California Baptist University Psychology Programs

California Baptist University stands out with its diverse psychology programs that give students both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills. The university’s Psychology Division boasts expert faculty members who train future psychology professionals by combining psychological theory with applied research.

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program at CBU is 122 credit hours split between general education, Liberal Arts Core, major courses, and specialized electives. The program saw 175 students graduate with General Psychology degrees in 2021. Students must complete 47-62 units of major-specific courses that cover personality, biological and social psychology, human development, and cultural anthropology.

The undergraduate program lets students pick from five specialized concentrations:

• Forensic Psychology
• Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Life Span Development
• Medical Anthropology
• Sports Psychology

CBU’s graduate programs in psychology produced 504 graduates in programs of all types in 2021. These programs include:

• Clinical Psychology (11 graduates)
• Counseling and Applied Psychology (198 graduates)
• Counseling Psychology (103 graduates)
• Forensic Psychology (25 graduates)
• Industrial Organizational Psychology (20 graduates)
• School Psychology (19 graduates)
• Social Work (108 graduates)
• Sport Psychology (20 graduates)

The university’s PsyD in Clinical Psychology program holds American Psychological Association accreditation. This doctoral program focuses on culture-centered research and merges Christian faith with psychological practice.

The practical focus makes CBU’s psychology programs unique. Undergraduate students spend four semesters working on their own research study capstone project. PsyD students complete three years of practicum placement and then move on to a full-time internship.

Critical thinking, ethical considerations, and Christian principles form the foundation of CBU’s psychology curriculum. Students gain knowledge of psychological concepts through courses like Theories of Personality, Abnormal Psychology, and Theories of Counseling. The program’s research opportunities are a great way to get preparation for careers that need solid understanding of human behavior or advanced graduate studies.

School info

California Baptist University sits in the heart of Riverside’s historic Magnolia Avenue district. The beautiful 162-acre campus creates an ideal setting where academic excellence thrives. Students enjoy easy access to popular beaches and mountain resorts, which gives them a perfect balance between study and recreation.

The psychology programs belong to the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (CBSS), one of CBU’s oldest and largest colleges. The college’s 40-year legacy shines through its distinctive, Christ-centered programs. Students learn to make meaningful differences in people’s lives and their communities.

The Division of Psychology uses psychological theory and research in simple and applied contexts. This helps graduates understand the connections between mind, brain, behavior, and environment. They gain skills to solve ground problems well.

CBU offers excellent research opportunities. The university’s Center for the Study of Human Behavior is a unique facility. It serves as a key research and training center for students and faculty. Psychology students also work in two specialized research centers:

• Center for Community Engagement and Social Innovation
• Center for Sport and Performance Psychology

Dean Dr. Brian Distelberg leads over 40 professors who specialize in different psychological fields. These instructors bring their ground experience to class and serve as experts in their industries.

The university’s Christian foundation runs through every part of campus life and the psychology programs. Faculty teach from a biblical view. Students learn to help with mental, emotional, and spiritual needs in the community. Professors excel at providing education that fits biblical teachings while weaving the Christian worldview into coursework.

Student support services boost the academic experience. The Counseling Center gives Christ-centered, biblically based, psychologically sound therapy at no extra cost to enrolled students. All CBU students in California can use this service, including those in online and graduate programs.

CBSS students show their dedication to servant leadership and community work. They complete over 200,000 hours of service with more than 220 agencies throughout Southern California each year.

Programs offered

CBU’s academic offerings feature psychology programs at every level from undergraduate to doctoral. Each program brings a unique Christian point of view to the field.

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program needs 122 credit hours, with 47-62 units focused on psychology coursework. Students learn about human relationships, behavior, and the mind through research, theory, and practical training. The program has courses like:

• PSY 322: Theories of Personality
• PSY 346: Abnormal Psychology
• PSY 422: Theories of Counseling

Students must complete a capstone project that stands out. They conduct their own research study across four semesters and present their findings through a poster presentation.

