With the start of the spring 2023 semester, Biola has been making multiple changes including course modifications that will cut eight online programs and two academic programs. Students will no longer be able to enroll in the discontinued courses this academic semester. 

In two press releases published on the Biola University website in December 2022 the university announced the new changes that continuing, incoming and prospective students should expect. 

According to both press releases,“Biola’s leadership has made a number of decisions in order to align the university to the current student population and close under-enrolled programs that are no longer sustainable for the university.” 

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

This semester, Biola will discontinue the undergraduate program for interdisciplinary studies. Students who are currently enrolled in this major will complete and receive their degrees; however, prospective students interested in this program will no longer have the option. 

Along with interdisciplinary studies, the graduate program for public relations and strategic communication will no longer be offered. Biola made the decision to remove the programs due to low enrollment and a rise in costs. 

“The enrollment numbers have remained low in these programs, and consequently have not reached the projected enrollment growth goals,” the press release stated. “The university can no longer sustain programs with low enrollment and low market demand.”

All students in this program are assured a quality education to complete their degrees. 

ONLINE PROGRAMS

Out of the eleven online programs Biola offers to students, eight will be discontinued this semester. Undergraduate students should no longer expect Organizational Leadership, Public Relations and Digital Media Management, Interdisciplinary Studies, Entertainment Business, Early Childhood, Communication, Applied Public Health or Biblical Ministries to be listed in the online catalog. Students will no longer be able to enroll in these programs starting this semester. 

Students will only have three online programs as options — Applied Psychology, Business Management and Bible, Theology and Apologetics — which maintain a high enrollment rate. 

Current students are expected to complete their degrees within the next three years. All students — incoming, continuing and prospective — are encouraged to connect with their academic counselor to discuss their next steps. The discontinuation of the programs has been justified as a way to strengthen the opportunities offered by the university. 

“These closures will free up margin to make Biola even more competitive in those areas where we have the most opportunity,” Dr. Matthew J. Hall, provost and senior vice president, said in the press release.