What are the entrance requirements for each program?
All courses and programs require a minimum of a high school diploma, competency in reading and writing English, and competency in the use of a personal computer, navigating the Internet and using e-mail. Specialty courses may have other requirements. Check each program's entrance requirements for specific policies.

Can I start classes anytime?
ACAS works on a quarterly system, with four quarters per year beginning the first full week in Jan, April, July & Oct. Our on-line courses have published start and end dates. Students enroll in courses and must follow deadlines published by the institution. Students are enrolled in a "class" with other students who have enrolled at the same time. Unlike many other on-line institutions, ACAS programs do not permit "go at your own pace" completion. Goals must be set and deadlines met.

Do courses require students to be online at scheduled times?
One of the greatest benefits our online programs offer is their flexibility. None of our courses require you to be online at any specific scheduled time, except for occasional, scheduled live events. Ample notice is given for these and special, arrangements can be made for specific student needs. Weekly assignments may be completed within your schedule.

How long do I have to complete a course?
Most online courses are 12 weeks long. Please see a specific program or course for details.

How much work is involved?
Each course requires a different amount of time per week. You should plan on a minimum of 8-10 hours per week for most courses, around two hours per night, with weekends off.

Live chat-rooms, white boards and teleconferencing (no cost to students) are available to instructors when real-time discussion or guest speaker presentations are offered. When real-time sessions are scheduled, students are advised several weeks in advance.

How am I graded?
ACAS uses on-line multiple-choice tests, research and essay writing, student-to-student discussion, and oral and practical examinations as part of its student evaluation process. Field projects and/or externships are required for some upper-level courses. See the college catalog for more information.

For each course, students are required to complete assigned readings and projects, post a minimum of two contributions to the discussion of the week, complete end-of-chapter- exams, and write a research paper citing at least ten (10) references.

Faculty Student Ratios
There is a faculty ratio of 1 to 25 for online courses and 1 to 12 for workshops and externships.

How do I get help if I need it?
Telephone numbers and email addresses are provided for each course instructor. Additionally, toll and toll-free telephone numbers and email addresses are provided for the ACAS's student help desk, registration team, and our school director. You may contact any of these individuals directly at your convenience.

What technology is required to participate in a program?
To participate in a program: or please see 'Computer Requirements' located in the Student Resources area for more information.

1. A computer and modem (56 kps or faster modem recommended).
   
2. Access to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
   
3. Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher; Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher.
   

Is Internet access required?
Yes, full connection to the Internet-with complete access to the World Wide Web-is required for all ACAS online programs. Access may be available through your own Internet service provider or through your workplace.

Can I access ACAS from work?
Access to the Internet from the workplace often occurs through a "firewall," a security device that protects your company's computer system. Your company's network administrator can contact ACAS's computer technical help desk at 1-800.403.3347 to work out technical details to enable you to access the site from work.

How do I apply for an ACAS program or course?
Please see Admissions Criteria

How do I register for an ACAS program?
Registration for all programs is available online in our registration area five (5) weeks before the start of classes each quarter. Announcements are made on our home page as well as via email if you sign up on our mailing list.

How much do ACAS programs cost?
Courses are US $375 per credit or per 16 Clock Hours. For specific cost information, you may click on the program that interests you.

How can I be notified about new programs offered by AIAS?
You may join our mailing list to receive emails regarding new programs, site updates and other important information about the college.

Where is ACAS located?
ACAS exists in a virtual, Web-based Internet environment. Our instructors and students live throughout the United States and in other countries. Our ground-based address is:
P. O. Box 825
Crescent City, FL 32112

Is ACAS a state-licensed school?
ACAS is licensed by the Florida Department of Education, Commission for Independent Education. The Commission for Independent Education has statutory responsibilities in matters relating to nonpublic, postsecondary, educational institutions. In keeping with the Florida Department of Education's goal of producing a seamless educational system, some of these functions include consumer protection, program improvement, institutional policies and administration, data management, and the licensure of independent schools, colleges and universities.

For more information about other organizations that recognize ACAS, click here

Is ACAS accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting organization?
Accreditation is a process of external quality review used by higher education to scrutinize colleges, universities, and educational programs for quality assurance and quality improvement. In the U.S., accreditation is carried out by private, nonprofit organizations designed for this purpose. Only those institutions that are accredited by a US Department of Education - recognized accrediting organization are eligible to receive federal financial assistance for their students. See the above question & answer regarding licensure by the Florida State Department of Education.

What if an institution or program is not accredited?
Accreditation is voluntary. It does mean one should review as much information as possible about the institution including whether the institution has been licensed by a state board of education before enrollment. An institution or program may be new and may not have met minimum standards to even be considered eligible for accreditation. If an institution or program is not accredited, it should have some other means of quality review. ~ as cited by the COUNCIL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION ACCREDITATION, CHEA

ACAS is licensed by the Florida Department of Education, Commission for Independent Education. ACAS will be applying for accreditation in the near future.

Can I transfer ACAS credits to another college or university?
Decisions about transfer of credit are made at the local level by colleges and universities. Sometimes there is not an adequate fit in curriculum or standards between two schools and credits will not transfer.

Accreditation does not provide automatic acceptance by an institution of credit earned at another institution, nor does it give assurance of acceptance of graduates by employers. Acceptance of students or graduates is always the prerogative of the receiving institution or employer. For these reasons, besides ascertaining the accredited status of a school or program, students should take additional measures to determine, prior to enrollment, whether or not their educational goals will be met through attendance at a particular institution. These measures should include inquiries to institutions to which transfer might be desired or to prospective employers and, if possible, personal inspection of the institution at which enrollment is contemplated. ~as cited by the US Department of Education

Can I earn continuing education units (CEUs) when I successfully complete ACAS courses?
Yes. ACAS is an Approved Provider with the International Association of Continuing Education and Training.

I plan to begin the program in canine behavior counseling. Is this program recognized by any domestic or international professional association for dog behavior specialists to which I can apply for a professional credential?
Yes. ACAS is an Approved Education Provider (AEP) with the Board of Professional Certification of the Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors, a not-for-profit, internationally-recognized peer-review membership organization.