“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
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or without clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick, or in prison, and visit you?’”
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:35-40 (CSB)
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. Among the many benefits of studying at
the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences is our comprehensive approach to learning and practical 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
Liza A. Arellano, DSW, LCSW
Program Director, Master of Social Work (MSW) Assistant Professor, Division of
Social Work
Dr. Liza Arellano is an assistant professor and the Master of Social Work (MSW) program director at California Baptist University (CBU). She has an MSW and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and previously managed the provision of mental health services for foster youth in San Bernardino County. She has over 15 years of experience in child welfare, serving in various capacities, including residential placements, child abuse and neglect investigations, training and development, supervision of blended and specialized units and managing multiple child welfare placement programs. She serves on the board of directors for a foster family agency.
As a Christian, Mexican-American woman and firstgeneration college graduate, she views her role as a social work educator as a higher calling.
Her teaching philosophy is student centered and rooted in multidimensional faith integration, believing that students play a critical role in shaping their own learning environment. As an adaptable and engaging educator, she facilitates transformational learning experiences with students to increase self-awareness and an allencompassing passion for working with vulnerable, oppressed and marginalized populations.
Dr. Arellano’s scholarship includes improving outcomes for foster youth in congregate care, preventative child welfare services and higher education assessment of social work students.
She is a member of Phi Alpha Honor Society — Delta Kappa Nu Chapter and has received awards for Outstanding Teaching of Culturally Responsive Social Work Practice.
