The Curricula

It is the goal of the university to provide an education in the liberal arts tradition and in professional areas, balancing a broadening experience in its general education program with the depth necessary to concentrate in one of the major programs.

The undergraduate curricula at Point Loma Nazarene University include a wide variety of programs. The university also encourages and assists students who wish to study abroad. Many programs feature internships and practicum experiences. Off-campus cooperative programs also offer students the benefits of spending a part of their educational experience in nearby locations or on the other side of the globe.

Baccalaureate Degrees

Point Loma Nazarene University offers a wide range of majors, minors, and concentrations within four baccalaureate categories: the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), the Bachelor of Science (B.S.), the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.), and the Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.). All programs of study reflect PLNU’s mission and core values to engage and challenge minds, to model and form character, and to express our faith in service. As such, each of the baccalaureate degrees listed above shares the core commitments of a liberal arts education. Each baccalaureate degree meets specific student needs and is characterized by a balance of general education courses and content-specific offerings. All baccalaureate degrees follow policies, standards, and student learning outcomes set by the university faculty and respected accrediting agencies, such as the total semester units required, upper-division level minimums, and optional minors where applicable.

The nature of the content and focus of B.S.N. and B.Mus. programs may be self-evident and share much in common with similar designations at other institutions. The distinctions between the B.A. and the B.S. degrees, however, are less specific within academe with each institution attempting a definition consistent with its mission and purpose. The faculty at Point Loma has therefore determined to reserve to itself the appropriate definition of arts and sciences baccalaureate programs.

For most of PLNU’s history, the B.A. degree has been the most prominent in the university’s liberal arts tradition. Generally speaking, the B.A. degree can be characterized by a concern for more breadth of subject material, a more extensive distribution of requirements, fewer designated-content units, an increased opportunity for electives outside the declared major, and enhanced capacity for mobility from one program to another. As a reflection of these characteristics, B.A. programs of study are generally smaller in size. The faculty has established that a typical B.A. degree have no more than 49 units beyond general education requirements. Exceptions to the number of units allowable are based on discipline-specific criteria or on requirements set by external accrediting agencies.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is generally characterized by increased units of study in the major field and related areas; an increase in the total number of required units in the program; in-depth scientific, technical, or professional study; attention to scientific methodologies; a more developed pattern of course sequencing; and a relatively greater degree of specialization. As a reflection of these characteristics, B.S. programs of study tend to be larger than B.A. programs. The faculty has established that a typical B.S. degree have no more than 59 units beyond general education requirements. Exceptions to the number of units allowable are based on discipline-specific criteria or on requirements set by external accrediting agencies.

All baccalaureate programs listed above are designed in service of a defined set of student learning outcomes that state the anticipated results of completing the degree program. These programmatic learning outcomes are consonant with the broader institutional learning outcomes that flow out of PLNU’s mission and core values.

General Education

The purpose of general education is to provide a common educational experience, to develop essential skills, and to provide a broad cultural background for personal and professional growth. The general education curriculum is listed under a four-fold division. This structure provides continuity with the Wesleyan approach to knowledge by emphasizing the human response as foundational to the developing, exploring, and seeking aspects of education. The divisions, although not mutually exclusive or all-encompassing, organize similar themes relevant to faith and learning. Each complements the others and, in each, conscious efforts are made to reveal connections, develop perspectives, and build synthetic thinking skills. These divisions are: Responding to the Sacred, Developing Cognitive Skills, Exploring an Interdependent World, and Seeking Cultural Perspectives.

General Education Learning Outcomes

Learning: Informed by our Faith in Christ

Students will

• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, both as individuals and in groups;
• Use quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, and logic skills to address questions and solve problems; and
• Demonstrate the effective and responsible use of information from a variety of sources.

Growing: In a Christ-Centered Faith Community

Students will

• Examine the complexity of systems in the light of the reconciling work of God in Christ; and
• Demonstrate a respect for the relationships within and across diverse communities.

