“At the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, we believe every student is called to a purpose greater than themselves. Our programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and Christ-centered perspective needed to serve your community and make a lasting impact in the world. We invite you to join us on a transformative journey — one that prepares you not just for a career, but for a life of meaningful service and leadership.”
Brian Distelberg, PhD Dean, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Program Distinctives
01
Integrate Theory and Faith
Gain a deep understanding of how the Bible can be used to help people and families in the church grow and navigate personal and relational problems.
02 03
Equipped to Serve
Prepare to serve in congregational, pastoral, chaplain, family and lay ministry roles.
Learn From Anywhere
On-campus and synchronous online formats allow students to learn from anywhere and incorporate applied ministry experience in the context of their own community.
Program Details at a Glance
Program Length
33 units
1 year, full time (part-time options are available)
Program Cost*
$23,474
$663 per unit
$365 per semester general fee
$500 residency fee
Program Start Term
Fall (September)
Class Format
Classes are offered weekday evenings on-campus or online (synchronous).
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Be the Difference: One Culture, One Community, One Person at a Time
About the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (CBSS) is widely recognized and highly respected by public, private and faith-based agencies throughout the Inland Empire community.
As one of the oldest and largest colleges at California Baptist University, the CBSS is well known for its variety of program offerings, research and scholarship, practicum and training sites and service to the community.
The vision of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences is to develop quality graduates who are equipped to face the challenges of the world and serve at the highest caliber in their fields. Our distinct philosophy includes a significant student-professor interaction, an intentional integration of a mature, biblical worldview, a holistic, interdisciplinary approach and an emphasis on sound academic instruction to prepare students to compete with others in academia and in the job market.
As a faculty, we strive to exemplify the cooperative, relational aspect of our field as behavioral scientists in order to best model successful integration and cross-disciplinary partnership. Our vision is to graduate students of strong, mature faith who are academically and professionally prepared for real-world application of their skills. One of the greatest advantages of training
at the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences is undoubtedly the holistic method with which we approach learning and application.
While theoretical frameworks are explored alongside historical perspectives of each discipline, it is the direct application of knowledge that sets us apart from other programs. The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences offers students many opportunities to put their skills into practice in a setting that provides individual attention and faculty guidance.
Faculty Spotlight
Nathan Lewis, EdD Program Director, Counseling Ministry
I’ve been drawn to both counseling and ministry since I was a teenager. But what really sold me on the importance of people within church helping each other is the experience my wife and I had with a church we were part of while in graduate school. Our marriage needed serious help. The real community in that church of people who took the Bible seriously and genuinely loved us helped to heal our troubled marriage. That was 40 years ago. I’ve been a believer in the power of a healing relationship within a faith community since. That is the heart of counseling ministry.
I am convinced that the Bible offers practical help for problems in living. The Bible teaches relational principles that, if churches practiced, would create healing communities. I’ve experienced real spiritual community for more than 40 years. Besides myself, I’ve witnessed hundreds of lives changed by it.
Though I was trained as a professional counselor, I’m particularly interested in researching topics that bring together the best of both Christian theology and the behavioral sciences in ways that help churches become more effective in ministry to the whole person and families, including:
• The Bible and Mental Disorders
• Biblical Perspectives on Human Development
• Integration of Biblical Theology and Behavioral Sciences
• Congregations as Healing Communities
• Biblical Wisdom and Human Behavior
My passion is to help churches develop the kind of relational culture that will effectively help bring healing to hurting people.
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 and an in-person interview.
Written statement (500-word maximum) and interview will address:
• What are your educational goals?
• How will this program help meet those goals?
• What makes you a good fit for CBU?
Additional requirements may be requested.
Prerequisites*
Required if bachelor’s degree is not psychology: General Psychology (preferred) OR Lifespan Development.
*Outstanding prerequisite coursework must be completed within the first semester of graduate enrollment.
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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