California Baptist University

California Baptist University Degree Program(s) Available

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at California Baptist University helps students understand why people think and act the way they do. The program studies human relationships, behavior and the mind through research, theory and hands-on training. The program has a strong Christian focus and all courses are taught in a friendly, caring culture that sets this program apart from other universities. Courses required for the program include:

• Abnormal Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Epistemology and Worldview
• Found Skills in Behavioral Sciences I & II
• General Psychology
• History and Systems of Psychology
• Lifespan Development
• Psychophysiology
• Statistics and Research Methodology I & II
• Tests and Measurements
• Theories of Counseling
• Theories of Personality

Students may choose to concentrate their studies in one of the following areas:

• Forensic Psychology
• Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Lifespan Development
• Medical Anthropology
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Sports Psychology

Counseling Psychology – Master of Science

The oldest and largest master’s program at California Baptist University, the Master of Science in Counseling is a faith-based program that provides students with the tools and knowledge they need to reconcile and restore relationships. The curriculum, also offered online, is biblically rooted and allows students to address mental, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals, couples and families. Students can concentrate their studies in Forensic Psychology and Professional Clinical Counselor focuses. Courses required include:

• Addictions Counseling
• Advanced Psychopathology
• Advanced Research Methodology
• Aging and Mental Health
• Child Abuse/Neglect: Diagnosis and Treatment
• Christian Perspective Professional Counseling
• Diversity Issues in Counseling Psychology
• Domestic Violence
• Family Therapy I & II
• HIV and AIDS Counseling
• Human Communication in Group Process
• Human Growth and Development
• Human Sexuality
• Marriage and Family Counseling: Child/Adolescent
• Marriage and Family Counseling Techniques
• Marriage and Family Therapy Counseling Theory
• Professional Ethics and Law
• Psychodiagnostics
• Psychopharmacology

Students must also complete a practicum and internship.

Counseling Ministry – Master of Arts

The Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry is a one-of-a-kind program at the higher education level. The program prepares students for Christian counseling in a congregational setting. The program emphasizes theological perspectives and an understanding of behavioral science approaches to counseling with a church-based focus. Students learn how to counsel church members in areas such as interpersonal issues, relationship problems and to build an effective counseling ministry within their congregation. They may choose to focus their studies with a Professional Ministry or Research in Counseling Ministry concentration. Courses required include:

• Advanced Psychopathology
• Congregation as Healing Community
• Congregational and Professional Counseling Applications
• Diversity Issues in Counseling Psychology
• Family Therapy I & II
• Human Development Through the Bible Life Cycle
• Human Sexuality
• Law and Ethics in Church-Based Counseling
• Marriage and Family Ministry in Congregations
• Pathology Abnormality and Sin
• Readings in Christian Behavior Science
• Relational Counseling Techniques
• Survey Church-Based Counseling
• Theology as a Behavioral Science
• Theology of Helping People

Students are required to complete and defend a thesis as well.

Forensic Psychology – Master of Arts

The Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology prepares students to offer critical psychological services through the criminal justice system. They are provided with an advanced understanding of human development, psychopathology, and law as it relates to psychology, criminal profiling and the biological nature of a crime. Courses required for the program include:

• Advanced Criminal Law
• Advanced Psychopathology and Criminology
• Advanced Social Psychology
• Biological Bases of Behavior
• Criminal Investigations
• Criminal Profiling
• Forensic Evaluation I
• Forensic Psychology
• Human Growth and Development
• Legal Research and Reasoning
• Qualitative Forensic Research Methods
• Quantitative Forensic Research Methods
• Statistical Analysis I & II
• Theories and Prospectives of Criminal Behavior

Students must also complete a thesis and a practicum.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology – Master of Science

The Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology combines business and psychology in order to train professionals who focus on the needs of industry. The program provides students with a strong foundation in meeting real-world challenges across diverse settings. Courses required for the program include:

• Biblical Perspectives on Social Change
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• Financial Management
• Foundations of Management
• Global Business Management
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Behavior
• Job Analyses and Performance Appraisal
• Leadership Development and Change Management
• Learning and On-the-Job Development
• Managerial Ethics
• Personnel Recruitment, Selection, and Placement
• Program Evaluation and Organizational Consulting
• Research Methods and Statistical Analysis
• Social Psychology
• Special Topics
• Statistical Tools for Business Applications
• Strategy and Decision Making
• Teams in Organizations
• Work Motivation

School Counseling – Master of Science

The Master of Science in School Counseling prepares graduates to become effective advocates for today’s diverse student body. The program provides counselors with the tools necessary to provide counseling to students as well as to communicate effectively with families and school personnel. Courses required include:

• Action Research School Counselor
• Advanced Psychopathology
• Counseling Techniques for Exceptional Children
• Counseling Theory
• Crisis Response and Behavioral Intervention Management
• Developing Culturally Competent Practices
• Educational Assessment for School Counseling
• Human Communication Group Processes
• Intervention, Consultation, and Collaboration
• Introduction to School Counseling
• Legal and Ethical Practices for Diverse Groups and School Counseling
• Seminar in Program Design and Evaluation
• Transition and Career Counseling

Students must also complete a practicum and field experience.

About California Baptist University

California Baptist University was founded as the California Baptist College in 1950 by the Los Angeles Baptist Association. The school began with just 42 students who attended classes in El Monte, California, but enrollment grew to 120 within one year. In 1955, the school relocated to a larger campus in Riverdale. Buildings on the new campus had been in existence since the 1920s and still stand today. The school gained university status in 1998.

Today, the school continues its mission to provide outstanding higher education with a Christian foundation. The goal of the school is to create graduates who will carry their skills, knowledge and experiences into the world to use them to help spread the word of Jesus Christ.

California Baptist University Accreditation Details

California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities. Accreditation indicates to parents, students, and employers that graduates are well prepared in their field of study. Students who will need to transfer credits for graduate school are also assured that credits will transfer to other universities if necessary. The school also agrees to periodic reviews to confirm that they continue to offer students the highest quality education. In addition, programs throughout the school are accredited by industry-specific accrediting agencies.

California Baptist University Application Requirements

Undergraduate students who are attending college for the first time must complete an application. A brief essay which explains what the student hopes to gain from California Baptist University is required. Students must submit official transcripts as well as official ACT or SAT scores. Students who have earned 24 or more credits after high school graduation are considered transfer students. They must complete an application and submit the same essay as first-time students. Applicants must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Students who have earned less than 24 credits must also provide official high school transcripts along with ACT or SAT scores.

Graduate students must complete an application along with official transcripts from all colleges and universities. One transcript must show that the student has earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. Some programs have additional admissions requirements. Students should speak to an admissions counselor before applying.

California Baptist University Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduate tuition is $31,668 while part-time tuition is $1,218 per credit hour. Graduate tuition varies by program. Counseling and psychology program tuition is as follows:

• Counseling Ministry – $580 per credit hour
• Counseling Psychology – $701 per credit hour
• Forensic Psychology – $715 per credit hour
• Industrial and Organizational Psychology – $650 per credit hour
• School Counseling – $634 per credit hour

Financial aid is available and students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for any assistance. They may qualify for grants, scholarships, work-study or loans.

California Baptist University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs with flexible schedules that allow working adults to move into a new career or advance in a current career.