“Do you feel a calling to be a beacon of hope in others’ darkest hours, to speak for those without a voice, and to drive positive change in our communities? Are you ready to embrace the privilege of aiding others through life’s toughest challenges, empowering them to create brighter futures? Our faculty and staff are committed to providing the education, training, connections, and support you need to fulfill your purpose and make a difference. Our diverse community shares a deep commitment to our Christian values and excellence in our professions. It is through that lens we strive to imbue within our students a deeper cultural understanding and global perspective.”
Wayne Fletcher, EdD Dean, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Program Distinctives
Qualify for Licensure
01
The MS in Counseling Psychology program aligns with the degree and coursework requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in the state of California, and as a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC), for those students who complete the course sequence, as set forth by California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Integrate Theory and Faith
Faculty teach from a biblically rooted perspective, enabling students to become compassionate and ethical therapists dedicated to promoting their client’s quality of life. Faculty encourage students to incorporate Christian beliefs and values as well as to explore the intersection between their personal and professional lives. 02
Apply Foundational Knowledge to Clinical Practice
Students are given the opportunity to put theory into practice in real-world clinical settings through the completion of a required practicum experience. The counseling psychology program maintains over 100 well-established organizational relationships with a diverse range of clinical settings, including community mental health, school-based, church-based, healthcare and more. 03
Program Comparison
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.
Faculty Spotlight
Adrienne Knabb, DMFT, LMFT Assistant Professor of Psychology
As a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), I have a calling to work with families and children through the healing process therapy provides. As an attachmentbased therapist, I truly believe God created us to be in relationship and community with one another. This belief allows my work in the field of marriage and family therapy (MFT) to be both a ministry and an occupation.
I obtained my master’s degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in MFT from Azusa Pacific University, before going on to pursue a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. My clinical training and field experience have given me the opportunity to work in psychiatric hospitals, school systems, community-based mental health organizations, First 5 programs, group homes, private practice, and, most recently, academia. Training as an MFT has allowed me to be both an intern at the lowest level of an organization and a college professor, teaching dozens of students a semester, both equally rewarding experiences.
The field of MFT is truly vast in terms of the number of potential opportunities and experiences. It is the most rewarding experience I have had thus far to introduce clinical training and theoretical insights to the next generation of therapists so that they, too, may contribute to the healing of others while simultaneously learning how to live out their purpose.
Degree Requirements
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.
2.75 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:
• Purpose for entering the program
• Experiences that have directed your interest toward becoming a therapist
• Religious background and the relationship between your faith and professional goals
• Influences that have shaped your present values and approach to life
• Reasons for choosing to study at 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.
