The entire PLNU community is committed to providing the highest caliber of academic experience available. The faculty takes their responsibility to you seriously. “I teach with the greatest excellence possible,” said Dr. Vic Heasley, professor of chemistry, “because the students are entrusting a major part of their career to me and four wonderful years of their lives which cannot be returned to them if I fail.”
Charlene Pate, assistant professor of writing, puts it this way, “I must consider the students’ needs as I think about, plan for, and deliver the knowledge I have that can help them become better thinkers, writers, communicators, learners, scholars and followers of Christ.”
A distinctive of Point Loma is that academics are supported by a myriad of learning and growth opportunities, including chapel services, ministries, missions, clubs, organizations, athletics, study abroad, and community life. Together, all these activities help create your PLNU experience and shape you for the future.
Academic FAQs
How will I know what courses to take this fall?
PLNU uses a research-based prescriptive model of course registration for all incoming new students. Using the personal profile you submitted earlier this year, your interests and preferences were matched with the requirements for the academic major you have selected. Because the faculty has prescribed your first semester courses, you have the optimal schedule for completing educational goals and degree requirements in a timely manner. Later this fall, you will meet with your faculty advisor and plan your course schedule for the spring semester.
When will I receive my class schedule?
You will receive your schedule, along with your student account statement, in the next NSO mailing around July 1. You can also access financial information through your student portal at https://my.pointloma.edu. The New Student Registration webpage also has complete information regarding fall class schedules, academic majors, AP scores, and transfer and readmitted student registration. Information regarding schedules can be received by calling the Academic Support Hotline at (619) 849-3333.
What can I major in at Point Loma?
Point Loma Nazarene University offers more than 40 majors, some with concentrations, from accounting to theatre. Normally, students select a major no later than their sophomore year. For a list of majors, concentrations and minors, please visit Areas of Study.
Can I earn a minor in a different academic program?
Yes. Though not a requirement for the baccalaureate degree, academic minors are offered in several departments and schools.
What about special placement questions?
Point Loma not only requires students to meet minimum standards in mathematics, writing and foreign language, but also makes it possible for advancement in your program through the College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) program, the International Baccalaureate (IB), and the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). Specific information regarding credits for the AP program can be found within the Academic section of our site. More information is available at www.pointloma.edu/academics "Special Features."
How do I receive credit for advanced placement?
Students who have completed an AP exam at the high school level should request submission of these scores early so that appropriate decisions may be made for the first semester. Details regarding other placement issues are discussed in the current university catalog.
The 2008-09 Undergraduate Catalog will be available August 1 at www.pointloma.edu/catalog. You will receive a printed copy at NSO.
Do I have to take math at PLNU?
All students who attend PLNU must fulfill a general education mathematics requirement. Students who have passed (score of 3, 4 or 5) the AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC exam have satisfied this requirement. However, all students are required to show up for the mathematics exam during New Student Orientation.If you are exempt from taking this exam, you will be notified at that time.
The results of this exam are available in less than 24 hours and can be used by academic advisors to place students in the appropriate mathematics course for their program of study. Calculators are allowed on the exam. Further information about the exam can be found at: www.pointloma.edu/MICS/MathematicsPlacementExam.htm.
What is Point Loma’s writing requirement?
PLNU requires five units of composition as the standard writing component of the general education curriculum. Most freshmen will be scheduled to take WRI 110 College Composition based on the results of their SAT verbal scores. WRI 110 is a five-unit, one-semester course that covers both essay and research writing.
Students scoring less than 420 on the verbal portion of the SAT will take their freshman writing requirement at a more reflective pace in a two-course, two-semester sequence.
Students scoring above 690 on the verbal portion of the SAT may take a PLNU departmental examination that may qualify them to take Honors Composition, a three-unit course, to meet this same requirement.
Do I need a foreign language to graduate?
Yes, foreign language through the elementary level is required. Normally, students with two years of high school foreign language are placed at the elementary university level. Students with four years of study in high school should contact the Department of Literature, Journalism and Modern Languages for placement information.
What does Point Loma offer to help me with my studies?
The Tutorial Center collaborates with faculty to provide qualified tutors and offers a variety of services that assist students in their academic work, free of charge. Services include: tutoring by appointment, paper editing, review sessions, study skill aids, computers and assistive software, and scheduled workshops. To make an appointment, call (619) 849-2953.