Active-Duty Military Alum Uses Global Campus Degree to Pursue Career Aspirations 

When we last heard from Troy Moya, he was an active-duty Air Force member and recent Global Campus alum, telling his story in Cougs who serve: WSU’s active duty online students. Since that article was published in 2020, Troy is still in the military and has used his degree as stepping stone to multiple graduate degrees, an officer commission, and, eventually, acceptance to medical school. Here’s how his journey has unfolded.

Originally from the Philippines, Troy Moya emigrated to the United States when he was a child.

“When I first came to the US, I needed a lot of help adjusting to the new language and environment,” he said. “Since middle school, I received so much help from kind individuals in my community. I’m very grateful for that, and I wanted to give back.”

This sense of gratitude led Troy to make the decision to join the military. After graduating from North Kitsap High School in 2017, he enlisted in the Air Force and served as an imagery intelligence analyst.

As his career in the military progressed, Troy felt a call to serve as an officer, a prospect which would require a four-year degree. He began searching for colleges that would allow him to earn his degree while still on active duty.

“I chose WSU Global Campus because it had the perfect combination of flexibility, academic excellence, and true military support,” he said.  “Being an active-duty Air Force member, I needed a program that could handle a challenging and sometimes unpredictable schedule.”

“WSU’s rich scholarship opportunities, flexible course format, and top-of-the-line academic programs made it the best option. I knew I was getting a quality education from a university that moderated academic intensity with the harsh realities of military life.”

Moya chose Global Campus’ psychology program, both due to his interest in the subject matter as well as a deep desire to understand and help others. This desire would influence his later decision to enter the medical field.

Moya greatly enjoyed his experience as an online learner, saying that, “My WSU Global Campus experience was excellent. The staff and instructors really understand; they’re helpful, responsive, and genuinely interested in each student’s success. The courses were engaging, stimulating, and applicable to real life.”

“I also had the opportunity to be a teaching assistant, which fueled my passion for teaching and helped me develop leadership, communication, and mentoring skills. I still reflect on that experience as I work with teams and continue to learn up to this day.”

His experience ignited a passion for higher education. After graduating from WSU, Moya went on to earn multiple graduate degrees, including master’s degrees in psychology, public health, and business administration.

“All of these adventures, combined with the firm foundation WSU provided, took me to a leadership role as a healthcare executive in the Air Force, serving in both Florida and Turkey,” said Moya.

As part of this role, Moya received an officer’s commission in the Air Force, where he achieved the rank of Captain. However, his journey wasn’t finished yet.

“I have since transitioned from the Air Force to the Navy and am currently a student at a medical school, still following my passion for healthcare and service,” he said.

Moya was accepted into the US Navy’s Health Services Collegiate Program, a scholarship program that will allow him to attend medical school, obtain an MD, and commission as a medical officer.

After graduating medical school in 2029, Moya will join the Navy’s Medical Corps, where he plans to serve as a physician in the Family Medicine/Internal Medicine specialty. He also has aspirations to eventually serve as a Flight Surgeon and be active in the Navy’s Global Health Engagement mission.

According to Moya, his time at WSU played a huge role in the journey to where he is today.

“My WSU Global Campus degree served an important purpose in my career and educational life,” Moya said. “It prepared me for the intellectual and academic demands of graduate school and, ultimately, medical school.”

“The program taught me how to think critically, manage my time, and effectively communicate, skills I was able to apply as a military healthcare executive and now as a future medical doctor,” he said. “WSU provided me with the tools and confidence to continue to develop both as a leader and an academic.”

According to Moya, WSU Global Campus is a great option for his fellow service members to jumpstart their journeys to academic and career success, both in and out of the military.

“I would highly recommend WSU Global Campus to fellow veterans and service members. The school is filled with students who really understand the dynamics of military life and care about helping students achieve their aspirations,” he said. “The combination of flexibility, academic excellence, and personal attention makes WSU outstanding.”

“My time at Global Campus was life-changing. It not only prepared me to meet the intellectual and professional challenges of the future, but also reaffirmed my commitment to growth, leadership, and service.”

About the Author

Jeff Willadsen is the Digital Content and Communication Coordinator for WSU Global Campus. Before being hired at WSU in 2018, he worked as a photojournalist and public affairs specialist in the US Navy. He earned his Master’s in Strategic Communication online through WSU Global Campus while still active duty in the Navy, illustrating its value as an effective and flexible higher education option for working adults.