Biola University crest

Biola University

La Mirada, United States Founded 1908

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Acronyms: BU
Founded: 1908
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Nondenominational
Motto: Equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ
Colours: Red and white
Mascot: Eagle
Biola University campus scene
1 / 2

Founded in 1908, the Biola University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of La Mirada (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), California.

Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, Biola University (BU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Nondenominational religion. Biola University (BU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 116-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

BU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Biola University's campus location, postal address, and the channels students typically use to reach the admissions team. Verified contact points help avoid third-party impersonators.

Address: 13800 Biola Avenue
Postal Code: 90639-0001
Phone: +1 (562) 903 6000
Fax: +1 (562) 903 4761
Social Media:

Academic Details

Biola University's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are summarised below. Use this section to gauge institutional weight before drilling into specific programmes.

Recognition: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Total Students: 3,474
Student Enrollment: 5
Academic Staff Range: 200-299
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) International Council for Higher Education (ICHE) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Biola University's internal academic units — faculties, schools, and institutes — are grouped below. The breakdown helps when navigating departmental websites and specific contact points.

Unit 7 items
  • Crowell School of Business
  • Rosemead School of Psychology
  • School of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Education
  • School of Intercultural Studies
  • School of Professional Studies
  • Talbot School of Theology

Programs Offered

Search the Biola University programme catalogue or scan it by degree level. The catalogue updates periodically; recently added programmes may not yet appear in some search-engine results.

92 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 50 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Climate Studies & Meteorology
Bachelor's Degree in Bible/Biblical Studies
Religious Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Education & Teaching
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry

Showing 10 of 50.

Master's Degree 28 programmes

Master's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Master's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Master's Degree in Bible/Biblical Studies
Religious Studies
Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Master's Degree in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy
Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Education, General
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
Entrepreneurship

Showing 10 of 28.

Doctorate 7 programmes

Doctorate in Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Education & Teaching
Doctorate in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Doctorate in Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
Liberal Arts
Doctorate in Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
Religious Studies
Doctorate in Religious Education
Religious Studies
Doctorate in Theological and Ministerial Studies
Religious Studies
Doctorate in Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
Religious Studies

Associate's Degree 1 programme

Associate's Degree in Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Religious Studies

Postgraduate Certificate 6 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Bible/Biblical Studies
Religious Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
Linguistics & Language Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Counselling & Psychotherapy
Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Theological and Ministerial Studies
Religious Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
Religious Studies

How to apply to Biola University

A short guide to applying to Biola University — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Biola University's catalogue includes 92 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Biola University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Submit your completed application through Biola University's official website at www.biola.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (562) 903 6000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Biola University

Common questions about Biola University answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.

In what year was Biola University established?

Biola University was founded in 1908 (approximately 118 years ago).

What city is Biola University in?

Biola University operates from La Mirada, United States.

Is Biola University public or private?

It is a private higher-education institution.

How big is Biola University's student body?

Biola University serves approximately 5,000-5,999 students.

What is Biola University's religious tradition?

Biola University operates within the Christian-Nondenominational tradition.

What is Biola University's academic structure?

The institution comprises 7 academic units.

Who recognises Biola University?

Yes, Biola University is recognised by WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Where can I learn more about Biola University?

The institution's website is www.biola.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Some the United States systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.

Members of Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)

Cross-credit recognition between Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) members reduces friction for students moving between universities. Biola University's membership often eases credit transfer to the institutions below.

Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Nondenominational

Universities affiliated with Christian-Nondenominational often align on chaplaincy provision, campus culture, and community values. These peers of Biola University carry the same tradition, useful for students prioritising spiritual continuity alongside academic fit.

Faculties at nearby universities

Below are universities sharing regional libraries and consortia with Biola University. Library reciprocity and shared databases can extend research access beyond what any single institution offers alone.

Where Else to Study Religious Studies

Interested in Religious Studies but want alternatives to Biola University? These institutions in the United States also offer programmes in this field, each with their own specialisations and admissions paths. Comparing the curriculum across schools often surfaces differences worth weighing.

Universities Compared with Biola University

Universities at a similar tier to Biola University appear below, useful for cross-comparison on academic credentials. Comparable institutions often share faculty mobility patterns and external recognition signals.

Browse all articles →

Spotted something outdated or missing?

Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.

Explore More Universities in United States

Free calculators and converters to plan your study-abroad journey.

Latest Articles

Fresh guides and advice for studying abroad.

View all →

Compare Compare