Established by Jack and Helen Barnette as the American Fashion College of Switzerland in 1970, American InterContinental University evolved into an accredited higher educational institution with the purpose of embracing cultural diversity and fostering academic excellence in trending, global careers. The school’s mission emphasizes a commitment to personal, educational and professional growth for all students. To achieve this, AIU offers programs at traditional campuses in Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia as well as through its Virtual Campus of AIU Online headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois. Curricular studies developed via rigorous academics and experiential learning in traditional and non-traditional settings tap into the cutting-edge competencies desired by 21st-century employers. AIU offers multiple degrees in the fields of accounting, business, criminal justice, fashion design, fashion marketing, healthcare management, information technology, media production or visual communication. Flexible formats allow adult learners from all backgrounds to complete undergraduate degrees or advance their professional credentials through master’s programs. Additionally, AIU proudly earns consistent recognition for being a military friendly school by G.I. Jobs Magazine and Military Advanced Education’s Guide to Colleges and Universities.

American InterContinental University: Accreditation Details

In July of 2014, American InterContinental University received renewal of its regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association to confer associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Regional accreditation applies to programs offered through traditional or distance learning formats. AIU also cooperates with all state authorizations for distance education instruction. Accreditation is further granted by the following professional organizations for certain degree programs:

-The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
-The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
-The Council for Interior Design Accreditation

American InterContinental University: Application Requirements

Prospective students can apply to on-campus or online programs. AIU recommends contacting an admissions adviser who can assist applicants with understanding individual program requirements. In general, all applicants are responsible to

-submit a completed online application,
-send official high school transcripts or documentation of GED or home-school equivalency programs,
-and complete an informational admissions interview.

Non-native English speakers and international students must also provide proof of English proficiency as measured by TOEFL scores or other approved English proficiency assessments. In addition, transfer students need to submit official transcripts from accredited schools listing college coursework for credit consideration. Likewise, master’s level candidates must provide official college transcripts from accredited institutions documenting undergraduate degree completion.

College-level credits may be awarded for satisfactory scores on College Level Examination Program or Advanced Placement tests. For working professionals and military personnel, credit consideration can potentially be granted for experiential learning on the job through employer verification.

American InterContinental University: Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition at AIU includes all required books, materials and fees. Residential status does not affect tuition prices. Credit costs may vary due to enrollment status or field of study. Prospective students can anticipate the following expenditures for these programs:

  • Per Credit Costs for Online Degrees
    -$302 for Associate’s and Bachelor’s courses
    -$442 to $582 for Master’s courses
    -technology fee of $125 per quarter
    -graduation fee of $150
  • Per Credit Costs for Campus Degrees
    -$317 to $401 for full-time enrollment in Associate’s or Bachelor’s courses
    -$317 to $456 for part-time enrollment in Associate’s or Bachelor’s courses
    -$510 to $584 for Master’s courses (no difference between full- or part-time)
    -fees for technology per quarter between $100 and $130 depending on program
    -graduation fee of $150

For clarification, full-time enrollment at the undergraduate level is a minimum of 12 credits per quarter. AIU participates in the following federal, state and college-level financial aid programs:

-Federal Student Aid, called FAFSA
-Federal Pell Grants
-Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
-Federal PLUS Graduate Loans
-William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
-Federal Stafford or Perkins Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized government loans)
-Federal Work Study Program
-GI Bill Education Benefits Program
-Military Tuition Assistance (active duty personnel)
-Veterans Affairs Benefits Program
-State Scholarship Programs (check with state of residency)
-Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (Atlanta campus)
-Georgia Hope Scholarship (Atlanta campus)
-Organization Tuition Assistance (employer sponsored programs)
-AIU Freedom Grant (active duty military personnel)
-AIU Online Veterans Grant
-AIU Online Military Spouse Grant
-AIU Online Yellow Ribbon Grant
-AIU Online General Online Grants
-AIU Alumni Referral Scholarship

Bachelor’s in Digital Investigations at American InterContinental University

AIU offers degrees in innovative and relevant careers such as criminal justice and information technology. One of the most interesting programs combines these two areas of study into the Bachelor of Information Technology Digital Investigations degree. This powerful degree offers skills and competencies to work in a variety of cyber security occupations for government agencies, law enforcement, the justice system, information technology firms, communications companies, the military, community and emergency management teams, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, industry and corporate businesses.

The 180 quarter-credit curriculum prepares students to look at the procedures, technology and technical terminology used in digital investigations to pinpoint sources of information and determine probable causes of misuse or potential security threats. Curricular studies develop the following competencies:

-Using an operating system interface to access, troubleshoot and configure hardware
-Managing and implementing a relational database management system including maintaining files
-Innovating business applications and programming languages, tools and software development
-Collecting and evaluating digital crime evidence using ethical, lawful procedures
-Maintaining and securing digital network devices and programs
-Identifying and analyzing potential technical threats or misbehaviors
-Reporting and detailing technical issues effectively and efficiently to appropriate officials
-Understanding, analyzing and evaluation digital crime relative to regulations and laws
-Following industry standards for professional, confidential, ethical behavior in digital crime investigations

The BIT in Digital Investigations can be completed in 36 months and concentrated in one of four preference areas: digital investigations, information assurance and security, network administration, and software analysis and development. Foundational coursework explores topics about

-principles of electronic discovery,
-information systems and network infrastructure,
-media restoration,
-keyword and metadata searching,
-digital investigation theories and methods,
-global investigations,
-domestic and international organizational regulations,
-digital forensics,
-and technology and society.

With cyber security being more important today than ever, the BIT in Digital Investigations provides a unique career path for those interested in protecting the public’s welfare. If merging innovative technology with criminal investigations sounds intriguing, consider this degree or one of many others offered at American InterContinental University.

Another great resource:

Top 10 Best Online Masters in Computer Science Degrees