School of Fine Arts and Communication

Mission

The School of Fine Arts and Communication is a community of artists, scholars and communicators committed to developing people who will explore truth and beauty and express what it means to reflect the Imago Dei.

Vision

The vision of the School of Fine Arts and Communication is to be a vibrant, interdisciplinary community that rigorously engages, confidently leads and humbly serves society in seeking the reconciliation of all creation to the Creator.

Overview

Every discipline within the School of Fine Arts and Communication is a channel through which students can impact the world and express their faith — with words, visuals and sound. This is where students explore new ways to create, tell and distribute stories. Through our programs, many of which are nationally ranked, students are given every opportunity to become proficient and powerful storytellers.

The School of Fine Arts and Communication offers bachelor’s degree programs in the following departments.

Conservatory of Music

Biola's Conservatory of Music is a vibrant community of diverse artists. Students, faculty, graduates and friends of the conservatory collaborate on compelling projects and attend and perform in the Concert Series, Music at Noon and other live musical events. Members enjoy a lifetime of professional networking, meaningful friendships and unique opportunities as a result of their experience at the conservatory.

Additional Education Opportunities and Distinctives

  • Chamber Music Ensemble, Chorale, Percussion Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Winds 
  • Semester Concert Series
  • Annual Christmas Concert 
  • Theatre majors at Biola have the opportunity to participate in dramatic productions for stage and screen in a variety of venues, including Theatre 21, Mayers Auditorium, Sutherland & Lansing Halls, Hope Amphitheater, and the Production Center.
  • Biola’s London Study Tour allows students to travel as a group to London, England, to visit theatrical venues and participate in acting workshops.

Department of Art

The Department of Art is a vibrant visual arts community that offers a professional visual arts program with a rigorous curriculum that reflects a strong liberal arts emphasis and a solid Christian worldview. Our art professors are dedicated to mentoring our diverse student body and strive to create an academic and spiritual environment where students will become thriving servant-leaders who as artists and designers understand the complexity of the world in which they live. The Department of Art is committed to training well-equipped students with the aesthetic, technical, conceptual skills and the Christian worldview needed for professional success and impact.

The Department of Art is housed in Bardwell Hall. Some of the key spaces in this recently renovated building include: 

  • Student Art Gallery
  • 40 Senior Art Studios
  • Photography Dark Room/Light Room
  • Painting Studio
  • Drawing Studio
  • Photo Lighting Studio
  • Interdisciplinary Studio
  • New Media Studio
  • 2 Computer Labs
  • 8 Faculty Offices
  • Center for Christianity, Culture, and the Arts Office
  • Gallery Director Office
  • Art Department Chair's Office Suite
  • Dean of Fine Arts and Communications Office Suite
  • Screened Outdoor Art Yard
  • Rooftop Terrace

Additional Education Opportunities and Distinctives

  • Art internships - these professional internships provide valuable hands-on experience working in a variety of professional settings with regionally recognized studio artists, established designers, businesses and arts organizations
  • Annual portfolio reviews
  • Senior thesis exhibits
  • Faculty exhibits

Division of Communication

The study of communication is inherently interdisciplinary and applicable across nearly every vocational area. Communication has always been a feature of the curriculum at Biola University and in various forms, a major area of study for degree seeking students. In addition, Communication is a central feature in the Core Curriculum as it is a key outcome via verbal communication, written communication, and information literacy. 

Our program areas are endorsed by academic and professional associations including National Communication Association, Religious Communication Association, Public Relations Society of America, and the Association of Collegiate Journalists and the College Media Association. We hold the Certification in Education of Public Relations (CEPR). Our students have the opportunity to participate in five student media: The Chimes, The Point, The Torch, EagleVision, and The Biolan. Student organizations include PRSSA and an honor society, Lamda Pi Eta. All students must complete a series of two internships and complete a capstone with a deliverable product that exemplifies academic and/or pre-professional expertise.

Program Accreditations

  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design (1998)
  • National Association of Schools of Music (1970)

Program Affiliations

  • American Guild of Organists
  • Associated Collegiate Press
  • Choral Conductors' Guild (California)
  • Intercollegiate Press
  • Music Educators National Conference
  • Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)

Dean 

Todd Guy, D.A.

Associate Dean, Division of Communication

Joy Qualls, Ph.D.

Associate Dean, Division of the Visual and Performing Arts

Zehavi Husser, Ph.D.

Art Faculty

Chair: Jonathan Puls, M.F.A.
Professors: Aleckson, Callis, Puls
Associate Professors: Chang, Husser, Swendsrud
Assistant Professors: Holmes

Conservatory of Music Faculty and Theatre Faculty

Professors: Denham, Hulling, Hung
Associate Professors: Askew, Ravaglioli, Stewart, Tracie
Assistant Professor: Brier, Cole, Meyers

Division of Communication Faculty

Professor: Longinow, Muehlhoff, Welter
Associate Professors: Molloy, Oleson, Qualls
Assistant Professor: Calley, Sinclair
Instructor: Andre

Programs Offered

Undergraduate

Department of Art

Conservatory of Music

Division of Communication

Course Descriptions

Undergraduate

Graduate