Undergraduate Requirements and Policies

Academic Standards

A minimum cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) is necessary to graduate. A grade of D is normally acceptable as a passing grade in a single course. However, some departments have different standards (please refer to the academic program page to understand your school’s requirements). Also, D quality work in general is normally insufficient to allow the student to progress from one course level to the next. Higher GPA minimums are required before admission to teaching and nursing and other major departments. To determine whether a D is an acceptable grade in a required course and to review admissions requirements for a major, check with the appropriate academic department. Students receiving less than a C grade in a major course may be required to repeat the course to progress. Transfer students from other institutions must also maintain an average grade of C in all work completed at Biola University as a requirement for graduation since grades from other schools are not calculated into the student's cumulative grade point average. All students must have a minimum of a C average (2.00) in their major coursework.

For policies regarding Academic Standing and Disqualification, see the Academic and Behavioral Standards section.

Bible Residency Requirement

Biola has a biblical studies residency requirement for all students. Students in most traditional programs must take at least 15 Bible credits at Biola (6 of which must be upper-division). Students in select high-credit majors and transfer students with 45 or more transferable credits completed after high school graduation at the time of enrollment/matriculation qualify for the Biblical and Theological Studies Requirements reduction. Students who qualify for the reduction must take at least 9 Bible credits at Biola (3 of which must be upper-division). Transfer credit, credit for prior learning, or credit by examination may not be used to fulfill the minimum residency requirement. Majors other than those in the division of Biblical and Theological Studies (e.g., B.A. in Bible, Theology, and Ministry; B.S. in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics) may count a maximum of 30 Bible (BBST) credits toward graduation.

Core Curriculum Program

See the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Program section for Core Curriculum requirements.

Credit Sharing

A single course may satisfy more than one requirement. Unless otherwise designated, no more than 9 credits may be allowed to satisfy both a Core Curriculum and a major requirement. Students must still meet all course prerequisite requirements, residency requirements, and minimum unique credit requirements for major, double-major, if applicable, and minor. Credit sharing remains subject to Core Curriculum, school, and department policies on the double use of a course. Check with the Office of the Registrar as well as your major advisor on credit sharing. 

Note: Torrey Honors College courses are not subject to this policy unless otherwise noted within specific academic major requirements. Additionally, the BBST courses listed in the Core Curriculum section of the BBTM Bible, Theology, and Ministry, B.A. are not subject to the sharing policy unless otherwise noted.

First Year Seminar Requirement

All traditional undergraduate students are required to complete First Year Seminar: The Biola Experience (GNST 102). Note: This requirement does not apply to students in online bachelor's programs.

Challenging a Course

A student may be able to challenge a course or requirement if the department has a challenge exam available. Check with the specific department to see if a comprehensive challenge exam is available.

By waiver: If a student's performance on a comprehensive examination demonstrates a good grasp of the course content, an exemption from taking the course may be allowed, but no credit(s) will be given.

By registration: The Department of Nursing and the Division of Biblical and Theological Studies offer some exams for which the student may be granted credits based on the successful completion of the challenge exam. The exams are listed in the course schedule. A fee rather than tuition applies. Specific information regarding these examinations is available from the Department of Nursing and the Division of Biblical and Theological Studies. Contact the Office of the Registrar for further information.