Curriculum: General Education (GE)
The purpose of the General Education (GE) requirement is to introduce students to areas of study that mature the mind, open new vistas of appreciation and understanding, enrich social relationships, and develop skills and aptitudes that can aid in furthering personal growth and social involvement. A liberal arts education is designed to create a broad base upon which to build one's continuing education.
The requirements for Biola University differ slightly from most community colleges, University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. Therefore, completing all of the GE requirements or an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree at a community college does not necessarily mean that Biola GE requirements have been met.
To determine if a course from another institution will meet one of Biola’s GE requirements, refer to the Transfer Guidelines located at www.biola.edu/registrar/transfer/courses/ or contact your Education Center.
Courses must be selected from the following areas:
- Behavioral Science (3 units)
Introductory course in Psychology, Sociology, or Cultural Anthropology. If you are not transferring in a course that meets this requirement, you may satisfy the requirement through ORLD 340 or CPSY 406. [see Borrowing Units Below]
- Communication (3 units) *
A basic speech course, such as public speaking, small group communications, argument and debate, oral interpretation. You may have the background and experience (such as teaching, sales, leading small groups, etc.) to be able to meet this requirement through Credit for Prior Learning.
BOLD Program course: COMM 100
- English Composition I (3 units) *
This is the first semester freshman English course.
BOLD Program course: ENGL 110A
- English Composition II (3 units) *
This is the second semester of freshman English. If you are not transferring in a course that meets this requirement, you may satisfy the requirement through ORLD 490 or CPSY 320. [see Borrowing Units Below ]
- Fine Arts (3 units)
Appreciation/history of music, art, or drama. The course must be historical and academic in nature, not an applied skill or experiential course.
BOLD Program course: ARTS 100L
- Foreign Language (4-12 units)
The completion of this requirement is based on the number of years of foreign language completed at the high school level as well as the degree a student is pursuing. Students are required to take the same language taken in high school.
If the high school courses taken will fulfill the requirement, then college level coursework will not be necessary. In this situation, units will be granted; the requirement will be noted as “waived”.
Years completed in H.S. BA Requirement BS Requirement 1 year 12 units 4 units Elementary 1 & 2 and first semester intermediate 2 years 8 units None Elementary 2 and first semester intermediate 3 years 4 units None First semester intermediate 4 years None None
Note: Conversational language courses may be used toward the B.S. but not the B.A. requirement. A classical or conversational language must be taken through level 102 for a B.S. degree.
Other Option:
If fluent in a language other than English, a student may opt to test out of the foreign language
requirement by taking and passing a CLEP exam for French, German, or Spanish.
BOLD Program courses: HUFS 101L, HUFS 102L, HUFS 201L - History (6 units total)
World History (3 units)
Note: Western Civilization may only be taken if the community college does not offer a World History course.
BOLD Program course: HIST 470L
U.S. History/American Government (3 units)
The U.S. History/American Government course must contain one unit of content on the U.S. Constitution.
- Literature (3 units)
American, English (British), or World Literature survey course. “Bible as Literature" and "Children's Literature" courses will not satisfy this requirement. Courses titled "Introduction to Literature" are generally comparable to Biola's English 110B course and do not fulfill the GE requirement for Literature.
BOLD Program course: ENGL 282L
- Philosophy (3 units)
Introduction, logic, ethics, modern philosophy, or Greek and Roman philosophy. Philosophy of religion courses do not qualify. If you are not transferring in a course, you may satisfy the requirement through ORLD 450 or CPSY 450. [see Borrowing Units Below]
- Math/Science (8 units total)
Math (3 units)**
Transferable courses must be considered as Pre-Calculus (or above) or Statistics. Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry courses will not transfer. If you are not transferring in a course, you may satisfy the requirement through ORLD 360 or CPSY 208. [see Borrowing Units Below ]
BOLD Program course: MATH 120
Science (3 units)**
Introductory level course in Physical or Life Science (i.e. Biology, Geology, Astronomy, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Oceanography); does not need to include a lab.
BOLD Program course: BIOS 120
Math/Science (2 units)
The remaining 2 units required for this area may be met by taking another course in either Math or Science.
* Course requirement may not be taken via distance education.
