INTERNAL OPERATIONS
University Academic Administration
Programs may be administered through THE A.U.’s academic schools and internal institutional processes, subject to applicable University requirements and oversight.
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF HIGHER EDUCATION • SELF-PACED LEARNING
Learn at your
own pace.
Discover a flexible approach to online and distance learning designed for learners who want greater control over when and how they study while pursuing academic, professional, and continuing education goals.
THE A.U. • FLEXIBLE EDUCATION
SELF-PACED
ONLINE LEARNING FLEXIBLE STUDY INDEPENDENT LEARNING WASHINGTON, D.C.
FLEXIBLE LEARNING
Education designed around the learner.
Self-paced learning gives learners greater control over the timing and rhythm of their studies. Instead of relying entirely on a fixed classroom timetable, learners can organize study around their individual circumstances and responsibilities.
This approach can be particularly valuable for working adults, professionals, international learners, and others who need greater flexibility while pursuing their educational goals.
Self-paced learning also requires personal responsibility. Learners must manage their time, maintain consistent study habits, and understand the requirements of their specific educational pathway.
THE SELF-PACED MODEL
Greater flexibility. Greater responsibility.
01
FLEXIBILITY
Study around your schedule
Self-paced learning allows learners to organize study time around work, personal responsibilities, professional commitments, and other priorities.
PRIMARY BENEFIT
Greater control over study time.
IDEAL FOR
Learners who need an adaptable approach to education.
02
RESPONSIBILITY
Take control of your progress
A flexible learning environment requires learners to plan, organize, monitor, and maintain their own study routine.
PRIMARY REQUIREMENT
Consistent study and time management.
LEARNER ROLE
Actively manage progress and meet program requirements.
HOW SELF-PACED LEARNING WORKS
A practical approach to flexible study.
01
Plan Your Schedule
Identify realistic study periods that fit your professional, personal, and educational responsibilities.
02
Study Consistently
Build regular study habits and dedicate consistent time to reviewing learning materials and completing required work.
03
Monitor Your Progress
Keep track of completed learning activities, upcoming requirements, and areas that require additional attention.
04
Seek Support
Independent learning does not mean learning without assistance. Use appropriate academic or administrative support when needed.
FOR WORKING ADULTS
Make education fit your life.
Working adults often balance employment, family responsibilities, professional development, and other commitments. A fixed educational schedule may not always fit those realities.
Self-paced learning can provide greater flexibility by allowing learners to organize study around their existing responsibilities while maintaining responsibility for their educational progress.
The goal is not simply to study faster or slower. It is to establish a sustainable learning routine that works with the requirements of the chosen educational pathway.
BENEFITS OF SELF-PACED LEARNING
Flexible learning for different learner needs.
Flexible Scheduling
Organize study around employment, family responsibilities, professional activities, and other commitments.
Individual Pace
Spend appropriate time reviewing learning materials and developing a consistent personal study rhythm.
Independent Learning
Develop planning, organization, self-monitoring, and time-management habits that support independent study.
BUILDING EFFECTIVE STUDY HABITS
Make self-paced learning work for you.
Create a Study Routine
Choose regular periods for study and make them part of your weekly routine.
Set Manageable Goals
Break larger assignments and learning objectives into smaller, practical milestones.
Reduce Distractions
A consistent study environment can help improve concentration and make study time more productive.
Review Regularly
Regular review can help reinforce learning and identify subjects that require additional attention.
Track Your Progress
Maintain a simple record of completed work, upcoming requirements, and personal study goals.
Ask When You Need Help
Independent learning still allows learners to seek appropriate academic or administrative clarification and support.
SELF-PACED ONLINE EDUCATION
Self-paced learning and online education are related, but they are not the same.
ONLINE EDUCATION
Describes the environment or method through which education is delivered, including digital and internet-based learning.
SELF-PACED LEARNING
Describes how the learner progresses through the educational experience, with greater control over the timing and pace of study.
An online program can have a fixed schedule, a flexible structure, or a combination of approaches. Prospective learners should review the specific structure and requirements of the program they are considering.
“Flexible education works best when flexibility is matched with consistency, planning, and personal responsibility.”
IS SELF-PACED LEARNING RIGHT FOR YOU?
Consider your learning style, schedule, and goals.
A GOOD FIT
Self-paced learning may suit you if:
You need greater flexibility because of work or personal responsibilities.
You prefer organizing your own study schedule.
You are comfortable working independently and maintaining consistent study habits.
You want greater control over when you dedicate time to your education.
CONSIDER YOUR PREFERENCES
You may prefer more structure if:
You strongly prefer daily face-to-face classroom instruction.
You learn best through continuous real-time interaction.
You prefer a highly structured timetable with fixed study periods.
Understanding your preferred learning environment can help you choose an appropriate educational pathway.
ACADEMIC PATHWAYS
Explore flexible educational opportunities at THE A.U.
Explore Academics
Learn more about THE A.U.’s academic approach and educational pathways.
Explore AcademicsExplore Programs
Review available programs and consider the educational pathway that aligns with your goals.
View ProgramsUnderstand Admissions
Learn more about the admissions process before beginning your educational journey.
