General Information

This catalog is effective beginning September 3, 2024.

Carrying on a tradition of educational excellence that dates back over 100 years, Biola University now encompasses the following schools:

Offering four baccalaureate degrees in 47 majors, 26 master's and eight doctoral degrees, Biola's commitment to academic excellence is firmly rooted in its adherence to an in-depth, knowledgeable and living Christianity. Each year, over 6,300 students find Biola's unique blend of faith and learning conducive to their academic and vocational goals.

Historical Sketch

Biola University traces its origins to the Bible Institute of Los Angeles established in 1908 by Lyman Stewart, founder and president of the Union Oil Company, and the Rev. T.C. Horton, two men of extraordinary vision and commitment to Christian higher education.

Dedicated to sharing and defending the Christian faith, Stewart and Horton established the Institute to educate and equip men and women to impact society at home and abroad with the truth of the gospel. The Institute’s influence was felt along the entire Western Seaboard from Mexico to Canada and across the Pacific to China. By 1909, over 540 extension courses were sponsored by the Bible Institute. In 1912, the school had grown sufficiently in its outreach and constituency to call R.A. Torrey, a leader in the field of Christian education, as its dean.

The cornerstone of the original Bible Institute building in Los Angeles was laid on May 31, 1913, and dedicated with these words from Stewart:

“For the teaching of the truths for which the Institute stands, its doors are to be open every day of the year, and all people, without reference to race, color or class will ever be welcome to its privileges.”

The following decades produced immense growth, development and outreach. Under the leadership of Dr. Louis T. Talbot, president from 1932 to 1935 and 1938 to 1952, the school moved from a two-year to a four-year program offering degrees in theology, Christian education, sacred music, and a one-year program in missionary medicine. By 1949, the Bible Institute had become a flourishing Bible college and in 1952 launched Talbot Theological Seminary to further serve the Christian community. Under Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland, who became president in 1952, the college continued to grow in size, programs and reputation. The demands imposed by the growing student body and the enlarged curriculum prompted the purchase of a 75-acre site in La Mirada in 1959, the same year it received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

In the ensuing years, Biola College broadened its curricula in the arts, sciences, professions and seminary offerings while maintaining its strong foundation in biblical studies. Dr. J. Richard Chase became Biola’s sixth president in 1970, and continued to expand the program base, acquiring the Rosemead Graduate School of Professional Psychology in 1977. The undergraduate programs in psychology were merged with Rosemead’s graduate programs in the fall of 1981, forming the present Rosemead School of Psychology.

Biola College became Biola University on July 1, 1981, composed of the School of Arts and Sciences, Rosemead School of Psychology and Talbot Theological Seminary, later to become Talbot School of Theology. A year later, in 1982, Dr. Clyde Cook became the seventh president. The School of Intercultural Studies, with its outstanding program in world missions, was established in 1983 and renamed the Cook School of Intercultural Studies in 2009. The School of Business was added in 1993 and renamed the Crowell School of Business in 2007. The School of Education was added in 2007. On May 11, 2007, the Board of Trustees selected the university’s eighth president, Dr. Barry H. Corey, to lead Biola into its second century. In 2016, Biola established a new school — the School of Science, Technology and Health. The School of Cinema and Media Arts was designated Biola’s ninth school in 2018. 

Ranked by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education as a Doctoral/Research-Intensive Institution, Biola University offers more than 150 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree levels. With an outstanding faculty, the university has distinguished itself in scholarship and academic excellence.

As it pursues an ambitious vision for the years ahead, the university continues to be recognized as a leader in Christian higher education. Biola University has been named one of America’s best colleges, earning a spot in the top tier of the “best national universities” category of U.S. News and World Report. Meanwhile, enrollment continues to surpass 6,000 students — residential and online — with more students than ever seeking the benefits of a Biola education.

Since 1908, Biola has stood as a beacon of hope for the intellectual, spiritual and moral growth of its students. As the only national university to require a Christian commitment of its faculty, students and staff, Biola University is building on its legacy of impacting the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.

University Mission

The mission of Biola University is biblically centered education, scholarship and service — equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.

University Vision

The vision of Biola University is to be identified among the world's foremost Christ-centered universities — a community abiding in truth, abounding with grace, and compelled by Christ's love to be a relevant and redemptive voice in a changing world.

University Values

The values of Biola University are those essential things that guide how we carry out our mission. We summarize them in three words: Truth, Transformation and Testimony. Each value provides a focal point for the lifelong patterns we aim to develop in our students.

