Undergraduate Core Curriculum Program
The Core Curriculum represents the comprehensive program of liberal arts and sciences integrated with the biblical and theological studies minor which are the hallmarks of a Biola education.
Mission
Biola University's Core Curriculum (general education and Bible) provides a Christ-centered, integrated, and intellectually and spiritually transformative education that fosters cultural literacy and humble, purposeful engagement in local and global communities.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Core Curriculum:
- Critical Thinking - Students will identify and explain a problem or issue, recognize and evaluate concepts and assumptions from multiple perspectives, ask relevant questions, analyze appropriate sources, and articulate logical, well-organized, and innovative conclusions.
- Quantitative Reasoning - Within a variety of authentic contexts, students will analyze or solve quantitative problems (those involving data, functions, or computations); understand, evaluate, and create well-reasoned arguments supported by quantitative evidence; and clearly communicate quantitative arguments in appropriate formats (words, tables, graphs, equations, etc.).
- Oral Communication - Students will organize content cohesively, use compelling language and delivery that is audience-appropriate, incorporate supporting materials to establish credibility, and reinforce a memorable central message with civility.
- Written Communication - Students will produce well-organized and clear writing, supported by strong, diverse evidence and precise explanation, applicable to its audience and consistent with the conventions of appropriate genres.
- Information Literacy - Students will ethically discover, evaluate, and use information to formulate and address research questions, explain how information is produced and valued in a given discipline, and share their results.
- Intercultural Competence - Students will develop an informed understanding of cultural diversity and respectfully engage people of various backgrounds, through campus, local and global community interactions.
- Civic Engagement - Students will develop an informed understanding of civic roles, rights, freedoms, and responsibilities, and will respectfully communicate and apply key concepts in diverse communities.
Biblical and Theological Studies Requirement
Thirty credits of biblical and theological studies is included in most traditional student programs. (Certain majors have different requirements, see below. For online bachelor's programs, see the Core Curriculum Requirements - Online Bachelor's Programs page). It is recommended that each student take at least one course each semester until the requirement has been fulfilled. The following are required:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Courses | ||
| BBST 103 | Biblical Interpretation and Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| BBST 165 | Foundations of Christian Thought | 3 |
| BBST 209 | Old Testament History and Literature | 3 |
| BBST 210 | New Testament History and Literature | 3 |
| Intermediate Courses | ||
| BBST 251 | Theology I | 3 |
| BBST 354 | Theology II | 3 |
| BBST 365 | Gospel, Kingdom, and Culture | 3 |
| Advanced Courses | ||
| BBST 300/400 | Bible/Theology Elective | 3 |
| BBST 300/400 | Bible/Theology Elective 1 | 3 |
| BBST 465 | Integration Seminar | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
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A second BBST 465 course, taken with different content, can serve as a BBST elective.
For select high-credit majors at Biola and for transfer students with 45 or more transferable credits completed after high school graduation at the time of enrollment, the following Bible and theology courses are required.1 See the Biblical and Theological Studies Requirements page for more information.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Courses | ||
| BBST 103 | Biblical Interpretation and Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| BBST 165 | Foundations of Christian Thought | 3 |
| BBST 209 | Old Testament History and Literature | 3 |
| BBST 210 | New Testament History and Literature | 3 |
| Intermediate Courses | ||
| BBST 260 | Christian Theology | 3 |
| BBST 365 | Gospel, Kingdom, and Culture | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
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While Biola’s 30-credit Minor in Biblical & Theological Studies is not required for students in select high-credit majors and for those with 45 or more transferable credits completed after high school graduation, these students are nevertheless encouraged to consider taking the additional 12 credits of advanced and elective Bible and theology courses needed to earn the highly valued minor.
Students may count only a total of 30 credits of biblical and theological studies courses toward the required credits for a degree (students in the division of Biblical and Theological Studies — e.g., B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry; B.S. in Biblical Ministries; and B.S. in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics — may count unlimited BBST credits toward their degrees).