CBU students can choose from several undergraduate paths. A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Online) and a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology are available online. Students can improve their degree with five concentration options: Forensic Psychology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Life Span Development, Medical Anthropology, and Sports Psychology.

Graduate students will find many opportunities at CBU. The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program, now 40 years old, remains the university’s largest and oldest graduate program. Students complete 63 units that are arranged to meet California’s requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor licensure.

Graduate students can also choose from:

• Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
• Counseling Psychology (MS) – also available online
• Forensic Psychology (MA)
• Industrial and Organizational Psychology (MS)
• Sport and Performance Psychology (MS) – also available online

The PsyD in Clinical Psychology program prepares doctoral students for entry-level practice. Students can choose elective tracks in Forensic Psychology, Organizational Psychology, and Sport and Performance Psychology.

Expert Christian professors with years of practical experience make these programs unique. They show students how psychological theories connect with biblical truth. This comprehensive approach helps students succeed in their careers and gives them tools to help their future clients’ mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Online options

CBU leads the way in online psychology education with programs that work around busy schedules of working professionals and students. The university’s online psychology degrees match the quality of traditional campus programs.

The online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology readies graduates for human and social service careers through self-paced online courses. New classes start every eight weeks across three yearly semesters. This schedule helps students finish their degrees faster. Transfer students find it easier to unite their undergraduate credits from other schools in this program.

The online Bachelor of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology follows this flexible format with eight-week classes and quick-paced courses. This unique program gives students the psychological foundations they need in athletic and performance settings.

Students looking for advanced degrees can choose the online Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. The program blends self-paced courses with live virtual sessions. Students connect with professors and classmates through high-definition virtual environments. The program has:

• Tools to help individuals, couples, families, and children in different settings
• Paths to LMFT or LPCC licensure in California
• A mix of psychological principles and Christian viewpoints
• Clinical requirements of 24 hours of individual therapy or 50 hours of group therapy

CBU’s online programs cost less than traditional campus education. Students save money on housing, transportation, and parking. On top of that, the university partners with select employers to give their staff a 20% tuition scholarship.

These online programs have earned top marks. U.S. News & World Report has ranked CBU Online among the top 50 nationwide for best online bachelor’s degrees for seven straight years. Students can join throughout the year, with six start dates available annually.

Accreditation

Academic quality at California Baptist University’s psychology programs meets rigorous standards through accreditation. The university has earned recognition from respected accrediting organizations at multiple levels.

California Baptist University maintains institutional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This detailed accreditation covers all undergraduate and graduate programs at CBU since 1961. The university’s accreditation received reaffirmation in June 2025, and the next review will take place in spring 2035.

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology program earned specialized recognition from the American Psychological Association (APA). The program received “accredited, on contingency” status from the APA’s Commission on Accreditation in September 2021. This status will remain valid until September 28, 2026.

The “on contingency” status shows that the program meets APA’s core quality requirements. CBU needs to submit additional outcome data before getting full accreditation. This data should include psychology licensing exam results and statistics about graduates who stay in the field. The university must provide this information after two cohorts finish the program.

The five-year PsyD program started in 2018 and celebrated its first graduating cohort in summer 2023. CBU has submitted a full accreditation self-study to the APA Commission on Accreditation. A site visit will happen in fall 2025.

This accreditation status gives students great professional advantages. Dr. Joshua Knabb, director of the PsyD program, explained: “Students graduating from an APA-accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology will have the confidence that the program meets APA’s strict requirements for quality training. In addition, many employers require applicants to have graduated from an APA-accredited program”.

Students can ask questions about the program’s accreditation status directly to the Commission on Accreditation at the American Psychological Association in Washington, DC.

Admission Requirements

California Baptist University’s psychology programs have specific admission criteria that differ between undergraduate and graduate levels. Transfer students need 24+ completed semester units and a high school diploma. Students with fewer units must apply as first-time freshmen and submit their high school transcripts.