Truth: Patterns of Thought

We believe that participating in a Christian community of grace is important in the life of the believer. Our identity as children of the Triune God lies in our lives lived in and through community, holistic relationships, mutual interdependence upon the Indwelling Spirit and members of the Body and seeking the unity of the Spirit.

We believe that through the renewing of the mind and care of the body we prepare our students to live within the culture in a loving and Christ-honoring way. Through a rigorous, Christ-centered and Spirit-led education we enable our students to grapple with and engage in the spiritual, intellectual, ethical and cultural issues of our time, their implications and application to everyday life.

We believe that through community and dependence upon the Spirit, character is sharpened and we grow in our ability to live our lives as the Lord Jesus Christ would. Interactions with fellow Christians provide one of the essential means of character development in the life of the believer.

We believe that integrity and authenticity should be hallmarks of every believer. Our relationships should be models of transparency, truth-telling and unwavering commitment to the example set by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Transformation: Patterns of Heart

Jesus Christ transforms individuals. As a Christ-serving university, the entire Biola experience is designed for life transformation in Christ. Our goal is that each graduate will have formed a personal value system — one that is firmly rooted in truth and is integrative, globally informed and compassionate — that will influence their lifelong affections, decisions and actions. Said differently, we want our students to develop patterns of heart that reflect the heart of God.

Testimony: Patterns of Action

Biola University's mission is to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. This mission is fulfilled when our graduates demonstrate "the obedience of faith" in service to others through words of wisdom, professional and personal competencies, hearts of compassion and acts of courage. We equip our students with patterns of action to lead in the face of unscripted problems for the good of a changing world, and to do so in the power of the Spirit, for the glory of God, to bring many to salvation in Christ.

University Learning Outcomes

Our mission and values provide the foundation for three University Learning Outcomes that all undergraduate and graduate degree programs are designed to support.

University Learning Outcome 1: Patterns of Thought - All students will be equipped with patterns of thought that are rigorous, intellectually coherent and thoroughly biblical.

University Learning Outcome 2: Patterns of Heart - All students will be equipped with patterns of heart that reflect the heart of God.

University Learning Outcome 3: Patterns of Action - All students will be equipped with patterns of action to lead in the face of unscripted problems for the good of a changing world.

Accreditation and Affiliations

Biola University holds institutional accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission1 (1961). In addition, the institution and certain of its programs are accredited by:

  • American Psychological Association (1980)
  • Association of Christian Schools International (1970)
  • Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (1997)
  • Association of Theological Schools (1977)
  • California Commission for Teacher Preparation and Licensing (1960)
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (2007)
  • Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (2021)
  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design (1998)
  • National Association of Schools of Music (1970)
  • Public Relations Society of America: Certification in Education for Public Relations (2021)
  • State of California Board of Registered Nursing (1966)

Note: Years reflect the initial approval date.

1

If you wish to contact the WASC Senior College and University Commission for any concerns, please contact them at:

1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500
Alameda, CA 94501

(501) 748-9001 or see the WASC website for additional information.

Biola University is authorized to train students under the Veteran's Bill of Rights. In addition, the university is affiliated with a number of professional organizations, of which the following are representative:

  • American Anthropological Association
  • American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
  • American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers
  • American Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation
  • American Association of Higher Education
  • American Council on Education
  • American Guild of Organists
  • American Intercollegiate Athletic Women
  • American Library Association
  • American Psychological Association
  • Associated Collegiate Press
  • Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
  • Association of Christian Collegiate Media
  • Association of Christian Schools, International
  • Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
  • Association of College Unions International
  • Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities
  • Association of Schools and Colleges of Journalism and Mass Communication
  • California Association of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
  • California College Media Association
  • California Council on the Education of Teachers
  • Choral Conductors' Guild (California)
  • Christian Scholar's Review
  • College Entrance Examination Board
  • Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
  • Council on Post-secondary Accreditation
  • Evangelical Press Association
  • Evangelical Teacher Training Association
  • Music Educator's National Conference
  • National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
  • National Collegiate Athletic Association
  • National Communication Association
  • Western Association of Graduate Schools
  • Western Council on Higher Education for Nursing
  • Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education

State Authorization and Licensure

Though Biola University is registered with the Office of Higher Education in certain states, registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions. Please visit our Online Policy page to confirm if this applies to you.

Biola University's Theological Positions

The Articles of Faith, presented here as originally conceived by the founders of the organization, have been and continue to be the stated theological position of Biola University and are an essential part of the Articles of Incorporation of the university. Where “man” is used referring to the human race it includes both genders.

