APUS Reimagines Higher Education to Continue Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders
All Programs Now Feature Digital Literacy, Critical Thinking, and Growth Mindset to Better Align with Workforce Demands
CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With AI fast-becoming pervasive globally, critical thinking, digital literacy, and innovation are now more important than ever. Today, hundreds of thousands of employees are not only expected to be technology-proficient; they also need to be highly responsive and intuitive problem-solvers.
With this backdrop, American Public University System (APUS) is reimagining its courses to emphasize the importance of digital learning.
In core courses across all programs, the University has embedded three essential skills (called “APUS Signature Skills”): digital literacy, critical thinking, and growth mindset. These Signature Skills teach capabilities that are increasingly valued in today’s workplace. This is an extraordinary milestone and a testament to the collaboration behind this effort.
“We are emphasizing crucial problem-solving skills to help students successfully navigate careers and life,” said Dr. Michelle Newman, Vice Provost, Academic Operations for APUS. “This initiative reaffirms our ongoing commitment to educating tomorrow’s leaders.”
These APUS Signature Skills are:
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Digital Literacy – ensures students learn to use current technologies, critically evaluate emerging tools, and responsibly engage with digital and AI systems.
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Critical Thinking – strengthens students’ ability to analyze information objectively, question assumptions, explore alternatives, and develop skills essential for navigating continual change.
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Growth Mindset – reinforces adaptability, resilience, innovation, and self-awareness, helping students thrive in dynamic workplaces.
These skills instill resilience and innovation at a time when career changes have increased, and employees are likely to seek new roles more often. Watch our video to learn more about APUS Signature Skills.
According to a survey commissioned by American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), 94% of employers believe universities should provide a skilled and educated workforce for the economy and help students become informed citizens. Ninety-three percent of respondents said it’s important that graduates master critical thinking skills.
“We want students to not only know what they are learning about, but understand what it is, how to apply it, and be able to speak to that growth afterwards,” said Christine Muncy, Associate Vice President of Career Services, who along with Dr. Sylvia Nemmers, Department Chair of Environmental Science, serves as co-chair of the Career and Life Skills Committee leading the initiative.