California Baptist University’s Education Degrees
California Baptist University appears in our ranking of the Top 20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Degree Programs.
California Baptist University offers a variety of programs through its Metcalf School of Education for students interested in various aspects of education. Undergraduates can choose from minor concentrations in Early Childhood Studies or TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language). For majors, students can choose from three different concentrations: Early Childhood Studies, Leadership Studies or Liberal Studies. Integrated credentials programs are available on both the undergraduate and graduate levels and help students work toward an accelerated degree.
The school offers five different masters of science programs with concentrations in Education, Educational Leadership for Faith-Based Institutions, Higher Education Leadership and Student Development, School Counseling and School Psychology. A master of arts is available in Leadership and Organizational Studies. Leadership Studies is also available as a doctorate. Early Childhood Studies also has an online degree option. The School of Education’s mission is to thoroughly prepare educational leaders of high moral character to serve in educational and non-educational settings. California Baptist University believes that students should “live their focus” when it comes to learning about education. The educational program encompasses four main values:
- Student-focused
- Faith-based
- Academic rigor
- Leadership development
About California Baptist University
Located in Riverside, California Baptist University has quickly become one of Southern California’s top universities since its establishment by the California Southern Baptist Convention in 1950. U.S. News & World Report designated the school as a best regional university in 2017. The magazine also ranked CBU’s Graduation Education faculty credentials and training program number one in the country in 2015. CBU has a 100 percent Christian faculty and achieves its spiritual mission through a variety of service projects and activities as well as a range of active international programs. The school has a successful International Service Projects program that annually sends students to foreign countries to teach and participate in creating infrastructure and construction. CBU has a total enrollment of approximately 10,500 students on the undergraduate and graduate levels.
California Baptist University Accreditation Detail
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (WSCUC) accredits the school’s traditional and online programs for conferring bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. WSCUC actively promotes institutional engagement for the effectiveness of education and student learning. It also helps the development of a culture to inform decision making and fosters active discussions between public and independent institutions. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing is the accreditation body for the school’s education programs.
California Baptist University Application Requirements
CBU has varying undergraduate admission requirements according to the type of students admitted. Traditional high school students must write a brief essay on what they hope to gain from attending the school from an academic, social and spiritual standpoint. SAT or ACT test scores, as well as high school transcripts, are required along with the official application. Home-schooled students do not have to submit an essay but must provide course transcripts, a general education diploma or state proficiency exam results as well as any transferrable community college credits. International students must provide an essay or personal statement, transcripts with an English translation and a recent TOEFL test score. Proof of financial support is also required.
Students interested in CBU’s graduate programs must complete a bachelor’s degree prior to the start of graduate classes. Other requirements include submission of undergraduate transcripts, recommendations for instructors or similar individuals, an essay or personal statement, English language proficiency test scores when applicable. An interview, resume and official GRE or GMAT test scores may also be required. Students must apply to the program in which they are interested through an online portal on the university’s website.
Online students have the same admission requirements as those interested in pursuing their degrees through a traditional classroom route. All students must submit a non-fundable $45 fee with their application, regardless of the level for which they are applying.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Annual undergraduate tuition rates for traditional and online students is $32,942 for 15 to 18 units per semester. Graduate rates are $634 per individual unit for the education program and school psychology programs. Leadership and Organization Studies graduate programs are $607 per unit. Tuition does not include a variety of fees, housing or meals.
Incoming freshmen can apply for academic scholarships to help with the cost of education. These include:
- Trustee’s Scholarship, $13,500, 4.0 GPA, 1200 SAT or 25 ACT
- President’s Scholarship, $12,500,, 3.-75 GPA, 1100 SAT, 24 ACT
- Dean’s Scholarship, $11,500, 3.3 GPA, 1020 SAT, 21 ACT
- Director’s Scholarship, $7,500, 3.0 GPA, 990 SAT or 19 ACT
Government aid, available through the FAFSA (Federal Application for Free Student Aid)includes Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Cal Grants and Chafee Grants.
CBU has several private grants based on financial need. These include a CBU Grant as determine by the FAFSA for amounts up to $4,000; Minister’s Kin, worth up to $3,250 annually; Multiple Sibling discounts of up to $2,000 for two or more siblings attending an undergraduate program on a full-time basis. CBU also offers athletic scholarships for students who play sports on a variety of the school’s teams.
CBU also assists military veterans who want to pursue an education after their military service is completed. The $45 application fee is waived for all veterans and military personnel. School personnel will help out veterans in completing the necessary forms for using their GI Bill benefits. CBU is also a participant in the Yellow Ribbon program and has an unlimited number of scholarships available for veterans pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies. The Yellow Ribbon program works in conjunction with the Veteran’s Administration to further reduce the cost of education beyond what the GI provides. veterans must submit a separate application to qualify for this funding.
For more information on California Baptist University’s Education program and degrees, visit CBU’s Bonnie G. Metcalf School of Education.