La Sierra University

Accountancy

The Zapara School of Business offers a Master of Science degree in Accountancy specifically designed for students interested in qualifying for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

Accounting

The BS in Accounting prepares students for professional examinations leading to designations such as Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, or Certified Fraud Examiner.

Administration and Leadership

The Master of Arts in Administration and Leadership offers a personalized program focused on the individual student's needs and goals, designed to develop leadership and organizational skills. Requirements for the Seventh-day Adventist Administrator Certificate may be included in the program.

Administration and Leadership

The Specialist in Education (EdS) in Administration and Leadership requires a minimum of 90 quarter units beyond the baccalaureate or 45 units beyond the master's degree. A portfolio is required for candidates wishing to obtain their administrative credential through the state of California.

Administration and Leadership

The Doctor of Education with a specialization in Administration and Leadership prepares educational leaders through advanced study, research, and a dissertation. The degree requires a minimum of 132 quarter units post-baccalaureate, with 42 units of residency for La Sierra students and 48 for non-La Sierra students.

Animation

The BFA in Animation explores hand-drawn 2D animation, digital 3D animation, environment design, lighting, and character design, with electives in ceramics, graphic design, or user interface.

Applied Behavior Analysis

The MA in Applied Behavior Analysis trains professionals with knowledge, skills, and practical training in behavioral analysis. Students learn to conduct functional behavioral assessments and apply behavioral techniques that transform maladaptive behaviors into more adaptive ones, applied through field experience in a variety of settings.

Applied Behavior Analysis

The Board Certified Behavior Analysis certificate requires at least 33 units of post-baccalaureate study and may be pursued as part of graduate programs including the MA in Counseling, EdS in Educational Psychology, EdD in School Psychology, or EdD in Educational Psychology. It requires satisfactory completion of a verified course sequence approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Archaeology

The BA in Archaeology equips students to study the past and prepares them for a variety of careers and options for graduate studies. It can be taken in conjunction with any major or minor.

Art

The BA in Art provides majors with a broad introduction to a variety of areas including painting, ceramics, printmaking, photography, web design, and motion graphics. It may be pursued on its own or as a supplement for careers in medicine, dentistry, law, education, or communication.

Biochemistry

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.

Biology

The BS in Biology requires a chosen emphasis in Biological Science or Biomedical Science. Students who complete the degree are prepared to pursue careers in biomedical or biological research, medicine, dentistry, or allied health fields.

Biology: STEM Education

A Bachelor of Arts degree that provides students with subject matter competency in biology at the secondary school level, appropriate for students seeking to teach biology, life science, anatomy and physiology, and other life science courses for grades 6-12.

Biomathematics

The Bachelor of Science in Biomathematics, offered in collaboration with the Department of Biology.

Biophysics

The Bachelor of Science in Biophysics.

Business

The BS in Business is offered with concentrations in Business Analytics, Business and Society, Finance, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, International Business, Management, Management for Health Care Professionals, Marketing, Political Economy, and individually designed customized concentrations.

Business Administration

The MBA program educates leaders who simultaneously create value and make a difference, training students to be social entrepreneurs who expand economic opportunity in underdeveloped communities. Students may earn the MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics, Finance, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing, Sports Management, or an individually designed customized concentration.

Chemistry (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry.

Chemistry (BS)

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

Chemistry: STEM Education

A Bachelor of Arts degree that provides students with subject matter competency in chemistry at the secondary school level, appropriate for students seeking to teach chemistry, physical science, and related science courses for grades 6-12.

Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience

The Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience.

Communication

The BA in Communication offers emphases in Public Relations and Strategic Communication.

Computer Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) provides a strong, broad technical background along with the theoretical, analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills needed to contribute as a professional in the workforce. It prepares students for a wide variety of computer-related occupations or for further post-graduate work.

Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Counseling

The Master of Arts in Counseling allows students to select from specializations including Counseling, Forensic Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counseling, Behavior Analysis, Sport and Performance Psychology, and Neuroscience & Education. Some programs may require more than the 45-unit minimum due to certification, credential, or licensure requirements.

Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (offered off campus).

Curriculum and Instruction

The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction builds on the baccalaureate degree and covers a combination of theory, practical skills, and research to meet the needs of the professional educator.

Curriculum and Instruction

The Specialist in Education degree for Curriculum and Instruction develops professional personnel for service in a variety of educational settings, including professional teaching (K-16), supervisory functions, and central office roles involving curriculum leadership. It comprises all prerequisites plus a minimum of 45 units beyond the master's degree (90 units beyond the baccalaureate).