Articles of Faith

Inasmuch as the university is interdenominational and yet theologically conservative, the Articles of Incorporation contain a doctrinal statement which is given below:

The Bible, consisting of all the books of the Old and New Testaments, is the Word of God, a supernaturally given revelation from God Himself, concerning Himself, His being, nature, character, will and purposes; and concerning man, his nature, need, duty and destiny. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are without error or misstatement in their moral and spiritual teaching and record of historical facts. They are without error or defect of any kind.

There is one God, eternally existing and manifesting Himself to us in three Persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Our Lord Jesus was supernaturally conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin — Mary, a lineal descendant of David. He lived and taught and wrought mighty works and wonders and signs exactly as is recorded in the four Gospels. He was put to death by crucifixion under Pontius Pilate. God raised from the dead the body that had been nailed to the cross. The Lord Jesus after His crucifixion showed Himself to be alive to His disciples, appearing unto them by the space of forty days. After this, the Lord Jesus ascended into heaven, and the Father caused Him to sit at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come, and put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him to be Head over all things to the Church.

The Lord Jesus, before His incarnation, existed in the form of God, and of His own choice laid aside His divine glory and took upon Himself the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men. In His pre-existent state, He was with God and was God. He is a divine person possessed of all the attributes of Deity, and should be worshiped as God by angels and man. “In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” All the words that He spoke during His earthly life were the words of God. There is absolutely no error of any kind in them, and by the words of Jesus Christ the words of all other teachers must be tested.

The Lord Jesus became in every respect a real man, possessed of all the essential characteristics of human nature.

By His death on the cross, the Lord Jesus made a perfect atonement for sin, by which the wrath of God against sinners is appeased and a ground furnished upon which God can deal in mercy with sinners. He redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse in our place. He who Himself was absolutely without sin was made to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. The Lord Jesus is coming again to this earth, personally, bodily and visibly. The return of our Lord is the blessed hope of the believer, and in it God’s purposes of grace toward mankind will find their consummation.

The Holy Spirit is a person and is possessed of all the distinctively divine attributes. He is God.

Man was created in the image of God, after His likeness, but the whole human race fell in the fall of the first Adam. All men, until they accept the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior, are lost, darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, hardened in heart, morally and spiritually dead through their trespasses and sins. They cannot see, nor enter the kingdom of God until they are born again of the Holy Spirit.

Men are justified on the simple and single ground of the shed blood of Christ and upon the simple and single condition of faith in Him who shed His blood, and are born again by the quickening, renewing, cleansing work of the Holy Spirit, through the instrumentality of the Word of God. All those who receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and their Lord, and who confess Him as such before their fellow men, become children of God and receive eternal life. They become heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. At death their spirits depart to be with Christ in conscious blessedness, and at the second coming of Christ their bodies shall be raised and transformed into the likeness of the body of His glory.

All those who persistently reject Jesus Christ in the present life shall be raised from the dead and throughout eternity exist in a state of conscious, unutterable, endless torment and anguish.

The Church consists of all those who, in this present dispensation, truly believe on Jesus Christ. It is the body and bride of Christ, which Christ loves and for which He has given Himself.

There is a personal devil, a being of great cunning and power. “The prince of the power of the air.” “The prince of this world.” “The god of this age.” He can exert vast power only so far as God suffers him to do so. He shall ultimately be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone and shall be tormented day and night forever.

Statement of Biblical Principles

Preamble

In continuity with centuries of Christians before us, we believe God’s vision for humanity, as embodied in the person of Jesus Christ and illuminated by the Holy Spirit through Scripture, is a source of great joy and provides the best understanding of life’s meaning and human flourishing.

From this overarching belief flow the affirmations of our unchanging Articles of Faith — which fix us inextricably to our doctrinal core — as well as the following biblical principles, which express Biola University’s convictions about how a biblically faithful university in the 21st century should manifest the gospel of Jesus Christ in how we live, learn and serve in God’s world.

In articulating our community’s biblical principles, categorized below in three sections, we acknowledge that some propose different ways to understand the Bible. We respect and protect the freedom of communities in a pluralistic society to differ on these matters. We do not seek to impose our convictions on other communities, and we also expect others will respect and protect the freedom of our community to believe and live as we do.

Biola University is a Christian community. Everything we do is framed by the reality that the Triune God, who reigns supreme over the immense universe, desires a personal relationship with us. He makes this possible by offering salvation that is initiated by the Father, secured by the Son and applied by the Spirit.