It is recommended that part-time students (fewer than 12 credits per semester) include at least one biblical and theological studies course within each 15 credits completed at Biola University, unless the Bible requirement has been met. Part-time students seeking a degree from Biola University must complete the entire requirement as outlined above. Students in most traditional programs must take at least 15 Bible credits at Biola (6 of which must be upper-division). Students in select high-credit majors and transfer students with 45 or more transferable credits completed after high school graduation at the time of enrollment must take at least 9 Bible credits at Biola (3 of which must be upper-division).
Exceptions to these requirements are noted in certain academic programs. Please review the requirements of each program for more information.
Arts and Sciences Requirement
Students must make degree specific selections from the following courses in the arts and sciences.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Year Seminar: The Biola Experience 1 | 1 | |
| Behavioral Science | 3 | |
| Communication | 3 | |
| English | 6 | |
| Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Foreign Language | 0-8 | |
| History | 3-6 | |
| Kinesiology & Health Science 2 | 2 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Philosophy | 3 | |
| Science | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 33-44 | |
- 1
First Year Seminar is required of all incoming students (freshmen and transfers) within their first two semesters at Biola. It is not required for students in online bachelor's programs.
- 2
Not required for students in online bachelor's programs.
Core Curriculum Requirement Credits by Degree Type
This is a general overview; some majors have exceptions to the Core Curriculum requirements. Students should refer to their major departments for more information.
| B.A. | B.S. | B.F.A. | B.M. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bible | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| First Year Seminar 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Behavioral Science | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Communication | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| English (100/112 & 313) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Fine Arts | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Foreign Language | 4 to 8 | 0 to 4 | 0 | 0 |
| History | 6 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Kinesiology & Health Science 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Literature | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Mathematics | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Philosophy | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Science | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Total | 70 to 74 | 63 to 67 | 60 | 60 |
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Not required for students in online bachelor's programs.
The courses that fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements are the following:
Behavioral Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Linguistic Anthropology | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Check the catalog to determine which majors require PSYC 200 as a support course. PSYC 200 is required for all majors leading to a teaching credential.
Communication
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| The Rhetorical Act | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Oral Interpretation | ||
| Argumentation and Debate | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
English
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 100 | Studies in Critical Thinking and Writing with Studio | 3 |
| or ENGL 112 | Studies in Critical Thinking and Writing | |
| ENGL 313 | Writing in the Disciplines | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
All students scoring less than 480 on the verbal section of the SAT (or 16 ACT) must enroll in ENGL 100, unless they receive a score of 510 or better on the SAT II Writing Exam. There will be a late make-up fee of $25 when placement exams are not taken on the dates indicated in the student’s acceptance letter. Students for whom English is not a primary language may need to take ELP coursework prior to enrolling in ENGL 100.
Fine Arts
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Drawing I | ||
| Figure Studies I | ||
| 2-D Design | ||
| 3-D Design | ||
| 4-D Design | ||
| Sculpture I | ||
| Ceramics I | ||
| Painting I | ||
| Photography I-Introduction to Darkroom and Digital Processes | ||
| Film Appreciation | ||
| Biola Chorale | ||
| Chamber Music Ensemble | ||
| Symphony Orchestra | ||
| Chamber Choir | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Symphonic Winds | ||
| Vocal Jazz Ensemble | ||
| University Chorus | ||
| Women's Chorus | ||
| Men's Chorus | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| History of Rock: A Social and Musical Revolution | ||
| History of Film Music | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Entrance into ensembles is by audition. Not all ensembles are available for Core Curriculum credit. Credit for ensembles is 1 credit, therefore 3 semesters are necessary to meet the requirement.
Music majors in Bachelor of Arts programs must select from Art, Cinema, or Theatre courses.
