Online Programs

Peter Hoh ’08

Peter Hoh is almost at the end of a long journey -- to get his Bachelor’s degree. For the past 20-plus years, Peter has tried a number of times to finish his degree. But between various careers – which included running two successful fast food restaurants, a stint in the Marine Corps, and his current job as an Azusa, California police officer -- he found it impossible to complete. Couple that with a growing family and a work injury that nearly sidelined him into retirement, Peter faced almost overwhelming odds.

Then he heard about APU’s online study program. Peter says that the APU online program "gave me the opportunity to complete something I’ve wanted to, for a long time." Peter says there’s a lot to love about the APU online program. For starters is its convenient book mailing service. With other online programs and colleges, Peter said he had to order books online or drive to a campus bookstore to get the required materials.  As a busy career and family man, he just "didn’t have time to chase around and get a lot of items" for school. But he says that with APU, "every 5 weeks, your books are mailed to your house – you don’t need to go anywhere." APU even mailed him the computer programs he needed for classes, and told him how to install them.

Peter calls APU’s services “exceptional” and a "one-stop shop!" He gives the APU staff high marks as well. Peter says his instructors have been "excellent," and are "people you end up knowing very well." Because he lives in close proximity to APU, he’s had the opportunity to stop in and meet his instructors face to face, but even without that, Peter says, the online setup makes it easy to get to know them. And when questions arise about coursework, Peter’s found it pretty straightforward to get the answers he needs. He generally goes online to a discussion forum or e-mails his professors with questions. And he’s always gotten prompt responses. In fact, Peter says, to make communication even more hassle-free, professors have provided their personal cell phone numbers to the students.

Also, as a Christian at a university where Christian beliefs are woven into the curriculum, Peter feels it’s been easier than at other schools to discuss his beliefs and apply the "substance of Christianity to the real world." And, as the union president of the police association, Peter says the school’s support of his beliefs has enabled him to "be more of a bridge between union and management" in his job.

When asked where he thinks his degree will take him, Peter said that for the immediate future, it "will give me the leg up when the next promotional opportunity comes up." He also hopes that when he retires, his degree will enable him to further his career by getting a law degree. Peter affirms that for busy working folks who haven’t a moment to spare, "Online is the only way to go!"