In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an authorization module implemented in at least one of a memory or a processing device. The authorization module can receive from an application a request for an access token associated with the application that includes a scope identifier associated with a level of access to a resource module. The authorization module can select based on the scope identifier at least one authentication mode from a set of predefined authentication modes. The authorization module can also receive at least one credential assigned to at least one authentication mode. Additionally, the authorization module can send the access token to the application in response to authenticating a user of the application based on the at least one credential.