Foreign Language
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language credit requirement varies by degree type | 0-8 | |
| American Sign Language | ||
| Elementary American Sign Language | ||
| Elementary American Sign Language II | ||
| Intermediate American Sign Language | ||
| Arabic | ||
| (Offered pending faculty and enrollment) | ||
| Arabic Language and Culture I | ||
| Arabic Language and Culture II | ||
| Arabic Language and Culture III | ||
| Intercultural Communication in Arabic | ||
| French | ||
| French Language and Culture I | ||
| French Language and Culture II | ||
| French Language and Culture III | ||
| Intercultural Communication in French | ||
| German | ||
| (Offered pending faculty and enrollment) | ||
| German Language and Culture I | ||
| German Language and Culture 1A and German Language and Culture 1B | ||
| German Language and Culture II | ||
| German Language and Culture IIA and German Language and Culture IIB | ||
| German Language and Culture III | ||
| German Language and Culture IIIA and German Language and Culture IIIB | ||
| Intercultural Communication in German | ||
| Greek | ||
| Elementary Greek Grammar I | ||
| Elementary Greek Grammar II | ||
| Intermediate Greek Grammar and Exegesis I | ||
| Intermediate Greek Grammar and Exegesis II | ||
| Hebrew | ||
| Elementary Hebrew Grammar I | ||
| Elementary Hebrew Grammar II | ||
| Intermediate Hebrew Grammar I | ||
| Intermediate Hebrew Grammar II | ||
| Russian | ||
| (Offered pending faculty and enrollment) | ||
| Russian Language and Culture I | ||
| Russian Language and Culture II | ||
| Russian Language and Culture III | ||
| Intercultural Communication in Russian | ||
| Spanish | ||
| Spanish Language and Culture I | ||
| Spanish Language and Culture IA and Spanish Language and Culture IB | ||
| Spanish Language and Culture II | ||
| Spanish Language and Culture IIA and Spanish Language and Culture IIB | ||
| Spanish Language and Culture III | ||
| Spanish Language and Culture IIIA and Spanish Language and Culture IIIB | ||
| Intercultural Communication in Spanish | ||
| Basic Spanish for the Heritage Learner | ||
| Basic Spanish for Heritage Learners IA and Basic Spanish for Heritage Learners IB | ||
| Total Credits | 0-8 | |
The study of foreign languages is required as part of the general education requirements of Biola University. Credit requirements vary based on degree. B.A. students are required to complete 8 credits of the same foreign language and B.S. students, in most programs, must complete 4 credits of study. Credit requirements may be met in one of the following ways:
- By completing at least two semesters (8 credits) of the same foreign language at Biola (at level based on standardized departmental placement exam) with passing grades for B.A. students (one course for B.S.).
- By completing and transferring at least two college-level foreign language courses in the same language equivalent to the achievement of two semesters (one year) or more at Biola (8 credits) with a C- or higher passing grade for B.A. students (one course for B.S.).
- B.A. students who have previously completed one semester (4 credits) in a language offered at Biola can either continue their study in that language or complete two college-level courses in another language. Students may be required to complete a placement exam.
- If a B.A. student is transferring in only one language course (4 credits) from another accredited institution and is unable to place into the subsequent level course, they will have the option of either repeating the course at the level in which they place (note: repeated credits do not count towards total credits required — see the Repeated Courses policy in the Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section) or pursuing the required 8 credits in another language offered at Biola.
- For B.A. students who have previously completed one semester (4 credits) in a language that Biola does not offer, the requirement can be met by taking a one-semester course in a language offered in the Biola curriculum.
- B.A. students who have previously completed one semester (4 credits) in a language offered at Biola can either continue their study in that language or complete two college-level courses in another language. Students may be required to complete a placement exam.
- By demonstrating course level mastery and earning academic credits through AP, IB, CLEP, or ACTFL exam scores. Score and applicable academic credit information can be viewed in the Transfer Students and Transfer Credit Policies section.
- Heritage language speakers and international students fluent in a language other than English are subject to the same requirements and avenues for satisfaction of requirements. These students may take language courses or demonstrate proficiency through standardized assessments noted above. Students are encouraged to meet with the Modern Languages Department for appropriate class placement or proficiency assessment information.
- English Language Program (ELP) students satisfy the foreign language requirement through completion of 8 credits in the English language program courses.
- For B.S. students only, demonstration of successful completion of two years of high school study in the same foreign language satisfies this requirement. All high school transcripts must be official and in English or accompanied by a certified English translation that documents coursework and examinations taken, indicates grades received, identifies passing and maximum marks and shows evidence of secondary graduation to be eligible for the foreign language waiver. International students must have successfully completed college preparatory courses in their home country. If the student has attended a university in his/her home country and would like transfer credit, he/she must have transcripts evaluated by a professional credential agency.
