

Stay Aware of Program Changes and Contact Your Academic Advisor when Needed

It is important to be aware of any changes to your program and academic plan. The Academic Advising Team is here to support you and provide assistance.

If you’re experiencing problems registering for your courses, email counseling@apus.edu or call 877-755-2787 at any time. We look forward to working with you!

About the Author

Amber Tobery has worked at APUS since 2012, first as an Associate Registrar and now as an Academic Advisor. She previously worked at Kaplan University – Frederick as the Registrar. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh – Johnstown and Master of Science in Higher Education – College Administration and Leadership from Kaplan University.