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 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 quantitative reasoning, 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. Present 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 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 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 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

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

Domain 1: Religion (4–12 quarter units)

The study of religion must include an average of four units of religion coursework for each year* of the LLU portion of the program. All required religion courses must be taken from Loma Linda University.

One religion course dealing with the spiritual heritage of the philosophy and mission of Loma Linda University is required of all graduates. 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.

*

The determination of a “year” will be based on the program definition as approved by University Academic Affairs Committee and reflected in the catalog.

Domain 2: Arts and humanities (16 quarter units)

The study of humanities must include a minimum of 16 units from at least three of the following content areas: civilization/history, art, literature, language, philosophy, religion, or general humanities electives. A minimum of 3 quarter units in an area is required to meet a “content area.”

Domain 3: Scientific inquiry and quantitative reasoning (12 quarter units)

The study of natural sciences must include a minimum of 12 units. At least one course in college algebra or statistics is required. Additional units must be selected from two of the following content areas: biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, and physics; and one course must include a lab component.

Domain 4: Social sciences (12 quarter units)

The study of social sciences must include a minimum of 12 units 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 5: Written and oral communication (9 quarter units)

Coursework in communication must include a minimum of 9 units, including 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 6: Health and wellness (2 quarter units)

The study of health and wellness must include a minimum of 2 units, including at least two separate physical activity courses totaling a minimum of one quarter unit or have military discharge papers (DD214); and a didactic course in health or nutrition (e.g., personal health, personal nutrition, population health, global health, or community nutrition).

General education courses offered by the schools are listed below in Domains 1–6.  Courses are also available through Acadeum, a consortium of online courses.

Descriptions for general education courses are available by clicking on the prefix and number of the courses listed below.

Domain 1: Religion (4–12 quarter units)

Domain 2: Arts and Humanities (16 quarter units)

Domain 3: Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (12 quarter units)

Domain 4: Social Sciences (12 quarter units)

¹

Fulfills cultural diversity requirement

Domain 5: Written and Oral Communication (9 quarter units)

Domain 6: Health and Wellness (2 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 Find a Course.