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Christian Behavioral Science, BA

CBU created the Christian behavioral science major to address the relationship of biblical truth to the knowledge drawn from the behavioral sciences, providing students with a distinct and decidedly Christian perspective of human behavior.

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Program Intro

CBU’s Christian behavioral science program integrates psychology, anthropology, sociology and political science with theology. It prepares people for a culture that has moved away from a religious worldview, teaching students how to function fully in a pluralistic world from a Christian worldview.

63 Units

*51-63 Units

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5 Optional Concentrations
17 Required Major Courses

Why Study Christian Behavioral Science at CBU?

Integrate the Bible with the behavioral sciences

Students enjoy instruction from expert Christian professors who have years of experience in their fields. They acquire the skills necessary to directly apply their new learning to ministry and social service contexts.

Serve the world and the community

CBS students have the opportunity for service and scholarship both locally and internationally. Students can register for internships for academic credit in a number of community, church and nonprofit organizations. They also have the opportunity to serve alongside their professors for local service projects.

What You'll Learn

Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Christian behavioral science will be able to:

Program Details

CBS 303: Marriage and Family in the Christian Community

A comparison of marriage and family systems in biblical and American cultural perspectives. Family roles and relational development will also be addressed.

CBS 415: Biblical Wisdom and Human Behavior

A comprehensive examination of the principles for living found in the biblical Wisdom literature. The principles will be applied to several areas of human behavior.

CBS 423: Models of Christian Counseling

An examination of current Christian-oriented counseling approaches toward the development of a personal integrated model of counseling that is distinctly Christian.

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  • Forensic Psychology Concentration
  • Industrial and Organizational Psychology Concentration
  • Life Span Development Concentration
  • Medical Anthropology Concentration
  • Sports Psychology Concentration

Nathan Lewis, Ed.D.

Professor of Psychology
Director, Graduate Program in Counseling Ministry
Program Coordinator, Christian Behavioral Sciences

Office Phone: 951-343-4348
E-mail: nlewis@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: W.E. James Building, Room 134

H. Bruce Stokes, PhD

Professor of Behavioral Science
Major Representative, Behavioral Sciences and Christian Behavioral Sciences

Office Phone: 951-343-4269
E-mail: hbstokes@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: W.E. James Building, Room 133

Melanie Overton

CBS has prepared me to enter a secularly dominated field with my faith foundations rooted in the authority of Scripture. CBS has taught me that Scripture speaks to counseling.

Melanie Overton '16

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Career Possibilities

Christian behavioral science majors can apply their field of study to a variety of careers. Some careers listed below may require further education.

  • Church-Based Counselor
  • Professional Christian Counselor
  • Ministry Worker
  • International Missions Consultant
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Social Services Worker

Related Programs

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Next Steps

Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.