Serving: In a Context of Christian Faith

Students will

• Engage in acts of devotion and works of mercy informed by the Christian scriptures and tradition, rooted in local congregations, and expressed as love of God and neighbor.

General Education Committee

The general education program is approved and sustained by the faculty under the direction of a faculty committee. The General Education Committee directs an on-going cycle of review and improvement based on established goals and objectives.

General Education Prerequisites

Students are required to demonstrate basic competence in mathematics and writing based on standardized test scores. Any remedial courses, numbered below 100, taken to satisfy competency requirements, are in addition to the minimum of 128 units required for graduation.

General Education Requirements

The specific requirements in general education, as established by the faculty, represent a broad-based experience in skills and ideas. The following selection of courses is designed to guide the student toward a liberalizing educational experience in the arts and sciences while allowing for substantial choice in the development of that education.

I. Responding to the Sacred

A study of Scripture and Christian heritage as foundational in the pursuit of knowledge and the development of personal values.

Students transferring to the university for the first time with 48 or more units, none of which are in religion, take only five units in this category at Point Loma Nazarene University (three of which must be at the upper-division level).

A. Biblical Foundations [2 courses; 5 units]

Course	Title	Units
BIB 101	Old Testament History and Religion	2
BIB 102	New Testament History and Religion	3

B. The Christian Tradition [3-6 UNITS]

Course	Title	Units
THE 306	The Life of Holiness OR	3
CHU 395	The Christian Tradition	3

II. Developing Cognitive Abilities

A pursuit of personal awareness and skill development, focusing on the analytical, communication, and quantitative skills necessary for successful living in modern society.

A. Personal Development [1 course; 3-4 units]

Course	Title	Units
PSY 101	Psychology of Personal Development     Required of first-time freshmen (those graduating from high school the spring prior to attending PLNU), as well as transfer students with fewer than 24 units transferred. All others take:	4
PSY 103	General Psychology Required of transfer students with 24 semester units or more .	3

B. Critical Thinking and Communication [2 courses; 6-8 units]
All students must fulfill the composition requirement prior to the junior year.

Course	Title	Units
WRI 110	College Composition OR	5
WRI 115-116*	College Composition OR	3, 2
WRI 120	Honors in College Composition	3
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
COM 100	Principles of Human Communication OR	3
COM 231	Argumentation and Debate	3
*Note: A diagnostic exam given in the beginning of the semester will determine if the student needs to co-enroll in Writing 097, along with Writing 110, Writing 115, or Writing 116.

C. Problem Solving [1 course; 3-4 units]

Course	Title	Units
MTH 303	Problem Solving OR	3
MTH 144	Calculus with Applications OR	4
MTH 164	Calculus I	4

III. Exploring an Interdependent World

An introduction to the natural and social sciences as tools for exploring the world, with emphasis on collecting and interpreting empirical data for both theoretical and practical purposes.

A. The Natural World [2 courses; one from each group, and at least one with a lab; 8-9 units]
Biological Science [1 course from this group]

Course	Title	Units
BIO 101	Human Biology and Bioethics	4
BIO 102	Environmental Biology	4
BIO 103	Introduction to Biology	4
BIO 104	Biotechnology and Society	4
BIO 105	Ecology and Conservation	4
BIO 130	Human Anatomy and Physiology	4
BIO 210	Cell Biology and Bio-Chemistry	4

Physical Science [1 course from this group]

Course	Title	Units
CHE 101	Chemistry and Society	4
CHE 103	Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry	5
CHE 152	General Chemistry I	4
PHY 141	General Physics I	4
PHY 241	University Physics I	4
PSC 103	Earth Science	4
PSC 105	The Cosmos	4
PSC 110	Physical Science	4

