Academics
Located in sunny southern California, Biola University is a unique mid-sized private college where all faculty, staff, and students are professing Christians. The school’s focus on learning is equaled by its attention to spirituality, and students find that the biblically-centered academics “hold [them] to a high degree of moral standard and accountability.” The curriculum incorporates “the things we care about into lessons (connections to real life scenarios, jobs, and the Bible)” and integrates “outside experiences such as field-related volunteer work, observation hours, and internships” to offer “rigorous yet engaging” programs. The integration of faith into academia is a strength most often cited by students, and the school “does not shy away from being countercultural in order to prepare students to preach the gospel in fields like journalism, physics, or psychology.”
The “helpful and unique” Biola professors “actually care about each student,” and one student goes so far as to say the professors “will have your name memorized by the second day.” Another adds, “The professors are well-trained and patient when it comes to the learning process for students.” Additionally, there is “great professor-to-student communication,” and “if you miss a day of class, you'll receive an email from the professor to make sure you understand that you can come to them for help.” Similarly, “the academic advising center and counselors also help students as much as possible.” Wherever you turn, “intellectual conversation abounds on campus,” and within the classroom, students “are encouraged to ask questions about their faith and how it relates to their lives.”