Working at AMU, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of American Military University

American Military University (AMU), part of the American Public University System (APUS), stands as a leader in online higher education tailored primarily for active-duty military, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and their families. Founded in 1991 by Major James H. Adams to address the educational needs of service members unable to attend traditional campuses, AMU has evolved into a robust institution offering over 200 affordable degree programs from associate to doctoral levels. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), it emphasizes practical, career-focused education in fields like intelligence studies, cybersecurity, criminal justice, business administration, and homeland security.

Located administratively in Charles Town, West Virginia, AMU operates entirely online, making it a hub for remote jobs in higher education. While its headquarters are in West Virginia, the university maintains strong ties to military communities across the United States, including Killeen, Texas—home to Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), one of the largest U.S. Army installations. This proximity fosters targeted outreach, though most employment opportunities are virtual, appealing to educators nationwide.

Jobs at American Military University attract professionals passionate about serving those who serve. With a student body exceeding 100,000, demand for qualified faculty and staff remains high, particularly in defense-related disciplines. Salaries are competitive, often ranging from $60,000 for adjuncts to over $100,000 for full-time professors, depending on experience and rank.

📜 History and Evolution of Careers at AMU

AMU's history is intertwined with the U.S. military's educational evolution. Starting as a single-program institution for military students, it expanded rapidly post-9/11 to meet surging demand for flexible learning. By 2002, it merged into APUS, enabling growth to serve public-sector civilians too. Today, faculty jobs at AMU reflect this legacy, prioritizing instructors with real-world military or government experience to deliver relevant curricula.

Over three decades, AMU has hired thousands, adapting to online learning advancements like learning management systems (LMS) such as Sakai. Key milestones include achieving regional accreditation in 2006 and launching doctoral programs in 2020, creating advanced research faculty positions. This growth ensures ongoing opportunities for higher ed faculty jobs.

💼 Types of Jobs at American Military University

Careers at AMU span teaching, administration, and support roles, all geared toward online delivery. Common positions include:

• Full-time Faculty: Lead online courses in core programs.
• Adjunct Instructors: Part-time teaching in specialized subjects.
• Academic Directors: Oversee program development.
• Instructional Designers: Create digital learning materials.
• Student Success Advisors: Support military learners.

For a deeper dive into university job types, including professor and lecturer roles, visit our dedicated guide. AMU's focus on asynchronous teaching suits those balancing multiple commitments.

Definitions

To ensure clarity, here are key terms related to jobs at American Military University:

• Adjunct Professor: A part-time instructor hired per course, without full-time benefits, common in online universities for flexibility.
• Terminal Degree: The highest academic qualification in a field, such as a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or DBA (Doctor of Business Administration), required for tenure-track roles.
• Online Pedagogy: Teaching methods adapted for virtual environments, emphasizing engagement via forums, videos, and assessments.
• Learning Management System (LMS): Software like Canvas or Blackboard used to deliver courses digitally.
• Asynchronous Learning: Self-paced education where students access materials anytime, ideal for military schedules.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Experience, Skills, and Competencies

Securing jobs at AMU demands specific credentials tailored to its mission.

Required Academic Qualifications: Full-time faculty need a terminal degree (e.g., PhD in International Relations for security roles). Adjuncts require at least a master's degree. All must hold degrees from accredited institutions.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed: Preference for expertise in military intelligence, emergency management, or transportation logistics. Publications in journals like Parameters or grants from DoD-related bodies enhance applications.

Preferred Experience: 3-5 years of online teaching, military service (active or veteran status), and curriculum development. Experience advising diverse, non-traditional students is vital.

Skills and Competencies:

• Proficiency in LMS and multimedia tools.
• Strong written and video communication for global audiences.
• Data-driven assessment of student outcomes.
• Cultural sensitivity for international military students.
• Time management for flexible, remote work.

These align with AMU's emphasis on practical skills, as outlined in their faculty handbooks.

📝 Application Process and Tips

The application process at AMU is streamlined online via the APUS careers site. Steps include:

1. Search openings on their portal or sites like higher ed jobs boards.
2. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter, and transcripts.
3. Complete a teaching demonstration video.
4. Interview via Zoom, often with a teaching simulation.
5. Reference checks and background verification.

Actionable Tips:

• Highlight military connections in your narrative.
• Quantify achievements, e.g., 'Developed 10 online courses serving 500+ students.'
• Use free cover letter templates customized for academia.
• Prepare for questions on adult learning theories.
• Follow up politely within a week.

Review how to write a winning academic CV for an edge. Applications peak in summer for fall terms.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

AMU champions diversity, reflecting its military student base. Initiatives include:

• Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG) for networking and mentorship.
• Hiring goals for underrepresented minorities in faculty (20% increase since 2018).
• Training on unconscious bias and inclusive pedagogy.
• Partnerships with HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) for pipeline programs.
• Accessibility features in all courses for disabled veterans.

APUS reports 40% of faculty identify as veterans or military spouses, fostering an inclusive culture. Explore employer branding secrets for similar strategies.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

As a fully online university, AMU prioritizes flexibility. Faculty enjoy:

• Remote work from anywhere, ideal for Texas relocations near Killeen.
• Generous PTO (25+ days/year) and telework policies.
• Professional development stipends ($2,000 annually).
• Mental health support via EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
• Team-building virtual events and optional HQ visits in West Virginia.

No traditional campus means no commute, but 'campus life' thrives through online communities and conferences like the AMU Faculty Symposium. Reviews on Glassdoor average 4.1/5 for balance, citing autonomy in scheduling. This suits parents, veterans transitioning, or those in dynamic military families.

Benefits include tuition remission (100% for employees), 401(k) matching, and health plans covering TRICARE supplements.

Career Growth and Benefits

AMU invests in advancement via mentorship, sabbaticals after 5 years, and promotion tracks to associate/full professor. Annual reviews tie raises (3-5%) to student feedback and publications.

Ready to advance? Check professor salaries and higher ed career advice.

Summary

Jobs at American Military University offer rewarding paths for educators dedicated to military education. From faculty to admin roles, opportunities abound in a flexible, inclusive environment. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job to connect with top talent.