Biola Academic Calendar

Biola University's academic calendar serves as the backbone of campus life, meticulously structured to align with its Christian values and commitment to holistic education. As a private evangelical Christian university in La Mirada, California, Biola integrates faith into every aspect of its scheduling, ensuring that academic pursuits harmonize with spiritual growth and community engagement. The calendar typically follows a semester system, with fall and spring terms bookended by summer sessions, allowing for flexibility in course loads and extracurricular involvement. This structure has evolved over Biola's history, founded in 1908 as the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, adapting to modern higher education demands while preserving traditions like chapel services and mission trips. Compared to secular universities, Biola's calendar often incorporates faith-based observances, such as extended breaks for religious holidays, which can influence student planning differently. For instance, the alignment with Christian holidays provides unique opportunities for reflection and service, impacting international students who may need to navigate cultural adjustments. Prospective students should consider how these elements affect admissions timelines, with key deadlines designed to accommodate thorough application reviews that emphasize personal faith statements. The calendar's design supports diverse student needs, from full-time undergraduates to working professionals in graduate programs, by offering predictable patterns for planning family travel, coordinating with rival school events, or managing work schedules. Faculty and staff benefit from clear deadlines for grading and administrative tasks, fostering a balanced environment. Historically, Biola has adjusted its calendar in response to global events, like pandemics, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. This overview highlights the calendar's role in facilitating academic success, personal development, and community building at Biola, encouraging users to explore further for personalized planning.