Division of General Studies

General education requirements

The Division of General Studies offers general education courses that contribute to the fulfillment of requirements that apply to the Bachelor of Science degree programs in the Schools of Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, and Nursing. In addition, these schools offer a variety of general education courses that are open to students across all schools. The Division of General Studies also provides oversight for courses that may be selected to enrich a student's academic experience but that do not fulfill Loma Linda University general education requirements.

Loma Linda University philosophy of general education

As a Seventh-day Adventist health sciences institution, Loma Linda University seeks to exemplify a life of service and sensitivity beyond the requirements of academic excellence within a professional discipline. With its rich spiritual heritage, the University places special emphasis on educating its students for a life of service in a global community.

General education at Loma Linda University consists of courses, lectures, programs, and activities coordinated with the intent to integrate faith and learning. In addition to the basics of cultural heritage and diversity, scientific inquiry and analysis, communication, and wellness, the curriculum emphasizes the University's spiritual heritage; as well as moral and ethical decision making that is grounded in Christian principles.

Thus, a general education is considered to be the cornerstone upon which students begin cultivating their abilities to:

1. Understand the fundamental Christian principles and Adventist heritage that undergird Loma Linda University.
2. Make informed moral and ethical decisions.
3. Incorporate critical thinking skills into personal and professional experience.
4. Value individuals with diverse capabilities and ideological, ethnic, gender, and generational perspectives.
5. Communicate effectively.
6. Undertake scientific inquiry and analysis.
7. Appreciate the contributions of the arts and humanities to society.
8. Examine the historical basis of the health sciences professions.
9. Develop self-awareness through balance of mental, physical, social, and spiritual aspects of daily living.
10. Model servant leadership in health care as exemplified by Jesus of Nazareth.

The Loma Linda University philosophy of general education creates a unique learning environment committed to the concept of human wholeness. Faculty are selected who embrace the spirit as well as the specifics of general education and who purpose to extend its goals into all aspects of University life—from the residence hall programs to the core of professional studies—thus adding an invisible curriculum to the required course offerings. It is this spirit in tandem with the specifics of a liberal arts education that inspires students to achieve academic excellence, value diversity, pursue lifelong learning, and live to bless others.

Loma Linda University criteria for general education courses

• The course assists the health sciences student in cultivating abilities in one or more of the preceding ten aspects described in the Loma Linda University philosophy of general education for baccalaureate degrees.
• The primary focus of the course contributes to the relevant knowledge and understanding of a subject area within one of the following domains described in the Loma Linda University general education requirements for baccalaureate degrees.
• The course is based on appropriate prerequisites, particularly when offered at the upper division level.
• The course is open to all baccalaureate degree students of Loma Linda University for general education credit.
• Courses transferred to Loma Linda University for general education credit from another accredited institution must fall within one of the domains described in Loma Linda University's general education requirements for the baccalaureate degree.

Loma Linda University general education requirements (68 quarter units)

In harmony with its commitment to wholeness, Loma Linda University requires all students graduating with a baccalaureate degree to complete a minimum of 68 quarter units of general education, which are integrated into the entire undergraduate program. Requirements are organized into five domains, as outlined in the following:

Domain 1: Religion and Humanities (28–32 quarter units)

The study of religion must include an average of 4 units of religion course work for every 48 quarter units earned while attending a Seventh-day Adventist college or university. For students who did not earn all their credit at a Seventh-day Adventist college or university, the required religion units will be prorated based on the number of credits earned at a Seventh-day Adventist college or university (i.e., one unit for every 12 units taken at a Seventh-day Adventist institution). All students earning a bachelor's degree, including those who have met the preceding requirements, must take at least one course in religion from Loma Linda University (see following paragraph). All required credits in religion must be earned from a Seventh-day Adventist institution, but it is strongly recommended that students at other institutions include some religion as part of the overall requirement for Domain 1.

One religion course dealing with the spiritual heritage of the philosophy and mission of Loma Linda University is required of all graduates and must be taken from Loma Linda University. Courses that fulfill this requirement are: RELT 406 Adventist Beliefs and Life, RELT 423 Loma Linda Perspectives, RELT 436 Adventist Heritage and Health, and RELT 437 Current Issues in Adventism.

Students whose required units in religion from a Seventh-day Adventist institution have been prorated (reduced) are encouraged to make up the additional units in Domain 1 (28 quarter units) with further religion courses and/or additional units in humanities from Loma Linda University.

The study of humanities must include a minimum of 12 units. The credits in humanities must be selected from at least three of the following areas: civilization/history, fine arts, literature, modern language, performing/visual arts (not to exceed 4 quarter units), philosophy, or general humanities elective.

Domain 2: Scientific Inquiry and Analysis (24–32 quarter units)

Scientific inquiry and analysis encompass both the natural and social sciences. The study of natural sciences must include a minimum of 12 units. The units in natural sciences must be selected from two of the following content areas: biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, physics, and statistics.  At least one natural science course must include a lab component.

The study of social sciences must include a minimum of 12 units. Units in social sciences must be selected from two of the following content areas: anthropology, economics, geography, political sciences, psychology, and sociology. One course (or components integrated into several courses) dealing specifically with issues of human diversity is required.

Domain 3: Communication (9–13 quarter units)

Course work in communication must include a complete sequence in English composition that meets the baccalaureate degree requirements of a four-year college or university. Other areas of study in communication may include courses in computer information systems, critical thinking, and public speaking.

Domain 4: Health and Wellness (2–6 quarter units)

To encourage the pursuit of lifelong leisure activities and wellness, the study of health and wellness must include at least two separate physical activity courses totaling a minimum of 1 quarter unit; and one course in personal health or nutrition. Additional units may include other areas of health, nutrition, and physical fitness.

Domain 5: Electives

Electives from the previous four domains may be selected to complete the general education minimum requirements of 68 quarter units.

General education courses offered by the schools are listed below in Domains 1–4.

Descriptions for general education courses are available in Section IV—The Courses—of this CATALOG.

Domain 1: Religion and Humanities (28–32 quarter units)

Domain 2: Scientific Inquiry and Analysis (24–32 quarter units)

Domain 3: Communication (9–13 quarter units)

Domain 4: Health and Wellness (2–6 quarter units)

Domain 5: Electives

Electives from Domains 1-4 may be selected to complete the general education minimum requirements of 68 quarter units.

Loma Linda University general education courses—online and booklet

A complete listing of courses offered each academic term at this University to meet general education domain requirements is included on the Loma Linda University Web site at <llu.edu/central/ssweb> under the course schedules.

By linking from Course Schedules to General Education Brochure and Course Descriptions, the student has access also to the entire list of general education courses and course descriptions. This list is also available at the above Web site as a printable booklet—"Loma Linda University General Education Philosophy, Requirements, and Courses."