Christian Ministries


Bachelors Degree

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Degree Details
  • Required Major Units
    48
  • Cost Per Unit
    $613
  • Estimated Major Cost
    $29k
  • Avg. Completion (Months)
    16
  • Accreditation
    WASC Accredited

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Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries



Overview

Turn a calling into a career

The online Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries degree program develops servant leaders with the tools for understanding and communicating biblical truths. Students learn foundational building blocks to better understand biblical-based theology and its positive life-changing impact on people of all walks of life.

The purpose of the online Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries degree program is to prepare students for active leadership roles in the church, parachurch, and Christian organizations. Students who earn their Bachelor’s degree will have an excellent foundation for pursuing graduate level biblical studies. Our courses include a broad range of theological education, from the history of the Bible and Christianity to today’s most current and relevant spiritual issues. Students emerge from the program with a deeper general knowledge of the Bible, as well as skill in using interpretive tools to illuminate biblical texts for themselves. Students in the program receive training and mentorship from accomplished, published, and active practitioners in a variety of ministry roles. 

An online BA in Christian Ministries degree provides working professionals with the tools necessary for following the call of pastoral ministry, the passion of mission-related service, and drive of higher education in biblical studies. Upon completing the program, students will have the skills to lead effectively in ministry and meet requirements for ordination in churches* and advance in parachurch organizations. Working professionals, ministers, and church leaders will build skills that translate to effective ministry through communicating the Bible, teaching a variety of groups within various church dynamics, and strengthening organizational purpose. Our professors, advisors, and staff guide students towards graduation with the attentiveness found in a classroom and the flexibility of online learning.

Career Outlook      

              Career Opportunities:

  • Teacher
  • Youth pastor
  • Missionary
  • Children's ministries worker
  • Evangelist 

Expected Job Growth:

  • Average 6%

              Average Median Pay:

                             $40,810 /annual

Student Testimonials

The online Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries degree program is designed to take students through a journey that embraces personal, professional, and spiritual transformation. Students graduating from the program will be equipped to address issues in a global context, with the ethical standards of a Christian heritage. In addition, students will leave the program with the capacity to self-reflect, think critically, lead and engage others, and make effective decisions.

Career Outlook according to https://study.com/articles/Bachelor_of_Christian_Ministries_Degree_Overview.html

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Course Requirements

Prerequisites to Program

Composition

Composition

This is a process-based writing class that focuses on academic writing, reading, and critical thinking as expressed in expository and analytical writing assignments through 5 to 7 substantial essays over the course of the semester. Develops fluency, coherence, style, effectiveness, and literary analysis. Students must pass this course with a C- or better or demonstrate a comparable level of writing competence to fulfill general competency requirements and to proceed to ENG 123 - Intermediate Composition. Students may only earn credit for ENG 113 or ENG 113E - Composition Enriched with Lab. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Spring 2023
ENG113 DE Session 1
01/09/2023
03/05/2023
Online N/A N/A May, Carolyn M.
Spring 2023
ENG113 CE Session 1
01/09/2023
03/05/2023
Online N/A N/A May, Carolyn M.
Spring 2023
ENG113 AE Session 1
01/09/2023
03/05/2023
Online N/A N/A Youngren, Selina Brigette
Spring 2023
ENG113 BE Session 2
03/06/2023
04/30/2023
Online N/A N/A Buckner, Stefanie Leigh
Spring 2023
ENG113 FE Session 2
03/06/2023
04/30/2023
Online N/A N/A Bowley, Vanessa Lynn
Summer 2023
ENG113 BE Session 1
05/08/2023
07/02/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Summer 2023
ENG113 AE Session 1
05/08/2023
07/02/2023
Online N/A N/A Bowley, Vanessa Lynn
Summer 2023
ENG113 CE Session 2
07/03/2023
08/27/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
ENG113 AE Session 1
09/04/2023
10/29/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
ENG113 BE Session 1
09/04/2023
10/29/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
ENG113 DE Session 2
10/31/2023
12/23/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
ENG113 GE Session 2
10/31/2023
12/23/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
ENG113 CE Session 2
10/31/2023
12/23/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Spring 2024
ENG113 AE Session 1
01/08/2024
03/03/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Spring 2024
ENG113 BE Session 1
01/08/2024
03/03/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Spring 2024
ENG113 DE Session 2
03/04/2024
04/28/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Spring 2024
ENG113 FE Session 2
03/04/2024
04/28/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Summer 2024
ENG113 AE Session 1
05/06/2024
06/30/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Summer 2024
ENG113 BE Session 2
07/01/2024
08/25/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2024
ENG113 AE Session 1
09/02/2024
10/27/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2024
ENG113 BE Session 1
09/02/2024
10/27/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2024
ENG113 CE Session 2
10/28/2024
12/22/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Intermediate Composition