Admissions InformationFREQUENT QUESTIONS
Self-paced learning questions.
What is self-paced learning?
Self-paced learning is an educational approach in which learners have greater control over the timing and pace of their study rather than following one fixed schedule for every learner.
What are the benefits of self-paced learning?
Benefits can include greater scheduling flexibility, learner control, independent study habits, and the ability to organize education around work and other responsibilities.
Is self-paced learning the same as online learning?
No. Online learning describes how education is delivered, while self-paced learning describes how learners progress through their studies.
Does self-paced learning require discipline?
Yes. Because learners have greater responsibility for organizing their time, self-paced study requires consistency, planning, time management, and personal responsibility.
Who can benefit from self-paced learning?
Self-paced learning may be useful for adult learners, working professionals, international learners, and others who need greater flexibility in organizing their study time.
Can I learn at my own pace at THE A.U.?
THE A.U. provides flexible online and distance-learning opportunities. The exact structure and requirements depend on the specific educational program or pathway.
THE A.U. • WASHINGTON, D.C.
Flexible education with a Washington, D.C. identity.
The American University of Higher Education (THE A.U.) is a Washington, D.C.-based online higher education institution providing flexible, self-paced, and distance-learning opportunities for learners seeking academic, professional, and continuing education pathways.
The American University of Higher Education
1717 K St NW
Washington, DC 20006
United States
+1 202-773-8688
FLEXIBLE EDUCATION
Build your education around your goals.
Explore THE A.U.’s academic offerings and learn more about flexible educational pathways designed for learners with different schedules, responsibilities, and goals.
THE A.U. • SELF-PACED LEARNING • FLEXIBLE ONLINE EDUCATION • WASHINGTON, D.C.
THE A.U. • ACADEMIC PROGRAM GOVERNANCE
Academic offerings.
Structured with purpose.
THE A.U. maintains an official internal academic program listing through its University governance process and academic schools, while the public website presents selected programs and offerings for general information.
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
ACADEMIC
GOVERNANCE
PROGRAMS • OPERATIONS • OVERSIGHT
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
The website is a window into the University’s academic environment.
Public information and institutional authorization serve different purposes. Understanding that distinction helps prospective students make informed academic decisions.
THE A.U. maintains an official internal academic program listing approved through the University’s governance process and administered by its schools.
The University’s public website presents selected programs and academic offerings for general information. The website is not intended to constitute an exhaustive listing of all programs authorized for operation by the University.
A.U.
Current information matters.
Certain programs may be made available through approved University advertising, recruitment, outreach, or admissions channels, subject to applicable institutional requirements and program availability.
THE OPERATING FRAMEWORK
More than one pathway can support an academic offering.
The University may administer applicable academic activities through internal processes or through authorized institutional arrangements.
OPERATING AGREEMENTS
Academies & Universities
Where applicable, THE A.U. may operate programs through formal operating agreements with other academies or universities. Such arrangements are subject to appropriate institutional authorization, oversight, and applicable requirements.
AUTHORIZED TRAINING
ATP Arrangements
The University may also operate through Authorized Training Provider (ATP) arrangements where applicable and approved within the relevant institutional framework.
ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT
Lecturers, Instructors & Trainers
Approved lecturer, instructor, or trainer engagements may support applicable academic or educational activities under established University procedures.
i
One framework, different arrangements.
Operating arrangements may differ by academic offering. The existence of an operating agreement, ATP arrangement, or external academic engagement does not mean that every program or offering is operated through that structure.
INSTITUTIONAL GOVERNANCE
Oversight gives the academic framework its foundation.
The University’s Board of Trustees provides institutional governance and approval of the applicable academic and operational framework.
Academic programs and applicable operating arrangements function within the University’s established governance, approval, oversight, and quality-assurance procedures.
THE A.U. maintains institutional accreditation through ACISC and IABCET, as applicable to the University’s accredited institutional status.
INSTITUTIONAL OVERSIGHT
THE A.U.
Academic
Integrity
Through
Governance.
Integrity
Through
Governance.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
ACADEMIC FRAMEWORK • OVERSIGHT • QUALITY ASSURANCE
ACADEMIC FRAMEWORK • OVERSIGHT • QUALITY ASSURANCE
CONFIRMATION & AVAILABILITY
When details matter, use the official channel.
A
Program Information
Information concerning a particular program, authorization, operating agreement, or academic arrangement may be confirmed through official University channels, subject to applicable confidentiality and disclosure requirements.
B
Current Availability
For current availability and enrollment information, prospective students should rely on official University communications and admissions channels.
ACADEMIC TRANSPARENCY
Explore what is presented.
Confirm what applies.
THE A.U. is committed to presenting academic information clearly while recognizing that its public website is one component of a broader institutional, academic, and admissions framework.
Prospective students should review current program information and use official University channels when confirming availability, authorization, or enrollment details for a particular academic offering.
YOUR NEXT ACADEMIC STEP
Explore. Understand.
Move forward.
Discover the academic opportunities presented by THE A.U., then connect with official University channels for current program and enrollment information.
THE A.U. • ACADEMIC GOVERNANCE • AUTHORIZED OPERATIONS • WASHINGTON, D.C.
