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:
- Present the fundamental Christian principles and Adventist heritage that undergird Loma Linda University;
- Make informed moral and ethical decisions;
- Incorporate critical thinking skills into personal and professional experience;
- Value individuals with diverse capabilities and ideological, ethnic, gender, and generational perspectives;
- Communicate effectively;
- Undertake scientific inquiry and analysis;
- Appreciate the contributions of the arts and humanities to society;
- Examine the historical basis of the health sciences professions;
- Develop self-awareness through balance of mental, physical, social, and spiritual aspects of daily living;
- 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 members are selected who embrace the spirit as well as the specifics of general education. In addition, they purpose to extend these general education 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. This spirit, in tandem with the specifics of a liberal arts education, 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 10 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 upon 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 four units of religion coursework 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 four 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)
Coursework 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 one 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. Courses are also available through the Online Consortium of Independent Colleges and Universities (OCICU).
Descriptions for general education courses are available in Section IV—The Courses—of this CATALOG.
Domain 1: Religion and Humanities (28–32 quarter units)
Humanities | ||
AHCJ 225 | History of Radiation and Imaging 1890-1940 | 3 |
AHCJ 226 | History of Radiation and Imaging 1940-Present Day | 3 |
AHCJ 324 | Psychosocial Models and Interventions | 2 |
AHCJ 422 | History of Disability | 3 |
CMSD 217 | Beginning Sign Language | 3 |
Religion | ||
RELE 455 | Christian Understanding of Sexuality | 2 |
RELE 456 | Personal and Professional Ethics | 3 |
RELE 457 | Christian Ethics and Health Care | 2 |
RELR 404 | Christian Service | 1,2 |
RELR 408 | Christian Perspectives on Marriage and the Family | 2 |
RELR 409 | Christian Perspectives on Death and Dying | 3 |
RELR 427 | Crisis Counseling | 2 |
RELR 429 | Cultural Issues in Religion | 2 |
RELR 475 | Whole Person Care | 2 |
RELT 404 | New Testament Writings | 2 |
RELT 406 | Adventist Beliefs and Life | 3 |
RELT 415 | Christian Theology and Popular Culture | 2 |
RELT 416 | God and Human Suffering | 2 |
RELT 423 | Loma Linda Perspectives | 2 |
RELT 436 | Adventist Heritage and Health | 2 |
RELT 437 | Current Issues in Adventism | 2 |
RELT 440 | World Religions | 2 |
RELT 464 | Paul's Message in Romans | 2 |
Domain 2: Scientific Inquiry and Analysis (24–32 quarter units)
Natural sciences | ||
AHCJ 101 | Introductory Chemistry | 4 |
AHCJ 102 | Introductory Organic Chemistry | 4 |
AHCJ 103 | Introductory Biochemistry | 4 |
AHCJ 111 | Introductory Physics | 4 |
AHCJ 112 | Introductory Physics | 4 |
AHCJ 241 | Microbiology | 2.5 |
AHCJ 242 | Microbiology | 2.5 |
AHCJ 250 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 5 |
AHCJ 251 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 5 |
AHCJ 402 | Pathology I | 4 |
AHCJ 403 | Pathology II | 3 |
AHCJ 418 | Physiology I | 4 |
AHRM 471 | Statistics and Research for Health Professionals I | 3 |
AHRM 472 | Statistics and Research for Health Professionals II | 3 |
AHRM 475 | Health-Care Research and Statistics | 4 |
CMSD 376 | Anatomy of Speech-Hearing Mechanism | 4 |
DNHY 390 | Introductory Statistics | 2 |
Social sciences | ||
AHCJ 228 | Hispanic Culture for Allied Health Professionals | 4 |
AHCJ 305 | Infectious Disease and the Health-Care Provider | 1 |
AHCJ 315 | Psychosocial Aspects of Health Care | 3 |
AHCJ 323 | Economics and Business Management | 3 |
AHCJ 324 | Psychosocial Models and Interventions | 2 |
AHCJ 328 | Wholeness Portfolio I | 1 |
AHCJ 331 | Human Resource Management | 3 |
AHCJ 407 | Financial Management | 2 |
AHCJ 498 | Wholeness Portfolio II | 1 |
ANTH 315 | Cultural Anthropology 1 | 4 |
DNHY 414 | Personal Finance | 2 |
PSYC 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
PSYC 226 | Life-Span Development | 4 |
PSYC 305 | Psychological Foundations of Education | 4 |
PSYC 460 | The Exceptional Individual | 3 |
PSYC 479 | Human Neuropsychology | 4 |
1 | Fulfills cultural diversity requirement |
Domain 3: Communication (9–13 quarter units)
AHCJ 308 | Professional Communications | 1-2 |
AHCJ 426 | Introduction to Computer Applications | 2 |
AHCJ 465 | Seminars in Leadership | 2 |
Domain 4: Health and Wellness (2–6 quarter units)
DTCS 301 | Human Nutrition | 3 |
DTCS 311 | Human and Clinical Nutrition for Nursing | 4 |
DTCS 312 | Clinical Nutrition for Nursing | 2 |
PEAC 110 | Independent Activities | 1 |
PEAC 128 | Recreation Swimming | 1 |
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
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 website at <http://www.llu.edu/students/> under the course schedules.