APU Articles
Composing Community Through Music
October 04, 2018
The low, brassy vibration of a tuba and the scales of a flute mix with the murmur of the room as band members of all ages find their seats at Azusa Pacific University's Symphonic Band rehearsal. As the hum subsides, a biology professor settles next to a nursing major, and an APU alumnus sits next to a woman from the local community. The conductor, Alexander Koops, DMA, director of undergraduate music education, takes his place at the front of the room. Before long, the band erupts into practice, creating music as diverse as its members.
Military Education Benefits for Military-Connected Students in College
October 02, 2018
Whether your career path is accounting or the arts, earning a quality college degree is essential in setting you apart from the others in the workforce. Your military training has already transformed you into a valuable asset in the workplace—adding the right degree can further build your career opportunities.
What Is a Parent PLUS Loan and Should You Consider Applying?
September 25, 2018
If you’ve started to explore financing options for your student’s college education, you’ve likely wondered, “What is a Parent PLUS Loan?” at some point. You may also be curious if you need to take out even more money to supplement your child’s student loans, including the state and federal grants he or she already received. Rest assured these are common questions!
Supportive Housing Project Gives MSW Students First-hand Experience Assisting L.A.’s Homeless
September 22, 2018
Homelessness has been a growing issue in Los Angeles County in recent years. As of May 2018, approximately L.A. County residents live without a home. The Los Angeles (CSH) works to respond to this growing population of individuals in need by striving to “advance solutions that use housing as a platform for services to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people, maximize public resources, and build healthy communities.” As part of a new initiative, CSH is partnering with universities across Southern California to place Master of Social Work (MSW) students in organizations working to fight homelessness.
How Christian Universities and the CCCU Make an Economic Impact
September 20, 2018
As discussed in a recent article, membership in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) is much more than a few letters on a school’s website or brochure. From the assurance that an institution holds to traditional Christian values to the generous academic grants for students and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, a CCCU membership offers many benefits.
Unlocking the Door to a Career in Physical Therapy
September 18, 2018
Thinking About a Master’s in Applied Statistics? Here Are 6 Dream Jobs to Consider
September 11, 2018
The Benefits of Graduating College in 4 Years
September 06, 2018
Graduation and retention rates matter a lot when selecting a college, and often private universities have a higher graduation rate than public schools. Many ranking systems and guidebooks factor these metrics in when they rate schools, but they don’t always elaborate on the weight they place on them (or the important, intangible factors behind the hard numbers).
APU Alumna’s Fulbright Experience in Finland Inspires Her Teaching
September 05, 2018
“Lord, show me the needs of each of my students, and help me to meet those needs.” This prayer continually rests on the heart of Mayra Molina, M.A. ’15, a kindergarten dual-language immersion teacher in Los Angeles. God answered her petition with an eye-opening experience in Finland, a global leader in innovative education. Because Finnish teachers view their roles as developers of unique human beings, they approach school accordingly. Their students learn complex concepts such as strategic planning, problem solving, math, motor skills, independence, patience, perseverance, and confidence through playtime, a less-structured environment, a more-relaxed schedule, and creative projects such as sewing, woodworking, and cooking. More than craft classes and recesses, Finnish schools embody a microcosm of real-world life skills presented in a way that respects individual talents, gifts, and needs and promotes a deep connection with learning. That environment grabbed Molina’s attention and she longed to know more.
What Are Low-Residency Master’s Programs?
September 04, 2018
If you’re thinking about pursuing a graduate degree, there are several different program formats to consider—from fully online programs to on-campus options to low-residency master’s programs. There are many reasons to consider a low-residency master’s program for your graduate studies. The combination of online coursework and the ability to interact with professors and fellow classmates in-person provides you the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds. Here’s what you need to consider about these educational opportunities, and how they can help you achieve your personal academic goals.
Wondering When to Submit FAFSA? Here’s Why Earlier Is Better
September 01, 2018
High school seniors may have just returned to the classroom for their final year, but college application season is already here. Does it seem too soon to be thinking about college financing and when to submit FAFSA? Surprisingly, it is not! In this case, earlier is better.
5 Tips for Managing Chronic Illness Your First Year at College
August 30, 2018
Starting college comes with its fair share of new experiences, so it’s understandable that embarking on this adventure while managing chronic illness can feel a bit overwhelming. You’re in a new place with new people and responsibilities—but during it all, you’re experiencing the same illness.
Visit L.A.: The Benefits of Attending College Near Los Angeles
August 28, 2018
The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities: What It Is and Why It Matters
August 23, 2018
In researching your options for a Christian higher education, you may have run across references to the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) at some point.
APU Celebrates 25 Years of Honors Education
August 22, 2018
In Riverside, California, hundreds of people without homes find shelter under bridges and beneath awnings on city sidewalks. Acute physical and behavioral health issues go undiagnosed and untreated, making difficult living conditions dire. In 2009, Mark Ashley ’96, MD, a lead urgent care physician at Riverside Kaiser Permanente, decided to help address the crisis. He became a founding medical director of Health to Hope, and along with Kaiser staff and a team of volunteers serves the city’s vulnerable homeless population by deploying four-wheeled beacons of hope––mobile health centers bearing the motto “People matter.”
