“Taking summer classes feels like working as a freelancer,” said graphic design M.F.A. student Grace Jung (’21, M.A. ’24). In her summer course, AR 634 Professional Studio, Grace spends several hours each day focused on creating mobile apps with emphasis on clear and friendly user interface design. “Despite the challenging moments, I enjoy discussing and developing projects with my professor,” she said. “I desire to learn and become a more skilled designer through these creative pursuits.”
The summer class format has given Grace, a graduate assistant, time to focus intently on her work, along with more opportunities to develop her communication skills. “Studying advanced design is challenging for various reasons. However, I am thankful to God for giving me this opportunity,” she said. “I am thankful to God for bringing [the professor] into my life, and I want to continue learning and building the skills I need through communicating and collaborating with him.”
Along with Grace, over 80 other graduate students—from South Korea to India, and Indiana to Pensacola—are on the Pensacola Christian College campus this summer taking classes in their field. Nearly 40 courses are offered during the eight weeks that comprise the summer sessions, which are taught by over 30 faculty members.
Dr. Amy Bombard, dean of Visual and Performing Arts, has taught summer classes for 19 years. In the classes she teaches, MU 531 and 532 Graduate Music History I & II, the focus is on learning the history of various movements and applying that knowledge to what students will be performing, conducting, or teaching in the future. “Working with graduate students is so rewarding and interactive. Because it’s in the summer, students are not working jobs or actively taking private lessons, so they’re able to fully focus on being a student. They come in very serious,” she explained. “They’re getting to interact with others who are serious, so they’re able to sharpen one another.”
“They also build a camaraderie that will be with them for the rest of their program. After class, my students go to Panera together, eat lunch, and then study together for four hours. They’re building friendships and a community,” Dr. Bombard said.
Master of Church Music student Stephen Perdue is grateful for the friendships on campus while away from home. “Despite not being with my family, the people God has put in my life while I’m down here have been so helpful. Having new friends, in both classmates and faculty, has been especially helpful,” he said.
For 14 years, Stephen has served in church and school music ministry, from Colorado, to Indiana, and now Virginia. In his music directing and teaching roles, he leads various choirs and music groups while also teaching strings, voice, band instruments, and piano. He also serves in a mentorship role encouraging young people in their walk with Christ.
“I loved what I was doing and didn’t want to stop, [so I] started to pursue options for a master’s that would help me gain more musical training from the lens of a biblical worldview. After looking at multiple prominent Christian colleges, I felt strongly that PCC was the best option for me and my family,” Stephen explained. “Having some years of ministry experience behind me, now dove-tailed with the amazing instruction I have received, I believe God will continue to use it in my Bible and music [classes] that I will be teaching for the glory of God and to influence this generation and the next for Christ.”
Because of the teachers investing in him, the resources and facilities available at the College, and the vibrant Pensacola area, Stephen highly recommends PCC’s graduate programs. “For anyone who is looking for a place that will challenge you in your field of interest while providing a fantastic post-graduate education to help you influence your home and ministry for Christ, you must check out these programs at PCC,” he encouraged. “The faculty do everything with excellence while being personal, tailoring their teaching to meet you where you are and take you further than you ever thought.”