La Sierra University: A Comprehensive Guide

La Sierra University, a private Seventh-day Adventist institution in Riverside, California, offers a nurturing academic atmosphere where Christian faith and service unite. Founded in 1922, the university has evolved from La Sierra Academy to its current independent status, providing over 120 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees to approximately 2,300 students.

Introduction to La Sierra University

Nestled in Southern California, La Sierra University provides a unique blend of academic rigor and spiritual growth. The institution is committed to inquiry, learning, and service, fostering a safe and civil campus environment that promotes diversity, service, and equal dignity for all. With a focus on hands-on learning and a demographically diverse student body, La Sierra aims to empower students to become active world-changers.

Academic Programs and Opportunities

La Sierra University offers a wide array of academic programs across various disciplines. The university is composed of several schools and colleges, including:

College of Arts and Sciences: Offers programs in areas such as science, arts, and humanities.
Tom & Vi Zapara School of Business: Focuses on business-related programs.
H.M.S. Richards Divinity School: Provides theological and religious studies.
School of Education: Offers programs for those interested in education and leadership.

La Sierra University provides more than 120 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. The university offers certificate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and associate degrees.

Some of the programs include:

Accounting
Administration & Leadership
Animation
Applied Behavioral Analysis
Archaeology
Art
Biochemistry
Biology
Biomathematics
Biophysics
Business & Society
Business Analytics
Ministry
Chemistry
Clinical Laboratory Science
Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience
Communication
Computer Science
Counseling
Criminal Justice
Curriculum & Instruction
Customized Concentration
Dental Hygiene
Dentistry
Design
Digital Media & Marketing
Divinity
Educational Psychology
Engineering
English
Exercise Science
Film
Film & Television
Finance
Fine Art
French: International Studies
General Studies
Global Contexts of Health
Global Studies
Graphic Design
Health Care Management
Health Information Management
Health Science
History
Human Development & Thriving
Human Resource Management
International Business
International Education & Leadership
Italian: International Studies
Law
Leadership
Liberal Studies
Management
Management for Health Care Professionals
Marketing
Mathematics
Medical Radiography
Medicine
Ministry
Modern Media Production
Music
Near-Eastern Archaeology
Neuroscience
Nuclear Medicine
Nursing
Nutrition & Dietetics
Occupational Therapy
Optometry
Orthotics & Prosthetics
Pharmacy
Philosophy
Philosophy & Cognitive Science
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy Assistant
Physician Assistant
Physics
Political Economy
Political Science
Pre-Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Psychology
Religion
Religious Studies
Respiratory Care
School Psychology
Seminary
Social Ecology
Social Science
Social Work
Sociology
Spanish
Sports & Performance Psychology
Sports Management
Student Life & Development
Sustainability & Society
Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship
Theological Studies
Theology
Urban Plant Agriculture
Veterinary Medicine

La Sierra University encourages students to explore big questions, debate ideas, and challenge assumptions in a supportive, Christian environment. Professors encourage thoughtful conversations about faith, science, culture, and the world, teaching students how to think critically.

Campus Life and Student Services

La Sierra University extends beyond the classroom, offering a vibrant campus life and comprehensive student services.

Residential Life

La Sierra University has four residence halls for its undergraduate and graduate students. La Sierra University has as its policy for all students under 22 years of age to live in a residence hall.

Applying for residence in the dorms is easy. Please click on this link to apply and find out more about residential life. lasierra.edu/residential-life/La Sierra University offers furnished rooms and meal plans to fit a variety of preferences. By living in the dorm, your student will not have to:worry about tons of bills. Instead one bill will cover ALL your student’s living expenses.deal with landlords, negotiate with plumbers, or worry about being locked out.pay for gas, parking fees and will avoid the hassles of commuter traffic.miss out of the many amenities: library, health club, Eagle’s nest, recreational facilities, group and individual study rooms.

Dining Services

The Dining Commons (Cafeteria) at La Sierra University offers many food choices. La Sierra University is committed to serving healthy vegetarian cuisine.