B. Physical Fitness and Nutrition [2 courses; 2-4 units]
One of the following courses is required:

Course	Title	Units
PED 100	Fitness through Movement	1
PED 300	Optimal Health	2
FCS 315	Personal, Family, and Community Health	3
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Any activity course numbered Physical Education 102-184 OR one of the following is required:
PED 211	Individual and Dual Sports I	2
PED 212	Team Sports Strategies	2
PED 213	Individual and Dual Sports II	2

C. The Social World [1 course; 3-4 units]
One of the following in:

Course	Title	Units
ECO 101	Principles of Economics I	3
ECO 102	Principles of Economics II	3
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
POL 101	Introduction  to Political Science	3
POL 190	The Politics of Race, Class, and Gender	4
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology	3
SOC 103	Social Problems	3
SOC 201	Cultural Anthropology	3

IV. Seeking Cultural Perspectives

A survey of human endeavors from a historical, cultural, linguistic, and philosophical perspective, including developing critical appreciation of human expression–both artistic and literary.

A. The History of World Civilizations [2 courses; 6 units]

Course	Title	Units
HIS 110	World Civilizations I	3
HIS 111	World Civilizations II	3

B. The Fine Arts [2 courses from distinct areas; 4-5 units]

Course	Title	Units
ART 100	Introduction to Art	2
ART 102	Fundamentals of Art	3
ART 200	History of Art I	3
ART 201	History of Art II	3
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MUH 100	Introduction to Music	2
MUH 101	Introduction to Listening	2
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TRE 101	Introduction to Theatre	2

C. Philosophy [1 course; 3 units]

Course	Title	Units
PHL 201	Introduction to Philosophy	3
PHL 211	Ethics	3
B.S.N. candidates choose between two Literature options or one Literature and one Philosophy.

D. Literature [2 courses; 5-6 units]
Two courses, at least one from the Masterpieces category.
Masterpieces:

Course	Title	Units
LIT 201	Masterpieces of World Literature I	3
LIT 202	Masterpieces of World Literature II	3
LIT 203	Masterpieces of World Literature III	3

Great Works:

Course	Title	Units
LIT 205	Great Works in a Literary Genre: The Novel	2
LIT 206	Great Works in a Literary Genre: Drama	2
LIT 207	Great Works in a Literary Genre: Poetry	2
LIT 208	Great Works in a Literary Genre: Short Story	2
LIT 209	Great Works in a Literary Genre: Film	2
LIT 325	Children's Literature	3
LIT 460	The Human Challenge	3

E. Foreign Language* [2 courses; 8-9 units]
One of the following sequences in the same language, all or part of which may be waived by examination or by petition when English is not the student's native language:

Course	Title	Units
SPA 101	Elementary Spanish I	4
SPA 102	Elementary Spanish II	4
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
GER 101	Elementary German I	4
GER 102	Elementary German II	4
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FRE 101	Elementary French I	4
FRE 102	Elementary French II	4
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
BLA 205	Essentials of Hebrew I	4
BLA 206	Essentials of Hebrew II	4
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
BLA 207	Essentials of Greek I	3
BLA 208	Essentials of Greek II	3
BLA 337	Exegesis of Greek New Testament I	3
NOTE: A foreign language is not required for B.S.N. candidates

Major and Minors

The Major. Point Loma Nazarene University offers four baccalaureate degrees: the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), the Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.), the Bachelor of Science (B.S.), and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.). Many of the 50+ major programs also offer in-depth concentrations.

If a second major area of study is desired, all requirements for both majors must be met with a minimum of 24 units distinguishing the two areas of study. While working on a single baccalaureate degree, the maximum number of pursuits is two majors and two minors.

Students should review the majors and minors list in the catalog.

