• You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution by the time you plan to start coursework at Biola, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). 
  • It is not a requirement that this bachelor’s degree be in Bible, theology, or a related discipline, but a background in a field of natural science is highly recommended.
• Note: If you do not meet the degree or GPA requirements above, you may still be considered for admission. Please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions office at graduate.admissions@biola.edu. If you are an international student, contact grad.international@biola.edu.

• If English is not your first language, you are required to display your English proficiency before admittance into a Biola University graduate program. See “English Proficiency” in the application steps section below.

• Fall Semester
  • General: July 1
  • International Students
    • On Campus: June 1
    • Online/Hybrid: July 1
• Spring Semester
  • General: November 1
  • International Students: October 1

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The secular academic world uses the label “science and religion” for interdisciplinary programs they offer which are similar to ours. To aid in degree recognition of the program, we felt it wise to use an established category for the title of our degree instead of creating a new one. Certainly the emphasis in our program is on the interaction between Christianity and science.

However, in today's pluralistic secular society it is important to be aware of how other world religions interact with the sciences. Consequently, this is also covered as a part of our academic program.

While the young-earth model is a popular contemporary view on creation, it is not the only view held by conservative evangelicals. The science and religion program will attempt to represent fairly the range of evangelical positions on issues like the age of the earth and the time intervals involved in creation.

Since the challenges from naturalistically based interpretations often take aim at creationist models in general, there is plenty of common ground for evangelicals of various persuasions to work together to develop effective responses to these secular arguments. The program seeks to foster such a spirit of cooperation.

Biola University and its faculty hold to the full inerrancy and inspiration of Scripture, but we recognize that our interpretation of Scripture may not be absolutely certain at all points. We expect there to be harmony between the data from nature and the words (data) of Scripture, but we realize that apparent conflicts can arise when we interpret and integrate these data. One goal of this program is to identify, minimize and resolve those apparent conflicts.

One of the most serious oversights in studying an interdisciplinary field like science and religion is to forget that everyone — both scientists and theologians — has biases. Thus, to presume that one can be completely objective in this field, while dismissing everyone else as biased, is naive.

For example, to deny the possibility of supernatural action because it is not a scientific explanation, because it is not a repeatable event, or because it violates the laws of nature, reflects an obvious bias towards naturalism. One of the major goals of this program is to make students aware of the biases and presuppositions that influence the interpretation of scientific and scriptural data.

To be candid, our own "bias" is that "all truth is God's truth," and we seek to construct models of reality that fully incorporate the data from Scripture with what we know about the created world.

A bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited university and a 3.0 GPA is all that is required for admission into our program. However, we generally recommend that students have studied some area of natural science. Additionally, Master of Arts – Science and Religion applicants must answer three short essay questions as a part of their application.

Many of the courses offered in this program will be available as electives through Biola's existing apologetics program. If a student does not have the appropriate science background, they are encouraged to participate in the program through that route.

Yes — but they cannot be taken simultaneously. Students who finish one degree can automatically transfer 15 credits into the second, reducing the second degree to 24 credits.

New students can begin in the fall, spring or summer semesters, and may apply at any time.

It is recommended (but not required) that students should apply by November 1 to begin in the spring, April 1 to begin in the summer and July 1 to begin in the fall.

For full-time students, it is possible to complete the curriculum requirements for the degree in four or five intensive semesters. For part-time students who work elsewhere, it usually takes six to ten semesters.

See Program Requirements

Nine credits or more per semester.

Yes — upon acceptance, your transcripts will be evaluated for potential transfer credits (maximum of 15) and waivers (replace requirements with equivalent electives).

Yes — Biola does accept military aid.

Our program continues to attract many active duty, reserves, and veteran military. Some military aid requires a student to be full time (nine credits a semester). In this case, it is recommended that you begin the degree in the spring semester. This would allow the student to finish the 39-credit program in two years (four semesters) and prevent them from having to pay for a fifth semester out of pocket. View Biola’s military benefits page for more details.

Yes — we offer an Online Certificate in Christian Apologetics which is very flexible, affordable and can be done anywhere, anytime. The certificate can also earn you future credits (six credits towards the Master of Arts – Christian Apologetics or two credits towards the Master of Arts – Science and Religion), which can help you ease into either program should you decide to pursue it in the future.

Our distance students typically come to campus for a two-week residency for two summers, in June. Work is done from home during the spring semester in preparation for this summer session, and work done from home during the fall serves as a “wrap up” to the spring-summer-fall series.

Our distance students are also welcome (but not required) to participate in special weekend courses that occur multiple times throughout the year. These courses could serve as a way to reduce the number of three-part hybrid residency courses needed, as well as time spent at Biola for Summer Residency.

Learn About Our Learning Formats

The Canvas Learning Management System hosts Biola’s online courses, and is utilized for student/faculty interaction, accessing course materials and submitting course work.

We have students from almost every state in the United States, and from over 20 countries around the world!

Unfortunately, there are some states that have not authorized Biola to offer its online programs to their residents. Residents from those states are not allowed to participate as a distance student in either master's degree program, but can do the Online Certificate in Christian Apologetics program. You can see a current list of those states and learn more about the state law and its implications on higher education distance learning on our online programs policy page.

Yes — and we are getting more interest internationally each year! We have students from over 20 countries around the world!

Residential students who are accepted must submit evidence to adequate financial resource to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses for one full year of study at Biola University. A Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) will not be issued without this documentation.

International students cannot receive U.S. educational funding, but can apply for the Acts 17 New Student Scholarship, which is a $1,200 department scholarship. Students may also use Biola’s payment plan options.

Internet access is required, though high speed internet is not necessary. Students may log in at their convenience to complete work, but deadlines and due dates are based on Pacific Standard Time (PST).

We offer an Online Certificate in Christian Apologetics which is very flexible, affordable and can be done anywhere, anytime. The certificate can also earn you future credits (six credits towards the Master of Arts – Christian Apologetics or two credits towards the Master of Arts – Science and Religion), which can help you ease into either program should you decide to pursue it in the future.