Read also: Sierra College Resources

International Student Services

The Office of International Student Services falls under the Division of Student Life. The Office of International Student Services will provide detailed steps on the process to receiving an I-20 and F-1 visa. You can view the necessary steps here.Visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV and click on Study and Exchange. Department of State on student visas (F-1). Here is the link to Travel.state.gov.Visit the Office of International Student Services. Here is the link to International Student. Visas for information about applying for a visa, completing your forms, and visa denials. International Student

Once your student is admitted, the Office of International Student Services will provide detailed steps on the process to receiving an I-20 and F-1 visa. You can view the necessary steps here.Visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV and click on Study and Exchange. Department of State on student visas (F-1). Here is the link to Travel.state.gov.Visit the Office of International Student Services. Here is the link to International Student. Visas for information about applying for a visa, completing your forms, and visa denials. International Student

Health and Wellness

La Sierra University has a wonderful Health and Wellness Plan at La Sierra University, which is available to ALL our La Sierra University students. The Student Wellness Center provides a variety of free medical services (family practice, gynecology, and psychiatry) and counseling se…

Other Services

La Sierra University has a free tutoring program and writing lab available for all students to get extra support. Encourage your student to talk with their coach or advisor in the Office of Academic & Career Services.Also, please encourage your student to attend the many academic workshops offered free of charge through the Office of Academic & Career Services.

Information for International Students

La Sierra University welcomes students from around the world. The school is welcoming of our international community. Here your child will benefit from strong academic programs, caring faculty, small classrooms, and learning opportunities outside the classroom. Additionally, administration and staff sincerely care about the total academic, spiritual, social, and physical well being of your child. The university provides resources and support to ensure a smooth transition and successful academic journey.

Read also: Sierra Space Future

Visa Requirements

After your student has been admitted to La Sierra University, your student must have a valid student visa. Students at La Sierra University use an F-1 visa. Once your student is admitted, the Office of International Student Services will provide detailed steps on the process to receiving an I-20 and F-1 visa.

Regulations for F-1 Students

Your undergraduate F-1 student will have certain restrictions to comply with and maintain their F-1 nonimmigrant status.Your student must report to the Office of International Student ServicesYour student must be enrolled full-time each quarter, with only a few strict exceptions allowedEmployment authorization is strictly controlled. Your student is only eligible to work on campus and for the authorized amount of hours.Your student at the end of their degree is expected to return to their home country.However, many F-1 students do participate in optional practical training (training, work, internship) and later are able to apply for another visa, this should not be something that you should count on or expect to come easily.

Designated School Officials

La Sierra University has authorization to issue I-20s to international students. The principal officer for La Sierra University is: Heidi Weiss-Krumm - Principal Designated School Officer (PDSO) These two officers are responsible for maintaining your child’s legal status and to make sure that the school follows government regulations.

Understanding the U.S. Education System

One of the key differences is that in liberal art or science programs, students are encouraged or required by most schools, to take courses in a wide variety of subject areas. These subjects will be in additional to their major or primary field of study. Generally, about one year or more of an undergraduate degree program will be dedicated to “general education” requirements. These general education classes will be in a variety of subjects. will require many more than other countries. Do not be surprised if your first-year student does not appear to be taking many classes related to their major or field of study. This is normal. Also, do not be surprised if your child changes their major during the first few years of university life.

Academic Expectations

Students will be challenged to become better and more critical thinkers. Of course some students will want to complete their major or degree as soon as possible. The reasons might be graduate school, employment, or financial constraints. They refer to the same thing. schools call themselves colleges because they are often smaller and offer fewer courses of study, but both colleges and universities can offer four-year undergraduate degrees and some colleges offer master’s or other graduate degree programs.Junior colleges or community colleges offer two-year programs or associate degrees. These colleges often prepare students to study in larger colleges and universities. Many students transfer to La Sierra University from other colleges and universities. education is very flexible from one university to another.

Maintaining Academic Standing

The top grade of “A” receiving 4 points, a “B” receiving 3 points, etc. Your child needs to keep a good GPA to maintain academic standing at La Sierra University. At La Sierra University, your student may be disqualified if their cumulative GPA is 2.0 or lower and they will also lose any financial aid they are receiving. La Sierra University does have an appeal process if they find themselves in Academic Probation or Critical Academic Probation. Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may require a face-to-face interview. Appeals may be denied, approved quarter-to-quarter, or longer. The consequences of failing to maintain academic status for F-1 students also may result in termination of their F-1 status.