Two words sum up the Good News that has guided Biola University since our founding in 1908: Jesus saves. The implications of these words are both intimate and vast. Jesus saves us individually, but Jesus also saves the world. Nothing in creation is too broken, too depraved, too ruined to be redeemed by Jesus. In Christ, and in Him alone, there is new hope, new life, new creation.

Jesus saves. They are the words that hold us, Biola University, together as a community of faith united in Christ, clear on who we are to be and how we ought to live.

I. God's Intentional Design for Life

We believe God created all things and set in place the laws of nature, not according to random chance but according to His perfect, miraculous and purposeful plan. Our understanding of the origin of life is enhanced by scientific observation, but not limited to material processes. The existence of the world cannot be explained adequately apart from the intelligent exercise of God’s supernatural power.

God created the natural world and called it “good,” and after he created male and female he declared his creation “very good.” The man, Adam, was formed by the Lord God from the dust of the ground and not from living ancestors, and God breathed into him the breath of life so that Adam became a living being. The woman, Eve, was created from Adam’s side with both made in the image of God.

We recognize that part of God’s good design is the way he created male and female in his image to flourish in community. In the beginning, God designed marriage as a covenantal bond between one man and one woman, which is affirmed by Jesus in the New Testament. It is in this marriage union that God blessed a special spiritual, emotional and sexual intimacy for joy, satisfaction and procreation. Further, we believe God’s intent for sexual intimacy is to occur only in the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman.

II. God's Sacred Value for Life

We believe that our biblical calling to be good stewards of creation involves cultivating a sense of awe and reverence at the sacred mystery of human life made in the image of God. God is glorified by the rich mosaic of human cultures and ethnicities since men and women reflect His image and are equally precious in his sight. All human beings are created with intrinsic dignity and importance. There are no exceptions.

This understanding of human worth begins with the recognition that conception marks the start of human life and full personhood. Each person possesses a right to life and protection from harm. We uphold the value God has given to humanity by protecting the worth of persons from their beginnings until their final breaths. We are opposed to the taking of innocent life, from abortion to euthanasia.

Seeing human life as a seamless tapestry, we affirm the personhood and dignity of those who are medically and socially marginalized. Our vision of social justice is rooted in a biblical calling to care for vulnerable members of our society.

III. God's Final Plans for Life

God is the sovereign author of history. He is working all things toward the promise of Christ’s return to earth in power and glory as He judges the world in righteousness to bring an end to evil and to rule and reign in the new heaven and new earth as the eternal dwelling place for the redeemed. As the redeemed, we faithfully live out God’s calling to grow in Him, to obey His commands, to delight in Him, to steward His creation and to make disciples of all nations.

Because of our new life in Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit and compelled by the hope of Christ’s return to live with purpose and urgency to fulfill His mission. God’s great love for the world calls us to proclaim in word and deed the good news of salvation through faith in Christ. We also live out the fullness of life in Christ by working for justice, peace and reconciliation in His name. As the Body of Christ — the Church — we seek to bear witness to the coming Kingdom of God in every dimension of our lives as part of the gospel announcement that Jesus saves.

Teaching Position on Eschatology

Biola University holds to the following teaching position on eschatology: 

In fulfillment of God’s historical purpose for humanity to rule and establish God’s kingdom on earth (Gen. 1:28; Ps. 8:4-8; Matt. 6:10; Heb. 2:6-9), the Scriptures teach a millennial reign of Christ with His saints on earth following His literal return. The nation of Israel, having been redeemed, will play a central role in bringing the blessings of salvation to all nations during the millennium in fulfillment of biblical prophecies (e.g., Is. 2:1-4; 11:1-12; Jer. 23:5-6; Ezek. 37; Amos 9:9-15; Zech. 14; Matt. 19:28; Acts 1:6; 3:19-21; Rev. 20:4-6). Following the millennium, this kingdom will be merged into the eternal kingdom (I Cor. 15:22-28).

Before these millennial events, the believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (I Thess. 4:13-17). The time of this “rapture” is unknown, and thus believers are to live constantly watchful and ready.

Teaching Biblical Studies

Academic study of the Bible differs from other disciplines in a university setting in that the primary text is God's Word, which underscores the importance of making instruction relevant to faith, learning and living. At Biola, every effort is made to be academically credible, theologically orthodox and practically relevant. Whether engaged in a critical discussion of the text, or a theological debate about a particular doctrine, the discussion must finally come to the meaning for life today.

