Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Christ-Centered University in Riverside, CA
California Baptist University has been dedicated to providing Christ-centered education since its founding in 1950. Our mission focuses on helping students discover and fulfill their unique purpose through academic excellence integrated with spiritual and social development. With over seven decades of experience, we offer a wide range of associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs both on-campus and online. Our faculty combines deep professional expertise with a commitment to Christian values, preparing graduates to excel in their careers while making meaningful contributions to society. As a nationally recognized institution accredited by multiple organizations including WASC and ABET, we maintain rigorous academic standards while fostering a supportive community environment.Our Division I athletics program and global service initiatives reflect our holistic approach to education. Through personalized academic advising, career development resources, and state-of-the-art facilities, we ensure students receive comprehensive support throughout their educational journey. Our graduates consistently demonstrate exceptional professional competence, ethical leadership, and a commitment to service that distinguishes them in their fields.
Services
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Online Education
Career Development
Spiritual Life Services
International Programs
Athletics
Student Housing
Academic Advising
Financial Aid
Details
- Year established: 1950
Highlights and features
- We offer nationally ranked programs recognized by U.S. News & World Report.
- Our faculty combines professional expertise with Christian values.
- We provide personalized academic and career development support.
- Our Division I athletics program builds character through competition.
- We maintain global service initiatives across six continents.
Associations and certifications
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- National Association of Schools of Music
- California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
- Board of Behavioral Science Examiners
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- American Council for Construction Education
- Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
Services
Undergraduate Programs
CBU offers 104 bachelor's degree programs across diverse disciplines including engineering, nursing, business, and performing arts. Our curriculum integrates Christian principles with professional training to develop well-rounded graduates. Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences, internships, and research opportunities that prepare them for immediate career impact.
Graduate Programs
With 41 master's programs including specialized tracks in education, counseling, and healthcare, CBU provides advanced professional development grounded in ethical leadership. Our graduate faculty combine industry experience with academic expertise to deliver practice-oriented education that enhances career advancement opportunities while maintaining spiritual growth.
Online Education
CBU's online programs deliver the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus courses with flexible scheduling for working professionals. Our digital platform supports interactive learning through virtual classrooms, collaborative projects, and 24/7 access to course materials while maintaining the university's commitment to Christian values and academic excellence.
Spiritual Life Services
Our spiritual development programs include weekly chapel services, small group Bible studies, and mission trips that foster faith integration with academic life. The university's Baptist heritage informs all aspects of campus culture while welcoming students from diverse Christian backgrounds to grow in their personal faith journeys.
Division I Athletics
CBU's NCAA Division I Lancers compete in 18 varsity sports while maintaining academic excellence. Our athletic programs emphasize character development, teamwork, and servant leadership through championship-level competition. Student-athletes receive comprehensive support including academic tutoring, strength training, and spiritual guidance.
People
Dr. Ronald L. Ellis
President
Dr. Ellis leads CBU with over 30 years of higher education experience, emphasizing academic excellence and spiritual development. He champions the university's mission to integrate faith with professional training while expanding global outreach initiatives.
Dr. Charles Sands
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
As chief academic officer, Dr. Sands oversees academic programs ensuring rigorous standards aligned with CBU's Christian mission. He promotes innovative teaching methods and faculty development to maintain educational excellence across all degree programs.
Dr. Micah Parker
Vice President for Athletics
Dr. Parker directs CBU's NCAA Division I athletic programs, balancing competitive excellence with student-athlete development. He ensures athletic initiatives align with university values while building championship-level teams that reflect Christian sportsmanship.
Dr. Karen Bradley
Dean of the College of Nursing
Dr. Bradley leads nursing education with a focus on compassionate patient care and professional excellence. She maintains strong industry connections to ensure clinical training meets evolving healthcare demands while integrating ethical Christian practice.
Dr. Philip Van Haaster
Dean of the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering
Dr. Van Haaster oversees ABET-accredited engineering programs emphasizing technical excellence and ethical responsibility. He fosters industry partnerships for hands-on learning experiences while maintaining the college's mission to develop servant leaders in engineering fields.
Questions
What makes CBU's education unique?
CBU combines rigorous academics with Christian values, offering purpose-driven education that develops professional competence and spiritual maturity through integrated learning experiences.
Are there online degree options available?
Yes, CBU offers fully accredited online programs with flexible scheduling for working professionals while maintaining the same academic standards as on-campus courses.
How does CBU support student success?
We provide personalized academic advising, career development resources, tutoring services, and spiritual guidance through our supportive campus community.
What accreditation does CBU hold?
CBU is accredited by WASC and multiple specialized agencies including ABET for engineering programs and CCNE for nursing education.
Can students participate in mission work?
Yes, our International Service Projects program sends student teams worldwide for service-learning opportunities in education, construction, and community development.
What campus housing options exist?
We offer modern residence halls and apartment-style housing with community-building amenities that foster spiritual growth and academic collaboration.