Financial Considerations

As part of the F-1 visa process, La Sierra University has provided your child with an estimate of costs (this amount is written on the I-20 your child has received). embassy the financial documentation verifying that your student can afford to attend La Sierra University for the first year but it is also important that your child have adequate funding for the entire length of their educational program.Please take the time to be honest and realistic with your financial support. If you cannot fund your child for their entire program, it may be better to choose another school or wait until your finances have improved.La Sierra University has provided the estimated cost for your child to attend La Sierra University on your child’s I-20 but there may be additional costs beyond the estimate.Examples of other expenses:Books: Buying textbooks can be very expensive. La Sierra University estimates a minimum of $618 per quarter for books and lab fees. However, this is only an estimate and depending on the field of study that your child has chosen, these costs may be higher.Extra Living Expenses: Your child will need money for basic personal needs (bathing, washing, clothing, cell phone, etc.). Also, when your child first arrives at La Sierra University they will probably need to buy bedroom basics like bedding, lamps, computer supplies, decorations, storage units, etc. The Office of International Student Services has estimated on your I-20 about $600 a quarter for dorm students and $1000 a quarter for off campus students in personal expenses.

Banking

can be very slow and unreliable. Public transportation is available for La Sierra University students free of charge (with student ID card) but for many students it is not convenient. Instead we encourage your child to open a bank account (generally free of charge to open) during the many opportunities during orientation week. If you want to pay your child’s school bill we encourage you to pay online or choose another method. Click on QUICK LINKS (top right corner). Select Make a Payment. If you do not know your log in information you can select “Click here if you know the student’s La Sierra University ID number but do not have a password” Fill out required information and submit payments.Check/Wire Transfer InformationOur Name & Address:LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY 4500 Riverwalk Parkway Riverside, CA 92505Bank’s Name & Address:WELLS FARGO BANK 3765 Tyler Street Riverside, CA 92503Bank Account Number:4895 289445Domestic Bank Routing Number (ABA):121000248 International Bank Routing Number (ABA):WFBIUS6S When sending wire transfers directly to our bank, please make sure that you provide the name of the student and student ID number.

Employment Opportunities

In general, many undergraduate students choose not to work or only work for 10-15 hours a week. International F-1 students can work part-time on campus for up to 20 hours a week while attending school. Students are generally paid minimum wage which can help pay for personal costs or books. La Sierra University has limited employment opportunities for students so your child can expect to spend several months or quarters until they find a job.After your child completes a full academic year of study, some students may be eligible for practical or optional training.

Health Insurance

has a robust health care system, it is also very expensive and complicated. does not offer nationalized health care to its citizens, much less foreign students. Because of this, it is very important for your child to have a health care insurance plan. La Sierra University requires all our international students to have adequate health insurance, as well as medical evacuation and repatriation.

Adjusting to American Culture

There are many reasons why your child may have difficulties. Even if your child has excellent English skills, they may need to adjust to American English in daily life and in an academic setting.If your student has met all English proficiency requirements but appears to be struggling with their English, it is important that they immediately communicate with their academic counselor or coach and speak with the Office of International Student Services. Students are expected to interact with their professors and peers. Also, memorizing and repeating key information- while important- will not be sufficient for most students to be academically successful. Instead, students must learn to contemplate on the information they are learning, think critically about it, and then show the professor that they understand it and can relate it to other topics or areas of study.Your student is expected to attend their classes. La Sierra University has a strict attendance policy that varies per program. If this happens, La Sierra University has a free tutoring program and writing lab available for all students to get extra support. Encourage your student to talk with their coach or advisor in the Office of Academic & Career Services.Also, please encourage your student to attend the many academic workshops offered free of charge through the Office of Academic & Career Services.

Packing and Shipping

Packing and preparing for a long trip can be challenging. Below are some suggestions:Minimize luggage. Make sure your student looks for information about the Riverside, California climate.Ship boxes directly to campus. If your student has additional clothes or things they want to bring to campus, they can ship directly to La Sierra University at-Your Student’s Name Attn: Residence Hall 4500 Riverwalk Parkway Riverside, California 92505Purchase local or online. Remember that your student can purchase most things locally or online. If your student purchases several items through an online store (i.e. Amazon), they can have the purchase shipped directly to La Sierra University.No small electronics. Remember that many small appliances (hairdryer, iron, etc.) can be purchased once your student arrives on campus. may be different, and power converters may need to be purchased. is a personal laptop computer. Your child will be required to use their laptop for many classes.

