Baccalaureate Degree Information

Point Loma Nazarene University offers a wide range of majors, minors, and concentrations within five baccalaureate categories: the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), the Bachelor of Science (B.S.), the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.), the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.), and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.). 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 Foundational Explorations 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.B.A., B.S.E., and B.S.N. 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.

Majors, Minors, and Certificates

The Major. Point Loma Nazarene University offers five baccalaureate degrees: the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.), the Bachelor of Science (B.S.), the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.), 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 majors. When pursuing dual degrees (such as a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science major), all requirements for both degrees must be met with a minimum of 24 units distinguishing the two majors for both degrees to be earned. The maximum number of pursuits is two majors and two minors. Students should review the majors and minors listed in the catalog.

Freshman students transferring in 56 credits or fewer must complete all requirements for the degree within 7 years of initial matriculation. Students transferring in 57 credits or more must complete all requirements for the degree within 4 years of initial matriculation.

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.

The Certificate. Optional academic certificates are offered in some schools or colleges. The requirements governing academic certificates are as follows:

• An academic certificate is a skill or theme-based program using approved PLNU courses.
• Academic certificates will be between six (6) and eighteen (18) units.
• Only academic certificates that appear in the student’s catalog of record may be earned.
• Students must earn a 2.000 cumulative GPA for an academic certificate.
• 50% or more of the units being applied to the certificate must be unique to that certificate.
• Of the total units in the academic certificate, a minimum of two-thirds must be earned in-residence.
• Academic certificate programs will state clearly whether they can be applied to a PLNU degree in part or in whole.
• Externally awarded certificates governed (including all requirements) and awarded by an external entity are not covered under this policy.