Though faculty members in all departments share a commitment to the convictions reflected in the university doctrinal statement, they reflect a healthy diversity regarding other contemporary issues and interpretation of specific passages. Whether a divergent view is held by others on campus or not, care is taken to represent opposing positions fairly, so that students can decide for themselves in a genuine educational environment.

In practice, the task of teaching biblical studies is not limited to those within that department. Rather, the integration of Christian thought into all fields of inquiry is the goal of the entire teaching faculty. In this sense, it is desired that every course contribute to the development of a Christian worldview for the Biola graduate.

Diversity Statement

We believe that Biola University has been uniquely situated within a geographic region of great diversity in language, culture, and ethnicity for the purpose of fulfilling its mission of biblically-centered education, scholarship and service.

Within this cultural milieu the university is called not only to respect this diversity, but to reflect it as well, for Christ intends his Church to be a multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-national body of believers.

We believe it is our purpose, therefore, to create an environment in which all believers, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, economic status or physical ability, can pursue knowledge and personal development as they strive to become all God intends them to be.

To read Biola’s Theological Statement on Diversity and watch a video on why diversity is a value at Biola, please visit Biola's Diversity website.

Chapel

University chapels and conferences are intended to bring the Biola community together regularly for worship, spiritual nurture and education regarding relevant issues facing us in our lives. The overall program brings a unique distinction to the ethos of Biola as a Christian university. Due to the central and significant nature of that ethos, attendance at chapel is required of all students. See the Spiritual Development website for additional information.

The Community of La Mirada

The city of La Mirada is in Los Angeles County, 22 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, and is surrounded by such cities as Whittier, Norwalk, Buena Park, La Habra and Fullerton. La Mirada is a suburban residential community with a population of 51,263. Included within the vicinity are several major shopping areas in addition to many other business establishments.

La Mirada is situated near many of the outstanding attractions of Southern California. Downtown Los Angeles is a 30-minute drive from the campus. Disneyland is 12 miles to the southeast and famed Knott's Berry Farm is six miles away. Within a 30-minute drive are such popular beach cities as Long Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Laguna Beach.

Recreational facilities are easily accessible. An 18-hole golf course lies a mile east of the campus and other parks in the area offer opportunity for activities and relaxation. La Mirada's Regional Aquatics Center, Splash, is an 18-acre site with heated 50-meter and 25-yard pools open year round, and a water park with a lazy river and slides open during the summer. An hour's drive will take one into the nearby mountains where winter sports are available.

Cultural and research opportunities abound in the area. Several major universities and libraries are within easy driving distance of La Mirada including the University of California, Los Angeles; the University of Southern California; the University of California, Irvine; and several other state and private institutions.

The Biola University Campus

Biola's main campus address is:  Biola University, 13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639.  The campus is bounded on the west by Biola Avenue and on the east by La Mirada Boulevard. It is located between the large east-west thoroughfares of Rosecrans Avenue and Imperial Highway. Approximately three miles to the southwest is the Santa Ana Freeway (Freeway I-5).

Students coming to the campus by automobile should follow these directions to the main entrance on Biola Avenue:

  • Coming from the northwest, leave the Santa Ana Freeway at Rosecrans and travel east to Biola Avenue. Then, turn left on Biola Avenue.
  • Coming from the southeast, leave the Santa Ana Freeway at Valley View Avenue and travel north to Rosecrans Avenue. Then turn right on Rosecrans Avenue to Biola Avenue, then turn left on Biola Avenue.
  • Coming from the east via San Bernardino Freeway (10) turn south on the Orange Freeway (57) to Imperial Highway and travel west on Imperial Highway (approximately nine miles) to Biola Avenue, then turn left on Biola Avenue.

