Dual Degree Program
MASTER OF ARTS IN
Counseling Ministry
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN Counseling Psychology
California Baptist University College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
“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), 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. This focus on the Christian worldview combined with rigorous training equips students to serve their communities with the highest standards of ethical professionalism. 02
Apply Foundational Knowledge to Clinical Practice
03
Students are given the opportunity to put theory into practice in real-world clinical settings through the completion of a required practicum experience. The program maintains over 100 well-established organizational relationships with a diverse range of settings, including community mental health, school and church-based healthcare and more.
Program Details at a Glance
Program Length
92 units
3 years, full time (part-time option available)
Program Cost*
$69,005
$710 per unit
$365 per semester general fee
$400 residency fee
Program Start Term
Fall (September)
Class Format
On campus and synchronous online
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Program is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to meet academic requirements for Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) licensure and with the additional 6 units of coursework, Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) licensure
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
Nathan Lewis, EdD Director, Counseling Ministry
I’ve been drawn to both counseling and ministry since I was a teenager. But what really sold me on the importance of people within church helping each other is the experience my wife and I had with a church we were part of while in grad school. Our marriage needed serious help. The real community in that church of people who took the Bible seriously and genuinely loved us helped to heal our troubled marriage. That was 40 years ago. I’ve been a believer in the power of a healing relationship within a faith community since. That is the heart of counseling ministry.
I am convinced that the Bible offers practical help for problems in living. The Bible teaches relational principles that, if churches practiced, would create healing communities. I’ve experienced real spiritual community for more than 40 years. Besides myself, I’ve witnessed hundreds of lives changed by it.
Though I was trained as a professional counselor, I’m particularly interested in researching topics that bring together the best of both Christian theology and the behavioral sciences in ways that help churches become more effective in ministry to the whole person and families, including:
• The Bible and Mental Disorders
• Biblical Perspectives on Human Development
• Integration of Biblical Theology and Behavioral Sciences
• Congregations as Healing Communities
• Biblical Wisdom and Human Behavior
My passion is to help churches develop the kind of relational culture that will effectively help bring healing to hurting people.
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.
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!
Graduate Admissions
8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
951.343.4249 calbaptist.edu
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
951.343.4487 calbaptist.edu/cbss