Curriculum and Instruction

The Doctor of Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction expands students' knowledge of the field and develops advanced research skills culminating in a dissertation. The degree requires a minimum of 132 quarter units post-baccalaureate.

Design

The BA in Design is a design-focused path with emphases available in Graphic Design and Photography. Students select courses in typography, UX/UI design, and graphic design for print and web development.

Digital Media in Design & Communication

An interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts degree for students who take specified courses in art, design, and communication.

Digital Media & Marketing

An interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts degree for students who take specified courses in art, design, and marketing.

Digital Media & Visual Effects

An interdisciplinary Bachelor of Fine Arts degree for students who take specified courses in art, design, and film and television.

Digital Media & Web Technology

An interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree for students who take specified courses in art, design, and computer science.

Divinity

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) prepares persons for ordained ministry and general pastoral and religious leadership in congregations and other settings, serving as the recognized basic credential for such vocations. It offers a thorough understanding and personal appropriation of the community of faith's Scripture, traditions, doctrines, and practices in both historical and contemporary expressions.

Educational Psychology

The Specialist in Education degree for Educational Psychology is a non-credential elective program providing advanced preparation for educational generalists, teachers, administrators, college instructors, and practitioners aspiring toward clinical or research applications. It requires a minimum of 90 quarter units beyond the baccalaureate or 45 units beyond the master's degree.

Educational Psychology

The Doctor of Education with a specialization in Educational Psychology allows students to select from concentrations including General Educational Psychology, Forensic Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Neuroscience and Education. The degree requires a minimum of 132 quarter units post-baccalaureate.

English

The Department of English offers an MA in English focused on British and American literature, requiring courses in literature, literary criticism, religion and literature, and research methods. The degree prepares students for further post-graduate work or occupations where analytical thinking, strong writing, research skills, and effective communication are essential.

English

The BA in English offers emphases in Literature & Writing and Secondary Teaching.

Exercise Science

The BS in Exercise Science offers concentrations in Fitness and Coaching and in Kinesiology.

Film

The Bachelor of Arts in Film.

Film and Television Production

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production.

Fine Art

The BFA in Fine Art is a professional degree in which candidates choose an area of emphasis from Painting, Ceramics, Printmaking, or Photography and develop a cohesive body of work during a senior project.

Global Contexts of Health

The BA in Global Contexts of Health provides a broad contextual lens with which to understand health disparities within and across populations, grounding students in disciplinary perspectives and research methods for addressing the determinants of health.

Global Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies.

Graphic Design

The BFA in Graphic Design explores typography, user interface design, and graphic design for print and web development, with electives in motion graphics, animation, 3D modeling, and video.

Health Science

The BS in Health Science offers concentrations in Clinical Health Studies, Health Administration, Nutrition, and Public Health.

Health Science

The Associate of Science in Health Sciences, offered through the Program in Pre-Health Sciences.

History

The Bachelor of Arts in History.

Human Development & Thriving

The BA in Human Development and Thriving focuses on the sociocultural, political, and economic conditions within which children and families grow and develop, strengthening students' understanding of experiences that impact children's developmental pathways.

International Studies in French Language and Cultures

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies in French Language and Cultures.

International Studies in Italian Language and Cultures

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies in Italian Language and Cultures.

International Studies in Spanish Language and Cultures

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies in Spanish Language and Cultures.

Leadership

The Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership organizes coursework into a leadership core, research and writing, specialization, and diversification, with specializations available in Educational Administration, Instructional Leadership, and Educational Psychology. The program requires no less than 132 quarter units post-baccalaureate, including a minimum of 87 units beyond the master's degree.

Liberal Studies

The BA in Liberal Studies is a diversified major in the liberal arts tradition integrated over the entire college curriculum, designed to provide the knowledge and skills required for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers in Multiple Subjects; emphases include Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education.

Mathematics

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.

Mathematics: Secondary Teaching

The BA in Mathematics: Secondary Teaching prepares students for secondary-level mathematics teaching with embedded teacher credential courses.

Ministry

The Graduate Certificate in Ministry (CMin) is a 36-unit foundational professional curriculum that introduces students to the traditional disciplines comprising theological studies and acquaints them with an aspect of ministry. It provides training for qualified lay persons called to lead out in ministry and foundational graduate-level study of the theological disciplines.

Ministry

The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) forms religious practitioners with terminal formal education who embody the role of a critical public intellectual-practitioner. The educational experience enables graduates to use critical tools that assess, address, and serve various publics.

