How the Courses Work

American Sentinel courses are developed specifically for online delivery. To ensure courses result in maximum learning, our professors:

  • Outline course objectives at the beginning of the course.
  • Use textbooks and resources that are written by academic and industry experts.
  • Guide students every step of the way and are available for students’ questions.
  • Provide lecture notes to students for especially difficult concepts.
  • Utilize discussion questions, self-tests and practice exercises to help students prepare for exams.

Course work combines textbook learning and technology, incorporating online resources, study guides and discussion forums into class curricula. Students interact with professors through email and in weekly group discussion forums. They engage with other students in the course discussion forums and on My Campus, where they can join groups, post to forums and instant message other students.

You also can count on your dedicated student success advisor, who will be your partner, guide and a key member of your support system during your time as an American Sentinel student.

View a Demo

For more information on how American Sentinel’s online classes work, take our video-guided tour, test drive a course, or read our FAQs about admissions, financial aid, military and more.

Monthly Starts

Classes are eight weeks in length and start monthly. Students enjoy the freedom to manage their schedules within the term (eight weeks) or semester (16 weeks). Please check our academic calendar for details.

A Rich Online Experience

American Sentinel is a highly interactive academic environment. My Campus is our community site where students stay connected with other students and also receive helpful reminders, career-planning advice and more. Start your own discussion group or join an existing one to share study tips and helpful information. You also can maintain a profile page and message other students individually.

Flexible Learning Format

American Sentinel is committed to offering affordable, high-quality education that help students achieve their career goals. Our courses are structured with the working adult and full-time parent in mind.

Below are just a few of the features of our flexible, accessible learning format:

  • Required weekly contributions to the discussion board, which can be posted any time each week.
  • Limited group projects.
  • Global access.
  • High level of faculty interaction and accessibility.
  • Professors who are trained in their fields and in online course delivery.
  • 24/7 virtual librarian assistance.

Unlimited Support

American Sentinel takes pride in our unsurpassed level of student support. Students receive a great deal of individual attention from professors, staff and their assigned student success advisors. Whether you need help with degree planning or time management, have general questions or just need a friend, we’re here to support you.

Every American Sentinel student has access to:

  • A designated student success advisor available via email, phone and live chat.
  • Program-specific advisors who help with course selection and degree planning.
  • An interactive student website offering forums, career planning tips and more.
  • 24/7 librarian and research services.
  • Other support services designed to help students graduate and thrive.

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How the Courses Work

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Upcoming Events

Feb
22
Online Open House
Weds., Feb. 22, 1 p.m. EST
Thinking about earning your degree online? Join our Online Open House for answers to many of your questions about distance learning.
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After students have enrolled in a course, they will get an email from student services that contains name of the book(s) needed for the upcoming course.

Course materials may be available in a variety of formats other than new textbooks:

  • Custom textbooks: American Sentinel has converted some of its textbooks into custom books designed specifically for certain American Sentinel courses. Custom books contain only chapters and material needed for a course. These can only be purchased from eCampus, our fulfillment partner.
  • Used books: Students can purchase used books from eCampus or other booksellers online. American Sentinel does not recommend specific book suppliers and can't guarantee shipping times.
  • e-books: Students can purchase e-books from eCampus. If electronic editions are available for the book that you need, that information will be included in the storefront details. Students can also use CourseSmart to purchase e-books.
  • Book rental: eCampus offers rental textbooks when available. In addition, Chegg rents textbooks to students and plants a tree for each book rented.

For those who qualify for textbooks as part of the military book scholarship, American Sentinel will order your books and ship them to you once your enrollment in a course is processed. American Sentinel orders used books when available.

Computer Requirements

All American Sentinel University students are required to have the following:

  • A Microsoft Windows-compatible computer
  • Internet and email access
  • Microsoft Office
  • Word processing software, such as Microsoft Word
  • File compression software, such as WinZip
  • Adobe Reader, version 7.0 or higher (free download)
  • Windows Media Player, version 7 or higher (free download)
  • A printer

Specific Program Software Requirements

Bachelor of Science Information Systems and Master of Science Information Systems students are required to have access to Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003 or a more recent edition.

Bachelor of Science Business Administration and Bachelor of Science Management Information Systems students are required to have access to Microsoft Office Standard Edition 2003 or a more recent edition.

Computer Hardware and Internet Requirements

The following computer and internet provisions are required:

  • Computer and processor: 1.2 GHz or greater (Intel Pentium or Celeron, or AMD Athlon processors)
  • Memory: 256 MB or greater
  • Hard disk: 20 GB or larger
  • Display: 1024x768 or greater monitor and video card
  • Operating system: Microsoft Windows 2000 or later versions
  • Web browser: Internet Explorer 6.0, Netscape 7.2, Firefox 1.0 or later
  • Security: A current anti-virus program
  • Web access: 56.6 kbs modem, or DSL or cable modem; Internet service provider (ISP) account
  • Audio: Sound card with speakers and headphone

Course-Specific Software Requirements

  • IS102 requires Microsoft Office Standard Edition 2003 or later (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
  • IS203 requires Database Applications
  • IS205 requires Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003 or a stand-alone copy of Access 2003
  • IS302 requires Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 2004
  • IS331 requires Macromedia Fireworks MX 2004
  • IS515 requires Microsoft Access 2003 or higher
  • IS565 requires Microsoft Excel
  • CS350 requires Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition

Microsoft Access can be downloaded for free from our ELMS site, purchased as a stand-alone product from numerous academic software vendors, or purchased as part of Microsoft Office Professional.

Industry Certifications

Certification students must have Adobe Macromedia Flash Player and Adobe Shockwave Player. All other software needed for a certification program is accessed through the ElementK learning platform and is included in the cost of the course.

Questions

Questions about software, hardware or other computer requirements? Contact an admissions advisor at 866.922.5690.