“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
Prepared for Certification
Our graduates are prepared to qualify for certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (CMPC-AASP). The CMPC-AASP is the highest standard of education and training in sport and performance psychology. Having this certification will give our graduates a distinct advantage. 01
Hands-On Experience
Classes and program experiences are intentionally crafted to be comprehensive and hands-on. Within four semesters, students will be prepared to be in the field, working with clients to improve their athletic performance and quality of life.
Flexible Practicum Hours
Students choose their practicum site and their own hours. There are 18 Division I athletic programs on campus and 30+ practicum sites where students are able to work with athletes, emergency responders, performing artists and at-risk populations.
Fall (September) Spring (January) Summer (May)
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
Kristin Mauldin, PhD Program Director, Sport and Performance Psychology
My journey to sport and performance psychology was truly an integration of academic and personal interests. I grew up with a disease that caused me to have chronic pain, and I used exercise as a way to help keep it at bay. Once in graduate school, I began running to help deal with stress. I started out with slow, short runs and worked my way up to longer distances, participating in several full marathons by the time I had my first full-time faculty position.
While my academic work originally focused on learning and memory, I started to think about exercise and sport within the framework of these and other psychological concepts. I am driven by
the desire to help others push past mental barriers in order to exceed their own self-conceived limits. Being able to oversee a program that promotes this both through research and application is hugely fulfilling!
Currently, I am raising three active kids, all who participate and compete in multiple sports. I enjoy spending my downtime hiking, camping and going on road trips with my family.
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:
• 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*
General Psychology
Introduction to Anatomy OR Physiology**
Statistics
*Must be completed with a “C” or better.
Outstanding prerequisite coursework may be completed within the first semester of graduate enrollment.
**Lab not required.
How to Apply
Submit a graduate application at calbaptist.edu/gradapp.
Send official college or university transcripts.
Provide any supplemental documents required.
Ready to take the next step? Follow this QR code to start your application!