The university allows students to transfer up to 100 semester units toward a bachelor’s degree. This includes a maximum of 30 upper-division units, while community colleges can contribute up to 90 units. CBU helps students by offering unofficial transcript evaluations before application to show how previous coursework will transfer.

Students with associate degrees receive general education waivers with some exceptions. The university waives most general education requirements for students who have an associate degree plus either IGETC or CSU General Education Breadth Certification. Biblical/theological core and English composition courses remain mandatory. This policy extends to students who hold approved associate degrees from regionally accredited institutions outside California.

Graduate psychology program requirements include:

• Completed application with $45 application fee
• Official transcripts showing bachelor’s degree completion
• Minimum GPA requirements (2.75 for master’s programs, 3.0 for doctoral)
• Written statement of purpose or program interview

The PsyD program requires additional elements such as GRE scores, four professional recommendations, prerequisite coursework, and a comprehensive essay. Students who hold master’s degrees in clinical psychology or related fields can transfer up to 27 units toward their PsyD degree.

Master’s psychology programs require students to complete undergraduate prerequisites with “C” grades or better. Non-psychology majors pursuing an MS in Counseling Psychology must complete either General Psychology or Life Span Development. Other programs have their own specific prerequisite requirements.

International students must submit TOEFL scores with a minimum IBT score of 80.

Tuition

California Baptist University offers a well-laid-out tuition structure and several financial aid options for psychology students. The 2025-2026 academic year costs $40,638 for 13-18 units. Additional expenses include $2,460 in fees and $12,668 for housing and meals. This brings your estimated annual total to $55,766. Students taking fewer credits pay $1,563 per unit.

CBU’s graduate program has managed to keep its tuition rates steady compared to other schools. This makes CBU’s quality education accessible to more students despite rising college costs nationwide.

The university’s total tuition of $43,098 costs less than the national average of $46,950 for similar schools. Students received substantial help in fall 2023. The average need-based scholarship was $16,889, and 80% of students qualified for need-based aid.

Financial support options include:

• Academic scholarships for freshmen based on GPA range from $13,000 (Directors Scholarship) to $17,000 (Trustees Scholarship)
• Transfer students can receive $9,000 to $13,000 based on their academic performance
• CBU Promise guarantees at least $8,000 in institutional gift aid
• Students with multiple siblings get $2,000 yearly when family members attend together

Federal aid options cover Pell Grants ($692-$6,895 yearly), work-study programs, and supplemental grants. California residents can qualify for Cal Grants A ($9,358) or B ($1,648).

Almost all first-year students (98%) receive financial aid. The university awards scholarships to 96% of students, averaging $15,001 each. The financial aid team will help you find suitable funding sources for your psychology program during the application process.

Additional Information

CBU students can enhance their psychology education through several academic enrichment options beyond the standard curriculum. Students who aren’t psychology majors can choose an 18-credit minor to get an overview of the field. This option is not available to Applied Psychology majors.

Students can complement their psychology degrees with these minors:

• Anthropology (19 credits in anthropology, English, international communications)
• Cognitive Neuroscience (18 credits in upper-level coursework)
• Criminology (18 credits in sociology and criminal justice)
• Engineering Psychology (30 credits combining psychology and engineering)
• Sociology (18 credits in anthropology and sociology)

Psychology graduates have excellent career prospects in many fields. A bachelor’s degree opens doors to entry-level positions like career counselor, psychiatric technician, and laboratory assistant, though clinical roles need graduate study. The knowledge of human behavior helps graduates succeed as HR specialists, marketing consultants, or UX researchers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects community and social service occupations will grow 10% through 2031, which is faster than average in any discipline.

CBU’s internationally recognized Cognitive Neuroscience Lab is a chance to gain undergraduate research experience. Students design studies, analyze data, and present at conferences. The lab’s advanced equipment includes the Brain Vision actiCHamp system to study physiological signals.