“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 02 03
The courses in the Master’s in Human Services program are interdisciplinary and designed to meet the needs of practitioners tasked with responding to the complex and unique issues organizations and individual leaders encounter.
This program guides working professionals in addressing the needs of individuals, families and communities by integrating theory, faith and practice which prepares graduates to serve with compassion.
As this is a nonclinical degree, the Master’s in Human Services program does not require fieldwork, licensure or residency. It prepares individuals for various management and leadership roles within the broader human services field.
Program Details at a Glance
Program Length
1 year
Program Cost*
$19,845
Program Start Term
30 units Accreditation
Class Format
Classes are offered weekday evenings on-campus or online (synchronous).
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Fall (September)
Spring (January)
Summer (May)
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Be the difference one culture, one community and 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 that 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.
From a young age, I was deeply aware of the pain and suffering that many people experience, and I felt a strong calling to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. That sense of purpose led me to the field of sociology, where I developed a deeper understanding of human behavior, social institutions and the structural challenges that shape individual and community well-being. Sociology gave me the lens to understand why people struggle, how systems influence their lives and what meaningful, long-lasting change requires. In that way, it became a natural segue into the work of human services, a field dedicated not only to understanding human needs, but how to respond to them with compassion, advocacy and practical support.
Specializing in social psychology and organizations and institutions, my research initially centered on topics of identity and identity processes. Years later, I would experience a personal tragedy that would transform the trajectory of my research path. Within the last decade, I have become particularly passionate about studying pastoral burnout and reducing its damaging effects. I am fortunate to be part of an interdisciplinary research team whose agenda centers on helping ministry leaders flourish through understanding and coping with the unique
Faculty Spotlight
Yvonne Thai, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology Program Coordinator, BA in Sociology Program Director, MS in Human Services Director of
Online Education for CBSS
stressors related to their work and calling. While we are privileged to be able to publish in this area, we consider it more important to be doing kingdom work or integrating faith with daily life to transform both individuals and communities.
Currently, I serve as Director of Online Education for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Program Director for the MS in Human Services and am a tenured Professor of Sociology. I have over eighteen years of experience teaching in higher education across various modalities: traditional, hybrid and online. I started at California Baptist University in 2012 with the goal of creating online programs that would be accessible for adult learners, who in the midst of balancing work and life also desired to advance their careers. As an educator, I firmly believe that every student should be encouraged to reach their full potential and capabilities so that they may “live their purpose.”
My role is to equip our students with a strong framework of the macro, meso, and micro level workings of society while integrating a faith-based perspective, so that they are ready and able to serve others knowledgeably. For as Nelson Mandela famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Degree Requirements
Coursework
HMSV 5010
HMSV
HMSV
HMSV
HSCI
HSCI
PADM
PSYC
PSYC
PSYC
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 (student’s choice). 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
Spring November 1
December 1
Ready to take the next step? Follow this QR code to start your application!