Intermediate Composition

Continued practice in writing and research strategies, with emphasis on critical thinking, information literacy, argument, analysis, and interpretation of multicultural and interdisciplinary readings. Includes the writing of a major research paper in addition to several shorter essays. Students may earn credit for either ENG 123 or ENG 123E - Intermediate Composition Enriched with Lab. Prerequisite: ENG 113 with a grade of C- or better or evidence of comparable level of writing competency. Note: Students must successfully complete this course with a grade of C- or better to fulfill general education requirements and to begin any literature course. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Spring 2023
ENG123 LE Session 1
01/09/2023
03/05/2023
Online N/A N/A Trammell, Jeanette T.
Spring 2023
ENG123 AE Session 1
01/09/2023
03/05/2023
Online N/A N/A Tronti, Jennifer
Spring 2023
ENG123 BE Session 1
01/09/2023
03/05/2023
Online N/A N/A Brook, Tiffany
Spring 2023
ENG123 CE Session 1
01/09/2023
03/05/2023
Online N/A N/A White, Guy E.
Spring 2023
ENG123 DE Session 1
01/09/2023
03/05/2023
Online N/A N/A Fabris, Shaley C.
Spring 2023
ENG123 JE Session 1
01/09/2023
03/05/2023
Online N/A N/A Owsley, Summer Anne
Spring 2023
ENG123 KE Session 1
01/09/2023
03/05/2023
Online N/A N/A Hannah, Aaron Vance
Spring 2023
ENG123 ME Session 2
03/06/2023
04/30/2023
Online N/A N/A Rasnic, Rhea_Scott
Spring 2023
ENG123 NE Session 2
03/06/2023
04/30/2023
Online N/A N/A Tronti, Jennifer
Spring 2023
ENG123 IE Session 2
03/06/2023
04/30/2023
Online N/A N/A Bell, Charles W.
Spring 2023
ENG123 FE Session 2
03/06/2023
04/30/2023
Online N/A N/A Bartels Ray, Gretchen C.
Spring 2023
ENG123 GE Session 2
03/06/2023
04/30/2023
Online N/A N/A Owsley, Summer Anne
Spring 2023
ENG123 HE Session 2
03/06/2023
04/30/2023
Online N/A N/A Fisher, Erin Lynne
Summer 2023
ENG123 CE Session 1
05/08/2023
07/02/2023
Online N/A N/A Youngren, Selina Brigette
Summer 2023
ENG123 AE Session 1
05/08/2023
07/02/2023
Online N/A N/A Fisher, Erin Lynne
Summer 2023
ENG123 BE Session 1
05/08/2023
07/02/2023
Online N/A N/A Tronti, Jennifer
Summer 2023
ENG123 GE Session 2
07/03/2023
08/27/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Summer 2023
ENG123 FE Session 2
07/03/2023
08/27/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Summer 2023
ENG123 DE Session 2
07/03/2023
08/27/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
ENG123 DE Session 1
09/04/2023
10/29/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
ENG123 BE Session 1
09/04/2023
10/29/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
ENG123 CE Session 1
09/04/2023
10/29/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
ENG123 AE Session 1
09/04/2023
10/29/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
ENG123 IE Session 2
10/31/2023
12/23/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
ENG123 JE Session 2
10/31/2023
12/23/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
ENG123 NE Session 2
10/31/2023
12/23/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
ENG123 KE Session 2
10/31/2023
12/23/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
ENG123 OE Session 2
10/31/2023
12/23/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
ENG123 HE Session 2
10/31/2023
12/23/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Spring 2024
ENG123 BE Session 1
01/08/2024
03/03/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Spring 2024
ENG123 AE Session 1
01/08/2024
03/03/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Spring 2024
ENG123 CE Session 2
03/04/2024
04/28/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Spring 2024
ENG123 HE Session 2
03/04/2024
04/28/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Summer 2024
ENG123 AE Session 1
05/06/2024
06/30/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Summer 2024
ENG123 BE Session 1
05/06/2024
06/30/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Summer 2024
ENG123 CE Session 1
05/06/2024
06/30/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Summer 2024
ENG123 DE Session 1
05/06/2024
06/30/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Summer 2024
ENG123 FE Session 2
07/01/2024
08/25/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Summer 2024
ENG123 GE Session 2
07/01/2024
08/25/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Summer 2024
ENG123 HE Session 2
07/01/2024
08/25/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Summer 2024
ENG123 IE Session 2
07/01/2024
08/25/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2024
ENG123 AE Session 1
09/02/2024
10/27/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2024
ENG123 BE Session 1
09/02/2024
10/27/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2024
ENG123 CE Session 1
09/02/2024
10/27/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2024
ENG123 DE Session 2
10/28/2024
12/22/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2024
ENG123 FE Session 2
10/28/2024
12/22/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2024
ENG123 GE Session 2
10/28/2024
12/22/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff

Lower Division Courses (15 units)

Pentateuch and Former Prophets

Pentateuch and Former Prophets

This class examines the books of Genesis - Kings (as listed in the Hebrew canon) with special attention given to the theological contributions each book provides for the overall shape of the Old Testament. The historical background of Israel and the Ancient Near East will also be considered. Core requirement for Applied Theology or Christian Studies majors. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Fall 2023
CST210 BE Session 1
09/04/2023
10/29/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Latter Prophets and Writings

Latter Prophets and Writings

This class examines the books of Isaiah - 2 Chronicles (as listed in the Hebrew canon) with special attention given to the theological contribution each book provides for the overall shape of the Old Testament. The literary structure of each book and the cultural background of Israel and the Ancient Near East will also be considered. Core requirement for Applied Theology or Christian Studies majors. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Spring 2024
CST220 BE Session 1
01/08/2024
03/03/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Jesus and the Gospels

Jesus and the Gospels

An investigation of the testimony provided by the Gospels concerning the life of Jesus of Nazareth, with special attention given to the critical issues prompted by such study. Core requirement and prerequisite for upper division Gospel courses (CST 330, 331) for Christian Studies majors. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Spring 2023
CST230 BE Session 1
01/09/2023
03/05/2023
Online N/A N/A Wilhite, Shawn J.
Summer 2024
CST230 BE Session 1
05/06/2024
06/30/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Paul and the Early Church

Paul and the Early Church

An introductory consideration of the incidents, individuals, and issues included in the historical, epistolary, and apocalyptic portions of the New Testament. Core requirement and prerequisite for upper division Pauline courses (CST 440, 441) for Christian Studies majors. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Summer 2023
CST240 BE Session 2
07/03/2023
08/27/2023
Online N/A N/A Wilhite, Shawn J.
Fall 2024
CST240 BE Session 2
10/28/2024
12/22/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Comparative Religions

Comparative Religions

This course is an introduction to the major religious traditions of the world, particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The historical development and key figures, as well as major doctrines and practices are explored. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Spring 2023
PHI353 BE Session 1
01/09/2023
03/05/2023
Online N/A N/A Galiano, Juan Carlos,, Jr
Spring 2023
PHI353 AE Session 1
01/09/2023
03/05/2023
Online N/A N/A Wilhite, Shawn J.
Spring 2023
PHI353 CE Session 2
03/06/2023
04/30/2023
Online N/A N/A Galiano, Juan Carlos,, Jr
Summer 2023
PHI353 BE Session 1
05/08/2023
07/02/2023
Online N/A N/A Galiano, Juan Carlos,, Jr
Summer 2023
PHI353 AE Session 2
07/03/2023
08/27/2023
Online N/A N/A Wilhite, Shawn J.
Fall 2023
PHI353 AE Session 1
09/04/2023
10/29/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
PHI353 CE Session 2
10/31/2023
12/23/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Spring 2024
PHI353 AE Session 1
01/08/2024
03/03/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Spring 2024
PHI353 BE Session 2
03/04/2024
04/28/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Summer 2024
PHI353 AE Session 1
05/06/2024
06/30/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Summer 2024
PHI353 CE Session 2
07/01/2024
08/25/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2024
PHI353 BE Session 1
09/02/2024
10/27/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2024
PHI353 AE Session 2
10/28/2024
12/22/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff

Upper Division Requirements (33 units)

Christian Theology I

Christian Theology I

An expanded study of the biblical doctrines of God, humanity, and sin. Prerequisite: Bachelor of Applied Theology or Christian Studies major. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Spring 2023
APT371 BE Session 1
01/09/2023
03/05/2023
Online N/A N/A Gill, John J
Summer 2024
APT371 BE Session 1
05/06/2024
06/30/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Christian Theology II

Christian Theology II

An expanded study of the biblical doctrines of salvation, the person of Christ, the church, and last things. Prerequisite: Bachelor of Applied Theology or Christian Studies major. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Spring 2023
APT372 AE Session 2
03/06/2023
04/30/2023
Online N/A N/A Gill, John J
Summer 2024
APT372 AE Session 2
07/01/2024
08/25/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Pastoral Leadership

Pastoral Leadership

Pastoral Leadership is an intensive study of the leadership role of the pastor in relation to the nature of the church, leadership models, leadership challenges, and practical leadership strategies. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Summer 2023
APT482 BE Session 1
05/08/2023
07/02/2023
Online N/A N/A Slunaker, Joseph Gregory
Fall 2024
APT482 BE Session 1
09/02/2024
10/27/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
History of Baptist Thought

History of Baptist Thought

An examination of Baptist history and doctrine with respect to other Christian denominations and non-denominational churches. Attention will be given to the global impact of Baptists through local church renewal, promotion of religious liberty, participation in missions, and biblical fidelity. Core requirement for Applied Theology students, Christian Studies majors and minors. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Summer 2023
CST300 BE Session 1
05/08/2023
07/02/2023
Online N/A N/A Gill, John J
Fall 2024
CST300 BE Session 1
09/02/2024
10/27/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Biblical Interpretation

Biblical Interpretation

A historical and theoretical consideration of interpretative methodology as illustrated by and applied to selected texts from various portions of the biblical materials. Core requirement for Christian Studies majors and minors. Prerequisite: Previous Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Fall 2023
CST350 BE Session 1
09/04/2023
10/29/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Fall 2023
CST350 AE Session 1
09/04/2023
10/29/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Church History

Church History

A survey of the development of the Christian church from the close of the New Testament period to the present time, with special attention to the origin of various denominations. Core requirement for Christian Studies majors and minors. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Spring 2024
CST360 CE Session 1
01/08/2024
03/03/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Spring 2024
CST360 AE Session 1
01/08/2024
03/03/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Spring 2024
CST360 BE Session 1
01/08/2024
03/03/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Christian Missions

Christian Missions

An examination of the issues faced by today's Christian missionaries, including divine call, recruitment, theological issues, cultural problems, political involvement, methodology, and indigenization. Student involvement in missions-related activities is expected. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Spring 2024
CST381 BE Session 2
03/04/2024
04/28/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Christian Social Ethics

Christian Social Ethics

This course will explore perennial social ethics issues as they relate to Christian faith and life. Topics include key social problems, the Church's historical responses to those issues, and the biblical teachings with regard to core Christian doctrines (e.g., creation, fall, redemption, image of God, neighbor love). Standard models of Christian engagement in society with respect to the individual believer, the local church, and the global Christian Church will also be considered. Prerequisite: 3 units of Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Spring 2024
CST425 BE Session 2
03/04/2024
04/28/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Biblical Preaching

Biblical Preaching

A study of the basic principles for preparing and delivering biblical sermons, with an emphasis on the writing, delivery, and analysis of expository sermons. Prerequisite: Previous Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Fall 2023
CST451 AE Session 2
10/31/2023
12/23/2023
Online N/A N/A Staff
Biblical Theology

Biblical Theology

An introduction to the Bible's theological and canonical formation, major themes, and overall story with a specific emphasis on the relationship between the Testaments. An Online and Professional Studies BACS students only. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Spring 2023
CST460 BE Session 2
03/06/2023
04/30/2023
Online N/A N/A Slunaker, Joseph Gregory
Summer 2024
CST460 BE Session 2
07/01/2024
08/25/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff
Pastoral Ministry