** Course must transfer in for a minimum of 3 units in order to satisfy this requirement.
Borrowing Units
Borrowing units is a term used in reference to the process of taking designated units from the major curriculum and applying them to a specific requirement in the GE area. This, in essence, helps to satisfy two course requirements (a module and GE) having only taken (and getting credit for) one course.
Important Notes
- When borrowing, the major module will be used to satisfy the requirements for both the major and the GE course. However, the actual units will only be counted once towards the required units for graduation (OL major - 120 units; Psych major - 130 units). Thus, on the Assessment Sheet from your Academic Counselor, one of these major modules will be "zeroed-out". This indicates that the units will be borrowed and placed in the GE area, yet satisfy both requirements.
- Only program modules may be used to satisfy two requirements (a module and GE) in the program. For example, a statistics course taken at a community college or at another institution may be used to satisfy the GE Math requirement, or may substitute for the Statistics module in the major, but not both.
The General Education course requirements that may be satisfied by borrowing specific, required courses in the major are as follows:
General Education Organizational Leadership Major
| English Composition II | ORLD 490 Research Project |
| Philosophy* | ORLD 450 Organizational Ethics |
| Behavioral Science* | ORLD 340 Group & Organizational Behavior |
| Math* | ORLD 360 Statistical Methods & Research |
General Education Psychology Major
| English Composition II | CPSY 320 Experimental Psychology |
| Philosophy* | CPSY 450 Psychology & Ethics |
| Behavioral Science* | CPSY 406 Social & Cultural Psychology |
| Math* | CPSY 208 Statistics with Computer Applications |
* For Philosophy, Behavioral Science, and Math, only two of these three requirements may be satisfied through borrowing a module. The third requirement must be met separately/by taking the appropriate GE course.
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)
GE requirements may be fulfilled prior to enrolling at Biola by completing the IGETC from either a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) school. IGETC is accepted with the following provisions:
The current Foreign Language requirement will be retained.
The minimum number of units required for graduation
remains 120 units for Organizational Leadership and 130 units for Psychology.
The IGETC must be completed before enrolling at Biola University. If not completed, the Biola GE curriculum outline must be adhered to.
Note: IGETC courses may not substitute for major courses.
Options for Meeting General Education (GE) Requirements
Advanced Placement (AP)*
Biola recognizes the merits for the Advanced Placement (AP) program. AP credit for GE may be awarded if a 3 or higher was received on the exam taken during a student’s junior or senior year of high school. For a list of AP credit options, go to www.biola.edu/registrar/transfer/courses/.
BOLD Program
Many of the required GE courses are offered through the BOLD Program in a compressed format. A list of these courses is available online at www.biola.edu/academics/professional-studies/bold/current_students/schedule/ or from your Education Center. [see Adding a Course ]
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)*
By taking these nationally administered exams, units applicable toward the GE requirements at Biola may be earned. A minimum passing score of 55 is required by Biola University on most of the exams. On some of the exams, the minimum score requirement is higher. For a list of exam options and minimum score requirements, go to www.biola.edu/registrar/transfer/courses/. Exams may only be taken for areas in which you have not previously attempted or taken a college level course, with the exception of foreign language. It is necessary to receive prior approval before signing up to take an exam. See Appendix 2.
Community Colleges and Other Local Institutions**
Before signing up, be certain that the school is accredited and that the course(s) selected will meet Biola’s GE requirements by checking with your Academic Counselor. To see a list of transferable courses from local community colleges go to www.biola.edu/registrar/transfer/courses/.
If a course is not listed on the Transfer Guideline sheet, however, appears comparable, you may submit a course description to your Education Center Director or Academic Counselor. If approved by the Registrar’s Office, you may receive credit for the appropriate GE course at Biola.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
CPL petitions and papers must be prepared with the consent and assistance of the CPL Coordinator. Evaluation will be handled by the appropriate Biola faculty members. [see Credit for Prior Learning]
Distance Education Courses**
Distance Education courses (e.g., correspondence, TV, online and video), should be taken early in the program to ensure timely completion for graduation. [To sign up for a course, see Appendix 3] A list of pre-approved schools and course options is accessible at www.biola.edu/registrar/transfer/courses/. Courses not on this list must be approved by the Registrar’s Office; contact your Academic Counselor.