The campus consists of 95 acres with more than 1 million square feet of building space in 40 major buildings. Just under half of the space is dedicated to 10 student residence complexes, housing 2,500 students in a fine variety of living quarters. The city of La Mirada has been home to Biola since 1959, and the campus has developed in several waves of construction. The library, which opened in 2001, was designed to provide the technology of a 21st century university — combining the best of books and computers in a variety of beautiful and functional research spaces. The building that formerly served as a library was remodeled to provide upgraded space for Rosemead School of Psychology. Major residence halls were added in 2003 and 2006, and the central dining hall was expanded and completely remodeled in 2005. Two entirely new classroom and faculty office buildings were added. First, in 2007, was a new building for the Crowell School of Business, featuring 12 classrooms with both wireless and hard-wired computer networking. Six of the classrooms offer tiered seating designed to support graduate and upper-division courses. The building also houses the faculty and administrative offices of the Crowell School of Business. In Fall 2011, Talbot East was built, which houses a portion of the Talbot School of Theology, and it includes eight classrooms, 29 faculty offices, a prayer chapel and an outdoor sunken plaza. The newest classroom building, completed in Fall 2017, houses the School of Science, Technology and Health. The Alton and Lydia Lim Center represents the beginning of an exciting new era for science education at Biola. The 91,200 square-foot center features 27 laboratories, six classrooms, a human anatomy suite and a dedicated SEM (scanning and electron microscope) lab and TEM (transmission electron microscope) lab, and state-of-the-art technology.

Athletic and recreational facilities have grown and been upgraded, including a completely refurbished swimming pool; eight lighted tennis courts, softball and baseball diamonds; lighted outdoor courts for basketball and sand volleyball; an archery range; a well-equipped fitness center; an expanded gymnasium, and a natural turf soccer practice field. An innovative addition in 2004 was a raised synthetic turf soccer field with a five-lane, all-weather jogging track around it and a 500-car parking garage below. The field is lit for night play. In addition to more than 15 acres of recreational facilities on campus, there are off-campus facilities in the 105-acre La Mirada Regional Park, just across La Mirada Boulevard from the Biola campus.

To help meet the growth of the past 10 years, a five story, 780-car parking structure was opened in 2011, and Biola has also purchased several nearby buildings outside of the main campus. The Biola Professional Building is located less than half a mile from the northern edge of the main campus. To the southwest of the campus, less than a mile away, are nine apartment complexes owned and operated by Biola. These include a mixture of undergraduate, graduate and married-student housing.

Biola Educational Centers

Biola offers courses for many programs at various extension sites including:

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Intercultural Studies, M.A.
Intercultural Studies, D.I.S.
Intercultural Education, Ph.D.
Intercultural Studies, Ph.D.

Kyiv, Ukraine

Biblical and Theological Studies/Diversified, M.A.

New York City, New York

Messianic Jewish Studies, M.Div.

For further information regarding Biola's educational centers, contact the Office of Admissions.

The Library

The Biola Library serves as the central research hub on campus, supporting all undergraduate and graduate programs with extensive information resources and services. Its diverse collection reflects Biola's enthusiasm for and commitment to the integration of faith and learning in all academic disciplines. Much of the Library’s collection is available electronically, ensuring that Biola students across the globe have access to scholarly research material. Material unavailable through the Biola Library can be requested through Interlibrary Loan, a service that allows users to request items from other libraries and have them delivered to Biola. The Biola Library also participates in several reciprocal borrowing programs that allow Biola members to physically use the collections and facilities of a number of other libraries.

The library building integrates print, online, and multimedia resources. It also includes spaces for individual and collaborative study, including twenty-two reservable study rooms. The Biola Library houses the University Archives and Special Collections containing material relevant to the history of Biola, rare books, faculty publications, and the largest Christian comic book collection in higher education; and manages Biola’s Digital Commons which provides online access to many historical Biola materials.

The Biola Library is open more than 75 hours per week during fall and spring semesters with extended open hours offered at the end of the semester. Library patrons can access library research support in person, via live chat, phone, email, and SMS text. The Biola Library also partners with instructional faculty to promote information literacy and teach techniques that will enable students to develop a systematic method of research that can be applied to any discipline or assignment.

Rhetoric & Writing Center

The Rhetoric & Writing Center, located in the library, is a place where undergraduate and graduate students of all disciplines and writing abilities can meet with trained writing consultants. These consultants help student writers revise current writing projects and help them develop writing skills that can be applied in courses across the academic spectrum. For more information, visit the Rhetoric & Writing Center website.

Tech Commons

The Tech Commons, located on the middle level, offers general technical assistance and audio-visual resources for loan. The Tech Commons is staffed by helpful Information Technology employees ready to assist students, faculty, and staff with systems access, personal computers, software applications, and printing.

Center for Christian Thought

The mission of the Center for Christian Thought (CCT) is to facilitate, promote and disseminate biblically informed thinking and scholarship about timely issues in service to the Academy, the Church, and Culture.

The Center awards fellowships and supports collaborative endeavors for engaging a variety of critical themes. The Center seeks to promote multi-disciplinary conversation within Biola's faculty community and to attract engaging thinkers from around the world. See the CCT website for additional information.

