Pacific Union College Expands Online Program

Pacific Union College plans to expand its virtual classroom for Spring Quarter, 2002. PUC CyberCourses, the college’s online program, provides students with the flexibility to earn credit for a variety of general education classes from the convenience of a personal computer.

Eight classes from five of the school’s academic departments—biology business, chemistry, math, and exercise science, health, and nutrition—will be offered. Adding fitness for life to the lineup, PUC CyberCourses include biological foundations, natural products, introductory algebra, statistics, PC operating systems, PC spreadsheets, and jogging. All of the classes meet either general education or elective requirements and many can be applied towards a specific bachelor’s degree.

The PUC CyberCourses program is a balanced blend of online instruction and interaction with professors and fellow students in the virtual classroom. The format of PUC CyberCourses facilitates discussion while allowing students to work at their own pace.

"Throughout PUC's history, we have attempted to provide well-tested new approaches to learning,” says PUC President Richard Osborn. “Our new CyberCourse program now enables individuals to take classes from their homes from Christian teachers; which opens many new possibilities for traditional and non-traditional college students."

Students are required to take at least one proctored exam for each course, but an approved proctor may be selected by the student—eliminating the need to set foot on the Angwin campus.

Whether students use PUC CyberCourses to improve their skills or work toward the completion of a degree, the program is an effective way to avoid some of the stress associated with college. Moreover, learning online provides students with an alternative to structured classroom education—expanding horizons and introducing exciting new options without compromising the quality of instruction.