Pastoral Ministry

A study of the practical duties of the modern pastor, with emphasis given to problems arising in the performance of regular pastoral duties as well as those created by the environment. (3 units)


Semester Course Section Dates Location Days Time Instructor
Summer 2023
CST480 BE Session 2
07/03/2023
08/27/2023
Online N/A N/A Gill, John J
Fall 2024
CST480 BE Session 2
10/28/2024
12/22/2024
Online N/A N/A Staff

General Education Requirements

Faculty

John Gill

John Gill, Ph.D.

Faculty Lead

Associate Professor of Christian Studies/ Program Coordinator of Bachelors in Christian Studies

Office Phone: (951) 343-3978
Email: jgill@calbaptist.edu
Department: Arts & Sciences
Joe Slunaker

Joe Slunaker, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Christian Studies

Office Phone: (951) 343-2197
Email: jslunaker@calbaptist.edu
Department: Arts & Sciences
Sam Welbaum

Sam Welbaum, M.A., M.T.S.

Assistant Professor of Christian Studies

Office Phone: (951) 343-3900
Email: swelbaum@calbaptist.edu
Department: Arts & Sciences
Shawn Wilhite

Shawn J. Wilhite, Ph.D., Th.M.

Assistant Professor of Christian Studies

Office Phone: (951) 343-2196
Email: swilhite@calbaptist.edu
Department: Arts & Sciences

Admission Requirements

  • 24 transferrable units preferred or High School Diploma/Equivalent
  • Minimum GPA of 2.0

Step 1:

Apply Online

Step 1a:

Complete the financial aid application: FAFSA
CBU FAFSA School Code: 001125

Step 2:

Your personal admissions counselor will contact you to assist with enrollment, registration and financing your education

Step 3:

Student will supply official transcripts to admissions counselor

Step 4:

Admissions counselor will meet with you to complete the registration process and provide an estimated financial aid award/education financing plan*

Step 5:

Admissions counselor will introduce you to your Academic “One Stop Advisor” to complete your academic degree plan and assist you in navigating your academic career to graduation.





*Student may begin class once this step has been completed

This serves as an admissions process general guide, may vary based on transfer units, test scores, etc. See your admissions counselor for your personal enrollment plan.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Live your purpose. Follow your passion. CBU Online is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. Earning your degree at CBU Online is a short term investment with long term dividends.

  • A cost effective education with financial aid options
  • Apply for aid by completing the FAFSA, work individually with caring staff to explore financing options to complete your education
  • Grants, Scholarships, Veteran’s Benefits, Employer Tuition Assistance, Student Loans and Financing Plans available for those who qualify
  • Yellow Ribbon Military Friendly School

Find and secure the resources you need to finance your educational investment. CBU Online works hard to provide an affordable and valuable education. We can help you identify, understand, and seek qualification for a variety of financing and financial aid options.

Complete the financial aid application: FAFSA

CBU’s FAFSA School Code: 001125

Click here for more Information about Financial Aid at CBU Online

Student Learning Outcomes

Consistent with the University student outcomes, upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries degree, graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate biblical literacy of the Old and New Testaments, including historical, contextual and literary parameters, and principles of biblical interpretation.
  2. Articulate the historic doctrines of the Christian faith.
  3. Analyze the people, events and ideas that have shaped the Christian church, including the Baptist tradition.
  4. Articulate the basic parameters of the Christian worldview and practice.
  5. Demonstrate the implications of commitment to Jesus Christ through development of personal character and engagement of societal and communal responsibility consistent with the biblical faith.
  6. Apply their theological commitment/foundation to the church, in both its local and global contexts, as servant leaders.

Contact Us


Admissions

Phone: 951-343-3927
877-228-5657
Email: cbuonline@calbaptist.edu

CBU Online & Professional Studies Division

Phone: 951-343-3900
Email: cbuonline@calbaptist.edu

Financial Aid

Phone: 951-343-4236
Email: finaidops@calbaptist.edu

Student Accounts

Phone: 951-343-4371
Email: studentaccounts@calbaptist.edu

Disability Services

Phone: 951-343-2190
Email: dss@calbaptist.edu