G EN ERA L I N FO RMA T I O N / 15 The next two decades witnessed the growing prestige of the school. Following this, academically, four distinct forward steps were taken in the field of Christian education. In 1936 the institution applied for and received State authoriza tion for the conferring of certain degrees. Three four-year courses were then organized, leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Theo logy, Bachelor of Christian Education, and Bachelor of Sacred Music. In 1945, in an effort to extend the missionary training program of the institution, the School of Missionary Medicine was brought into being. This postgraduate year was planned as supplementary training for missionary work and is open to graduates of any school who qualify in the spiritual, intellectual, and missionary require ments that are outlined. In the summer of 1949 another forward step was taken when, in response to repeatedly stated needs of mission boards and other Christian leaders, the institution increased its faculty and enlarged its curriculum to include a school of definite college rank with courses leading to the baccalaureate degree. This school is now known academically at Biola College. The most recent expansion occurred in 1952 when, to keep Christian education in step with world missionary and evangelistic demands, the institution inaugurated a standard three-year Theo logical Seminary with courses leading to a Bachelor of Divinity degree. This school was named Talbot Seminary in honor of Dr. Louis T. Talbot, who held the office of President from 1938 to 1952 and who still serves the school in the capacity of Chancellor. To meet the demands imposed by the growing student body and the enlarged curriculum a campus site of seventy acres was pur chased in La Mirada, twenty-two miles southeast of Los Angeles civic center. From the small beginning of one course of study to four distinct but related schools, the story is one of steady growth and expansion. The present organization of Biola Schools and Colleges, Inc. pro vides for a President over the whole, with a Dean over each of the schools, one of which, Biola College, presents this catalog. THE COMMUNITY OF LA MIRADA The community of La Mirada is in Los Angeles County, twenty two miles southeast of the city of Los Angeles. It lies near the center of Southern California's fastest growing area, surrounded by such cities as Whittier, Norwalk, Buena Park, Anaheim, and Fullerton. La Mirada is a planned residential community with a present population of approximately 25,000. Included within the community are two major shopping centers in addition to many other business establishments scattered throughout the area.
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