The Minor. Optional minors are offered in several schools and departments. The requirements governing minors are as follows:

• Only minors that appear in the student’s catalog of record may be earned at the point of graduation;
• A minor is at least 16 units and is under the direct auspices of the respective school/department;
• Students must earn a 2.000 cumulative GPA in the minor for it to be granted;
• The minor must show a minimum of nine (9) units in residence;
• Of the 16+ units in the minor, nine (9) must be distinct from and not counted in the major;
• Of the 16+ units in the minor, 12 must be at the upper-division level;
• The pass/no credit option is not available for courses within the minor; and
• A second minor, when feasible, requires a minimum of nine (9) units distinct from and not counted either in the major or in the first minor.

Honors Scholars Program

Near the end of the junior year, a student who has demonstrated exceptional scholarship and capacity for serious and creative study or research, and who has maintained a 3.500 cumulative GPA, may apply for entry into the Honors Scholars program. With the guidance of a major professor, and in community with other Honors Scholars, the student will complete an honors project during the senior year. Successful scholars will receive special recognition at commencement ceremonies and on the university transcript of record. Criteria, qualifications, and procedures are available in the Wesleyan Center, located on the lower floor, west side of the Bond Academic Center.

Students who are accepted into the Honors Scholars program register in the fall semester for Honors 498 (two units), as listed below. This represents the initial phase of work on the required project. In the spring of the senior year, students register for Honors 499 (one unit) in order to complete the project.

Before formal acceptance into the Honors Scholars program, students may register for Honors 399 (up to a total of 4 units).  This course is not an eligibility requirement for the program, and completion of Honors 399 does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

HONORS 399  (1-2) FOUNDATIONS OF INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
A course designed to assist students in doing the substantial background work needed to prepare for an honors project. This course is meant to support those students whose majors do not offer other means of preparing the foundation for such projects. This course is not a prerequisite for Honors 498 and may be repeated up to a total of 4 units. Graded Credit/No Credit.
Prerequisite: Consent of the director of the Honors Scholars Program and the respective department chair/school dean.

HONORS 498 (2) HONORS PROJECT I
An intensive project to be completed by students who are designated as Point Loma Nazarene University Honors Scholars. The course includes the first stage of a seminal study within a scholar’s major under the supervision of a faculty advisor. In the liberal arts tradition, scholars from different disciplines meet together every week to discuss progress on their projects. The interdisciplinary portion of the course includes a workshop on project preparation and presentation. The experience culminates with the scholar’s formal presentation of progress to his/her Advisory Committee not later than December 15. Graded Credit/No Credit. Offered each fall.
Prerequisite: Normally restricted to students in the senior year with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.500 or higher. Approval of the director of the Honors Scholars program and the department chair/school dean in which the scholar's major is housed.

HONORS 499 (1) HONORS PROJECT II
A continuation of Honors 498. In this course, students meet regularly with their advisor, complete their project, and prepare for two formal presentations: one to their Advisory Committee and a second at the Point Loma Nazarene University Honors Conference held in mid-April. Honors projects are bound and kept as an annual collection in the university's Ryan Library. Graded Credit/No Credit. Offered each spring.
Prerequisite: Honors 498.

Teaching Credentials

Courses necessary to satisfy the requirements for the following teaching credentials are offered. The requirements presented in the School of Education section are in addition to the requirements for the baccalaureate major.

• Single-Subject Teaching Credential – 2042 (Secondary) (Teacher Education)
• Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential – 2042 (Elementary) (Teacher Education) 

Pre-Professional and Cooperative Programs

Engineering
Kendall Mallory, Advisor
Three options are open to students who wish to work toward a degree in some branch of engineering.

• Those interested in engineering with an electronics emphasis such as electrical, hardware or systems engineering may choose to earn a degree in Engineering Physics at Point Loma Nazarene University (see Department of Physics and Engineering).
• Those interested in pursuing further study towards a M.S. degree in engineering may also choose to earn a degree in Engineering Physics at Point Loma Nazarene University (see Department of Physics and Engineering). 
• Those choosing a B.S. level professional degree in other branches of engineering may choose to take two or three years of basic course work at this university followed by a transfer to an engineering school of their choice.

Interested students may seek counsel from the Engineering advisor.

