Online and Professional Studies Admissions

Mr. Merritt Robinson
Dean of Enrollment Services

Ms. Christy Mathews
Director of Admissions
10370 Hemet Street, Suite 200
Riverside, CA 92503
Phone 951.343.3909
Toll Free 877.228.5657
Fax 951.358.1181
cbuonline@calbaptist.edu

The Division of Online and Professional Studies was established for the specific purpose of serving the needs of an increasing number of adults and non-traditional students seeking higher education. Online and Professional Studies (OPS) develops degree programs in fully-online and hybrid formats at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. All programs incorporate a Christian perspective, and a year-round semester system speeds students toward graduation.

When to Apply

Please see program-specific requirements for deadlines. Certain programs will consider and process applications received after the priority deadline if space is available.

Admission and Application

Each program of study has specific admission and application requirements which are listed in the program sections of the catalog.
Application requirements common to all graduate programs are as follows:

1. Application
   • Applicants to graduate study at California Baptist University must apply for acceptance into a specific graduate program. Applications can be submitted online at https://www.cbuonline.edu/apply or paper applications can be obtained by contacting the Online and Professional Studies Admissions Office at 951.343.3927.
2. Application Fee
   • A non-refundable application processing fee is required.
3. Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree
   • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or the evaluated equivalency of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is required.
4. Official Transcripts
   • Official sealed transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted to the Admissions Office. An official transcript is one the University receives directly from that institution and bears an official seal. A summary of credit transferred from an institution previously attended and recorded on another transcript is not acceptable.
5. GPA Requirement
   • Applicants must meet a minimum cumulative or last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) unit grade point average.
   • Masters programs require a minimum 2.75 GPA for unconditional admission and a minimum 2.5 GPA for conditional admission.
   • Doctoral programs require a minimum 3.0 for unconditional admission and a minimum 2.75 for conditional admission.
6. Prerequisites
   • Required prerequisites should be completed with a “C” or better.
7. Personal Statement
   • All programs require a written personal statement. Please see specific program admission requirements for information.
8. English Language Proficiency
   • An applicant whose first language is not English and/or does not have a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction is required to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting a recent test score from Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum score required to display English language proficiency for standard admission to a graduate program is 80 IBT TOEFL, 53 PTE Academic, or 6.0 IELTS with no individual area under 5.0. Applicants who do not meet the minimum scores may be admitted to the Intensive English Program (IEP) and a graduate program while taking required language courses to meet the minimum TOEFL/PTE Academic/IELTS requirement.

Student Status

Applicants to the program will be considered according to the following classifications:

Unconditional

Applicants who have met the unconditional status GPA requirement specified by each program, who have completed the required prerequisites, provided Enrollment Services with all required application documents and fees, and have satisfied all other admission criteria, may be unconditionally admitted to the University with full graduate standing.

Conditional

Applicants who show a deficiency in any requirements may be admitted on a conditional basis.

Special

As an alternative to regular admission an applicant may be considered for admission (with permission from the program director) under Special Student Status. Special Students may enroll in no more than a total of six graduate units. To continue beyond six units students must complete program application requirements and be accepted to a specific graduate program. Enrollment as a Special Student does not guarantee or imply later admission to the graduate program, but credit for the courses may be counted toward graduation requirements following admission to the graduate program. Certain courses may have restrictions and/or prerequisite requirements.
Note: Special Students are not eligible for Financial Aid.

Denial

Denial may occur when an applicant does not qualify for admission in any one of the above categories. California Baptist University reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant who is antagonistic with the philosophy and purpose of the University.

Appeals

Appeals on any decision regarding admission should be made in writing and addressed to the Admission and Retention Committee in care of the Online and Professional Studies Admissions.

California Baptist University Applicants

A current undergraduate California Baptist University student who has been accepted to a graduate program may be allowed to enroll in a graduate program pending the posting of their bachelor’s degree. The degree must be posted by the last day to drop for the semester or the graduate enrollment will be voided. The student is responsible for determining how this will affect their academic record, tuition, and eligibility for financial aid.

Readmit

Students who have attended California Baptist University but have discontinued enrollment for one or more semesters must be approved to readmit to the University. Students must submit a Request to Readmit, and official transcripts from all other institutions attended since last enrolled at California Baptist University. Students approved to readmit will enter under the catalog current at the time of readmission and will be subject to the degree requirements outlined in that catalog. The University is not responsible for providing courses or programs that have been discontinued. For more information please contact Online and Professional Studies.

Change of Degree Program

Admission to graduate studies at California Baptist University is degree specific. Students wishing to change degree programs must apply for the desired program. No credit toward the new degree will be granted until admission to the new program has been approved.

Enrollment in Coursework Outside Approved Program

With permission from the Program Director, students may be permitted to enroll in up to six (6) units of coursework outside of their program. To continue beyond six units the student must complete program admission requirements and be accepted to the graduate program. Enrollment in the six units does not guarantee or imply later admission, but credit for the course may be counted toward graduation requirements following admission to the graduate program.