Center for Christianity, Culture and the Arts

The Center for Christianity, Culture and the Arts (CCCA) is a valuable and innovative resource for artists, academics, theologians and anyone interested in exploring the relationship between art, culture and faith. The CCCA is distinguished by its commitment to the full range of the arts, its emphasis on multidisciplinary collaborations and discussions, and its focus on making a variety of resources and original content easily accessible at the CCCA website.

Center for Marriage and Relationships

The Center for Marriage and Relationships (CMR) exists to build and sustain healthy relationships and marriages at Biola, in the church and broader culture. Our mission is to combine the timeless, cross-cultural wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research, insights, and tools. We provide a safe place for students, couples and families to share their stories and be heard. And, we desire to restore and inspire a vision of marriage that reflects the Biblical model of Christ's redeeming love for the church. See the CMR website for additional information.

Digital Learning

At its essence digital learning is the design and delivery of an intentional learning experience for students who are not physically present with the instructor for the entirety of the course. The course may be delivered either entirely online; or as a hybrid or blended course, conducted both online and in a physical classroom.

Biola University offers online and hybrid courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These courses contribute to the development of degree programs, and some certificate and degree programs are offered entirely online. The objective of Biola digital learning courses is to provide technology that meets students’ needs for time and convenience and to create additional local and/or global opportunities for students to attend Biola University. The methods used are aimed at delivering the highest possible learning outcomes in the digital learning modality and to contribute to the vision and mission of the university.

Digital learning courses are designed to maximize instructor/student and student/peer relationships through effective collaborative instructional tools and methods. Each course endeavors to create a cooperative and interactive experience where students actively engage in the learning process. Relationships and learning outcomes are equivalent to those of traditional, in-person courses and programs. Professors add value to online classes by demonstrating content expertise and sharing their practitioner experience. They also serve as facilitators of discussion and of the learning process by actively engaging students, stimulating critical thinking, and encouraging practical application.

Summer Session

For our traditional graduate and undergraduate programs using a semester academic schedule, a continuing Summer Session program provides students with the opportunity for a greater degree of flexibility in planning their total program. Students may enrich their course of study and reduce the overall time spent in the classroom or decrease their regular course load by careful selection of Summer Session courses. Visiting students find it refreshing to study in a different atmosphere and perhaps a different locale, and entering students find it helpful in gaining advanced standing. Courses of study may be applied to both the degree and the teaching credential programs. Instruction is offered in standard courses by the Biola faculty and capable visiting professors. Certain courses or workshops may be offered during Summer Session that are not listed in this catalog. These may be innovative courses created in response to current topics or specialized needs.

Strategic summer course enrollment for 9-12 credits per summer can substantially reduce the time to degree and total degree cost for most of our undergraduate majors. Optional course schedule plans for such strategies are available in the various department offices and on the Majors, Degrees and Programs website. The sustained effort resulting in reducing time to degree requires self-discipline, motivation, and focus. Discussing degree planning with a student’s academic advisor is strongly recommended.

Courses regularly offered in summer cover the areas of art, Bible, theology, history, literature, mathematics, philosophy, psychology, biological science, sociology and other subjects, including education courses for teaching credential candidates. Both in-class and online courses are available every summer session. Graduate courses in education, intercultural studies, theology and psychology enable graduate students to continue their programs during the summer months. Registration for summer opens in November and remains available through the spring semester. Also available during the summer are several different opportunities for national and international travel courses integrating faith and learning through experiential education. Current summer study tours are listed under programs on the Study Abroad website.

Tuition, and room and board during Biola’s Summer Session are lower than regular charges at private colleges. See catalog section on financial information for Summer Session tuition. Visiting students need to obtain a Special Student Status Application from the Office of Admissions. Admission to the Summer Session program does not presuppose or grant acceptance to the university for the regular school year. For further information, please contact the Office of Admissions.

For our programs using a trimester academic schedule, Summer Session is a regular term and continuing enrollment is required for the program. Course offerings and requirements information will be available in descriptions of the specific program.

Army ROTC

The Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program is available to all students of Biola University through the Department of Military Science of California State University, Fullerton. Army ROTC provides scholarships and challenging leadership training. The curriculum includes rappelling, physical fitness development, practical application of managerial techniques, and classes in military history and tactics. Army ROTC also allows students to pursue commissions in the U.S. Army.

