Policies

State Authorization

Biola welcomes online degree or certificate applications from prospective students who are residents in most states within the United States. However, applications from residents of Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Rhode Island, West Virginia and Wisconsin cannot be considered at this time because of extensive requirements and costs for registering and maintaining compliance under the regulations on distance education in these states. If you are a resident of the abovementioned states, Biola University welcomes your inquiry and your application to one of our on-campus only programs.

Professional Licensure & Certification

Biola University has not determined if our programs provide all the educational requirements necessary for professional licensure or certification in a student’s country or state, outside of California. Students considering a program that leads to a professional license in a state are highly encouraged to contact the appropriate licensing agency and organization(s) in that state to seek information and additional guidance before beginning the program, and students should also continually monitor changes throughout the program as licensure requirements may change over time.

Biola encourages students to resolve complaints internally. The student may also file a complaint with their respective state of residence. The contact information to file a complaint with the states is listed below:

View State Authorization and Licensure Matrix

Student Complaint Process

The U.S. Department of Education has promulgated regulations to improve the integrity of programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) as amended (the “Program Integrity Rule”). The Program Integrity Rule requires, among other things, that each college or university authorized to offer postsecondary education in one or more states ensure access to a complaint process that will permit student consumers to address the following:

1. Alleged violations of state consumer protection laws that include but are not limited to fraud and false advertising;
2. Alleged violations of state laws of rules relating to the licensure of postsecondary institutions;
3. Complaints relating to the quality of education or other State or accreditation requirements.

Students who reside in Connecticut and would like to file a complaint may do so in writing or by phone through the Connecticut Office of Higher Education 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 707, Hartford, CT 06103-1841, Phone: 860-947-1800.

Biola University, as an institution authorized to provide postsecondary education in the State of California, is committed to full compliance with the Program Integrity Rule, and provides the following confirmation to all current and prospective students:

Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Please review the University's accreditation status on the WSCUC website.

The university encourages students to work through internal university complaint processes for resolution of complaints. If you believe that the university’s academic appeal procedures have not adequately addressed concerns identified under the Program Integrity Rule, the following links and contact information are provided:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Online

Under section 508 of the ADA, the government requires Biola to provide disabled students with specific accessibility standards for electronic and information technology. As an online Biola student, you will be using Canvas, our online learning environment and management system -- Canvas is section 508 ADA compliant. If you have any specific needs, questions or concerns regarding technology access, please contact Disability Services.

Student Handbook(s)

• Undergrad Student Handbook & Guide to University Policies
• Graduate Student Handbook & Guide to University Policies
• Graduate Handbook: School of Education
• For other specific degree program handbooks, contact the school.