Getting to La Sierra University

Getting to La Sierra University from the Airport4500 Riverwalk Parkway Riverside, California 92505 Security Phone #951-785-2222 Main Phone #951-785-2000Your child should fly into:LAX (Los Angeles International Airport)ONT (Ontario- the CLOSEST airport to La Sierra University)SNA (Santa Ana- John Wayne Airport)LGB (Long Beach)Transportation from the airport to La Sierra University can be scheduled in several ways.La Sierra University has contracted with a private service. All arrangements for airport pickup can be done online at lasierra.edu/book-airport-pickup/ . The cost is between $60-$95 depending on which airport your child flies into.Xpress Shuttle is another private airport shuttle that you may choose to book. The costs will be between $125-$175 depending on the service you choose. Reservations can be done online at xpressshuttles.comShuttle Express vans (shared ride or non-stop) can also be booked online. The costs are between $77-$132 depending on the service you choose. Reservations can be booked online at xpressshuttles.comUber or Lyft are also transportation services that some students use to arrive at La Sierra University. Uber is approximately $85-$107 depending on the time of day. Taxi service are also available to La Sierra University. Taxis vary in price but expect to pay between $120-$180 to arrive to campus.

Surrounding Area and Attractions

Welcome to fabulous Southern California! Where else can you surf and snowboard in the same day? The peaceful, green expanse of the La Sierra University campus is an hour’s drive or less from world-famous Disneyland and many of North America’s most beautiful beaches and mountains. Located in the city of Riverside, our campus is just a fast ride by car or public transit from Los Angeles recreational and cultural events.

Area Attractions Following are just some of the local and well-known attractions within an easy drive of the campus. Disneyland - The world-famous mouse awaits Joshua Tree National Park - The rock climber’s ultimate destination Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park - America’s first theme park Lake Arrowhead - The mountains of Southern California are just a short drive away Local Beaches - Malibu, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and more Downtown Los Angeles - The Lakers, the Dodgers, world-class symphony and theater; hip galleries, and street shopping Hollywood - See the stars on the Walk of Fame The Getty Center - art treasures in a stunning environment Magic Mountain Theme Park -A favorite of roller-coaster fans Ontario Mills Mall - Great shopping and entertainment Palm Springs - Golf, sun, and fun amidst the palms Raging Waters Theme Park - Cool off on liquid thrill rides San Diego - World-famous zoo, museums, great restaurants, and a laid-back atmosphere by the sea Sea World - Watch the dolphins and whales perform Universal Studios - Rides and adventure on film sets you won’t forget Victoria Gardens Outdoor Mall - Cultural center, upscale shopping, and restaurants in an outdoor setting Citizens Bank Arena - brand-new venue in nearby Ontario for sports and top music events Winter Resorts Snow SummitBig Bear MountainMountain HighMt.

La Sierra University: An Overview

La Sierra University (La Sierra[4] or LSU) is a private institution affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and was founded in 1922. its located in Riverside, CA in a suburban setting on a campus of 150 acres, and is in close proximity to many cultural attractions. News & World Report named La Sierra University the most diverse university in the western United States the past five years. And in early 2008 the Corporation for National and Community Service selected La Sierra for the Honor Roll with Distinction, part of the 2007 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll program. The award recognized La Sierra’s students for providing nearly 45,000 hours of service. Such efforts included international economic development projects by La Sierra’s World Cup-winning Students In Free Enterprise team, and community projects through La Sierra’s campus-wide Service-Learning program.

The Seventh-day Adventist denomination established La Sierra University in 1922 on acreage formerly part of the Rancho La Sierra Mexican land grant. Consistent with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and our belief in a God of grace and redeeming love, the University maintains a safe and civil campus environment that promotes diversity, service and equal dignity and respect for all persons.

“To Seek, To Know, and To Serve” is the key to the mission that drives La Sierra University, with all areas of campus encouraging students to develop a deeper relationship with God.

Additional Information

Call or Text Ella, our AI Recruiter (Available 24/7)+1 (951) 384-2556Education is a significant financial investment. Find the right career path Stay connected with your student throughout their La Sierra journey with our Roadmap to College. Keep in touch with your alma-mater, classmates, and friends with the help of our Alumni Association. At La Sierra, our exciting and diverse student body is enabled to create outstanding futures for themselves, their families, and their communities. Our scholars go beyond the classroom, becoming active world-changers as they find a life that is both personally and spiritually fulfilling.

Accreditations

La Sierra University is accredited by various organizations, ensuring the quality and standards of its academic programs.

Athletics

The La Sierra athletic teams are called the Golden Eagles. La Sierra University Becomes tenth Cal Pac Member.

Notable People

Katherine Siva Saubel - Cahuilla people leader, received an honorary Ph.D.

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