History
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 100 | World Civilizations I 1 | 3 |
| or HIST 101 | World Civilizations II | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| United States History To 1865 | ||
| United States History Since 1865 | ||
| Survey of American Government | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
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B.S. and B.F.A. students are exempt from the World Civilizations I or II requirement and select 3 credits from HIST 200, HIST 201, or POSC 225.
Kinesiology and Health Science
Each student is required to complete 2 credits of Kinesiology and Health Science (KHS) to be eligible for graduation. Students must complete Lifetime Wellness and a Lifetime Wellness Activity course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| KNES 107 | Lifetime Wellness | 1 |
| Lifetime Wellness Activity 1 | 1 | |
| Total Credits | 2 | |
- 1
Selection is made from the following KNES activity classes: 110, 130, 140, 150, or 201 for School of Education students. Note: First Aid and CPR do not count as KHS activity credit.
Credit for varsity sports may be substituted for the Lifetime Wellness Activity. In addition to Lifetime Wellness and Lifetime Wellness Activity required for Core Curriculum, the student may complete 6 more credits (maximum of 8) to apply towards graduation. Students 21 years of age at the time of entrance to Biola as well as those enrolled in fully online programs are exempt from the KHS requirement.
Students studying for the multiple subject teaching credential but not selecting physical education as a minor area of emphasis, should select KNES 201.
Literature
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Literature and Film | ||
| Topics in Diverse Literatures | ||
| Race and Ethnicity in American Literature | ||
| World Literature | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Mathematics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| CSCI 104 | The Nature of Computing | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Fundamentals of Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I (fulfills Core Math for Lib Studies, Elem Ed & Lib Studies, Multidisciplinary majors only) | 3 |
| MATH 120 | The Nature of Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 121 & MATH 122 & MATH 123 | QR: Real-World Math Modeling and QR: Real-World Statistics and Quantitative Reasoning Topics in the Disciplines (1 credit each) 1 | 3 credits total |
| MATH 124 | Quantitative Reasoning for the Real World | 3 |
| MATH 125 | Precalculus Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 140 | Fundamentals of Calculus | 3 |
| MATH 150 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 180 | Topics in Mathematics | 1-3 |
| MATH 190 | Business Statistics (fulfills Core Math for certain pre-approved majors only) | 3 |
| MATH 210 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| MATH 318 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
- 1
MATH 121, MATH 122, and MATH 123 are only available by arrangement for students who began the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) sequence prior to the 2022-23 academic year. For students who have not taken any of these three courses, MATH 124 is the recommended replacement course.
Philosophy
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Logic | ||
| Introduction to Ancient Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to Medieval Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to Modern Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy and Aesthetics | ||
| Introduction to Ancient and Medieval Philosophy | ||
| Philosophical Topics | ||
| Philosophical Topics | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Science
3 credits of science are required. BIOS 100 and PHSC 101 have both been designed for the student with a limited background in science.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Physical Anthropology | ||
| Biological Principles | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Science | ||
| Current Topics in Biology | ||
| Nutrition | ||
| The Chemistry of Everyday Life | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| Introduction to Chemistry | ||
| Principles of Organic and Biochemistry | ||
| Physical Science Survey: Lecture | ||
| Physical Science Survey Laboratory | ||
| Geology | ||
| Geology Laboratory | ||
| Topics in Physical Science | ||
| Physics of Superheroes | ||
| Physics of Sound | ||
| Astronomy | ||
| Physics I and Physics I Laboratory | ||
| Physics in Everyday Life and Physics in Everyday Life Laboratory | ||
| General Physics I: Mechanics and Heat and General Physics I Laboratory | ||
| Science and Origins | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Core Curriculum Course Substitutions
While the Core Curriculum requirement will normally be met from the courses specified in the catalog, in exceptional cases where students have the appropriate prerequisites and where the department in which the course is taught determines that the intentions of the Core Curriculum requirement would be satisfied, departments may request permission on behalf of students to substitute an upper-division class for the lower-division course specified in the catalog. Written approvals must be obtained prior to the student’s enrollment in the class.
