School of Fine Arts and Communication
Mission
The School of Fine Arts & 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 & 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, as well as a master’s degree program in the department of Public Relations.
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
Department of Communication Studies
The Department of Communication Studies finds its roots in the desire of Biola's founders to train students to reach the world with the message of the gospel. Our mission is to produce committed Christian graduates who are trained in the theory and practice of communicative arts and are masters at constructing and delivering ethically written and globally relevant oral messages, using all forms of popular and religious media.
Additional Education Opportunities and Distinctives
- Communication studies students have an opportunity to join Lambda Pi Eta, a national honor society, and work on service learning projects such as an AIDS hospice program.
Department of Digital Journalism & Media
Journalism is an important calling that involves seeking truth, exposing injustice, crafting compelling stories and maintaining high ethical standards. In Biola’s digital journalism and media program, you’ll learn reporting and storytelling from experienced faculty and media professionals. At the same time, you’ll gain cross-cultural understanding and real-world journalism experience in one of the world’s largest and most influential media centers. You will learn how words, photos, video and interactive media are part of the journalism world that is shaping national and international politics, business, entertainment, sports, and ministry of all kinds.
Additional Education Opportunities and Distinctives
Biola University’s student-run, award-winning news publication serving the Biola community for over 80 years is produced weekly, online and in print.
Gain hands-on broadcast news reporting experience both on campus and in the Los Angeles area. Produce content and learn production work: editing, directing, camera operating and floor directing.
Biola University’s award-winning campus magazine produced each semester by students, for students, about college life and the world beyond.
A student-run radio station featuring podcasts on a variety of compelling topics.
Media Narrative Book Project
Produced entirely by students in the Media Narrative course, these book projects feature cross-cultural encounters and in-depth journalism, encompassing reporting, research, writing documentary photojournalism, page and cover design and accompanying digital media.
Study Abroad
New York City Semester is a program with The King’s College, located in downtown Manhattan. Students will be immersed in a rigorous and engaging academic experience, learning from award-winning professors who epitomize committed Christian faith along with mastery in their fields. In addition to visits from industry professionals and the vibrant faculty lectures, students will take advantage of unparalleled networking opportunities, cultural experiences, and more.
Department of Public Relations & Strategic Communication
The Department of Public Relations and Strategic Communication is a community of faculty, staff, and students, all committed to the goal of developing leaders who are trained to leverage influence and power in organizations in order to pursue human flourishing and cultural transformation. Our community pursues this goal through a biblically-centered public relations education focused on cultivating leaders equipped with ethical courage, strategic creativity and digital media expertise that facilitates managing communication between organizations and the public in order to build mutually beneficial relationships.
Additional Education Opportunities and Distinctives
Students work with real clients as part of a student-led, award-winning, nationally accredited public relations agency. One of only three PRSSA Affiliated Agencies on the West Coast.
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
PRSSA is the foremost organization for students interested in public relations and communications. The Biola chapter is a recognized leader in the organization. Students develop leadership skills, participate in national competitions, enhance their professional expertise and connect with networks to help them thrive in public relations.
PR Fellows
The honors program for our undergraduate public relations program designed to facilitate advanced mentoring, foster professional development and guide future PR leaders in strategic foresight for their career ambitions. Open by invitation only to a select group of undergraduate seniors who have displayed strong academic expertise, leadership within the PR program, and a character that evidences professionalism.
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
Conservatory of Music Faculty and Theatre Faculty
Professors: Denham, Hulling, Hung
Associate Professors: Askew, Stewart
Assistant Professor: Cole
Visiting Professor: Tracie
Communication Studies Faculty
Chair: Dorothy Calley, M.A.
Professor: Muehlhoff
Associate Professors: Molloy, Qualls
Assistant Professor: Calley
Instructor: Andre
Digital Journalism and Media Faculty
Professor: Longinow
Associate Professors: Oleson, Welter
Public Relations and Strategic Communication Faculty
Assistant Professor: Sinclair
Programs Offered
Undergraduate
Department of Art
Conservatory of Music
- Music, B.A.
- Music Composition, B.M.
- Music Education (Pre-Teacher Certification), B.M.
- Music Performance, B.M.
- Music Therapy, B.M.
- Theatre, B.A.
- Worship Arts, B.M.
- Applied Music Minor
- Contemporary Worship Music Minor
- Music Minor
- Theatre Minor
