“Selecting a discipline can sometimes feel like a guessing game — will my understanding of a subject translate into a career that puts a roof overhead and feeds the family … or will I be outdated when I graduate? These real concerns are why we crafted a cuttingedge program that allows you to journey through a concentration that aligns computer science trends with your passion for learning. Whether Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence or Cybersecurity, you have the freedom to enroll in courses that focus your career path while providing a foundation allowing for options. All this from a faculty intensely committed to your Christian maturity as well as your academic excellence.”
Philip van Haaster, DBA Dean, Bourns College of Engineering
Program Distinctives
Expand Foundational Knowledge
Core curriculum includes four advanced courses designed to expand students’ foundational knowledge and skills in software engineering, advanced computer networks, advanced algorithms and advanced computer architecture. 01
Focus on Practical Experience
The program emphasizes practical application through project-focused coursework. Students undertake a research and design capstone project to propose and implement a real-world solution to a significant modern challenge.
Electives That Suit Your Interests
Students can choose courses from the following key computer science sub-fields: cybersecurity; cloud, distributed and parallel computing; machine learning and data mining; statistics and data science. 03
Program Details at a Glance
Program Length*
30 units 1–2 years
Program Cost**
$23,060
$720 per unit
$365 per semester general fee
Fall (September) Spring (January)
Class Format
Program Start Term On Campus
Accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
*1-year option available for qualified alumni.
**Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Our purpose is to help you live yours.
About California Baptist University
California Baptist University is a dynamic institution that combines academic rigor, innovation, faith and service to empower students to become leaders with a profound impact on the world. With its mission to produce graduates who are academically prepared, biblically rooted, globally minded and equipped to serve, CBU continues to shape the next generation of compassionate, competent and socially responsible leaders.
Our Values
Academically Prepared
At CBU, innovation permeates every aspect of the educational journey. With a forward-thinking mindset, the university leverages emerging technologies, interdisciplinary collaborations and hands-on learning experiences to empower students with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Whether through state-of-the-art laboratories, immersive simulations or collaborative research projects, CBU provides an environment where students are encouraged to explore, experiment and challenge the status quo.
Biblically Rooted
CBU places a profound emphasis on spiritual growth and character development. Rooted in the Christian faith, the university fosters a community where individuals from diverse backgrounds can explore their beliefs, engage in meaningful discussions and deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Guided by a commitment to integrity, compassion and service, CBU instills in its students a strong moral compass, preparing them to become competent professionals and compassionate leaders who positively impact society.
Globally Minded
Recognizing the interconnectedness of today’s world, CBU embraces a global perspective and prepares students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace. The university offers a variety of study abroad programs, international internships and cross-cultural experiences that broaden students’ horizons, deepen their cultural competence and equip them with the skills necessary to excel in a global context.
Equipped to Serve
A cornerstone of CBU’s mission is the integration of faith and service. Through partnerships with local organizations and community initiatives, CBU students actively engage in outreach programs, volunteering their time and talents to address pressing social issues. From assisting underserved populations to promoting environmental sustainability, CBU cultivates a sense of social responsibility, empowering its graduates to make a tangible difference in their communities.
Dr. Dan Grissom received his BS in Computer Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 2008 and his MS and PhD in Computer Science from the University of California, Riverside (UCR) in 2011 and 2014, respectively.
Dr. Grissom has held a number of internships and fulltime technical positions in a wide variety of industries including high-tech (AMD), software development (ESRI, Tellus Web), embedded systems (Globe Biomedical) and defense (Air Force Research Lab, Northrop Grumman, NavalX).
More recently (2019-present), Dr. Grissom has stayed engaged in the latest trends by performing technical consulting and significant part-time work in the areas of machine learning (QMerit), embedded systems, cloud back-end infrastructure development, mobile/ web application development, computer vision, cybersecurity, project management, artificial intelligence and LLMs (Globe Biomedical and CBU’s AI and Machine Learning Lab).
Dr. Grissom taught at Azusa Pacific University (APU) for seven years as an assistant and associate professor, where he taught a variety of courses, including the following topics: intro programming, computer architecture and assembly, artificial intelligence, machine learning, mobile application development, software engineering and sr. design project. While at APU, Dr. Grissom created the first technical service trip in which he took 30+ students to Namibia (Southern Africa), over the course of four summers, to propose an electronic medical record system for their public hospital system. Dr. Grissom was also actively engaged in entrepreneurial efforts and has coached students and teams who have gone on to create their own tech startups
Faculty Spotlight
Dan Grissom, PhD Chair, Department of Computing, Software and Data Sciences
Dr. Grissom has served as a professor in the College of Engineering (CoE) at California Baptist University (CBU) since Fall of 2021 and as the department chair of the Computing, Software and Data Sciences (CSDS) department since Fall of 2022. Since arriving, Dr. Grissom has driven a complete overhaul and modernization of the computer science program, adding new concentrations in cyber security and AI/ML; he has also helped spearhead and create a new undergraduate program in data science and master’s program in computer science. While at CBU, he has taught a number of courses including artificial intelligence, mobile app development, embedded systems, project management, jr. design and computer architecture
While at UCR, Dr. Grissom’s primary research was in the field of digital microfluidics, which is a technology that automates and miniaturizes biochemistry. His primary focus was on the software synthesis process that would attempt to take a high-level description of an assay (biochemical reaction) and “compile” it down to the “1’s and 0’s” needed to efficiently and reliably execute the assay on the microfluidic biochip. Dr. Grissom earned a prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship grant which supported his PhD and allowed him to publish numerous papers in the field of microfluidics in top journals and conferences.
Dr. Grissom has lived in Southern California since 2009 and currently attends Sandals Church (Woodcrest; Riverside). He has been married to his wife, Maritza Grissom, since 2013; they have two children: Ellis and Arabella.
Degree Requirements
Breadth/Depth
Breadth Courses
Students
take 4 courses (12 units total), which can be taken from a single breadth/depth area or across any combination of breadth/depth areas.
Research & Project Courses
Students must take both research and project courses (6 units total), including:
CSCI 5900 Research, Project Methodology & Design
CSCI 5910 Capstone Project
Additional Requirements
In addition to the 30 hours of curriculum requirements, students will be required to attend colloquium meetings throughout each semester in which they are enrolled. Colloquiums are expected to occur once every 3–4 weeks. Colloquiums are designed to expose students to speakers performing relevant research and development in their field.
Admissions Requirements
Application for admission with a $45 application fee.
Official transcript from an accredited college or university reflecting the completion of a baccalaureate degree.
Minimum 2.75 GPA cumulative or last 60/90 unit GPA. Additional opportunities may be available for a student to overcome an unsatisfactory GPA.
Written statement of purpose OR in-person/virtual program interview (student’s choice).
Written statement (500-word maximum) or interview will address:
o What are your educational goals?
o How will this program help meet those goals?
o What makes you a good fit for CBU?
Additional requirements may be requested.
Prerequisites
For CSCI 5020 – Advanced Computer Networks:
• ENGR 2270 – Data Structures and Analysis (or similar) OR CSCI 3120 – Algorithms (or similar)
For CSCI 5040 – Advance Computer Architecture:
• ENGR 3290 – Computer Architecture
For CSCI 4220/4230/4240 and STA courses:
• STAT 3100 – Math Statistics (or similar, potentially more rudimentary like STAT 1440)
How to Apply
Submit a graduate application at calbaptist.edu/gradapp
Send official college or university transcripts.
Provide any supplemental documents required.
Application Deadlines
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