General Education
"Right now I'm undeclared, but Biola is still totally preparing me for whatever major I choose - 1st Year Seminar is a big help - and I know that any major I choose will have a strong biblical foundation. I'm seriously excited!"
– Belinda, Undeclared
Depending on the particular major, every Biola student will take approximately 53 units of general education. These classes will ensure a robust academic experience and lay the groundwork for your major and biblical studies. General education classes span a variety of disciplines, including English, Math, Science, History, Language, Communications, Fine Arts, and Physical Education.
In some cases, you might have the opportunity to take classes in addition to the general education, biblical studies, and major course requirements. These electives provide you the chance to explore different fields of interest. Because of a high number of unit requirements, some majors leave no room for electives.
Total GE Requirements
| Behavioral Science | 3 units |
| Communication | 3 units |
| English | 6 units |
| Fine Arts | 3 units |
| First Year Seminar* | 1 unit |
| Foreign Language | 4-12 units |
| History | 6 units |
| Literature | 3 units |
| Philosophy | 3 units |
| Physical Education | 4 units |
| Science / Mathematics | 8 units |
| Total Requirements | 44–52 units |
* First Year Seminar is not counted toward graduation and is not required for transfer students.
General Education Requirements
Communication (3 units)
Any one of the following will meet this requirement:
| COMM 100 | Introduction to Public Communication |
| COMM 170 | Small Group Communication |
| COMM 181 | Introduction to Argumentation and Debate |
| COMM 280 | Oral Interpretation |
Foreign Language (12 units)
Your foreign language units must be completed in the same language.
| If you have completed: | You will be required to take: | |
|---|---|---|
| For a B.A. | For a B.S. | |
| 1 year high school* | 12 units | 4 units |
| Elementary 1 and 2 and first semester Intermediate | ||
| 2 years high school* | 8 units | None |
| Elementary 2 and first semester Intermediate | ||
| 3 years high school* | 4 units | None |
| First semester Intermediate | ||
| 4 years high school* | None | None |
* Conversational language may be used toward a B.S. degree but not a B.A. degree. Classical or conversational language must be taken through the 102 level for a B.S. degree.
English (6 units)
The following will meet this requirement:
| ENGL 100 of 110A | Basic Studies in Critical Thinking and Writing |
| ENGL 110B | Critical Thinking and Writing |
Literature (3 units)
Any one of the following will meet this requirement:
| ENGL 220 | Film and Literature |
| ENGL 230 | Literature in Context |
| ENGL 281 or 282 | American Literature |
Fine Arts (3 units)
Any one of the following will meet this requirement:
| ARTS 100 | Art Appreciation |
| MUSC 101 | Introduction to Music |
| COMM 160 | Introduction to Drama |
History (6 units)
To fulfill the six-unit history requirement, History 207 or 208 is required as well as either History 107 or Political Science 225.
| HIST 107 | United States History (3 units required) |
| POSC 225 | Survey of American Government (3 units required) |
| HIST 207 or 208 | Civilization I or II |
Philosophy (3 units)
Any one of the following will meet this requirement:
| PHIL 210 | Introduction to Logic |
| PHIL 211 | Introduction to Ancient Philosophy |
| PHIL 212 | Introduction to Medieval Philosophy |
| PHIL 213 | Introduction to Modern Philosophy |
| PHIL 214 | Introduction to Philosophy |
| PHIL 215 | Introduction to Ethics |
| PHIL 216 | Introduction to Philosophy and Aesthetics |
Physical Education (4 activities)
Behavioral Science (3 units)
Any one of the following will meet this requirement:
| ANTH 200 | General Cultural Anthropology |
| PSYC 200 | Introduction to Psychology |
| SOCI 220 | Sociology |
| SOCI 362 | Social Problems |
Science / Mathematics (8 units)
Options
- ANTH 220
- BIOS 100, 110, 111, 120, 130, or 290
- CHEM 100, 105, 112
- MATH 101, 102, 103, 105, 120, 190, or 210
- PHSC 101, 102, 103, 109, 110, 111/111L, 115/115L, 132/132L, or 250
Consult the curriculum chart specific to your major before taking any General Education courses.