Pre-law
D. Michael McKinney, Advisor
The Pre-Law program is designed to provide those considering legal careers with all the information and support they need to assist them with the accomplishment of their goals. While most of the program centers on the concerns of those planning to attend law school, counsel is also available for those contemplating paralegal, government, and other law-related careers.

There is no “Pre-Law Major” as such, since the American Association of Law Schools and almost all ABA-approved law schools discourage such programs. Instead, the Point Loma program focuses on assisting students of any major with information on the best preparation for law school, including: the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), application procedures and strategies, internships, the bar exam, and practice and placement issues.

The Pre-Law program brings speakers to the university in small-group settings and provides a wide variety of programs. Guests include law school admissions officers, practicing attorneys, judges, and others involved in legal careers. In addition, the advisors (one a practicing attorney) provide individualized counseling for all Pre-Law participants. The advisors also administer an internship program through which selected Point Loma students are placed for a semester with the Curator’s Office of the Supreme Court of the United States. Students interested in any aspect of the Pre-Law program should contact the advisors early in their academic career.

Pre-medical/Pre-dental/Pre-veterinarian/Pre-pharmacy/Pre-optometry
Sara Yu Choung, Advisor
Students may prepare themselves for admission to educational institutions specializing in the health professions by pursuing a four-year program of study as suggested by the Pre-Health Professions Advisor. These schools make no requirements regarding the choice of major for students preparing for the health professions but encourage a broad liberal arts background in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. Most students interested in careers in the health professions at Point Loma choose to major in the natural sciences or mathematics. If students choose a major other than these, they must be prepared to do especially well in science courses. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, the specific requirements for admission into health professions programs include one year each of general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and physics, and one semester of calculus. Many also require a course in statistics and expect or require more than a minimum number of credits in biology.

A Pre-Health Professions Committee of the faculty follows the progress of each student and is available to advise the student and write recommendations when the student applies to educational institutions for the health professions, usually during the summer of the junior year. The Pre-Medical Program is designed to aid and encourage student candidates through a visiting speaker program, orientation meetings, suggestions in preparing for entrance exams, practice interviews, special experiences such as research opportunities, and critiques of application materials. Prospective students are advised that high grades and entrance exam scores are essential. Participation in the committee process is required for all pre-medical students.

Pre-Physical Therapy and Allied Health
Leon M. Kugler and Rebecca J. Flietstra, Co-advisors
Students of various academic majors intending to attend physical therapy school must prepare adequately for the rigors of graduate school and groom themselves for the application process. Interested students will receive advisement on accredited programs, prerequisites, and admission standards. The advisors assist in internship placement, preparation for the application process including letter of recommendation decisions and the admission interview paradigm. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) preparation strategies and course sequence advising are offered. Prospective students are advised that high grades and entrance exam scores are essential.

Interaction with professionals in the physical therapy and medical fields is encouraged through two or three clinical internship placements, the first of which occurs as early as the second semester of the sophomore year, the biannual distinguished lecture series, contact with the university sport team physician and original research leading to Honors Scholar status at graduation. These interactions are beneficial to personal and pre-professional development and enhance the prospect of graduate school admission.

AFROTC, AROTC, and NROTC Programs
Scott N. Shoemaker, Advisor
Two- to four-year programs in Air Force, Army, and Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps, are offered in cooperation with San Diego State University and the University of San Diego. Upon completion of the program and all requirements for a bachelor’s degree, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Air Force, Army, and Marines, and as Ensigns in the Navy. In addition to the leadership courses listed on the admissions office website, students are typically required to take a four to six-week Field Training Camp or cruise during the summer. Further information on these programs may be obtained from the ROTC advisor at Point Loma Nazarene University or from the Aerospace Studies Department, 619-594-5545, and the Military Science Department, 619-594-4943, at San Diego State University or the Department of Naval Science, 619-260-2288, at the University of San Diego.