California Baptist University College of Arts and Sciences
“Integration of faith with learning is key to our identity and mission, tasks and goals. Our commitment to applying faith to life is second to none. If you want to pursue a job to earn a living, a degree program from most any university will do. But if you want to pursue a calling, CBU and the College of Arts and Sciences programs will prepare you to live for something greater.
Lisa Hernandez Ph.D. Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
By design and intention, our degree is for those in public and non-profit sectors who are desiring to be “pracademics.” We focus on how theory is integrated into practice. All faculty have depth of practitioner experience. Whether your experience is in federal, state, local or county government, law enforcement, public education, health care, non-profit management, or politics, faculty are mentors and share their respective real-world experiences to prepare one for teaching, consulting, and upward professional career trajectories in their respective sector.
Specific classes and coursework designed to assist in topic selection, literature review development, and methodological approaches to the dissertation study. There are also four research courses that assist in preparing scholars for quantitative and qualitative methods.
All courses are delivered asynchronously within 8-week sessions. Regardless of where you live or work, this degree can be executed 24-7 around the clock. We know practitioners are often needing to travel and have flexibility. Our program is designed to meet the needs and demands of mid to senior level public and non-profit practitioners. Each class has five course deliverables and consistent due dates so one can simultaneously manage their life and career.
Program Length
60 units
36 months, full time
Program Cost*
$49,800
$830 per unit
Program Start Term
Asynchronous online Fall (September) Spring (January)
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
What does Asynchronous mean?
CBU’s asynchronous class format means our online programs provide the maximum amount of flexibility for a minimum amount of interruption to your busy schedule. Additionally, the 8-week format means you can complete your degree twice as fast as a traditional semester schedule.
*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Our purpose is to help you live yours.
Dr. Alia Rodriguez Class of 2022
Dr. Alia Rodriguez is the Chief Executive Officer at Corona-Norco United Way, a nonprofit organization that supports families exposed to domestic violence, poverty and homelessness through free, confidential and non-judgmental programs.
Q: Why did you want to study Public Administration?
A: I wanted to study Public Administration because it was the most well-rounded, practical application-type program for people seeking career paths in working to advance community well-being. The teachings have ranged from public policy to political economy to leadership and management, with a solid footing in Christian principles. I have worked in both the public sector (local government) and the nonprofit sector—in which public administration education has been paramount!
Q: Why did you choose to study Public Administration at CBU?
A: I chose to study Public Administration at CBU to learn how to incorporate Christian values into working in and for the community across different areas. Specifically, when navigating the world of politics, bureaucracy and defining what “community good” is, I needed CBU to illustrate how the teachings of the bible work as the foundation for serving the public. I also appreciated how accessible the staff was and learned from many professors who didn’t just teach public administrative theory but worked in it in real life!
Q: What is the most rewarding thing about working in your industry or specific job role?
A: As a nonprofit CEO, the most rewarding thing about working in my industry is seeing the lives of community members change through the development and implementation of impactful programs. This starts with building an organization rooted in effective governance, investing in a skilled workforce, and cultivating an enriching workplace culture that promotes intentional and heartfelt work. Investing in the organization as a public admin professional is investing in the community!
Q: How did CBU prepare you for your career?
A: Specifically, through the DPA program, CBU compelled me to explore my faith as an aspiring leader. The professors pushed me beyond just reading books and writing about leadership — they sought to see the integration of faith within my leadership, which continues to help me today. While new leadership styles will grow and change, the principles of God’s leadership will remain steadfast.
Q: What is a piece of advice you would give to someone looking to apply to this program?
A: You can’t go wrong with this field! It is a multidisciplinary degree that teaches many central topics critical to any field. If given the chance, I would 100% do it again.
Elaine Ahumada, D.P.A.
Program Director, Doctor of Public Administration (Online)
I was first interested in public administration after working in the entertainment industry and realizing I was more interested in managing local community theatre. After this career transition, I worked in community services and ran a theatre program for kids at various non-profits and cities. I was inspired to pursue higher education at the doctoral level and learn more about the public and private sectors when I realized the immediate influence I had on young kids while working in parks and recreation running day camps, teaching classes in dramatic arts, as well my work in the non-profit realm in youth group homes.
My teaching career in higher education started in 1997 with theatre arts and blossomed into public administration, policy, and political science. The opportunity that I had to teach undergraduates at the university level further broadened my horizons to be able to share my experiences and teach others about the intrinsic rewards of a career in the public sector.
The best and most rewarding part of my career is seeing students realize their goals and experiencing that “aha” moment with them. I also feel incredibly fortunate to learn from my students. Every individual has unique life circumstances that they bring to the learning experience; listening, learning, and reflecting on one another’s journeys is a big part of the educational process. Understanding one another’s view, whether one agrees or disagrees, sharpens critical thinking skills and allows us to reflect on our relationship to what we are learning. The self-reflective part of the academic journey ultimately creates well-equipped professionals ready to serve with vision.
My scholarly interests include public policy and the administrative requirements of implementing policy. Mainly, I am intrigued by issues pertaining to equity and disinvested communities. Areas of research interest are social mobility, generational wealth and education access. Policy administration that addresses these topics requires educated, ethical and skillful practitioners to implement and operationalize policies. I have often volunteered my time with several non-profits as a board member. Most recently, I have served with Feeding America in Riverside/San Bernardino as the board’s Vice Chair. Currently, I work with Inland Empire Growth and Opportunity (IEGO) and IE 2030. Both IEGO and IE2030 involve looking at policy and collaboration of all sectors to improve the region and quality of life for the Inland Empire.
Application for admission with a $45 application fee.
Official transcript from an accredited college or university reflecting completion of a master’s degree.
3.0 or last 60/90 unit GPA. Additional opportunities may be available for a student to overcome an unsatisfactory GPA.
In place of a written statement of purpose, write a professional essay (500 word maximum) addressing the following:
• What is your reason for why you are pursuing a doctorate degree?
• Why do you want a DPA as opposed to another type of doctorate?
• How will the doctorate help you achieve hour long term goals?
• Why are you a good candidate for the CBU DPA program
• What makes you a good fit for CBU?
Additional requirements may be requested.
Submit a graduate application at calbaptist.edu/gradapp.
Send official college or university transcripts.
Provide any supplemental documents required.
Fall
Priority Standard May 15 August 1
Spring November 1 December 1
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 Arts and Sciences
Department of History and Government 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
(877) 228-3615
calbaptist.edu/history-and-government
