History
On September 18, 1950, the Los Angeles Southern Baptist Association opened the doors of California Baptist College in El Monte to students who came seeking a liberal arts education in a Christian environment. The college began operations with 42 students in Fall 1950; 120 were enrolled during the 1950-51 academic year.
In 1955, after four years of continued growth, the college relocated to larger facilities in Riverside. Growth in all areas paved the way for the institution to become a university on September 25, 1998.
Location and Environment
Riverside is located in the Los Angeles Basin, sixty miles east of downtown L.A. Freeways lead into Riverside from every direction, and the area is served by international airports in nearby Ontario and Los Angeles.
California Baptist University is surrounded by cultural and scientific opportunities for student of all interests, and the proximity of other colleges and universities makes possible inter-library and inter-cultural exchanges.
Mission Statement
The primary purpose of this corporation is to conduct regular four-year college courses in education, music, sciences and the liberal arts, and to grant certificates, diplomas and any and all degrees evidencing completion of any course of training, together with any and all honorary degrees and to provide training for Baptist youth and others desiring to be affiliated with Baptist theology and theological instruction and such other instruction as may be needful and advantageous in preparing and qualifying ministers and others for Christian work.1
Philosophy Statement
California Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts institution founded by Southern Baptists to serve the world. As such, the university community provides an accepting, caring Christian atmosphere in which the growth of individuals is enhanced by spiritual formation, personal development, vocational preparation, and a sound, academic, liberating education. In the midst of the pursuit of truth, individuals are encouraged to investigate, practice, and refine their aesthetic, moral, social, and spiritual values in order to prepare themselves to make substantial contributions to the cause of Christ as skilled professionals, thinking citizens, and educated persons.
Goals
To implement its philosophy, the university strives:
- To reflect, in life and thought, historic Southern Baptist principles, such as:
- The Lordship of Jesus Christ.
- The competency of the individual soul before God.
- The Scriptures as the authoritative guide for doctrine and practice.
- The separation of Church and State.
- The autonomy of the local church.
- To help students observe and interact with a community that effectively models Christian characteristics and values.
- To offer a selection of programs that will attract a wide range of qualified students.
- To encourage a free exchange of ideas by providing a wide variety of spiritual, intellectual, cultural, and social learning experiences both within and outside the classroom.
- To encourage high standards of scholarship.
- To provide support for students experiencing academic and personal difficulties.
- To encourage each member of the university community to be involved in a lifelong, personal Christian pilgrimage.
- To enable its educators to engage in continuing professional development.
- To develop mature individuals of genuine Christian character who can contribute to churches and effect changes in society for its betterment.
- To develop specific leadership for the churches and general work of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Educational Standings
California Baptist University is incorporated under the laws of the State of California as a university of arts and sciences authorized to grant the degrees of Associate of Science, Bachelor of Applied Theology, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, Master of Architecture, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Music, Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Science, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Psychology, and Doctor of Public Administration.
California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)* and abides by WSCUC Policy on Substantive Change and the Policy on Distance and Technology-Mediated Instruction. The School of Business and the Division of Online and Professional Studies is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); the School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM); through the School of Behavioral Sciences the counseling psychology degree program is accredited by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS); through the College of Engineering the civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical and computer engineering degree programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the ABET, http://www.abet.org, and the construction management program is accredited through the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE); through the Department of Kinesiology the athletic training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE); through the College of Nursing the nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
California Baptist University is approved for teacher education by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing for baccalaureate and entry level master programs in registered nursing. The University also holds memberships in the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities, the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, and the Service Members Opportunity Colleges.
Graduates of California Baptist University are earning advanced degrees in leading colleges, universities, and seminaries of the United States. All women graduates are eligible for membership in the American Association of University Women. Accreditation letters may be viewed in the Office of the Provost.
1 Articles of Incorporation of The California Baptist College, 1954.
* Western Association of Schools & Colleges Senior College and University Commission
Senior College & University Commission
985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: 510.748.9001
Fax: 510.748.9797
Web Site: www.wascsenior.org
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