Modern Media Production

The MFA in Modern Media Production is designed to develop transformative storytellers across a wide range of visual mediums through a hands-on, learn-by-doing approach in which students are mentored while working on real productions. Each student selects at least one emphasis area: Screenwriting, Producing, Directing, Editing, or Cinematography.

Modern Media Production and Business Administration

This three-year dual degree combines a Master of Fine Arts in Modern Media Production with a Master of Business Administration (Management Emphasis), offered jointly by the College of Arts and Sciences and the Zapara School of Business. Students gain practical media production experience while building business fluency in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and organizational leadership.

Music

The BA in Music, with optional emphases in Music Education and Music Composition.

Music Performance

The Bachelor of Music in Performance.

Near-Eastern Archaeology

The Master of Arts in Near Eastern Archaeology provides advanced academic study and research beyond the baccalaureate in the field of Near Eastern archaeology, including archaeology methods and theory and fieldwork in Middle Eastern archaeology. It may serve as a foundation for further graduate study.

Neuroscience

The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, offered in collaboration with the Department of Biology.

Philosophy

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.

Philosophy & Cognitive Science

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy & Cognitive Science.

Philosophy & Cultural Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy & Cultural Studies.

Philosophy & Intellectual History

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy & Intellectual History.

Philosophy, Politics, & Economics

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, & Economics.

Philosophy & Religion

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy & Religion.

Philosophy & Theology

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy & Theology.

Physics

The Bachelor of Science in Physics.

Physics: STEM Education

A Bachelor of Arts degree that provides students with subject matter competency in physics at the secondary school level, appropriate for students seeking to teach physics, astronomy, space science, and other physical science courses for grades 6-12.

Political Science

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Religion

The Master of Arts in Religion provides advanced academic study and research beyond the baccalaureate in the general disciplines of religious studies and may serve as a foundation for further graduate study. Full-time students typically complete the program in two academic years.

Religious Studies

The Religious Studies major provides a broad perspective for the study of a specific religious tradition and can prepare students for a range of careers, professions, and advanced graduate studies.

School Psychology

The Specialist in Education degree for School Psychology provides the elements specified by California for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential with authorization for school psychology. It requires a minimum of 90 quarter units beyond the baccalaureate or 45 units beyond the master's degree.

School Psychology and Measurement

The Doctor of Education with a specialization in School Psychology and Measurement is available for school psychology EdS graduates from La Sierra University and non-LSU MA graduates who seek PPS school psychology credentials. The degree requires a minimum of 132 quarter units post-baccalaureate.

Social Ecology

The BA in Social Ecology equips students to recognize the ways that social conditions like inequality, lack of representation, and injustice contribute to global environmental problems and focused social problems such as civil unrest and violence within communities and families.

Social Science: Secondary Teaching

The BA in Social Science: Secondary Teaching prepares students for secondary-level teaching in the social sciences with embedded teacher credential courses.

Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work, an accredited professional degree; also offered through the Evening Adult Degree Program.

Sociology

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

Spanish

The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.

Spanish: Secondary Teaching

The BA in Spanish: Secondary Teaching prepares students for secondary-level Spanish teaching with embedded teacher credential courses.

Sport and Performance Psychology

The MA in Sport and Performance Psychology is founded on the belief that mental, emotional, and behavioral wellness are integral to athletic performance and overall physical activity. It combines leadership, applied behavior, psychological theory, research methodology, and practical applications to enhance the mental well-being, performance, and leadership skills of athletes and physically active individuals.

Student Life and Development

The MA in Student Life and Development provides early-career professionals with knowledge, skills, and practical training for leadership careers in secondary and higher education student affairs, student counseling/advising, disability services, residential life, and student programming. The program is currently closed to new admissions.

Sustainability & Society

The Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability & Society.

Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship

The Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship.

Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) integrates graduate coursework with the requirements for California teaching credentials, providing a graduate-level pathway to complete the approved Teacher Education Program. The degree offers emphases in Curriculum and Instruction and in Music Education.

Theology

The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) is a broad graduate academic program oriented toward general religious and theological studies, normally requiring two academic years of full-time study. It provides a broad general study of the theological disciplines applicable to further study in either professional or academic tracks.

Theology

The Theology program prepares students for a career of service in pastoral leadership, missions, education, social services, and academic work in theology, providing a foundation for Christian ministry.

Urban Plant Agriculture

The Bachelor of Science in Urban Plant Agriculture.