Honors Program
"My Accounting classes were important for the nuts and bolts of what I do now, but the Torrey program developed my mind and sharpened my overall skills as a young business person."
– Jesse, Business Accounting
Who is in the Torrey Honors Institute?
Torrey Honors Institute is comprised of students who are outstanding in their academic ability, Christian character, and potential for leadership.
Does Torrey count as a major?
The Torrey Honors Institute does not replace a student's major; rather, it is a solid grounding in classical Western literature and substitutes for most of the general education and Bible requirements at Biola. Torrey students add a specialized major in any area available at Biola University. As a result, Torrey combines the best of classical and traditional American college education in a Christian context.
What happens at Torrey?
Torrey classes do not have lectures, written exams, or textbooks. Students dig directly into the classic works of Western literature and Christianity, unmediated by a lecturer or a homogenized survey text. Students learn by reading thoroughly and deeply in preparation for class. They then discuss the texts with other students, led by a Bible faculty tutor who encourages students to think carefully by asking questions rather than giving the answer.
Students of the same class standing are placed in small groups and remain in these groups throughout the program. They are required to write and revise one major essay each semester, thereby learning how to express and defend a position intelligently, clearly, and persuasively through a Christian viewpoint. Each of the many tutors who lead discussions will also act as a mentor, meeting with each student regularly to advise him or her on coursework and to encourage the student's Christian walk.
At Torrey we want whole souls: minds that think, hearts with a passion for the Good, and hands that act in the world.
For more information, visit the Torrey Honors website.