Note: Communication, English 110A, or English 110B courses may not be taken via Distance Education.
Traditional Undergraduate Biola Courses
It is possible to take a traditional undergraduate course at Biola under the following conditions:
- You are preparing for graduate school and/or teacher certification and need to take a specific course.
- You need to complete a GE requirement and would rather not enroll in another school.
- You desire to sit under the tutelage of a specific Biola professor not currently teaching in the BOLD Program.
In order to sign up for a traditional undergraduate course, you will need to request to register for Concurrent Enrollment by submitting the appropriate paper work and a letter of explanation. [See Appendix 4] The traditional undergraduate tuition rate will be assessed. To see the current rate, go to www.biola.edu/catalog.
* A maximum of 32 units may be awarded for all forms of advanced credit (i.e., AP, CLEP).
** Coursework taken outside of Biola will only be considered for transfer credit if a grade of a solid "C" (2.00 GPA) or above was received. Official transcripts must be received by Biola before credit may be given.
Curriculum: Biblical Studies
Since the founding of the school in 1908, Biola has required that its graduates be well-grounded and competent in Scripture. A firm foundation in the Word of God is imperative for all God's servants, regardless of the ministry they may enter. Therefore, all Biola graduates are required to have extensive coursework in biblical studies and theology.
Theology has been integrated into the core curriculum of the Organizational Leadership and Psychology majors. In addition, a minimum of 14 units of biblical studies coursework must be completed outside of the major. A maximum of 17 units may be applied toward the BOLD Program graduation requirements. Following is a list of the required courses:
BBST 150 Old Testament Survey (4 units)
An overview of the Old Testament focusing on book outlines, key themes, persons, and events in biblical history, along with personal application.
BBST 110L New Testament History & Literature (3 units)
An overview of the New Testament with emphasis on the purpose of the writers; historical and cultural background; literary genre, structure, and themes; persons involved; together with practical application to Christian living.
BBST 306L Acts: Early Christian History (3 units)
Study of the Book of Acts from a missions perspective, dealing with the activity of the early church and its current expression in evangelism and missions.
BBST 340 Biblical Electives (3 units)*
In-depth study of a specific book or books of the Bible including written reports
on the relevance of the book to the student's life. The following Bible
electives are offered:
- Apologetics
- Galatians
- Job & Ecclesiastes
- Matthew
- Men & Women in Leadership
- Philippians
- Psalms
- Romans
- Stages of Faith
*Two Bible electives (a total of 6 units) are required.
Biblical Studies Minor
BOLD Program students cannot receive a minor in Bible. However, the biblical and theological content in the program are equivalent to the 30 units required in the traditional program. Because the theological content is embedded in the core curriculum, these units cannot be counted toward a minor.
Options for Meeting Biblical Studies Requirements
BOLD Program
Biblical Studies courses are offered at various times throughout the year at all of the BOLD Program locations. A list of these courses and when they will be offered is available from your Education Center or online at www.biola.edu/academics/professional-studies/bold/current_students/schedule/.
Challenge Exams
Exams may be taken for New Testament History & Literature and/or Old Testament Survey within your first year (two terms) of enrollment at Biola. Information about dates, cost, study materials, and how to sign up may be requested through your Education Center. [See Appendix 5]
Christian Colleges
Courses previously taken at another accredited Christian College or University may transfer to Biola University. See your Academic Counselor.
Note: Only a course grade of a “C” (2.00 GPA) or higher may be considered for transfer to Biola University.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
Papers may be prepared with the assistance and consent of the Credit for Prior
Learning Coordinatorand evaluated by appropriate Biola faculty. [see Credit
for Prior Learning]
Distance Education Courses
Distance Education courses (e.g. correspondence, TV, online, and video) should
be taken early on in the program to ensure timely completion for graduation. [to
sign up, see Appendix 3 ]. A
list of pre-approved school and course options is accessible at www.biola.edu/registrar/transfer/courses/. Courses
not on this list must be approved by the Registrar’s Office; contact
your Academic Counselor.
Important Note:
To fulfill the residency requirement, 50% of the required Bible units (a minimum of 7 units), including BBST 306L Acts, must be taken at Biola University. The number of Bible units transferred to Biola may not exceed the number taken in residence. Challenge Exams do not count toward the residency requirement.