Programs

The Military Science program focuses on academics, teamwork and physical fitness, and is integrity-based with a mentorship program in place to support all cadets. Military Science provides a dynamic dimension to the university by offering an unmatched hands-on leadership and management education. Military Science is also a university endorsed coed club and offers various extracurricular teams and activities such as “Ranger Challenge” (inter-collegiate competition based on physical fitness and agility, rifle marksmanship and map reading/land navigation), paint ball, one field training exercise (overnight bivouac) per semester, rappelling demonstrations and a color guard team (presents flags at ceremonies and events), as well as several other exciting activities. All curriculum and activities are designed to build and enhance leadership, management skills, and team-building skills that apply to military and civilian sectors, and last a lifetime.

Scholarship

Military Science courses are accredited and available to students in all academic disciplines. Full-time students are also eligible to enroll as cadets in accordance with the university and Department of Defense policies. Several competitive financial assistance programs are available, which include: four-, three- and two-year scholarships; books and fees; Reserve forces and National Guard duty; GI Bill®; and loan repayment options. Additionally, scholarship recipients and advanced course students earn up to $500 per month in stipends. Upon successful completion of the two- or four-year Reserve Officers Training Corps program, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Army, United States Army Reserve or United States Army National Guard.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Four Year Program

This program is composed of a lower-division Basic Course and an upper-division Advanced Course. The Basic Course refers to first- and second-year courses that are designed for beginning students who want to try ROTC without obligation. Once the Basic Course is completed, student qualify for entry into the upper-division Advanced Course, which prepare them to be commissioned as officers in the United States Army, the Army Reserves or the Army National Guard. Upon entry into the Advanced Course, cadets are required to sign a contract with the department of the Army agreeing to complete the ROTC program and accept a commission as a second lieutenant. Once the contract is signed, Advanced Course cadets will receive up to $500 per month, along with free uniforms and equipment for all Military Science courses.

Two Year Program

This program is for those students who have at least four semesters of work remaining on campus as either an undergraduate or graduate student, and who did not participate in ROTC earlier. These students enter the Advanced Course of the program after attending a four-week, all expenses paid, summer leadership internship or providing proof of completion of Military Basic training or three years JROTC. Students enrolled in the two year program are eligible for contracting under the same benefits, requirements and guidelines as the four year students.

International Learning Opportunities in Military Science and Army Schools

Summer internship program is an overseas culture immersion internship aimed at broadening the cultural understanding of junior officers. Since the Army is in a number of countries across the world, it is critical that young officers understand different cultures to ensure the building of strong relationships. Advanced course students have an opportunity to attend overseas Cadet Troop Leadership Training (CTLT) for three weeks between their junior and senior years. CTLT gives cadets a chance to serve as acting platoon leaders with an actual active duty U.S. Army unit. Many of the CTLT positions are with overseas units in Korea and Europe. Additionally, commissioned second lieutenants selected for active duty will have the opportunity to serve at duty stations all over the world, work with fellow military officers from other countries, attend foreign military schools and immerse themselves in the culture of their host nation while they live and work there. Interested contracted cadets with strong cumulative grade point averages and who are physically fit have the opportunity to be sent to a three-week Army Airborne school or the 10-day Air Assault School.

Further Information: Biola University students who desire more information regarding this program may email or call at (657) 278-3007.

Air Force ROTC

Through arrangements with Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in west Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California (USC) students may participate in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program. Aerospace Studies classes and Leadership Laboratories are conducted at various times during the week on the main campus of LMU and USC.

AFROTC offers a variety of two-, three- and four-year scholarships, many of which pay the full costs of tuition, books, and fees. Successful completion of as little as four semesters of AFROTC academic classes and leadership laboratories can lead to a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Classes consist of one hour of academics and two hours of leadership laboratory for freshmen and sophomores; three hours of academics and two hours of leadership laboratory for juniors and seniors. AFROTC cadets under scholarship and all juniors and seniors receive a monthly tax-free stipend and textbook allowance. No military commitment is incurred until entering the last two years of the program (Professional Officer Course) or accepting an AFROTC scholarship.

For more information, contact the Department of Aerospace Studies (AFROTC) at one of the following universities: Loyola Marymount University at (310) 338-2770, or University of Southern California at (213) 740-2670.

Disclaimer

Biola University reserves the right to change any and all student charges, modify its services, or change its curriculum or programs of study should economic conditions, curricular revisions, or other relevant factors make it necessary or desirable to do so. While every effort is made to insure the accuracy of the information in this catalog, Biola University has the right to make changes at any time without prior notice.