DISCOVER JOSHUA WILDERNESS INSTITUTE

A Strategic Partnership with Biola University

Earn Up to 12 College Credits While Growing in Your Faith

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Why Joshua + Biola?

Your Gap Year Can Be a Launchpad—Not a Detour

Through our partnership with Biola University, students at the Joshua Wilderness Institute can earn up to 12 college credits while building a deep, lasting foundation in their faith. This partnership allows students to engage in academically rigorous, biblically grounded coursework while immersed in the spiritual formation and community life Joshua is known for. It’s an ideal blend of theological depth and real-life discipleship, helping students grow in knowledge, faith, and maturity. Students have the rare opportunity to deepen their faith while progressing on their academic journey.

A Partnership with Purpose

In the 2022–2023 school year, the Joshua Wilderness Institute launched a meaningful partnership with Biola University to provide students with a deeper, more academically grounded discipleship experience. Through Biola LEARN and Talbot School of Theology, Joshua students take four foundational Bible courses designed to equip them for a life of discipleship, leadership, and ministry. 

Students who complete the program at Joshua may receive up to 12 college credits—an entire semester of Bible units that can transfer directly into Biola’s undergraduate programs. We’re thrilled to see so many Joshua students taking that next step, continuing their education with a strong theological foundation.

This partnership reflects a shared vision: to disciple and equip young adults for a life of purpose, both in the classroom and beyond.

The courses - hosted on Biola’s platform—include:

Biblical Interpretation and Spiritual Formation

Foundations of Christian Thought

Old Testament History and Literature

New Testament History and Literature

How it Works

  • All Joshua students are eligible to apply for prior learning credit through Biola
  • Up to 12 units of college credit are available (equivalent to one college semester)
  • Each course is just $150, offering a cost-effective way to earn college credit
  • Biola credit is awarded upon acceptance and can be applied toward a Biola degree
  • Joshua staff and Biola faculty guide students through the process
This partnership provides a valuable academic foundation that supports and enhances Joshua’s spiritual formation.
Classes

Courses Eligible for Biola Credit

Joshua students can receive Biola University credit for the following courses:

Learn to interpret and apply Scripture in ways that shape your character and faith.

Explore core theological concepts and develop a Christian worldview rooted in truth.

Examine the structure, themes, and historical context of the Old Testament.

Get an in-depth look at the people, events, and key teachings of the New Testament.

Additional Joshua Courses (Not for Biola Credit)

In addition to their Biola coursework, Joshua students participate in classes that help them grow spiritually and practically:

Missions

Connect with global missionaries and discover what it means to live a life on mission.

Theology

Study the attributes of God and explore how sound doctrine shapes everyday life.

Life Skills

From practical adulting tasks to spiritual conversations, sessions prepare students for real life and gospel influence.

Holy Land Prep

Before traveling to the Holy Land, students study key Biblical events, geography, and themes to make the most of their experience.

How to Earn Biola Credit Through Joshua

To receive Biola University credit for your Joshua coursework, students must complete the following steps:

01

Apply and be accepted to the Joshua Wilderness Institute

02

Complete eligible Bible courses during your time at Joshua.

03

Submit a prior learning assessment through Biola, demonstrating what you’ve learned in each course.

04

Upon approval, earn up to 12 transferable college credits that can be applied toward a degree at Biola or potentially transferred to another institution.

Our staff and Biola’s team will guide you through the process to make sure you get the credit you’ve earned.

FAQs

Is Joshua accredited? Can I get college credit for the Joshua Program?
While Joshua is not an accredited college, many students have successfully transferred the Joshua experience into academic credit through partner institutions or by portfolio review. Check with your school or advisor for options.
Is there an additional cost to take the Biola classes?
Biola course tuition and books are included in the Joshua tuition. However, there is a small fee of $150 per class to have your classwork evaluated at Biola for transfer credit.
Are the Biola Courses transferable to other universities?
Colleges have different standards for accepting credits from other schools or institutions. In most cases, if the Biola courses align with courses offered at your chosen college, the credits can be successfully transferred. However, each school determines which credits it will accept.
What is the course workload like?
Each class includes reading, weekly assignments (papers, quizzes, etc.) and college-level expectations. This is not necessarily for a grade, but for transformation as we learn what it means to think well about our faith.
How do I get college credit for the Biola Courses?
To qualify for college credit, you must successfully complete each course and have your coursework evaluated by Biola.

A Gap Year That Moves You Forward

Joshua’s partnership with Biola offers the best of both worlds: spiritual transformation and academic progress. 

Whether you’re heading to college or still deciding what’s next, this is a gap year that builds your faith and prepares you for your future.

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